Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-by-Race Preview (March 12)

After an unseasonably mild day on Saturday, temperatures are set to fall back to normal and rain is expected on Sunday. Nevertheless, there is plenty to get stuck into on track with 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (1) EUNBIT DOLPUNG will be the favourite. Hopes weren’t high on her debut after some inauspicious trials, but she ran well enough when it counted, finishing 4th over 1200M on February 4th. There should be some natural improvement from that run and if so, she will be hard to beat. (2) DAERYUN SIDAE has made progress across dour prior starts with her latest two being a 4th and a 3rd, both at 1200M. She did her best work late on each occasion and the additional half furlong can be in her favour. (9) RED TAEPUNG has hinted at ability with three 5th places among her first five appearances, including her latest which was at this distance. She is another who has finished off her races fairly and can run into a higher spot today. (7) SWEET PLAY and (6) MUJANG others to consider.

Selections(1) Eunbit Dolpung (2) Daeryun Sidae (9) Red Taepung (7) Sweet Play
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

A maiden for three-year-old fillies kicks things off on the South Coast. (5) WONDERFUL PHONE has a 2nd, 3rd and 4th from three starts so far, with the 3rd being at this distance when away slowly from a wide draw and finishing strongly. She looks nicely in here, and from a good gate can set up camp behind the speed and prove too good. (3) U PING was never a factor after being very awkwardly away when well fancied on February 10th. Her previous two efforts were solid though and from a much better draw, she warrants another chance here. (7) WONDERFUL RUNNING was a much-improved 3rd when tried at further than the minimum distance for the first time back in January. She has had nine weeks off since and she is another who the extra distance may suit. (6) B.K. NUMA enters off a close 2nd place at this distance on February 17th and will have plenty of backers. (4) VELOCIRAPTOR another who seems on the right trajectory.

Selections(5) Wonderful Phone (3) U Ping (7) Wonderful Running (6) B.K. Numa
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

A maiden for three-year-olds and another race with a warm favourite. This time it is (8) CHOEGANG HYEONMA. He has made good progress over his three starts so far culminating in runner-up finish over 1300M on February 11th, four-lengths adrift of the favourite and good winner, Daewang Socks, but a full six-lengths clear of anything else. That same performance should win this. There are three first-time starters and (2) SILVER PURGE is the pick of them. She won a trial from off the pace in February, stopping the clock in what was only a fair time, but was far clear of the rest. She draws nicely here and a bold showing first-up is possible. (3) GEUMBIT CHEONHA comes in off back-to-back 3rd places, most recently behind Choegang Hyeonma on February 11th. That means he has six-lengths to make up, but he draws better today and can get closer. (12) CHOEGANG NICE and (7) LEMON BLADE others in the frame.

Selections(8) Choegang Hyeonma (2) Silver Purge (3) Geumbit Cheonha (12) Choegang Nice
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

A very competitive maiden. The pin we’ve stuck in landed on (11) QUEENS LANDING who has shown signs in her latest couple of outings of having figured things out. They have ended in a 4th and a 3rd place finish, most recently over this distance on February 19th and while she is up 3kg in the weights here, that can be balanced by Park Jae-I climbing aboard and she can win. (8) TWOTWO FLYING has also been showing good form of late, particularly last time out when runner-up over this distance in a good time. She too comes up in the weights here, but she surely goes close again and may well start as the betting favourite. (6) SEONGSIL TAESOON was an on-pace 4th on debut over this distance on February 10th. She should have come on for that run, should be on the speed again and can match or better that finish here. (7) VEREUDA gets a better draw than she has in her last couple of appearances. She also comes back in trip and can be competitive. (9) PLAY THE INDY one of a number of others who can’t be discounted.

Selections(11) Queens Landing (8) Twotwo Flying (6) Seongsil Taesoon (7) Vereuda
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Small field here with (3) THUNDER BRAVO the one to beat. He has been consistent so far with six of his seven starts seeing him finish 4th or 5th. That includes his latest on February 11th when he led for much of the way around over 1300M, weakening late on. He comes back in trip here, draws nicely, and can go all the way this time. (4) SEONGEUN CROWN has two 3rd places to his name, including most recently on February 12th when running on from midfield. He has a strong finish on him and can be a danger late here. (8) DREAM SKY enters off an encouraging 4th place over this distance on February 5th. She will probably challenge Thunder Bravo for the early lead here and should be in the mix all the way. Solitary first time starter (7) MENI WIN trialed positively enough, crossing the line 3rd in a fair time and he can make his presence felt first-up. (2) SMART SOCKS another who could improve.

Selections(3) Thunder Bravo (4) Seongeun Crown (8) Dream Sky (7) Meni Win
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

After losing in the stewards’ room on debut in December, (9) GEUMA DEFT came out and put things right at start number two on January 27th, settling behind the leader early before taking things up a long way out and going on to win by five-lengths. He comes up in class and slightly in trip as well, but neither should be an issue and he can make it three from three in terms of crossing the line first here. The most logical danger is (5) JEOLDAE BOSS. He remains a maiden but comes up in class courtesy of having run 2nd in his latest two at 1300M and 1400M. He has the fastest time of any of these for the distance and under a light weight and a good gate, he should be on pace here and can go close. (7) GALLOP BOY enters off a 4th place in a very fast race over 1400M on February 10th when he drew wide and settled back. He has gone well at this distance in the past and remains nicely weighted. (8) SPECIAL TOGETHER and (1) PILGRIM others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) Geuma Deft (5) Jeoldae Boss (7) Gallop Boy (8) Special Together
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) GLOBAL CHANGA got her maiden win at start number two over 1000M last October before running 5th of ten in a decent time over 1200M behind Raon Giant in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy for juveniles in November. She hasn’t raced since and hasn’t trialed either, but if she has retained her form, she will be hard to beat here. (11) CATS EYE similarly returns to action for the first time since November when he made all to win over 1000M. He therefore comes up in class and in trip here. He trialed in February in fair fashion and looks like the main danger. The rest of the form is patchy. (2) JANGSU NABOM and (4) LUCKY CROWN both have some decent results in their past although both will have to be forgiven their respective latest outings. The same goes for (9) TAKE MONEY who did at least have the excuse last time of being first-up after a lengthy lay off and can improve today.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 11)

