Juvenile Series Part 2 Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 5)

The Juvenile Series continues at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday afternoon with the two tracks having their final separate races before they come together for the Breeders’ Cup finale in December. Baekduui Kkum will be hot favourite for the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy at Busan having won both the Rookie Stakes and Areumdaun Jilju Stakes, while at Seoul, with the first two home in the Monhwa Ilbo Trophy not in attendance, Lala K will be favoured to get back to winning ways. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Lala K will be expected to return to winning ways at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with all but one racing for the first time. (3) WONDERFUL PASS gets the nod having won her trial in a fair time on October 20th when racing handy throughout. She draws nicely here and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (9) NESSUN DORMA came through the same trial, finishing 2nd lest than a length in arrears. She had led for much of the way around so she has to contend with a slightly wide draw here, but she should be competitive. (7) RAON PANORAMA went through two trials and showed a bit more maturity in the second of them when a close 3rd in an average time. That’s enough to put her in contention here. (6) SHACKLE POINT and (2) BRGHT HANSEN others who hinted at ability in their respective heats.

Selections(3) Wonderful Pass (9) Nessun Dorma (7) Raon Panorama (6) Shackle Point
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

(3) WINNER DRAGON looks the one to beat here. He has a 2nd place to his name and comes in off a last start 3rd over this distance on October 7th when he settled midfield and ran on, not going down by much. He has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin and may prove hard to beat this time. (8) HAKSAN MACHO has shown steady progress across three starts so far, most recently 4th over this distance on October 7th when settling right back and running on. He has a good finish on him and can run into some money again. (10) HEY MAMA has a couple of 3rd places in her recent form and with Johan climbing aboard today can aim for the places. (11) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG and newcomer (4) DREAM CARD are others who could potentially go close.

Selections(3) Winner Dragon (8) Haksan Macho (10) Hey Mama (11) Seongsil Yeongung
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies and mares only here (7) STARTER was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on October 7th and duly obliged, leading every step of the way and crossing the line three-lengths to the good in a quick time. She comes up in both class and distance today, but neither should be an issue, and in restricted filly and mare company, she will be strongly favoured to maintain her 100% record. (11) TAEPYEONG FIGHTER got her maiden two starts back over this distance before running 2nd on her first try at this class on October 9th. She likes to race handy so she has to deal with the wide draw as well as an additional 3kg on her back, but she can go close again. (4) AL SIMON has been working her way back into form in recent efforts and there is no reason why she can’t come off the pace to at least match her last starts 3rd. (10) SMART SOCKS and (3) HAPPY PLAY others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Starter (11) Taepyeong Fighter (4) Al Simon (10) Smart Socks
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) CHARMING BEST took a couple of goes to find his feet but has looked to be figuring things out in his latest two with a 4th and most recently a 2nd place over this distance. Last time out he led for much of the way and stopped the clock in a time significantly quicker than any of today’s rivals have managed. He draws well and should win. (7) KING FIGHTER too comes in off a good 2nd place at this distance on October 6th when he led until the closing stages. An apprentice keeps the weight down and he should be on pace and in this a long way once more. (6) WONDERFUL ONE raced well for 3rd over 1300M two weeks ago. He makes a quick return here and can be in the finish again. (8) LAND BANK and (11) COLONEL FLYING are among plenty of other placing chances.

Selections(3) Charming Best (7) King Fighter (6) Wonderful One (8) Land Bank
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

The favourite here will be (4) ONE SPEAR. He got his maiden win two starts back over 1400M and then ran a strong 3rd over this class and distance on October 7th when settling right back and then finishing off smoothly.  He draws slightly better today to be ridden perhaps in midfield and he can use his strong finish to return to the winner’s circle. (8) ARGO MUJEOK comes back in trip after middling efforts at slightly further. The last time he raced at 1300M he won, albeit at class 6, and he can be a danger here. (10) EINSPANNER hasn’t quite lived up to his impressive debut but comes in off a front-running 3rd place over 1200M and will probably cross and attempt to lead again. If he can find a forward position and save some energy, then he can be in this a long way. (3) NAOL SKY and (11) CHADOL RUN other possibles.

