Seoul & Busan Sunday – Sports Chosun Trophy: Race-by-Race Preview (March 20)

The Listed Sports Chosun Trophy at Seoul is the feature race of the day but there is plenty going on across the cards, including appearances by the likes of Eoma Eoma, Morfhis and East Jet in a big handicap. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 plus 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Eoma Eoma runs in Seoul’s feature Sunday handicap

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies kick things off and we’ll be happy to side with the solitary first-time starter. That’s (7) DREAM ROSE who comes in having performed well in a trial two weeks ago when she led for much of the way around, ultimately crossing the line just half a length behind last year’s Oaks winner Choegang Black in a decent time. If se brings that kind of form to the races, she can produce a bold showing first-up here. (6) CONCORD QUEEN will dispute favourite status. After an indifferent debut, she has done well in her latest two, racing prominently throughout. She’ll be on the speed here and has every chance. So too (4) SONGAM BEST, who has run 3rd in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. She too is likely to be up on the early speed and can go close. (1 ) ARCH RIVER ran through the line well enough on debut and may appreciate the additional trip today. (8) TOP POSITION another one in the frame for improvement.

Selections(7) Dream Rose (6) Concord Queen (4) Songam Best (1) Arch River
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More maidens here, this time with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) CONCORDE SPURT is the one to beat having finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far including his latest when coming from midfield to run on well for 2nd place. He draws a better gate today and should have too much. (2) EUREKA has run well for 4th in both his latest two aces, the most recent of which was over today’s distance. He ran the same time for the 1200M as Concorde Spurt and looks one of the more credible dangers in this field. (8) PURPLE WORLD ran a good 2nd on debut over 1000M on January 29th. He should have come on for the experience and there is no reason the additional furlong can’t suit. Of the first timers, (9) CHAPEL PRINCESS looks the best placed to make an immediate impact having won a trial at the end of January. (1) RAON THE CHUKJE can potentially improve having received a good draw for the first time.

Selections(3) Concorde Spurt (2) Eureka (8) Purple World (9) Chapel Princess
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go past (2) KING CRUSH here. He has been consistent across his seven starts so far with his best being 3rd place two starts back over 1300M. He has run fair times and from a nice draw should be hard to beat. (4) DONGSEO YEOGEOL is the only runner in the race with a 2nd place to her name, which she achieved four starts ago in early December. She can be on pace here and should be in this a long way. (5) P N S HER has three 4th place finishes from six starts so far, including her latest two. She has also recorded the fastest time among these for the distance and should be aiming for a career-best finish in this company. (10) SINJURYU has a best finish of 3rd. He tends to settle back and tries to run on so the wide draw may not be a concern. (8) MYEONGJIN CANDY the only other one in the race to have hinted at much ability so far.

Selections(2) King Crush (4) Dongseo Yeogeol (5) P N S Her (10) Sinjuryu
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

One of two first-time starters, (1) HAMYANGEUN SANSAM looks the one to beat here. He wasn’t ready when trialed for the first-time last September but looked a totally different prospect when on pace throughout and crossing the line first in another heat in February. Drawn nicely on the inside, he won’t need to improve much on that to win. (2) SEOGWI CHUKJE ran fairly for 5th at start number two on February 11th, going right back and then running on over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can be a bonus here. (7) SPECIAL WIND was 6th in that same race on what was his debut. He should have come for that and with natural improvement can be aiming for the places here. (4) ALL CROWN and (8) UNJU STAR look the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Hamyangeun Sansam (2) Seogwi Chukje (7) Special Wind (4) All Crown
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (4) MAGIC TIDE was a winner at this class over 1200M two starts back before finishing 4th on her latest outing, again at 1200M, on February 19th in what was arguably tougher company than this. She has run a fair time at this distance and while she comes up in the weights, she gets a better draw than last time and will be favourite to strike here. (7) COOL PRINCESS has also run a good time for the distance and comes in looking as though she is working towards another victory with a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two outings at 1200M and 1300M. She has settled back in midfield in those but may be ridden bit further forward today and can be a danger. (3) HAPPY SOCKS will need a line drawn through her latest when she struggled from a wide gate. Much better drawn and slightly down in weight she can be given another chance here. (10) CHEONEUNCHONG comes up in class having got her maiden win at start three on February 13th. She is up in trip too but in this company should measure up. Also up in class, (11) LAGERTHA is another to consider.

Selections(4) Magic Tide (7) Cool Princess (3) Happy Socks (10) Cheoneunchong
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A very tricky race. (9) BLUE CARSON has been as consistent as any across her eight starts so far – i.e., she has mixed her form but has a 3rd and a 2nd to her name at this distance as well as fair times. The draw won’t matter so much, and she can make the breakthrough here. (4) WIND CROSS comes in following a good 3rd place over 1400M during which he led at times. He should be on pace again today and can be in this long way again. (11) INDIE MAGIC was a good 2nd on debut and while he had a hard time on his second appearance on February 25th, that was his first try at 1200M and he can have come on for that run and be in the mix here. (10) B.K. HANA and (2) ARTIE’S GAL are others who should be in at least the placing frame.

Selections(9) Blue Carson (4) Wind Cross (11) Indie Magic (10) B.K. Hana
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Good race. (6) TITAN SOCKS is the top pick and probable favourite. He is yet to finish outside the top-five in four starts which includes a win over 1200M at class 6 level back in January. At his latest start on February 26th, he stepped up to this class and distance and sat midfield before running on for 3rd. He carries the same weight today, draws better, and may take some beating. (3) DAEMUL comes up in class and distance having got his maiden win at start number two on February 19th when handy throughout and running on to win very well. He comes down a couple of kilos in weight and there is not reason why he can’t measure up in this company. (5) RUNNING NUMBER ONE was a winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back and while he could only manage 6th on his first try at this class on February 19th, he can be given another chance today. It’s been a while since (4) AMAZING WHIZ was in the winner’s circle, but she is a model of consistency and this is the kind of race she knows how to find the minor money in. (10) BRAVO SOCKS and (1) THAT’S MY BOY, the latter along with Running Number One the only previous winner at this distance, are others to consider.