Highly thought-of three-year-old filly Raon Giant steps up to 1800M in the class 2 feature at Seoul on Saturday. She will be the main attraction on the 10-race card that runs from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Raon Giant easily won the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy last November (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener and (10) APEX will be at the top of the market. After an inauspicious debut in November, she has since run in a 3rd and a 2nd in two subsequent starts, once from off the pace and once when on the speed, both at 1300M. Despite the wide draw she should have enough about her to get to the lead early here and she won’t have to improve much to win this. The main danger is (5) MUNHAK CENTRAL. She improved to 4th at start number two over this distance on February 4th when coming from well back and while she is yet to stop the clock in a fast time, she should appreciate the slight step up in trip and can continue to make progress. There are two debut-makes and (4) FIJI BLADE could be one to keep an eye on. She went through two trials, improving in the second of them when she led and from a good draw, she can be on pace and in this a long way. (9) LADY TAEPUNG and (2) HAPPY PLAY others who could come into play.

Selections(10) Apex (5) Munhak Central (4) Fiji Blade (9) Lady Taepung
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. Three or four of these look ready to win but we’ll side with (9) K N GOLDEN KING. He ran a sold 3rd on debut when he settled midfield and ran on over the same trip as today. It wasn’t a quick race, but he should have derived benefit from the experience and Moon Se-young remains aboard. One of those ready to win is a debut-maker. That’s (1) BULPAE BLADE. Who led every step of the way to win a trial on February 17th in a decent time well clear of the rest. He draws very nicely to lead again and if he brings that form to the races, he can make a bold showing first up. (8) SMARTY FIGHTER improved to 2nd at start number two over this distance on February 4th. He carries the same weight and draws the same gate and can go close again. (7) SINUI HAMSEONG and (3) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA others in the hunt in one of the more intriguing recent maidens.

Selections(9) K N Golden King (1) Bulpae Blade (8) Smarty Fighter (7) Sinui Hamseong
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 10

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

Regular maiden here and (4) TEUKGEUP DAERO is the one to beat. After a fair debut on Christmas Eve when she was slow away but rallied, she reappeared on February 4th to run a good 2nd behind the favourite over this distance when settling midfield and finishing well. With a little more natural improvement from that, she can win. (5) SONGAM ARCHGIRL is the clear second pick. She managed three top-four finishes from four starts in the first half of last year before suffering a setback that saw her unable to race after June. She looked very well when 2nd in a January trial and while she will clearly need this, it is hardly the most intimidating race to return in. (2) HUMMING BIRD had a poor day at the office at his latest outing in December. Going on his previous start when 2nd at 1200M in November, then he can be right in this (9) BEST PLAN and (3) AREUMDAUN SAI potential improvers.

Selections(4) Teukgeup Daero (5) Songam Archgirl (2) Humming Bird (9) Best Plan
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Weak maiden which (3) CAMINO should be winning. He has raced just three times with his best being 3rd over 1200M on Christmas Day but he stepped up to this trip on February 26th and ran 5th of twelve  in a time faster than any of the others have managed for the distance. He won’t need to improve much to win, probably leading all the way. (1) TIZ HUNTER got his best result to date when coming up to this distance for the first time on February 12th. He settled right back as he had in every start so far but for the first time was able to run on and finish 3rd, beating a couple of today’s rivals. A similar run will see plenty come back to him again here. (8) GREEN BULPAE was 4th behind Tiz Hunter in that February race, similarly coming from off the pace. That was a marked improvement for her too and she can be considered. (7) CLAIR POWER and (5) UDDUG other placing chances.

Selections(3) Camino (1) Tiz Hunter (8) Green Bulpae (7) Clair Power
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

Having run 2nd on debut, (7) ORCHID VALLEY was a good winner at start number two on January 14th, providing Antonio Da Silva his 300th Korean winner in the process. He comes up in class here as well as marginally up in trip, but he comes down in the weights and from a central draw can sit handy and prove too strong. (6) STRENGTH got his maiden win in eye-catching fashion two starts back but was a touch disappointing when sent off as favourite for his first try at class and distance on February 11th, leading for much of the way but ultimately weakening to finish in the middle of the pack. He can be given another chance here. (9) MAGLE DAY comes up in class having won at start number four over this distance on February 11th, having raced handy throughout. He had been building up to that win and with some more natural improvement, he can measure up here. (8) RIVER TAEYANG and (2) COWBOY TANGO are others who can enter the calculations.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 10)

The weekend’s racing gets underway on Friday at Busan where there are 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

A maiden for three-year-olds opens proceedings. There are three debut-makers and at least one of them looks interesting.  (5) JANGSAN LEMON is half-brother to a couple of good talents and having gained almost 20kg since a trio of trials last year, he was well held together when winning a February heat in a good time without being asked to do too much. He will be well backed on debut and has every chance. (3) EVERY KING IJI was much improved when 2nd at start number two on February 23rd and from a much better gate can back that up here. (12) JORDAN FIGHTING came from of the pace to run a good 4th in a quick race on debut on February 12th. The wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and with some natural improvement he should be right in this. First-timer (11) CHOEGANG WEEK was an on-pace 3rd in her trial in a fast time on a wet track on February 11th. She was asked for a little more effort than Jangsan Lemon was but if she brings that form to the races, a bold showing first-up is possible. (8) MOVIE MORE was inconvenienced coming out of the gates at this latest effort, but going on his showing on debut, should be competitive here.