(more…)

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

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

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

Juvenile maidens to begin with. (9) WORLD SHANNONS was a trial winner in September before running 3rd on debut over 1000M on October 7th when on pace throughout. He should have come on for that run and has every chance here. The most experienced runner is (6) SMART CLAIR. He has raced five times, finishing between 3rd and 5th on every occasion. That 3rd was on his latest over this distance on October 8th when handy throughout and he should be aiming for a better finish today. (3) CHEONGRYANGSAN is another who ran 3rd on debut, in his case over 1000M on October 7th. He draws nicely to be on pace again and is another who with some natural improvement can be a danger. (4) GREAT STORM and (1) SEOUL DOLPUNG are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(9) World Shannons (6) Smart Clair (3) Cheongryangsan (4) Great Storm
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

More juvenile maidens. (5) GLOBAL CODIE will be a warm favourite having trialled well and then run 4th on debut over 1000M on October 7th when handy throughout. He should have benefitted from the experience, the additional furlong can suit, and he won’t need to improve much on that run to win here. (10) SEOCHEON LION has raced twice, finishing 5th and 4th, most recently when on pace at this distance. The draw isn’t ideal, but he should be going close again. There are three debut-makers and of them (9) MAX GOLD looks the best. He settled midfield in his trial before running through the line well and this is a nice race to debut in. (2) SPALTA and (4) CROQUIS others with the potential to improve.

Selections(5) Global Codie (10) Seocheon Lion (9) Max Gold (2) Spalta
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

Maiden fillies here. (10) MENI CHARM enters off a decent 3rd over this distance on October 14th when on pace and briefly leading in the straight. She may need a touch of luck at the start but if she can get to a forward position, she can make it thirteenth time lucky. (6) NEMO SPIRIT looks to be the main danger. She’s been knocking at the door in recent starts including a 3rd place at this distance back in August. She can get a bit far back in her races but if she can be in contention in the straight then she has a chance. (3) RAON SPIKE returned to action on September after almost a year out. She should have benefited from the run and can improve here. (4) MARUBYEOL and (7) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Meni Charm (6) Nemo Spirit (3) Raon Spike (4) Marubyeol
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

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

(8) LAFAYETTE is the one to beat here. He comes in off two 4th places and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently over 1300M on October 9th when settling midfield and running on. There isn’t much in the way of early speed in this race so today, he can be expected to be ridden on pace and he can go all the way. (6) RAON JUMP has a 3rd and a 2nd in her record. She has a strong finish on her and the step up to 1400M can suit. (3) SANGIM DAEPYO and (9) HEUIMANGUI CHANGA come in having run 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at this distance on October 8th. It wasn’t a quick race, and both were sent off at big odds, but both can be competitive again in this company. (1) LAST PITCH another who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) Lafayette (6) Raon Jump (3) Sangim Daepyo (9) Heuimangui Changa
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start2, 8, 10, 11

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

(5) ILDONG BAKSU has never won or even finished 2nd but she does seem to love coming 3rd, something she has done on five out of six occasions. She generally likes to lead and from a good gate, could get quite an easy run to the front. In this company, it could be her day. If she once more finds a couple too quick, then among the leading contenders is (6) ORAEDAHAMKKE. He made the breakthrough over 1200M at start number three before finishing a beaten favourite on his first try at this level on October 9th. He has proven to have a fast finish and he can be a danger here. (3) SMART CAT ran out a good winner over 1200M on October 8th, settling midfield and running on. He comes up in class and slightly in trip here but should be equal to both. (10) GEUMBIT GANGHO and (7) MAGIC MOCCASIN others in the hunt.

(more…)

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

November’s racing kicks off on Friday at Busan with 9 races 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 six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (5) SEKWANG CHOEGANG, who after a positive trial ran well for 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 6th, settling back and finishing off well. He should have improved for the run and the additional furlong looks set to suit. (10) BIG MORE is the pick of the newcomers. He led for most of the way around in his trial, ultimately finishing 2nd and stopping the clock in a time faster than Sekwang Choegang posted in his actual race. He draws a touch wide for comfort here but if he can bring that form to the races, he will be a big danger. (3) FANTASTIC HUMOR came through the same trial, finishing 3rd, albeit a good distance behind Big More, and can go well first up. (8) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA debuted well for 4th place in a quick race at 1000M in September and can build on that here. (11) CONCORD PARK was an improved 3rd over 1400M at his latest start and looks a good shout for minor money here.