Selections(6) Titan Socks (3) Daemul (5) Running Number One (4) Amazing Whiz
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 19)

Saturday’s racing is from Seoul where there are 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Seoul Saturday

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open the program. (3) DAEBAK STAR overcame a wide draw to run 2nd on his latest start back in January. He has had a couple of months off since and from a much better gate will be the one to beat here. It’s the draw that puts him clear favourite over (10) RIVER TAEYANG. The latter has finished 4th in both starts so far, most recently at this distance on February 20th when he ran on well. Plenty will take note of the jockey booking and he is sure to be well backed. There are four debut-makers and among them (11) TRIPLE JOY and (8) PERMISSION TO WIN trialed up together on February 18th coming home 2nd and 3rd in the heat with fair times. In this company, both should be competitive first-up. Retuning to those with prior experience, (2) WIDAEHAN HANMA is perhaps the most likely to improve.

Selections(3) Daebak Star (10) River Taeyang (11) Triple Joy (8) Permission To Win
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies (and one mare) here. (8) FIRST ROAD will be the hot favourite. She’s raced six times so far with a best finish of 2nd place coming over 1200M last November. At her latest two outings, she has overcome wide draws to run close and stepping up to 1400M for the first time, should have too much for this field. (6) ONE MORE RUSH comes in off a good 4th place at 1300M on February 19th when handy and running on. She has the best start among these and should be on pace here and in this a long way. (5) GALSAEK HYANGGI, by contrast, runs best when coming from off the pace. She can drop in here from a good gate and run on strong at the business end. (10) ZEROBAEK FIVE and (1) HAPPY DREAM are others who should be competitive.

Selections(8) First Road (6) One More Rush (5) Galsaek Hyanggi (10) Zerobaek Five
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) BLACK KING was a much-improved 2nd when stepped up to this distance on February 27th when he sat midfield and ran on, beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. He carries the same weight today, draws well and could go one better. The step up in trip seems likely to suit (3) MUSTANG POWER. He has run on well in each of his three starts to date at shorter trips but has left himself too much to do each time. The two-turns should be what he needs, and he has solid claims here. (1) CLOUTER came home in 3rd place behind Black King in that February 27th race. That was his best finish in fifteen starts but in this company a repeat or better shouldn’t be ruled out. (11) HANI too comes in off a best finish of 3rd place. The draw does her no favours but she can be competitive again here. (2) EPIPHANY another in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Black King (3) Mustang Power (1) Clouter (11) Hani
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 12

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

Competitive race but it’s hard to go too far past (12) GOOD NISEN. An all the way winner over 1200M at class 6 level two starts back, he was sent off as favourite for his first try at this class and distance on February 13th but having settled back in the field, could only run into 3rd. Despite the wide draw, he is worth another chance today. (9) CHEONGDAM WICKED returned from eight months out to run 6th of fourteen over this distance on February 27th. She has shown plenty of ability before the layoff and should have come on for that run so improvement can be expected. (2) POWER K won well on debut over 1000M, before putting in a fair run when 3rd at this class over 1200M at the end of January. From a great draw, he can get an easy run to the lead and will be in this a long way. (8) LONDON QUEEN has the fastest time among those who have raced at the distance before and along with the up in class (6) SAINT LUCCA is another who can go close.

Selections(12) Good Nisen (9) Cheongdam Wicked (2) Power K (8) London Queen
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 12

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

(4) EUNHYE got his maiden win at start number four on February 20th, making all over 1200M. He comes up in class here but that’s tempered by a better draw and a slightly lower weight and though he will need to find improvement, he can win again. (3) JILJU BORN is the main danger and could stat favourite. He has run consistently good times at this distance, including his own win two starts back, and at his latest on February 19th when he overcame a wide draw to run 3rd, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. (7) SKY MANGCHI reutrns to action after six months off, He has shown plenty of promise before his setback and looked very well when winning a trial two weeks ago, leading every step of the way. He’ll obviously need this but can be competitive. (12) HANGANG BOSS, up in class after a maiden win a month ago, and (8) JEONGSANG FIGHTING are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Eunhye (3) Jilju Born (7) Sky Mangchi (12) Hangang Boss
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 18)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open although attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Busan Fridays

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies to kick off proceedings with five of the ten racing for the very first time.   The favourite will be (4) ART KELLY. She has raced twice previously, improving to 2nd on her second appearance on February 18th, when she came from off the pace and worked home well. She’ll be hard to beat here. The second favourite will be one of the first timers, (8) BURNING PASSION. The Hansen filly trialed up nicely two weeks ago and a bold showing can be expected in this limited company. Another debut maker, (5) SEOBU TEUKGEUP also trialed in an encouraging manner and can go well here while (3) FANTASTIC YEOGEOL also hinted at some ability in her heat. As for the others with experience (1) DAEJI PERFECT was 3rd on debut, albeit in an utterly plodding time, and can be considered here.  

Selection(4) Art Kelly (8) Burning Passion (5) Seobu Teukgeup (3) Fantastic Yeogeol
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (7) BARBELL POSEIDON, who has raced fairly across his four starts so far with a best of 2nd over 1000M. At his latest, he ran on for 5th at this distance and with Seo Seung-un climbing aboard today, could be ready to win. Possible betting favourite is (8) YOUNG BOSS. He was a much-improved 2nd at big odds on February 18th over this distance when he settled back and ran on and he could go one better here. (1) YONGGARI too has shown improvement across his latest two including 3rd place last time out over 1300M. The time wasn’t fast, but he draws very nicely here and can be in the finish again. (5) DOCTOR CANDY and (6) CHIEF ONE are others with the potential to improve.