Selections(5) Jangsan Lemon (3) Every King Iji (12) Jordan Fighting (11) Choegang Week
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) BUDDY BUDDY didn’t disgrace himself when tried in Listed juvenile company last November and has since registered back-to-back 4th places over 1400M and 1200M, beating a couple of these along the way. He draws well to get on the speed here and he should prove too good. (1) BUILD UP remains a maiden after nine attempts but has gone close on a few occasions. They include his latest when he overcame gate twelve to get handy to the leaders and ran on for 4th ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He draws much better here so should get an easier run and can be in the finish again. (8) TITAN K is another maiden, but his recent form reads fairly and at his best he can be in the frame here. (4) OK STAR and (5) ADELE CHUKBAE others in the placing hunt. The latter was in abysmal form last year but comes in off five months out and looked good when trialling just last week.

Selections(2) Buddy Buddy (1) Build Up (8) Titan K (4) OK Star
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) NAKDONG JEONSA offered little in two outings last autumn but looked a much better prospect when returning from three months out at the beginning of last month and running 2nd over 1300M having settled midfield and run on well. He should strip fitter for the run, he comes up to the mile for the first time, and he can win here. (10) TOP FRIEND was ridden handy for the first time on his latest appearance, but it proved unsuccessful as he weakened. He had previous had good results having gone to the back of the field and then finishing off well for 4th and 2nd over 1200M and 1300M. The wide draw may actually be in his favour here and the additional trip can suit. (4) FLYING TOUCH is another who may appreciate the additional distance. Her times over the shorter courses have been nothing special but she has finished off her last two well, running 5th on both occasions and she should be aiming to get in the money here. (6) SUNDAY MONEY and (5) DAEJI FLY are the other placing contenders.

Selections(2) Nakdong Jeonsa (10) Top Friend (4) Flying Touch (6) Sunday Money
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (1) GOLDEN WAVE ran 2nd on debut in January before getting her maiden win at start number two over this distance on February 10th, making all. Both those were in all-filly company and it’s the same again today so despite being up in class, she should be using her good draw to get on pace and win again. (9) DIABLO QUEEN come sin off a very quick win at class and distance on February 10th when on pace throughout. She was second up that day following almost ten months off and with an apprentice engaged here she barely comes up in weight. She looks the main danger to the favourite. (6) DOCTOR SHARK came from off the pace to get her first win, also on February 10th. She is up in class but down in weight and she can measure up amongst this lot. (3) TWO TWO LIME and (5) BREAD HIT others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Golden Wave (9) Diablo Queen (6) Doctor Shark (3) Two Two Lime
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 12

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

(5) INDIE BULPAE returned seven months after an inauspicious debut to win well first-up over a mile in January. He then came up to this class on February 12th and led for much of the way around over this distance before ultimately running 2nd to Pistol Star, but beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He carries his fair share of weight here but he should prove to good and will start as hot favourite. The second favourite will be (7) DOCTOR PERO. He has similar form having won at class 6 level over a mile two starts back before coming from off the pace to run 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on January 27th. That was a much slower race than Indie Bulpae’s but he can be a danger. Next best is (9) ADELE STELLA. She is yet to finish in the top-two in eleven attempts but she has no fewer then eight finishes between 3rd and 5th including last time out at this class and distance. She may find a couple too quick again but shouldn’t be far away. (6) FIRST PARK and (3) RUNNING WARRIOR others in the frame.

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Raon The Spurt, Speed Young Return To Winning Ways

Raon The Spurt was a beaten favourite in the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy in January, but the four-year-old filly went some way to making amends with an authoritative performance in Sunday’s Class 1 feature at Seoul, downing Segye victor Wow Wow by three-lengths.

Raon The Spurt won the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup last November (Pic: KRA)

After a successful three-year-old campaign that saw her finish runner-up in the Triple Tiara series before winning the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Group 3 level against older fillies and mares, Raon The Spurt was sent off as favourite in the Segye Ilbo. But on a day when the going was brutal for front-runners, she ran out of petrol in the home straight, finishing back in the pack as Wow Wow took the glory.

There were no such issues this time around in Sunday’s class 1 finale over 1400M. Punters kept faith with Raon The Spurt, sending her off as the even-money favourite. Under Lee Hyeok, who replaced the suspended Choi Bum-hyun in the saddle, Raon The Spurt was quickly into the lead and she proceeded to keep the rest of the field at arm’s length throughout, with Wow Wow ultimately getting the closest. Long-shot Preemax was 3rd.

The win was Raon The Spurt’s seventh from fourteen starts and stands her in good stead ahead of this year’s Queens’ Tour series, which begins in April. Raon The Spurt is by Musket Man and is out of Tomiken Spring (by Japanese sire Suzuka Mambo). Her three-year-old “full” sister and stablemate with trainer Park Jong-kon, Raon The Quality, has three wins from six starts and is penciled-in to race in Seoul’s Classic Trial on April 19th.

On Friday at Busan, Speed Young worked his way back into Classic contention with a fine win at class 3 level over a mile.

A Menifee colt, Speed Young, who won the Breeders’ Cup champion juvenile race over 1400M in December, had begun his three-year-old campaign in disappointing fashion, weakening badly in the final furlong over a mile in January.

By contrast over the same trip on Friday, Speed Young struck the front on the home turn and stayed on strongly to down a field that included top-rated three-year-old filly Jeulgeounyeojeong.