Selections(5) Sekwang Choegang (10) Big More (3) Fantastic Humor (8) Daejiuiyeojeonsa
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 10

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

Maiden fillies. (7) RUNNING TREE trialled up fast in August before finishing 6th on debut over this distance on September 22nd having shown on pace. She should have come on for that experience, Seo Seung-un climbs up, and she looks the one to beat here. (3) SSING GA is the only three-year-old and the only one with a top-two finish to her name. That came two starts back at 1300M when ridden handy. She followed it up with a fair 4th last time out and from a nice gate, she can sit behind the speed and challenge late here. (9) MAGIC ELEVEN comes in off front-running 3rd place in a similar filly race at this distance on October 6th. She was well beaten by a good winner but only narrowly beaten out of 2nd and she can go close again. (1) THE BIG SHOT and (4) LOLLY are others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Running Tree (3) Ssing Ga (9) Magic Eleven (1) The Big Shot
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) ACE GOOD JOB is the pick here. She ran well on debut but then seemingly lost her way before figuring things out again in her latest two when she was 2nd and 4th, both over 1200M. She finished off well both times and the step up to 1400M can see her coming home on top today. (4) WONDERFUL CHACHA enters off a runner-up finish over this distance on September 10th when ridden much further forward than usual. He’s drawn well for similar tactics today and looks a solid placing chance again. (9) JANGSAN LEMON ran like the proverbial lemon when favourite on debut in March but followed it up with a 2nd and 4th. He hasn’t raced since June but looked well when 3rd in an October trial and he should be competitive here. (3) TAEPUNGUI CHUKJE also returns after a lengthy absence and will need to be taken on trust although he had an easy trial last Saturday. (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Ace Good Job (4) Wonderful Chacha (9) Jangsan Lemon (3) Taepungui Chukje
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

An also-ran in the Rookie Stakes, (4) BLACK SPRING bounced back to get his maiden win at start number three over 1200M on October 8th, settling handy and finishing off well. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but neither should be a problem and he can win again here. (9) BORN DIA was a winner on debut in July over 1000M before also getting her chance in the Rookie Stakes. She too was an also-ran, but she finished ahead of Black Spring. She then ran 6th of eight in the Listed Areumdaun Jilju Stakes for juveniles. She returns to shallower waters here and can get close. (7) KING ANYDAY was a maiden winner at 1400M in July and while a try at a mile didn’t go well, he has found his feet at this level with a 3rd and a 4th over 1200M in his latest two. He can be on pace and in this a long way. (8) CHOEGANG MUJIGAE and (6) UNMATCHED other potential contenders for the minors.

Selections(4) Black Spring (9) Born Dia (7) King Anyday (8) Choegang Mujigae
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 11

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

No fewer than four of these come up in class following last start maiden wins and they will be at the top of the market here. Favourite will be (6) TEAM PERFECT, who ran 3rd on debut over 1000M at the start of September before winning at start number two at this distance on October 6th when making all. The margin was a dominant one and she won’t need to improve much to win again. (2) LAST DRAGON was sent off as favourite on debut having impressed in a trial and he duly obliged despite being slow out of the gate and having to come from behind over 1000M. He should have matured because of that and can get close again with the extra furlong perhaps being beneficial. (1) OUR DESTINY won her trial and won her debut on October 6th, leading all the way over 1000M. It wasn’t a fast time, but she draws well here and can measure up. (7) GLORY CROWN ran in the Rookie Stakes and came out of it to score his maiden win over this distance on October 6th, coming from off the pace. He can challenge late here. Among those with prior experience at this level, (8) DAHAMKKEDALLIJA is the best.

(more…)

Wonderful Slew Upsets Jeulgeounyeojeong in Queens’ Tour

Wonderful Slew upset the odds and Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong to win the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter, in emphatic fashion for Italian trainer Luigi Riccardi at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.

Wonderful Slew and Antonio Da Silva win the Gyengnam Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Having won all three legs of the Triple Tiara with increasing authority and subsequently adding a class 1 victory over males and then the first leg of the current series in style, Jeulgeounyeojeong was sent off as a prohibitive 1.2 favourite. Wonderful Slew, who placed behind Jeulgeounyeojeong in both the Korean Oaks and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, was the only other one sent off in single digits.

Cosmo and Chamjeoun Chingu set the early pace with Jeulgeounyeojeong setting up camp just behind them. Wonderful Slew meanwhile sat in the middle of the thirteen-strong field before being ridden up in the back straight to sit behind the favourite.

At the top of the stretch, it seemed inevitable that Jeulgeounyeojeong would go past Cosmo and Chamjoeun Chingu. She did, but not with the dismissive ease that might have been expected. And then looming up on her shoulder was Wonderful Slew.  Under Antonio Da Silva, Wonderful Slew flew by before they even reached the furlong pole, immediately opening up daylight between herself and the rest. Jeulgeounyeojeong couldn’t respond and Success Time also came past. The gap between 1st and 2nd was a full five-lengths on the line with the clock stopped just seven tenths of a second outside the track record.