Selection(7) Barbell Poseidon (8) Young Boss (1) Yonggari (5) Doctor Candy
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(5) KING GRACE has been working towards a win across his ten starts so far and will be hot favourite here following his latest couple of showings at this distance which ended in 5th and 2nd. His racing style is to settle back in the field and run on and he will probably do similar here and should prove too strong late on. (2) ANNIKA GIRL has lost her way a touch in her latest two but the step up in trip today may help. She was badly away last time from a wide draw but from a better gate she should go well here. (4) BARBELL STORM similarly had a rough time from gate fourteen at his latest start over 1200M a month ago. He has a 3rd place to his name at this distance and can find his form again here from a good draw. (1) HERO MAN and (7) HAEUNDAE BLUE are others in the placing frame.

Selection(5) King Grace (2) Annika Girl (4) Barbell Storm (1) Hero Man
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

This is a very open race. We’ll go with (11) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO, who has been finding her feet at this level with fair performances in her latest two. She has shown a bit of sped in the past and while the draw may not be in her favour as his best results have come when leading early, she can return to winning ways today. (10) MENIFEE SONG weakened on his first try at this class over a mile on February 13th. He won at this distance two starts back at class 6 level and the furlong drop should suit today. (6) USEUNG GANGJA comes in off a 3rd and a 4th at class and distance in her latest two, both at big odds. She’ll run on here and should be in contention for a place again. The up in class (7) GOSUUI POWER along with (9) DALYEORA VOLPONI are others who should enter the calculations.

Selection(11) Yeongcheon Solemio (10) Menifee Song (6) Useung Gangja (7) Gosuui Power
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) SANGIM YEOWANG comes up in class having scored her maiden win at start number two on February 20th when she sat handy and ran on well over this distance. She draws well again and looks to have plenty of scope for further development, making her the one to beat here. (4) RAON THE FLASH is yet to win in six starts having been promoted to this class after three 3rd place finishes. At her latest start she led for much of the way around, ultimately finishing in 4th place and can be on or close to the speed again and be in this a long way. (8) ANASTASIA too led her latest outing ultimately coming home in 2nd place. She’ll be on pace again and will be competitive. (1) SEOBU QUEEN can have a line drawn through her latest and along with (10) HANEUL MISO is another in the hunt.

Selection(2) Sangim Yeowang (4) Raon The Flash (8) Anastasia (1) Seobu Queen
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(2) GEOMEUN SSONSAL returns to action for the first time in more than six months but is set to be favourite first-up here. He recorded two wins in five starts before the layoff and they were in fast times at this distance and at 1400M. He looked well when trialing two weeks ago and if he has any of his previous form about him, will be hard to beat here. (7) NAMDO QUEEN runs consistent, if unspectacular, times at this distance. She has very much found her level having been rapidly promoted at the start of her career, but this is the kind of race she can go close in. (3) ENDLESS RUNNING weakened late on over 1400M at his latest start, something he has done twice at that distance now. This is a more suitable assignment, and he can go close. (1) CHEONNYEONUI QUEEN and (9) JERA are others to consider for the places.

Selection(2) Geomeun Ssonsal (7) Namdo Queen (3) Endless Running (1) Cheonnyeonui Queen
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) DOCTOR FAITH comes back in trip after recent good work at a mile and further, most recently leading for much of the way over 1600M only to finish 2nd. He is an on-pace type and should get the lead here and will take some getting past. By contrast, (1) KING BROTHER likes to come from off the pace. His solitary victory came at this distance, and he will settle back here and run on strong again. (6) ACHIM BIT finished ahead of King Brother last time out when they ran home in 3rd and 4th places. He doesn’t win out of turn either but has an excellent record of money finishes and can go close again here. (4) PURE KING is another who comes back in trip, and it may well suit. (2) GLOBAL TOP another with placing claims.

Selection(5) Doctor Faith (1) King Brother (6) Achim Bit (4) Pure King
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(1) HANEUL ULLIM is developing into a handy stayer who has won at this class and distance and at his last start was hampered early when a close 2nd. He is nicely drawn today and can settle handy to midfield and is sure to make his presence felt. (3) CLEAN SHOT must be considered on his last start when a good 2nd under set weight conditions, beating plenty of these. The handicap favours him more today and he looks right in this. (2) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU is a galloper on the improve and can have his latest start disregarded when he had to contend with a wide draw. His previous form was very sound for a race like this. (6) QUATTRO MAX is a model of consistency and while he doesn’t win out of turn, he is always in the mix and worthy of thought. He is versatile and comfortable to settle from midfield to handy to the leaders place again. (9) TUHONUI BANSEOK another in the hunt returning from a layoff

Selection(1) Haneul Ullim (3) Clean Shot (2) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (6) Quattro Max
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 13)

There is racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:50) on Sunday. All betting locations are open (except the Daegu branch), however, attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Tiz Plan is among those in action on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open the program. (3) GOLDEN THUNDER looks the one to beat, having improved to 2nd place at start number two on February 13th when beating three of today’s rivals with an on-pace showing at this distance. He draws better today, should be on the speed again, and can win. (6) THE FAVORITE didn’t run on at her latest start in January. She had hinted at some ability in her three prior starts though, showing a bit of speed and is worth another chance here. There are two debut-makers and of the pair, (8) STAR RACER caught the eye in his trial, crossing the line well ahead of the rest. The time wasn’t fast but in generally, trials have been slowly run of late and he can make an immediate impact first-up. (12) PURPLE STORM and (11) SIRIUS ALPHA others who can find the minor money.