Trained by Bang Dong-suk, who saddled Hit Yegam to two legs of the Triple Crown in 2021, Speed Young doesn’t hold an entry into the Listed Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy, Busan’s official Classic trial on March 19th. However, his rating is already high enough to ensure him a spot in the gate for the first leg of this year’s Triple crown, the KRA Cup Mile, at Busan on Sunday April 30th.  

Meanwhile the saga of Park Tae-jong’s 2,200th career winner will drag on into another weekend. The jockey, who has won more races than any other in Korean racing history, has been on 2,199 since February 5th and drew a blank from seven rides across the weekend, a runner-up finish on Joeun Gwangye  in race 10 on Sunday. His winless streak now stands at thirty-four.

Racing returns to Korea at Busan on Friday.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 5)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and at Busan with 6 races from 11:00 to 15:40. The highlight is at Seoul where surprise Segye Ilbo Trophy winner Wow Wow returns to face that day’s favourite Raon The Spurt. Black Musk also joins them in the class 1 feature over 1400M. Here are the previews:

Wow Wow won the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy at odds of 47/1. Can he win again on Sunday? (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and there will be a warm favourite. (2) LEGEND K comes in off a good 3rd place at this distance on February 4th, having settled back and run on, beating a couple of these in the process. He comes un under the same conditions today and from a similarly gate and he won’t need to improve much to win this. (3) CHECK POINT took a string of trials to finally qualify but once he did appear on the racecourse, he came from well back to run 3rd over 1200M. The time wasn’t quick but should have come on for the experience, he comes into a much better gate and the additional half furlong can suit. Also coming into a better gate is (5) HUNTER BLADE. He ran on fairly for a midfield finish last time out and should have more scope for further development. (7) GROW and (12) EVERY CHARM the others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Legend K (3) Check Point (5) Hunter Blade (7) Grow
Next Best12, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

Three-year-old maidens with two of the ten racing for the first time. One of those, (7) KALJABI, goes on top. He trialled up well last October and then blitzed another heat in double quick time on February 11th, making all and stopping the clock in a fast time. He draws fairly enough to get on pace here and if he brings his trial form to the races, he may take some beating. The main danger is (10) SINHAE MANGCHI. He ran a strong 3rd on debut on February 5th over this distance beating a couple of today’s rivals. The draw isn’t the best here, but he doesn’t need to lead, and he should be going close again here. (3) CHOICE ROAD has run fairly in all three starts so far including an on-pace 3rd at this distance on February 3rd and from another good draw should be on pace and in this a long way. (5) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE and (9) HAERANG JANGGUN others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Kaljabi (10) Sinhae Mangchi (3) Choice Road (5) Dubai Wonjeongdae
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens and two standouts here, both of whom finished in 2nd on their respective debuts in pretty much identical times over this distance. It’s a coin-toss but we’ll go with (4) URUS QUEEN. After a positive trial she was relatively well backed on debut on January 28th in an all-filly maiden and was handy throughout before running on for that 2nd place. She draws well to sit behind the early speed again and can win. (8) COMPLETE LEADER ran very similarly on his debut the following day, sitting handy and running on. He will be on or close to the pace here and can go close. (7) THIS WEEKEND was 5th in that race behind Complete Leader, having led for much of the way around. That was an improvement from his debut, and he can continue to make progress here. (3) SSEULMO should be on pace and in this a long way while debut-maker (2) VET CAPTAIN is another in the hunt.

Selections(4) Urus Queen (8) Complete Leader (7) This Weekend (3) Sseulmo
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) MA GUN will probably be favourite here. He returns to action for the first time since last August when he was 4th over 1300M having run 5th on debut. He looked sharp in a February trial and has winning chances first up today. From a wide draw, (2) PURPLE LINE failed to get involved on his second start on January 27th and his first at this distance. Go on his debut just before Christmas though when 3rd over 1300M, and he warrants a chance from a much better draw. (5) MIRACULUM is a seventeen-race maiden but enters with his recent form reading well having beaten plenty of these in his latest two over 1400M and a mile. A similar run will put him in the finish here. (8) HAPPY BLUE, a stablemate of Miraculum, and (11) STORMY DAY others who can enter the minor money frame.

Selections(3) Ma Gun (2) Purple Line (5) Miraculum (8) Happy Blue
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start8, 9, 11, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A maiden for fillies and mares only. (6) TES MARY is the one to beat with a 3rd and a 5th from her latest two, at this distance and at 1300M. She has tended to get a bit back in her races before running on strongly, but she may be a little more forward today and with Moon Se-young aboard, she is sure to be well backed. The main danger is (10) FOUR ACE. She ran 4th to Tes Mary’s 3rd two starts back before registering a 3rd place of her own over this distance on February 5th when settling at the back of the field and working home well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can be challenging late again. (8) TOP TIER has shown on pace in both starts so far before finishing 4th and 5th and can build on those here while (2) COSMO QUEEN defied big odds to record a significantly improved 3rd last time out. That was back in November so she comes off sixteen weeks away but draws well and can go close. (7) JAEWOO SIDAE has placed before and could again.

Selections(6) Tes Mary (10) Four Ace (8) Top Tier (2) Cosmo Queen
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

It took (7) PHANTOM ACE twelve attempts to get his maiden win, which he finally achieved in January, but based on his first try at this class on February 10th, he should be getting his second much quicker. He sat midfield that day before running on for 3rd at this distance. He has the fastest time among these for the 1200M too (albeit recorded on a weekend the track was very fast), and he is the one to beat here. (5) GOOD MAGIC was 2nd on debut before scoring at start number two over this distance on February 5th when on pace throughout. She comes up in class here but carries a feather weight in his back and she can measure up in this company. (3) DOCTOR KONGDOLI comes back in trip after a fair enough spin over 1400M a month ago. She has a good finish on her and so long as she doesn’t too far back, can be a danger. Up in class following maiden wins, the pair of (6) FAST FURY and (1) JEONGSEONG DAERO will need to improve but can be considered.