For trainer Luigi Riccardi it was a second Korean Group success with the first also having come with a three-year-old filly at Busan when Choegang Black won the 2021 Korean Oaks. For jockey Da Silva, it was a fourth Group winner in Korea and completed the set of G1, G2 and G3 wins. He is also running away with the Seoul Jockey Premiership with 79 wins in the capital this year, more than thirty more than his nearest rival.

Wonderful Slew (Purge – Worldly Dude (by Volponi) was bred by her owner Chi Dae-sub’s Nokwon Farm. Her dam Worldly Dude is a half-sister to American champion Game On Dude, being out of Worldly Pleasure, who was sold to Nokwon Farm in 2009, just before Game On Dude started to win back home. In her brief time at Nokwon, she had Worldly Dude. She was re-exported in 2011 but returned to Korea in 2019 and died in 2022.

The final leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter is a new race on the calendar, the Breeders’ Cup Queen, at Busan on December 10th. With only Listed status and a prize fund only just over half that of the Governor’s Cup, it is uncertain if both Wonderful Slew and Jeulgeounyeojeong will line up again. One thing is for certain though; the filly and mare division is a lot more exciting than it was twenty-four hours ago.

Next weekend attention turns to the two-year-old ranks and the Seoul and Busan’s respective Juvenile Series 2nd legs on Sunday afternoon. Lala K will go hunting for redemption in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul and may well get it with Nice Time, the impressive winner of the Munha Ilbo Trophy, not set to run. At Busan Baekduui Kkum heads the lineup in a likely small field for the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy. Both are over 1200M.

Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 29)

The best filly or mare in Korea returns to action on Sunday as Jeulgeounyeojeong, the Triple Tiara winner, lines up for the second leg of the Queens’ Tour fall and winter in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan on Sunday afternoon. The big race is race 5 of a 6-race card at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong should be too good again on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens and plenty look like they have a win in them. (1) GEUMAK JINJU has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts so far, both over 1000M in good times and racing on pace. He draws very nicely here, the additional furlong shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win. (6) MULLEBANGA comes in off a strong 3rd place over this distance on September 23rd when settling midfield and running on. It was a decent time, and a similar performance would put him in the finish again. (8) YONGAM MARENGO similarly enters following a good 3rd place, in his case over 1000M on September 16th. He was doing his best work late and the additional furlong can suit. (9) FINAL GO and (4) MAGIC STRONG are among plenty of others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(1) Geumak Jinju (6) Mullebanga (8) Yongam Marengo (9) Final Go
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

(2) SUPER ONE will be hot favourite in this ordinary maiden. He’s shown steady improvement across his latest couple of starts with a 5th and a 4th, the latter at this distance on September 23rd when racing much handier than in his previous starts. From a good gate he should so the same here and is the one to beat. (10) MAX MA enters off back-to-back 4th places in the summer, leading both times. He has been back to trial since his latest outing and looked well. He draws a touch wide but if he can get on pace, he should go close. (6) AUSTIN LEADER has a 2nd place on his record over this distance and should be there or thereabouts again. (11) SHOUT KURO and (4) HEART K are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(2) Super One (10) Max Ma (6) Austin Leader (11) Shout Kuro
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

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

(9) LONDON ACE ran out a class and distance winner on September 24th when settling just behind the pace and running on strongly. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights but has every chance of striking again. (6) RAON THE COBRA was a strong winner over this distance in May, making all and has subsequently run 5th in both starts at this level. He should be on pace here and shapes as a potential danger. (7) GEUMJEONSA settled midfield and then ran on to score a tight win on debut over 1000M on September 22nd. He comes up in class and in distance here but should have benefited from that run and with some natural improvement can be competitive. (1) MEOTJIN GIROK and (5) HIGH PARK among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) London Ace (6) Raon The Cobra (7) Geumjeonsa (1) Meotjin Girok
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but one racing for the first time. We’ll not dismiss the experience though, because (12) SHINE FOREST ran well on debut over 1000M on September 15th racing midfield and running on for 3rd in a quick time. With that in the tank, she may just be a bit further down the line than the rest of these and she goes on top. The pick of the first timers is (5) SAENAE HIT. She looked assured in her trial, running through the line well in a fair time, and the 1200M can suit first up. (11) ROADTOMOMENTUM beat a couple of these in her heat when crossing the line 4th in a decent time and with some natural improvement can be in the finish here. (4) FLEX DAY and (1) MOTHER WONDERFUL others who caught the eye in qualification. 