Selections(3) Golden Thunder (6) The Favorite (8) Star Racer (12) Purple Storm
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies here. We’ll take a chance on one of the two first-timer starters, (4) TIZ SUCCESS. She went through two trials, significantly improving in the second of them, running through the line very well in a good time. She draws well here and looks right in this. (6) MENI SPEAR will probably start as favourite. She ran 4th on debut and then improved to 2nd at start number two, both over 1000M. Her style so far has been to be on pace, something she is well drawn to do again, and she will be in this a long way. (2) BE FLOWER also comes up in trip having run 3rd in both starts so far. The extra furlong can suit today. (11) GORGEOUS SERVE took an age to get into stride on debut but should have come on for that and be given another chance here. Similarly (3) BLOOD MOON beat a couple of today’s rivals when running on for 6th place. She has a better draw today and can be competitive.

Selections(4) Tiz Success (6) Meni Spear (2) Be Flower (11) Gorgeous Serve
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (10) BE CRAZY here. He comes back to this distance following two good spins over 1300M which yielded a 3rd and a 4th. He doesn’t draw ideally but should have enough early speed to navigate his way to the front and from then on will be very much the one to beat. (9) SOARA DAERO has a 2nd and two 5ths in three prior outings and has registered the fastest time of any of these at the distance along the way. He too has good early speed and can sit on pace or handy here and can be a danger. (6) EUNHYE DREAM has made progress in her latest two with a 3rd and a 4th, both times coming from off the pace and making up good ground late. Expect similar here. (12) RAON THE WILD and (8) BADAUI KKUM have mixed their form, but both have hinted at ability and could make the minor money in this company.

Selections(10) Be Crazy (9) Soara Daero (6) Eunhye Dream (12) Raon The Wild
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small but competitive field here.  (7) EUNSEONG WINNER could be ready to win. She has two 3rd place finishes from her three starts to date, including her latest on February 20th when she came from well back to run on well over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and Franco Da Silva remains aboard. (3) B.K. NEW MOON was an improved 2nd at her second outing on February 13th over 1200M. She recorded a fair time and is another who may suit the slightly extended trip today. (1) WONDERFUL CUTIE came home in 6th place behind Eunseong Winner on her most recent appearance but two starts back was runner-up over 1000M. She is nicely drawn on the inside here and looks to have at least placing claims. (6) HONOR’S MARGAUX and (5) HAPPY SONG SONG have the potential to improve.

Selections(7) Eunseong Winner (3) B.K. New Moon (1) Wonderful Cutie (6) Honor’ s Margaux
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(8) SONGAM RACER enters off his best finish to date when 3rd over 1300M, running on well. Like five others, he tackles this trip for the first time and his running style suggests that it can suit with him expected to sit off the pace here and then finish strongly. He could be too good. (7) BLACK INDY looked very much as though he needed the run when well back over 1400M on January 29th, on what was his first start since last June. He drew very wide that day so had plenty of excuses and with a bit of natural improvement from that run, can be much more competitive today. (4) POSA POSA comes back in trip following a couple of tries around two turns. This should suit a little more and he can aim to at least repeat the 3rd place he scored at 1300M last December. (9) APPLE MINT and (1) M J STORM are others who can enter the equation.

Selections(8) Songam Racer (7) Black Indy (4) Posa Posa (9) Apple Mint
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(8) SAEROUN HAMAN has impressed in two starts so far, running 5th and 3rd over 1000M and 1200M and at his latest came from off the pace to run on very pleasingly. He comes up slightly in trip today and it could be what he needs to come out on top. (3) GREAT ONE comes back in trip after strong of runs at a mile, including his best finish to date of 2nd two starts back and has run fairly at this distance so in this company, can be considered. (6) DAEHO NURI comes up in trip after some adequate showings over 1200M including a 3rd place two starts back in a decent time. His running style has generally been to go back and run on so it may well suit here. (1) AGAIN HELEN and (7) SOUTHERN KING are others who may be considered for the minor money.

Selections(8) Saeroun Haman (3) Great One (6) Daeho Nuri (1) Again Helen
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

A big field and a competitive race here. (4) SHOWMAKER could be working her way towards a second victory. She enters off the back of two consecutive 3rd place finishes, both at this class, over 1400M and 1300M. She has good early speed compared with most oof her rivals here so can use a good draw to get a little further forward today and may go all the way. (6) HYPER CAR is potentially the betting favourite. He did well at this attest start to overcome gate fourteen to run 5th at class and distance and the time before ran a good 2nd. His times at the distance are consistent and while he remains a maiden after fourteen attempts, that could change here. (12) WANGINGHAENGCHA beat Hyper Car on his way to 3rd place last time out at class and distance. He has trialed up adequately since then and could be in line for another place here. (2) EUNHYE CHUNGMAN and (7) CURRERECUS are others who enter the calculations.

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 12)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are nine races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations (except Daegu) are open although attendance must be pre-booked with the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open the capital’s Saturday program. (9) MORNING PEARL is the one to beat, having raced consistently across five starts to date, including a 2nd place over 1200M and a last start 4th at this trip in a time faster than any of today’s rivals have achieved. She tends to go back and run-on but in the absence of much speed here, may be ridden further forward than before and be hard to beat. (10) NAMSAN MUJEOK improved at start number two when 5th over 1200M. His times have been underwhelming but the further slight step up in trip may suit and he won’t need to have progressed much to be in the finish here. (3) RESERVED JOHN finished off nicely for 3rd place on debut and with some natural progression can put be in the frame for at least another place. (5) THUNDER FLASH and (6) G STAR others to consider.

Selections(9) Morning Pearl (10) Namsan Mujeok (3) Reserved John (5) Thunder Flash
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (12) EUNHYE SERVE was sent off an odds-on favourite on February 13th but got too far back and while she finished off well, could only manage 5th, her worst finish to date. She’s not exactly got the best of the draw here but on her form prior to last time is probably worth another chance today. (4) KKANGDORI significantly improved at her latest start on February 13th when 2nd over 1300M having been handy throughout. The same apprentice keeps the weight light, and she can repeat from another good draw. (5) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE was 8th in that February 13th race, weakening in the closing stages. She has shown bits and pieces of ability prior to that though and the slight drop in trip brings her back into contention today. (1) GUK HYANG and (9) ELITE RULES are others with at least placing claims.