Selections(7) Phantom Ace (5) Good Magic (3) Doctor Kongdoli (6) Fast Fury
Next Best1, 12
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) GLOBAL POWER has been knocking on the door of a second win in four starts since being promoted to this level in which he has finished no worse than 4th. On his latest outing on January 29th, he came from midfield to run 2nd, well beaten by a good winner, but well clear of the favourite in 3rd place. He comes up 1.5kg in the weights but he won’t need to improve much to win here. The main danger is (2) UNICORN KINGDOM. He has mixed his form across five starts so far but comes up in class following a smart front-running win over this distance on February 5th. He comes down in the weights, draws well to be on pace again, and should be in this a long way. (5) CLOUTER is another who can mix good and bad runs but based on his latest when 2nd at class and distance, settling back and running on, he can be considered. (6) JAKDUKONG and (8) TUHON GISANG others to keep safe.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 4)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a 10-race program and an early start with the 1st race at 10:35 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:

Antonio Da Silva could be the man to follow at Seoul on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. Three of the twelve race for the first time and we’re happy enough to take a chance on (7) KING DIA. It’s taken him an age to get to the races after his first trial all the way back last May but looked very sharp in the latest of them a couple of weeks ago when prominent throughout and stopping the clock in a fast time. He draws well enough to be on pace and he looks set for a bold showing first up. (11) YUKWAEHAN SARANG has finished no worse than 5th in four appearances to date. He has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before by a significant margin and while the draw is a touch wide given that he seems to like to race on pace, he surely goes close again. (1) THEME TANSAENG ran 5th of ten on debut a month ago and with Moon Se-young climbing aboard today, will be backed to improve. (8) BEST CLONE and (9) SAEBYEOK BULBIT others to keep safe.

Selections(7) King Dia (11) Yukwaehan Sarang (1) Theme Tansaeng (8) Best Clone
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Standard maiden here and (9) WONDERFUL TIZZY looks ready to win having seemingly figured things out in his latest three. At his last start on February 5th, he ran 3rd over 1400M having set up camp just behind the early leaders and the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue here. Having parted company with her jockey coming out of the gate two starts back, (1) CATS WOMAN was sent off as the longest shot on the board on her return on February 4th. She made a mockery of that, running 3rd over 1300M having settled right back and finishes strongly. The additional half furlong can suit, and she can go even closer here. (2) BLACK GUN has been getting closer across his five previous outings culminating in 4th place at this distance on February 4th when handy throughout. He draws nicely here and should be in the mix a long way again. (4) TWO ACE has finished 4th in each of his last three races and could well do so again. (7) CHOEGO POINT another in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Wonderful Tizzy (1) Cats Woman (2) Black Gun (4) Two Ace
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Small but competitive field. (4) KING’S EYE blew the start on his latest outing on January 28th and was subsequently scarcely a factor. He had been going well prior to that though with back-to-back wins at classes 6 and 5 before running 3rd over 1700M on his first try at this level in December. He led in all those races and with a better beginning today, he is the one to beat. If we’re going to forgive King’s Eye his latest then it is only manners to extend the same courtesy to (8) ELITE RULES. She has a poor day at the office at the end of January but is a class and distance winner as recently as Christmas Eve and she can be given another chance here. (6) WONDERFUL INDY comes up in class following a goof win over 1300M on January 38th when settling midfield and running on. He comes up in trip but gets a significant weight drop and can measure up. (5) STILL PLAY is another up in class and distance, in his case after two wins from four starts and he too is nicely in at the weights here. (3) COLJOY is much more experienced and does mix his form but on his day is right in this.

Selections(4) King’s Eye (8) Elite Rules (6) Wonderful Indy (5) Still Play
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

Tricky race, at least at the top end. (5) SAENAE KHAN comes up in class having secured his maiden win at the fourth time of asking over this distance on February 4th, making all. That win had been coming and the manner of it suggests that there can be more to come. He will be on pace and another all the way showing is possible. (1) ARGO GONGJU is the main danger. She got her maiden victory two starts back at 1300M before running 3rd in an all-filly affair over 1400M on her first try at this level on February 4th. From the inside gate, Antonio can pick his spot, probably sitting just behind the speed, and she has every chance. (8) GEOMIBULU ran 2nd on debut at 1000M before winning over the 1200M on January 15th, leading every step of the way. Like Saenae Khan, she is up in class but should more than fit in at this level. Continuing on the last start winner up in class theme is (9) JEONGWOO FOREVER, who overcame a wide draw to score at this distance on February 4th. (7) GEUMSEONG SIDAE the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Saenae Khan (1) Argo Gongju (8) Geomibulu (9) Jeongwoo Forever
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies (and one mare) here. (7) CHEOLLICHONG shapes as a warm favourite here, having beaten three of these rivals on his way to a class and distance 2nd on February 5th when close to the pace throughout. He only comes up 1kg in the weights, he draws marginally better, and he may take some beating. (8) ANYANG POKKYEOKGI remains a maiden but comes up in class following three near misses including 2nd on her latest on February 4th when leading into the home straight. She is nicely weighted her and can be competitive. (4) DANAEUN ROSE could only manage a midfield finish after a slow start last time out but has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when winning well at class 6 level last November. She is worth another chance in this company. (3) TOP POSITION and (10) BIG SMART among others capable of troubling the scorers at their best but will need their respective latest efforts overlooked.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 3)

March’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race program from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Speed Young won the Breeders’ Cup in December but didn’t begun his 3-year-old campaign well. He will attempt to return to winning ways at Busan on Friday (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

March kicks off with a maiden for three-year-olds and a couple come in looking ready to win. (9) DALLILLAEYO has been knocking on the door across his five starts, culminating with 2nd place on his latest over this distance on February 10th when he settled right back and worked home strongly. He has as good a chance as any here and the unfashionable jockey booking may mean he is at bigger odds than he should. Disputing favourite status will be (8) DIA BOSS. He too comes in off a 2nd place with a much-improved performance over this trip on January 29th when racing on pace throughout. He doesn’t have the benefit of as big an apprentice claim this time but he should go close. (7) NEOGA CHOEGO was 3rd on debut before running 7th behind Dallillaeyo on his reappearance. He comes down 3kg in the weights with last week’s treble winning rider Gwon O-chan aboard and he can make further progress here. (10) PINHOLE EYE and (12) SEOGWI FLASH both come in off last start 3rd place finishes and can aim for the places again.