Selections(12) Shine Forest (5) Saenae Hit (11) Roadtomementum (4) Flex Day
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 11, 12

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

After twelve tries and plenty of near misses, it’s about time that (5) DAEHEUNG CLASS got his maiden win. He has placed in each of his last seven races, the five most recent being at this class. Moon Se-young climbs on for the first time and it should finally be his day. Should he mange to find one too quick yet again, then it might be (11) GLADIUS. A good winner on debut over 1000M, she ran a very close 2nd on her fist try at this class over 1200M on September 17th. She draws a touch wide, but she should have plenty of scope for more development and she can be a big danger here. (2) STAND BY ME got his sole win at this distance and enter off a fair 4th over 1400M last time out. He races for the first time since July so comes in fresh and in with a shout. (10) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG and (1) DORIPO others to keep safe.

Selections(5) Daeheung Class (11) Gladius (2) Stand By Me (10) Challanhan Pokpung
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 11

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

(3) GANGSEO BULPAE will be hot favourite in this maiden. She ran a close 2nd on debut in June having led for most of the way before being an on-pace 3rd on her return three months later in September. Both were at 1200M and both times she was the beaten favourite, but she should strip fitter for the shorter layoff this time and she can win here. (4) YONGBI STAR is the main danger. She enters off a strong 3rd place finish over 1300M when she was ridden much further forward than her previous starts. Expect her to drop in handy here and challenge late. (9) HI LEGEND ran a fair 5th on debut over 1000M earlier this month having taken an age to get into top gear. The extended trip should suit, and he can get closer this time. (8) DOCTOR LICA and (6) GREAT BOY looks to be the other placing chances.

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 28)

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

Autumn colours are out at the track (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (7) PUNGUNJIMA, who after a promising trial, ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 23rd.  He stopped the clock in a good time and with some natural improvement can be the one to beat here. (3) BLACK BELT dead-heated for 3rd on debut over 1000M. That was back in July so he comes in fresh after sixteen weeks off and can be a contender here. (6) GOLDBERG ran 3rd behind Pungunjima on debut last month having led for much of the way around. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (2) VICAR NAREUMA and trial winner (4) GEUMAK DIA are others in the hunt. 

Selections(7) Pungunjima (3) Black Belt (6) Goldberg (2) Vicar Nareuma
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with six of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. Again, we will side with experience and there are two standouts. (7) GIANT FORCE debuted over this distance on September 10th and ran well, racing handy and finishing 4th in a decent time. She won’t need to improve much on that to go close here. (3) CUPID MIR was also 4th on his debut. That came over 1000M on September 2nd when he settled back and ran on very nicely. The step up in trip should suit and he can be a big danger. (11) KNIGHT CHARM has raced twice already, positing a 5th and a 4th and should go close again. (9) SAMAEBEONJJEOK and newcomer (10) MYEONGSEONG CHUKJE are others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Giant Force (3) Cupid Mir (11) Knight Charm (9) Samaebeonjjeok
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

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

Maiden juvenile fillies here. (8) CHADOL DIA has raced twice for a 2nd and a 3rd at 1000M and 1200M. She has been on pace both times and should do the same again here and she has an excellent chance to make the breakthrough. (3) SEIRENE did nothing on debut but has run well for 2nd and 3rd in two starts since, both at this distance. She draws nicely to settle just behind the speed and run on here and the presence of Moon Se-young may mean that she starts as the betting favourite. The form falls away significantly after those two but (6) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has hinted at ability across four starts so far and is a possible pacesetter. (5) JERAQUEEN and (9) STAR CHANGER are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Chadol Dia (3) Seirene (6) Hampyeong Jangmi (5) Jeraqueen
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A very modest maiden and (10) MENI SHARK will be favourite. We’ll need to draw a line through her latest over this distance on October 9th when having been prominent throughout, she weakened late, but her form prior to that was superior to anything else here and she can be given another chance. (9) MACH YEOJE improved significantly to run 4th at start number two on September 24th, settling back and running on. A similar effort will see her in the finish here. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but (5) TAENGGEURI hinted at improvement on his latest outing. He tends to get a bit far back in his races, but he should pass plenty late here. (7) GEOMOON and (11) TES JOY others in the minor money hunt.