Selections(12) Eunhye Serve (4) Kkangdori (5) Neoreul Eungwonhae (1) Guk Hyang
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 7 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Small field but plenty enter with recent form reading well and among them (2) GRAND STAR appears to be the one closest to a win. He comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance and has also recorded the fastest time of any of these at the distance. He can lead or sit handy here and may take some beating. (4) THUNDER HORSE was scarcely involved from a wide draw over 1300M last time out but instead we can go on his 4th place at this distance two starts back in January. He settled in midfield and ran on that day and can go close again today. (7) BLOW MIND comes up in trip following a good 3rd place over 1300M in January when he went back and ran through the line well. The additional distance can suit and with only four stats behind him, there looks to be scope for ore development. (8) GREAT JENNY and (6) COUNTRY ROAD are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Grand Star (4) Thunder Horse (7) Blow Mind (8) Great Jenny
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) WONDERFUL K was sent off as favourite at class and distance on February 12th having won at this distance in the past and having posted some decent times. He led almost the entire race only to be denied by a nose on the line and under the same weight and a good gate today, has every chance of going one better. To do that, he will need to overturn the nose on the horse who beat him that day (1) VIKING HEART. The Cowboy Cal four-year-old sat handy throughout before getting in front at exactly the right time and while he had mixed his form prior to that, he too carries the same weight, draws very well, and has every chance of a repeat. There was less than a length back in that February race to (11) CAPTAIN BRAVO, who crossed the line in 3rd. He rarely misses the minor money and should be there or thereabouts again today. (10) CHEONGSAN GANGHO has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and along with the up in class (6) DIA POWERCAT, are among others to consider.

Selections(3) Wonderful K (1) Viking Heart (11) Captain Bravo (10) Cheongsan Gangho
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 11
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 11)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday where there is an eight-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open except for the branch at Daegu which will stay closed this week due to the ongoing forest fires in the area. Attendance at any racecourse or OCB must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens get things underway. Having won a January trial, (3) TRIPLE THUNDER was well-supported on debut at this distance on February 18th and having raced handy throughout, he finished in 4th place in a fair time. He should have come on for the experience and has claims here. In that race, Triple Thunder was half a length behind (1) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK in 3rd. The latter was improving at start number two, and he came from well off the pace. He draws much better today, gets Perovic aboard and a bold showing can be expected again. Those two will probably dispute favourite status but the solitary debut-maker may have a say. (5) FUSAICHI looked well when trialing, running on well and 1200M may suit first-up. (6) BAEK GU and (7) CHEONGHO BOSS are others to consider.

Selections(3) Triple Thunder (1) Widaehan Seontaek (5) Fusaichi (6) Baek Gu
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

This lot all have patchy form so it’s hard to have too much confidence. (7) YEONGSEONG QUEEN is the only one to have a runner-up finish to her name, something she achieved at start number two at 1000M. She sandwiched that result between two clangers, but Kim Hye-sun, who rode her to that 2nd, returns and in a much smaller field she can sit a bit closer and run on. If you value consistency a little more then (2) VICTORY NINE is the one to side with. He has raced fairly in his last few outings and comes in off an unspectacular 6th of 12 over 1300M a month ago. Unspectacular would be enough to see him close here. (4) GOLD SWEET won a trial in January and while she offered nothing on debut, she can be given another chance here. As for the rest, (9) DOCTOR TANGO did manage a 4th place four starts back, while (8) WONDERFUL REALTY has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before.

Selections(7) Yeongseong Queen (2) Victory Nine (4) Gold Sweet (9) Doctor Tango
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(7) SEOGWI POINT will be a warm favourite here. She stepped up to this distance at start number six on February 20th and recorded her best finish to date with 2nd, beaten half a length in a blanket finish following a slowly run race. She may be ridden a bit more forward here and, on that performance, is the one to beat. (9) LINE BREAKER was 4th in that race, les than half a length behind Seogwi Point. That was his third 4th place finish in four starts so far and he will be coming on strong again late today. (3) JIN MARK is another who tends to do her best work late on although she is yet to crack the top-two from thirteen starts. She comes back in trip to the distance at which she got her best result to date, and she can place here. (1) BOUNTY HUNTER and (8) NEW CROWN are among others in the frame.

Selections(7) Seogwi Point (9) Line Breaker (3) Jin Mark (1) Bounty Hunter
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) ONE RUSH is yet to finish any worse than 5th in five starts to date with her best being a 2nd over this trip two starts back. She ran 4th on her latest showing on February 11th, alongside a few of today’s rivals and this looks to be her race for the taking. She will though need to reverse the February 11th form on (10) RAON THE MILLION, who was handy throughout and equaled her best finish to date in 3rd. The same apprentice keeps the weight light, but she doesn’t draw well and may not have as much improvement in her as the favourite. Keep her safe though as she should be in this a long way again. After an inauspicious debut, (1) NAREUCAT has two 5th places and from the inside gate can continue to progress here. (8) MY PAL showed significant improvement last time and along with (3) SUSO POWER are others to take under consideration.

Selections(7) One Rush (10) Raon The Million (1) Nareucat (8) My Pal
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Competitive race for fillies and mares. We’ll keep faith with (6) STELL LUNA, who had a difficult day at the office over 1400M on her first try at this class on February 13th when she worked up to midfield from a wide draw but then weakened. She come back slightly in trip, has a much better gate and with Perovic up, she looks worth persevering with. (10) CHEONGMA HWANGHU is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has finished in the top five on no fewer than eleven occasions. She overcame the same gate to run 4th at her latest start at class and distance and is tactically versatile. Expect another solid performance even if she may again find at least one too quick. (3) DOCTOR KONGSUNI also remains a maiden but is on an upward trajectory. She comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finished over 1200M and while up slightly in trip too, she has run through the line well and from a great draw is a contender. (9) GREEN PAPAGO is up in class following her maiden win and along with (4) BEST WIND is another in the frame.