Selections(9) Dallillaeyo (8) Dia Boss (7) Neoga Choego (10) Pinhole Eye
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies. (12) MIRACLE ONE is set to be a warm favourite based on her last start 3rd in a similar race over this distance on February 3rd when she overcame the same wide draw to get to the speed and beat a few of today’s rivals in the process. She may need a touch of luck at the start once more but she should prove too good. There are three debut-makers and among them (3) MASTER ROAD looks to have a fair shout first-up. She was on pace in her trial, crossing the line 2nd in a decent enough time and from a good draw, she can get to the lead again and be in this a long way. (11) SUCCESS TIME has a 4th and a 3rd in two starts so far, most recently at this distance. She came from off the pace last time so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can continue to make progress. (4) SOLEDAD and (10) FANTASTIC WOMAN others in the hunt.

Selections(12) Miracle One (3) Master Road (11) Success Time (4) Soledad
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 10, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

(5) SUCCESSFUL ran a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M back on December 23rd racing on pace throughout. It’s taken him a while to line up again but he looks very nicely in here, the additional furlong can suit and he is the one to beat. (11) DOCTOR CUCKOO has hinted at ability with back-to-back 4th place finishes from his latest two outings. With an apprentice claim he comes down in the weights here and should be aiming for an even better finish today. The solitary debut-maker is (10) LAND BANK. He put in a fair performance in his trial and couldn’t hope for a softer race to debut in. The jockey/trainer combination ensures that he will get plenty of backing. (9) UNJU MACH has mixed her form so far but has two 4th places and along with (3) WONDERFUL DIGGER, can enter the calculations here.

Selections(5) Successful (11) Doctor Cuckoo (10) Land Bank (9) Unju Mach
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 11

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

Fillies and mares only in this competitive race. We’ll side with (2) PAN STAR, who comes up in class following her maiden win over 1300M back in December when making all. That was a win had been coming as she had made progress across all her starts so far and while she has been away for twelve weeks, from a nice draw and under a light weight, she can potentially lead all the way again. (9) GOHEUNG CLASS remains a maiden but comes up in class following a pair of runner-up finishes as well as a 3rd at class 5 level. She might have won last time were it not for a slow start and despite this ostensibly being harder, there isn’t much to fear here, and she can measure up at a distance that may suit. (6) SKY JEJUHYANG overcame the widest gate on February 10th to run 4th over 1300M. She draws better here, can be on pace, and can go close. (1) STATICE was an improbable winner of that February 10th race. Lightning may not strike twice but she does warrant more respect today and along with (10) WONDERFUL ANDOVER, the latter better than her latest two suggest and who trialled up somewhat smartly in February, can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Pan Star (9) Goheung Class (6) Sky Jejuhyang (1) Statice
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

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Mixed Fortunes for Korea Cup and Sprint Winners on 2023 Debuts

The winners of last year’s international Korea Sprint and Korea Cup both made their 2023 debuts on Sunday but while Eoma Eoma ran out a comfortable winner at Seoul, Winner’s Man could manage no better than 4th in the feature event of the afternoon at Busan.

Winner’s Man, who also won the season-ending Grand Prix Stakes to take his Group 1 tally to three, was sent off as the odds-on favourite for the class 1 1800M south coast feature. Always prominent, the five-year-old briefly struck the front under Seo Seung-un in the home straight but unlike in his big race wins, he failed to kick on and with half a furlong to go it was clear it wasn’t going to be his day.

Victory ultimately went to the Franco Da Silva ridden Flat Babe, runner-up in last November’s Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, with veteran King Of Glory rolling back the years with a fast finishing 2nd and Tuhonui Banseok, 3rd in the Grand Prix edging out Winner’s Man in a photo for 4th.

A five-year-old mare by Flat Out, Flat Babe has been something of a revelation in the last few months, rapidly moving from a solid but unspectacular class 3 campaigner to class 1 winner in the space of four races since being upped to racing around two turns. She looks set to be a serious contender in this year’s Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares.

As for Winner’s Man, connections pointed afterwards to it being the first time he had carried 60kg in a race – he was giving 8kg to the winner – in addition to him racing at his heaviest ever bodyweight of 550kg – up 18kg since the Grand Prix. Winner’s Man’s anticipated next run will be in the Herald Business Trophy (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on April 16th. There he will renew his rivalry with Raon The Fighter, so impressive last week in his own seasonal opener.

Perhaps it was because of Winner’s Man’s performance earlier in the afternoon, as well as the disconcerting sight of regular jockey Moon Se-young’s name next to another horse, that led to Eoma Eoma being sent off at better than even money for his first outing as a six-year-old at class 1 over 1200M at Seoul.

With the race under handicap conditions, Eoma Eoma would, like Winner’s Man, have been assigned 60kg but trainer Song Moon-gil opted to use apprentice O Su-cheol and take advantage of his 2kg claim. Moon Se-young accordingly climbed aboard Jangsan Laser who was strongly backed into a close second-favourite.