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 27)

Fillies and mares will take centre-stage this weekend as the Queens’ Tour resumes with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday. The south-coast track kicks off the action on Friday with a 9-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong will be in action on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (6) HWANGGEUMSEONG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M, racing close to the pace both times. He draws well to be on the speed again and he can make it third time lucky. (3) STRIKE ZONE has a 4th and a 3rd from his two previous outings. The 3rd came over this trip on September 22nd when he settled back and finished off very well. He comes into a much better gate today and he can win. (7) BLACK FALCON went through a couple of trials and then ran fairly for a midfield finish on debut. He can improve here. (11) LIGHT BROWN was slowly away and well back on debut but much improved on her second start on September 10th when 3rd over this distance and racing on pace. She isn’t done any favours by the draw here, but she can be competitive. Among the first timers, (10) BEAT DRAGON looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(6) Hwanggeumseong (3) Strike Zone (7) Black Falcon (11) Light Brown
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 11

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

Two standouts here. (6) SEVEN DRAGON has been sent off at long odds-on in both start so far and has come up short in 3rd over 1000M on debut and then 4th over this distance on September 8th when he led for much of the way around. His times have been good, he should be on pace again and he can get it right at the third time of asking. (8) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE was sent off at big odds, on debut on September 22nd but ran a strong 2nd over this distance having been on pace throughout. He should have derived benefit from the experience, and he has every chance here.  (10) TRICKSTER did nothing on debut all the way back in March but trialled up nicely earlier this month and can be a different prospect this time around. (9) ANOTHER ONE and (2) CHEOGANG WEEK other minor money chances.

Selections(6) Seven Dragon (8) Wonderful Cherokee (10) Trickster (9) Another One
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

A very modest maiden. (8) SINCHEON FIRST has a pair of 4th places among three starts so far, most recently at this distance on September 22nd when handy throughout. He can be ridden similarly here and has as much chance as any. (1) HAPPY BRIANNA enters off her best finish to date when 2nd in an all-filly race on October 6th. She settled right back that day before running on and while she was well beaten by a good winner, a similar run will see her firmly in the mix here. (5) UNJU TWO HEARTS showed solid improvement when 2nd at start number two back in August. She comes in here fresh after eleven weeks off and should be on pace. (11) NONSTOP DUTY and (4) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK are the other placing contenders.

Selections(8) Sincheon First (1) Happy Brianna (5) Unju Two Hearts (11) Nonstop Duty
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start5, 8, 10, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) SINHAN GAMBLE will be a warm favourite here. That’s based on his last start 2nd on October 8th when, as has been his style, he went right back but then ran on strongly and was only narrowly denied the win. Three of today’s rivals were behind him and he should be beating all of them here. (2) RUN TO KING enters off a fair 4th place at this distance on September 24th. He comes into a better gate today and can aim to better that finish. (4) QUEEN OF JOY returned from five months out to run 5th of twelve over 1300M on September 22nd. She should strip fitter for that run and the step up in trip can suit. (10) ANY SINGS and (7) ROCKS are among others who can be in the hunt for the minor money.  

Selections(1) Sinhan Gamble (2) Run To King (4) Queen Of Joy (10) Any Sings
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 11

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

(4) STAR DAERO was a winner on debut over 1000M on September 1st when settling handy and running on very well. He comes up in class and significantly in trip, but neither should be an issue and he can win again. (6) BEST CHAMP got his maiden win over this distance on September 15th, settling midfield before being ridden up to the pace and then running on. He is up in class here, but the extended trip can suit, and he can measure up. (9) HWANG YO remains a maiden but has never finished outside of the top-three. That includes his latest on October 6th when on pace and 2nd over 1200M at this class. He remains lightly weighted and should be there or thereabouts again. (8) RISE THE THRONE was an emphatic maiden winner last time out and comes up in class with the potential to measure up. (10) FABULOUS BEATER is the other logical placing chance.

(more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 22)

It’s a rare Stakes race free Sunday but there is still plenty of action at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00, and Busan with 6 from 11:50 to 16.35. Here are the previews:

Yongam Boss – one of several contenders in an interesting class 1 finale at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juveniles (and one southern hemisphere three-year-old) here. The most experienced, with three starts to her name already, is (3) UWARYUNG. She hasn’t finished outside the top four and has run consistently good times. From a good draw, in this company she should be on or close to the speed and she can make the breakthrough here. (10) OHRA KHAN beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place over 1200M on debut when starting slowly but running on well. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can match or better today. (1) WHIZ RUNNER was 6th in that race on what was his debut too. He rana fast time at this distance in his trial and can improve today. There are four first-time starters and of them, (9) VELOX BOY and (6) TRAUM QUEEN look the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(3) Uwaryung (10) Ohra Khan (1) Whiz Runner (9) Velox Boy
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

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

Juvenile maidens with all tackling the 1300M for the first time. (1) YEONGWON GIANT was a much-improved 2nd at start number three on September 16th over 1200M when he raced further forward than he had done previously and finished off well. He beat several of today’s rivals in the proves and from a great draw, he can go one better today. (4) LUCKY PARTY was 4th in that race having been sent off as favourite following a strong 3rd place on debut. He’ll be on pace again here and can be given another chance. (9) PURGE KING came home in 3rd place on September 16th. That continued the steady progress that he has made since his debut, and he is another who should be in with a shout. As for those who didn’t go in the September 16th race, (6) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA looks the best. He comes in off a solid 3rd place in a good time at 1200M a month ago and Moon Se-young climbing on will tempt plenty. Newcomer (3) NAEGILUIKING another to keep an eye on.