Selections(6) Stell Luna (10) Cheongma Hwanghu (3) Doctor Kongsuni (9) Green Papago
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

There is a warm favourite here in the shape of (10) H DAY. A winner over 1000M at class 6 level two starts back, he got a long way back on his first try at class and distance on December 17th but worked home well for 5th. He comes in here fresh and with a better early position, is the one to beat. (12) JATNAMUGIL similarly was a maiden winner two starts back at class 6 level, in his case over this distance, before running 5th on his first try at this class on February 25th. He likes to get on or close to the pace so he may need a bit of luck at the start, but he should be a danger here. So too (11) HARDY CHARLIE, who also goes best when on pace and his latest two finishes, both in 4th, are enough to see him into contention here. (7) CHEOGANG CUPID needed the run on his return from a lengthy absence in February. He has some ability though and has run fast times at the distance so be worth a chance at an each-way price. (6) HOT PLAY and (9) DOCTOR PRO are others with placing claims.

Selections(10) H Day (12) Jatnamugil (11) Hardy Charlie (7) Choegang Cupid
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start7, 11, 12, 13

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A very competitive race. (7) LANE KILLER was a winner over this distance at class 5 level two starts back before running 4th on his first try at this class on February 18th when he got a long way back and left himself too much to do. He does carry more weight today but is worth another chance in this company. (8) SONHADOR won back-to-back races at the end of last year to get promoted to this level and then ran a fair 3rd on her first crack at it over 1400M on Boxing Day. She has had a couple of months off since and while she comes up in trip and in the weights, has strong claims here. (3) BOLAVEN tackles two-turns for the first time too. His sole win so far came at 1200M, but he has run fairly at 1400M too. He is nicely weighted and drawn and can go close. (9) DASEUNG E and (10) ADELE CROWN among others with at least placing chances.

Selections(7) Lane Killer (8) Sonhador (3) Bolaven (9) Daeseung E
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 8: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) WINNER STAR may only have won one of his eight starts so far but it came in the Rookie Stakes, and he ran 3rd in the Breeders’ Cup championship juvenile race in early December. He swerved the Classic trial over 1400M last Sunday and lines up here instead having already run encouragingly enough twice over this distance. He draws well and will take some beating. (4) CHOEGANG LIGER enters in the best form of his career with two wins from his latest four including at this class over a mile. He comes up a furlong here, but he has been finishing off his recent races well and he should be competitive from off the pace again. (7) DUMUSAN too has been consistent across his latest starts, all of which have been at this distance. He tends to go back and run on and can run into the money again. (5) QUEEN HARLEY and (9) TOHAM STAR are others to look out for.

Selections(3) Winner Star (4) Choegang Liger (7) Dumusan (5) Queen Harley
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

Seungbusa & Man Of The Year End Long Training Droughts In Classic Trials

The last Triple Crown season may only just have entered the books less than three months ago but we’re already just over a month away from the 2022 renewal and on Sunday, Seungbusa and Man Of The Year staked their claims by winning the main Classic trials at Seoul and Busan.

Seungbusa & Jang Chu-youl return to scale after winning the Sports Seoul Cup (Pic: KRA)

At Seoul, the 2021 Champion Juvenile, Complete Value, unbeaten in five starts last term, including the Breeders’ Cup championship race, was favourite for the Sports Seoul Cup, the capital’s principal trial. Also lining up were Nonghyup Chairman’s Cup winner Aspen Taeyang and Nonghyup and Breeders’ Cup runner-up Double Edge, among a ten-strong field.

It would be 5/1 chance Seungbusa who got the jump on the pack though, bounding out of gate eight under jockey Jang Chu-youl and into an early lead in the 1400M Listed test and from that moment on, the rest never looked like getting to him. The margin on the line was just over a length from the fast-finishing Complete Value, who got a little far back and was then wide around the turn. Aspen Taeyang was a further half-length back in 3rd.

Complete Value, perhaps caught a bit far back early and then a little wide around the turn, finished well and while he suffered his first defeat, there was nothing about the run that suggested he won’t still be a leading contender for the first leg of the Triple Crown, the KRA Cup Mile, in April.

Seungbusa is a colt by Mischievously and out of the Flatter mare T P Mc G. Bred by Bae Eun-jeong, he is owned by Kim Gwang-myeong and trained by Jung Ho-ik. He has now won five of seven starts in total and never finished worse than 3rd.

Trainer Jung Ho-ik was winning his first Listed or Stakes race of any kind since 2009 and he was understandably delighted although the gameplan was simple: “We needed to get in front of Complete Value and make him come past us. When Complete Value was gaining in the last part of the race, I was nervous but confident in our horse. He didn’t quite manage to get a big race win as a two-year-old, but he had been training well and we will carefully prepare him for what’s next.”

For jockey Jang Chu-youl, it had also been a long time between Stakes winning drinks. “I won my first big race in 2012 (Cheoneun in the G3 Owners’ Association Trophy), when I had only been riding for two years, and I admit I really didn’t think then that it would take ten more years to get back here. I know now just how hard it is and how much work is required to get here again.”

At Busan, Rookie Stakes winner and Gimhae Mayor’s Cup runner-up Man Of Year was sent off as favourite for the south-coast track’s Classic trial, the Gyeongnam Shinmun Cup.

And Man Of The Year duly obliged, sitting handy early before asserting his authority as the field turned for home and running on to win by a full three-lengths from Captain Yankee, with Beomi Naeryeo Onda a further four-lengths away in 3rd.

Man Of The Year is a colt by Federalist and out of the Menifee mare Over Speed. He was bred by Ko Seok-hoon and is owned by Shin Yoon-gyeong and trained by Kim Byung-hak. It was his trainer’s first Listed or Stakes winner of any kind since taking out his license in 2004. 