Those who kept faith with Eoma Eoma were rewarded as Algorithms entire was quick out of the gate to be on the early speed with East Jet, racing very keenly and pulling hard. Apprentice O Su-cheol kept his cool though and once he let Eoma Eoma stride out in the home straight, the US-bred sped away for a three-length win with his rivals always at arm’s length.

The next five home were separated by just a length with Moon and Jangsan Laser in 2nd while the venerable Morfhis ran 3rd with a typical Morfhis late run. The victory, Eoma Eoma’s fourteenth in total, completed a treble on the day for apprentice O Su-cheol, who may not get the call once the star horse returns to Group racing, but enjoyed surely the best day of his career so far.

That next run for Eoma Eoma is likely to be the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on the south coast on April 2nd.  

Winner’s Man & Eoma Eoma Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (February 26)

Korea Cup and Sprint champions Winner’s Man and Eoma Eoma both make the 2023 debuts on Sunday. The Cup winner and Horse of the Year Winner’s Man goes in the class 1 race 6 at Busan while Eoma Eoma makes his seasonal debut in the class 1 race 11 at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:05 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Eoma Eoma will race for the first time in 2023 although Moon Se-young doesn’t get the call-up (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open the Sunday proceedings. (4) NINE EAGLE is probably going to be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day, having run 2nd on debut over the distance o January 8th, leading for most of the way. He should have come on for that run, he should be on pace again, and this time can go all the way. Nothing else in the race has finished any better than 6th. (7) COLITAS finished in exactly that position on debut in that same January 8th race behind Nine Eagle. He was slowly away that day and went around at the back before running on and should be better for the experience. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE has raced twice, both times well backed after a trial win. Moon Se-young gets back aboard and punters are likely to remain faithful for at lease a place. (8) CHONGAL COLONEL and (10) CLUB D others who could potentially improve.

Selections(4) Nine Eagle (7) Colitas (2) Lucky Bounce (8) Chongal Colonel
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 11

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

Three-year-old maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (5) ARBELOUR is the pick, having improved at start number two on February 5th. Racing on pace and running 2nd over this distance. Without an apprentice claim, he comes up a full 4kg in the weights but from a good draw he can get an easy lead and can prove too good. The main danger is (12) RAON STRONG. He debuted in that February 5th race and ran a creditable 4th behind Arbelour, having settled in the middle of the pack. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he should have derived benefit from that run. As for the debut-makers, (9) TAEWANG SINGI was on pace in his trial and crossed the line in 3rd place in a good time. (8) QUEEN OF JOY similar looked promising in her heat and is capable of a bold showing first up. Returning to the experience ones, (7) GREY CHAMP improved at start number two and can continue to make progress here.

Selections(5) Arbelour (12) Raon Strong (9) Taewang Singi (8) Queen Of Joy
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Maiden three-year-old fillies and it’s hard to go too far past (3) SARYEONI TYCHE. She’s run 3rd and 4th in tow starts so far, sitting handy over 1000M and then settling back at 1200M. She draws nicely, the additional half furlong should suit, and she probably won’t need to improve very much to win. (8) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL has shown good consistency in her latest three appearances with a 4th place over this trip the most recent. She can settle in midfield here and has a strong finish on her. (9) HERO QUEEN was a touch disappointing at her latest start on January 28th when failing to run on. She had finished off very nicely in her preceding two outings though and in this company is worth another chance today. (7) BEAUTIFUL MELODY and (1) SMARTY GLORY others who may improve.

Selections(3) Saryeoni Tyche (8) Gangcheol Yeogeol (9) Hero Queen (7) Beautiful Melody
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Competitive maiden with a few looking ready to win. (4) PEGACORN is one of them as he comes in after a career to date best of 2nd place over 1400M on January 27th when settling handy, dropping back and then running on, only going down by a head. The further step up in trip can suit and he has a good chance. (9) K GOLD BAR is another of those in the “ready to win” category. He enters off a solid 4th place over 1300M at the end of January he too may like the chance of a longer distance today. (5) HAMAN BAEKISAN is one of only three of the twelve to have prior experience of racing over a mile. He settled right back out of the widest gate on February 3rd before running on strongly for 3rd. The same apprentice enables him to carry the same light weight here and he can be running into some money again. (11) WONDERFUL CHANCE has five-lengths to make up on Pegacorn and also carries more weight than he did on January 27th but, along with (8) ADELE HORANGI, warrants consideration as a place chance.

Selections(4) Pegacorn (9) K Gold Bar (5) Haman Baekisan (11) Wonderful Chance
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Another maiden and a couple of prolific non-winners have solid claims to finally get on the board here. (3) EUREKA stepped up to 1700M on January 28th and beat several of these on his way to a career-best 2nd place racing handy throughout, although well beaten by a good winner. He carries the same weight, draws a similarly favourable gate, and can go one better. (7) HOUYHNHNM was 3rd in that race at what was start number seventeen. He is in the best form of his career having run 2nd at the start prior, also at this distance. He settles back and runs on and he has as good a chance as any here. (8) CAMINO comes up in trip having led and ultimately finishing 3rd on his second start on Christmas Day. He comes up in the weights without an apprentice claim today but should be competitive in this company. (10) FIRST CHOUX and (1) SSANG OK RU among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(3) Eureka (7) Houyhnhnm, (8) Camino (10) First Choux
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies and mares only and (5) THUNDER FURY looks to be the one to beat here. She’s only finished outside the top-four on one occasion and enters off a close runner-up finish in a very similar race over class and distance on January 27th when settling midfield and running on well. She draws nicely here to stalk the early leaders and can prove too strong. (1) GRAPHENE RAP WORLD had a poor day at the office in the same race when showing prominently early before weakening. Her form before that was good and she may have come on for what was her first try at tis distance and from the inside gate she can lead again and stay in it longer. (7) DOCTOR TIFFANY was a good winner over 1000M on debut in January before being stepped up to a mile for her first try at this class on February 5th. She showed at the front but ultimately finished 6th and may find today’s assignment more suitable. (6) WORLD CLASS CAT and (3) DOCTOR KONGSUNI other place chances.