Selections(1) Yeongwon Giant (4) Lucky Party (9) Purge King (6) Seoul Choegangja
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

More juvenile maidens. (2) EUNPA SARANG has a 3rd and two 5th place finishes from three starts to date and has posted a couple of very good times. He has got a bit far back in his races so far but he finishes off very well and if he is in striking distance at the top of the straight, he could be the one to beat. He will need to get past (4) CHEONHAENGCHAT. She has a 2nd and a 3rd on her record, both times racing on pace. She draws well to get forward here and should be in this a very long way. There are a couple of first-time starters and (6) RUBY PORT looked good in her trial, leading almost the entire way around and crossing the line a close 2nd. She can go well first up. (9) OSONGEUI BYEOL and (7) DONGJIN TEUKGEUP are potential improvers.

Selections(2) Eunpa Sarang (4) Cheonhaengchat (6) Ruby Port (9) Osongeui Byeol
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 12

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

Juvenile maidens and (4) FLYING KHAN will begin as hot favourite. After a good trial, he overcame gate ten on debut to run 3rd over this distance in a quick time. He comes into a much better gate today and should get an easier run to the front. He will take some beating. (1) AUTUMN BREEZE was an improved 3rd at 1300M on September 17th, racing handy throughout. From the inside gate, she should be close to the pace here and can be competitive again. (2) ARA NURI made good progress on her second start, finishing 3rd over this distance in a good time. She can settle just behind the leaders here and finish strongly. (11) DOCTOR CAPTAIN looks to be on the right trajectory too and along with first time starter (7) HARVEST MOON, is another to consider for the places.

Selections(4) Flying Khan (1) Autumn Breeze (2) Ara Nuri (11) Doctor Captain
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 12

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

(3) GOLDEN DRAGON remains a maiden after three starts but comes up in class here having secured back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M, both in quick times. He comes down 2kg in the weights, and from a good draw, he can make the breakthrough here. (1) MUNHAK CENTRAL got her maiden win at the seventh time of asking over 1200M on September 16th when she made all. She too comes up in class and while she only gets a 1kg weight drop, she draws well and can measure up in this company. (7) MY CENTER has placed at this class and distance and also ran a fair 6th in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August. He has consistently run good times and he should be in the mix again here. (5) DAONDI was very close 2nd to Munhak Central last time and accordingly joins her up in class with every chance of being competitive. (10) BEST CLONE another in the hunt.

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 21)

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

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies with all twelve racing for the first time. Going on trials, (11) SANSAMEUN HAMYANG is the probable favourite. She is the only one of these to have won her heat which she did by leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fair time ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She won’t need to improve much on that to contend here. (2) HOMYEONG QUEEN was of those behind Sansameun Hamyang in that September 22nd trial, but she came back out just last weekend and went through another, showing significant improvement and she shapes as one of the dangers. (6) QUERER also went through two trials, improving in the second of them, sitting handy and running on posting the fastest time of any of these in heats in the process. (12) RAON THE SIDAE and (3) EXCELLENT QUEEN are others who went through two trials and showed improvement and are others to consider first up here.

Selections(11) Sansameun Hamyang (2) Homyeong Queen (6) Querer (12) Raon The Sidae
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 11, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juveniles with five of the nine racing for the first time. They have a tough task awaiting them though as (5) DREAM ISLE was a winner over 1200M on debut on August 26th when he sat just behind the speed and then pulled away to win by four-lengths. He will be hot favourite to strike again. (3) NONSTOP DREAM is the pick of the debut-makers. She raced on pace in her trial, crossing the line in 2nd place and stopping the clock in a fair time. She draws nicely to be on pace, and she can be in this a long way. (1) MONTAUK CHAT and (4) DALKONG trialled up against one another on September 22nd and both showed promise, finishing 1st and 3rd respectively in good times. Both can be in the mix here. (6) EAST WEST went through three trials in total, leading the final one and is another who could go well.