Now a winner of two from seven, Man Of The Year was ridden by Franco Da Silva, who firmed up his status as one of Korea’s all-time leading visiting jockeys. He won the Korean Derby on Ecton Blade in 2018 and has ridden in excess of 250 winners since his 2016 debut.

The first leg of the 2022 Korean Triple Crown is the KRA Cup Mile and will be run at Busan on Sunday April 17.

Classic Trial Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 6)

It’s been less than three months since the last Triple Crown series finished but what with the Three-Year-Old Championship moving back to its usual place on the calendar, we are just over a month away from the first leg the KRA Cup Mile at Busan on Sunday April 17th. Therefore both Seoul and Busan run trials on Sunday with the Sports Seoul Cup in the capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Cup at Busan, both Listed races over 1400M. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting branches are open and while the vaccine pass system has now been ended, attendance myst still be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Complete Value was champion Juvenile last year and kicks off his 2022 campaign in the Listed Sports Seoul Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings. (7) YESULIYA shapes as the one to beat having hinted at ability across five starts to date including an on-pace 2nd place over 1000M at his latest. He also has the fastest time among any of these at today’s distance and is likely to be on the lead early with claims to go all the way. (12) PURGE DAY was an improved 2nd place over 1000M on his second start back in November. He comes in here following seventeen weeks off and while the draw isn’t ideal, this looks a nice race to return in. (9) P N S GOLD ran a good 2nd on debut and while she hasn’t quite managed to build on that yet, Moon Se-young climbs back aboard and she should be in the frame today. First-timer starter (11) SAEBYEOK BAND put in a decent trial and can be considered first-up with (10) CASH BACK also entering the calculations. 

Selections(7) Yesuliya (12) Purge Day (9) P N S Gold (11) Saebyeok Band
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look far past (1) FINAL CHARM here. He ran on well from a wide gate for an improved 4th on his second start on January 29th, running on well. There isn’t much early speed here so he may be on pace from the start and be hard to run down. (6) DISCO BOY is the logical second pick. He has come on from well back in his two starts so far to finish 6th and 5th. He comes up in trip today and in this limited company, should be finding at least the places. Those two should fill out the quinella as the form drops off a cliff after them. (3) MIR BEST from a good draw may improve, while (4) MONEY TAP too made-up ground after a bad start last time and can sneak some minor money too. (8) DONGBANGUI HON perhaps another one capable of getting round.

Selections(1) Final Charm (6) Disco Boy (3) Mir Best (4) Money Tap
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Another hot favourite here, this time in the shape of (4) DREAM SPEED. She has finished in the top five in five of her six starts so far and has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two. She tens to settle handy or midfield and should have way too much for this lot. (8) SHINE MUSIC comes back in trip after a spin over 1700M when she led but weakened in the home straight. She possesses the fastest time of any of these over today’s distance and has much chance as any of placing. (2) BANGTAN YEOGEOL and (3) DDATTEUTHANBIT can both be forgiven their respective latest outings. Both have performed fairly at this distance and should be in the placing frame here. (9) FYING BARIBE another with minor money hopes.

Selections(4) Dream Speed (8) Shine Music (2) Bangtan Yeogeol (3) Ddatteuthanbit
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small field and probable warm favourite in (8) FLYING THE CHAMP. After a nondescript debut, he was a much-improved 3rd on his second start which came over 1300M on February 13th in a good time. In such a small field the outside gate shouldn’t be a problem and he may take some beating. (4) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG came from well off the pace to run a fast-finishing 2nd over 1200M on February 11th, very nearly getting to the winner. The additional half furlong can work in his favour here and he will surely be coming on strong late again. (5) DONGBU WORLD was 4th behind Eunseong Yeongung in his racecourse debut. He’d previously been through plenty of trials, worked home well and can build on that performance here. (2) PHANTOM ACE and (7) DOCTOR KONGDOLI others to consider.

Selections(8) Flying The Champ (4) Eunseong Yeongung (5) Dongbu World (2) Phantom Ace
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

(2) BLACK MASK has raced three times and finished as runner-up on all three occasions, twice at 1000M and most recently at 1200M. That’s enough to send him up in class here but that shouldn’t matter as from a great draw he should be on pace from the start and can lead all the way. (8) TES GO DAEBO looks to be the main danger. He too is up in class following a maiden win at start number four, but it had been coming. He can settle handy here and run on. (9) FLEX QUEEN will need a line drawn though her latest when she was slowly away from a wide gate and never made an impact. She has run well at this distance at class 6 level though and with a better start can challenge for the places. (4) ROCK FIGHTER too had a hard time at his latest when drawn wide but from a much better gate today can be given more of a chance. Another up in class following a last start win, (7) DIAMITE is another to keep safe.

Selections(2) Black Mask (8) Tes Go Daebo (9) Flex Queen (4) Rock Fighter
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(9) UNJU BULPAE looks to be working towards a win with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1200M. He has raced at this distance too, posting a fast time (albeit at a time when the track was extremely fast). He will be expected to be on pace or handy here and could well have too much. Both Kim Young-kwan and Djordje Perovic are in form, and they team up here with (6) WONDERFUL FILE. The filly was much improved at her second outing at this distance on February 18th and will tempt plenty here. (11) SKY JEJUHYANG has got forward in all three of her races so far. She doesn’t draw well here but has good early speed and can go close again. (4) HWARANG BRAVO and (7) BLUE CAPTAIN are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(9) Unju Bulpae (6) Wonderful File (11) Sky Jejuhyang (4) Hwarang Bravo
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 11

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

(6) EUNSEONG MARU was a good winner on debut over 1000M when coming from a handy position and running on but whatever could go wrong did on his reappearance at this class and distance on January 23rd. He pulled hard early before his saddle shifted forward at the 1000M and then he came back slightly lame. He has been back in work since mid-February and can return to winning ways here. (10) BYEOLBIT BOSEOK is yet to win in nine attempts but has six top-four finishes including at his latest start on January 22nd when he was 3rd at class and distance, settling midfield and running on. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights but should be going close. (9) NEW HOPE also comes in off a good 3rd last time out and while up in class can measure up. (11) NONSTOP CAT comes up a couple of kilos in the weights on a good 2nd place last time but should be competitive again. (4) TANK SOCKS will need to be forgiven his latest two, first over 1700M and then when getting too far back at this distance. He does have ability though and can go better this time.