Selections(5) Thunder Fury (1) Graphene Rap World (7) Doctor Tiffany (6) World Class Cat
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 7, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A competitive race. (4) JILJU DAESE ran 2nd on debut before getting her maiden win at start number two over this distance at the end of last October. She hasn’t raced since but looked well enough when not asked to do too much in a trial last week. She is up in class from since we last saw her but has every chance of making a big impact first up here. (7) LONDON SKY come sin off a 2nd and a 4th place both at this class and both at 1200M. He likes to settle back and run on and with Lim Gi-won climbing aboard today, he will have plenty of backers. (1) ROCK IMPACT comes up in class after a good win over this distance on January 28th when coming from off the pace. He comes down 2kg in the weights, draws well, and can measure up in this company. (6) HUIMANG CHAMP and up in class (12) SAINT LUCCA among others to keep safe.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 25)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. The existing form isn’t hugely impressive so we’ll break the general rule of siding with experience in these kinds of races and take a chance on first-timer (5) PHOENIX CLASS. She settled handy in her trial and ran on well for a close 3rd in a fair time. She draws well enough here and she won’t need to improve too much to put in a bold showing. She won’t be favourite and may offer some value. (2) GIANT RULER ran pleasingly enough for 4th on debut over this distance on January 14th, settling midfield. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can go close here. She will dispute favourite status with (7) ARGO MIJEOK. He is the most experience in the race and does have a 3rd place in his record. An Apprentice takes the weight down and he should be aiming to match or better that 3rd here. Other first timer starters (11) CRAZY JACKPOT and (8) FYING ZEST may have a say in the minors.

Selections(5) Phoenix Class (2) Giant Ruler (7) Argo Mujeok (11) Crazy Jackpot
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies with three racing for the first time. (8) DANDI is the one to beat. She was well backed on debut on January 7th when she ran 2nd in a similar race over this distance. She should have some natural improvement here and Moon Se-young climbs on. The logical danger is (2) FINAL JILJU. After a midfield finish on debut, she improved to 3rd place having overcome a wide gate over this distance on January 28th. She draws much better this time and can go even closer here. The exposed form drops off precipitously after those two (the quinella will be an extremely short price) so we might as well look at the newcomers. (7) SOARA TO TO looks the most likely to make an immediate impact having looked all over the place n a string of failed trials at the back end of last year before suddenly coming out in January and running very pleasingly in a heat. If she brings that day’s form to the races, she can aim for 3rd here. (9) HONOR ROSE won her trial and while that time was slow, that’s enough to give her a chance here. (4) CUPID CHIC a potential improver.

Selections(8) Dandi (2) Final Jilju (7) Soara To To (9) Honor Rose
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens. (6) HIGH GRAND has been consistent across his five starts to date and was a very good 2nd over 1200M two starts back when leading until the closing stages. He came up to this trip for his latest appearance on December 17th when he had to deal with gate ten but got to a handy position and ran on for 4th. (2) ARA MOA debuted last October in good fashion when an on pace runner-up over 1200M. She hasn’t reappeared since, but she came back to trial last Friday and won her heat. So long as she didn’t leave her race back there – and it wasn’t a particularly quick time so she shouldn’t have done – she can go well here. (5) GOLD MIGHTY is another who has shown promise across his three starts so far with the best being a 2nd place – well beaten by a good winner – over five furlongs in December. He came from off the pace to run 4th on his first try at this distance on January 7th and looks at least a place chance here. (8) GRAND SILVER and (7) WONPYEONG CHUKJE others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) High Grand (2) Ara Moa (5) Gold Mighty (8) Grand Silver
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

Three-year-old imported fillies here. There is one previous winner and (7) MIGHTY LOOK is favoured to strike again. She ran 5th on debut but then scored in a very similar class and distance race on January 28th when settling towards the front of midfield and proving too strong with a couple of today’s rivals behind here. She comes up slightly in the weights but should be too good. There are three debut-makers and (10) POWER VICTORY is sure to be of interest. She ran a good 2nd in a decent time in her trial and the jockey booking will make punters take note. (8) MOONHAK SONG has mixed her form across four starts so far and was disappointing in that January 28th race.  She has a 3rd and a 4th to her name though and can be given another chance here. (4) MEDICI WOLF too will need her latest one forgiven when she was never a factor over 1400M. She ran 3rd in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy at this distance last October and she too gets another chance. (9) AKDONG ARGO another in the money hunt.

Selections(7) Mighty Look (10) Power Victory (8) Moonhak Song (4) Medici Wolf
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

This is a really competitive race so it might be best to try to find one at odds. (8) BLACK MOTION was an eye-catching winner on debut over 1000M in December before weakening to last place on his first try at class and distance on January 28th. Since then he has been back to trial, which he won in a fast time two weeks ago and he looks worth another chance today. (11) EUNHYE just about warrants favourite status. He returned from ten months out to run a very solid 3rd in that January 28th race. He should have come on for that run and can go close here. Like Black Motion, (4) YONGBI SEOUL was a smart winner on debut over the minimum trip before struggling on his first try at this class and distance. He bounced back from that to finish 5th in a fast race on January 14th and from a nice draw he can be on pace and in this a long way. (2) BEAT RUNNER and (6) JEONGSANG FIGHTING among others in the hunt.

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