Selections(5) Dream Isle (3) Nonstop Dream (1) Montauk Chat (4) Dalkong
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

Juvenile maidens. (1) WALTZUI YEOWANG won a July trial and then ran a good 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 2nd in a quick time. She ran on well so the step up in trip can suit and with some natural improvement, she may prove hard to beat here. (3) GEOLJAK SKY has a 4th and a 2nd in two starts so far, both over 1000M. She too has been doing her best work late on so the additional furlong may be beneficial, and she can be dangerous. (9) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE ran a fair 4th on debut over 1000M in a slow race on a dry track. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can improve today. (5) MORNING BOLD and (8) HANGANG GLORY others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Waltzui Yeowang (3) Geoljak Sky (9) Heunghaeng Bulpae (5) Morning Bold
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(10) VELVETY is the one to beat here. She has been gradually figuring things out across five starts so far and enters with back-to-back 3rd places in her latest two appearances, both over 1300M. Despite the wide draw, in this company she will probably be on pace, and she won’t need to improve very much to win. (5) SHARP SUNSHINE is yet to finish in the top two but as been 3rd or 4th on no fewer than six occasions. She comes back in trip today and should be there or thereabouts. (8) POWER ETCHED also drops down in distance. He comes in off his two best performances to date with a 2nd and a 4th over 1400M and 1300M and he can be in the mix here. (3) BARO CHAMPION and the returning (2) CHROMITE are others to keep safe.

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 20)

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Nine imported juveniles with seven of them racing for the first time. Amng the experienced pair is (7) DESPITE WIN, who is already a winner having scored on debut over 1200M on September 22nd when he settled back and ran on well. He previously trialled up well over this distance and the race experience means he gets the nod. (4) VICE ROYAL qualified in decent order in August but then went through another voluntary trial on September 9th, practically making all and crossing the line 1st in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he will be a big danger. (1) TROUBLE MARINE similarly improved in a second trial, settling back and running on. She may want further but that could be true of the top pick as well and she can put in a bold showing first up. (9) BREEDO PRINCE and (5) CHONGAL among plenty of others who hinted at ability.

Selections(7) Despite Win (4) Vice Royal (1) Trouble Marine (9) Breedo Prince
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Locally bred juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. The experienced one is (3) POWERFUL DASH and he’s raced twice, both at 1000M, improving significantly to 4th in the second of them settling handy and running on. The step up in trip can suit and the racing experience may be key. (10) JEONSEOLUISUNGAN didn’t qualify at the first attempt but looked much better second time around, running on strongly for 2nd in a fast time and beating a couple of the others who go here. He looks the pick of the first timers. (11) SKY YEONGUNG also went through two trials, in his case voluntarily. He too improved in the second of them registering a good time and hinting at ability.  (8) SAMAKUI KKOT and (9) MORPHEUS other newcomers with potential.

Selections(3) Powerful Dash (10) Jeonseoluisungan (11) Sky Yeongung (8) Samakui Kkot
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with ten of the twelve racing for the first time. (6) BREEDO WIZARD only trialled up last Saturday, but he looked good running a quick 2nd. He was a long way back behind a proven winner (Geuma Deft) and while he comes to the races very quickly, if he can run like that again, he has a fair chance. (4) BURUI TONGCHI was an ion -ace 3rd in his heat in September. He draws nicely to lead first-up and he should be in this a long way. (12) FLYING RACER actually won her trial, settling midfield and running on. The time wasn’t quick, and she has the challenge of the widest gate, but she clearly knows what her job is. (8) HWANHUIUI MOON beat a couple of these on his way to a good 2nd in a fair time in her trial and should be in the mix. Of the pair with prior experience, (10) WONDERFUL KAYLAN looks to have the most potential to improve.

Selections(6) Breedo Wizard (4) Burui Tongchi (12) Flying Racer (8) Hwanhuiui Moon
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies. (6) BEST LEADER was a significant improver at start number three over this distance on September 24th when she led for much of the way around, ultimately getting taken down late and finishing 2nd. She draws well enough here to lead again and will be in this a long way. (4) DIA GRIT has only raced twice so far and did show improvement in the second of the She has the fastest time among these for the distance and with more improvement can be a danger. (9) DAY BY DAY has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest couple. She comes in off a fair 4th over 1300M a month ago and should be aiming to better that here. (1) VICTOR PARTY was monumentally slow in two starts this summer but has since been back to trial where she posted a surprisingly super time when 2nd. If she brings that form, instead of her prior form, to the races, then she can be in the mix. (11) THUNDER GONGJU another with the potential to improve.

(more…)