Selections(6) Eunseong Maru (10) Byeolbit Boseok (9) New Hope (11) Nonstop Cat
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) LIGHT STORY has mixed his form since an impressive win on debut, but he has placed at this class over 1400M and comes in having run 4th over 1800M at his latest start when close to the pace throughout. He can return to winning ways today. The main danger is (9) YEONSEUNG BRAVO. He got his maiden win over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before running 3rd on his first try at this class on January 21. He goes best when on pace and will be aiming to get forward early here. (1) PICTURE JASPER remains a maiden but comes up in class after a good 2nd place at his latest start on February 11th. From a wide draw he got on pace and ran on well and under a lighter weight and much better gate, he can overturn the form on (6) DIA FORCE, who won that race and comes up in class too. That was a big upturn in form for the latter, but he can’t be completely ruled out here. (10) ALIVE CAPTAIN another to consider.

Selections(7) Light Story (9) Yeonseung Bravo (1) Picture Jasper (6) Dia Force
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Tricky race here as the form isn’t especially convincing all round. Without much confidence, we’ll go with (5) RUFFIAN PARK, whose sole win was at this class and distance. He also has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and comes in following a decent 3rd place finish – again at class and distance – on January 30th. He carries the same weight here and from a good draw can go well. (10) DOUBLE TAKE is yet to win in eleven but has run well at this distance, albeit at class 6 level. Choi Bum-hyun, who rode him to his best finish, climbs back aboard today and he can be competitive. (9) CHALLAN HANNAL has decent experience at this class including a runner-up finish over 1400M. In this company he should be there or thereabouts. (2) FAST TRACK and (8) REAL PACK are others in the frame.

Selections(5) Ruffian Park (10) Double Take (9) Challan Hannal (2) Fast Track
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 5)

Racing moves to Seoul on Saturday with nine races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open and while vaccine passes are no longer required, attendance must still be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. There will be a hot favourite in the shape of (5) RAON THE PEARL. She ran 4th on debut at 1000M in October before stepping up to this distance at start number two on January 16th and finishing a strong 2nd when handy throughout. She’ll be on pace or handy again here and should take some beating. There are two debut-makers and of them, (4) GREEN DRAGON could go well. She worked home well in her trial in a fair time and from a could draw can put in a bold showing. (6) GIPPEUM HWANHUI improved to 3rd at her second start on January 23rd and she can continue her positive trajectory here. (1) HERA BLADE and (9) CITY CHARM others in the placing frame.                                                                                                  

Selections(5) Raon The Pearl (4) Green Dragon (6) Gippeum Hwanhui (1) Hera Blade
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2,5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Small field here and (4) FLYING ATHENA is the one to beat. After back-to-back 6th place finishes from her first two outings, she was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over 1300M on January 30th when handy and running on. She won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (2) ORGALIM has the best time among these at the distance, recorded three starts about when 2nd in early December. From a nice draw, expect him to be on pace here and to be in this a long way. (1) WILD SOCKS was beaten by Orgalim on their respective latest starts, but he draws much better today and should be a stiffer prospect.  There are two debut makers and (6) GLOBAL CASTLE looks best placed to make an immediate impact while (3) TOUCH NINE is another in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Flying Athena (2) Orgalim (1) Wild Socks (6) Global Castle
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

Small but competitive field here. (6) BLACK ROOKIE comes back in trip following recent efforts at 1400M. She also comes down considerably in the weights. She has run fast times at 1300M, and this looks a suitable assignment today. (3) CHAMPION GAMUN comes up in class following a maiden win at start number eleven on January 23rd. It didn’t exactly come out of nothing, but it did mark a big uptick in form, and he draws well with a repeat not entirely out of the question. (7) VIENTO made all to win over this distance at class 6 level in December. Draw a line through her first effort at today’s trip when she was unable to settle from gate thirteen and she is worth another chance today. (4) ECTON JILJU and (8) WONDERFUL STORM other minor money prospects.

Selections(6) Black Rookie (3) Champion Gamun (7) Viento (4) Ecton Jilju
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

Big field. (2) JAY TROSS looks the one to beat having finished no worse than 4th in four outings to date. Her win came over 1000M when she made all at class 6 level but at her latest outings, she came from off the pace to run a very close 2nd at 1200M. The extended trip today can suit. (13) K N UNDERKING has a 2nd and a 6th in two starts at this class since getting his maiden win last October. His running style is to settle back and run on so the wide gate shouldn’t be too disadvantageous. (8) JANGSAN POISON comes up in class following his maiden win at start number three when making all at this distance in a fair time on January 29th. That was the first time he had led as he does have a decent finish on him as well and he should measure up in this company.  (4) SOUJU and (12) ICE STAR are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Jay Tross (13) K N Underking (8) Jangsan Poison (4) Souju
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 12

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

Fillies and mares only here and plenty of them too. (10) CUPID JUMBO races for the first time since getting her maiden win at start number two over 1200M on Christmas Day. She is up in class and up in trip here but looked well enough when trailing up from a wide draw at the end of January. She can win again. (11) WONDERFUL SHADOW comes up in class and distance too following her own maiden win which came when she made all over 1000M on January 23rd. She might not get such an easy lead today but can be considered again here. (5) QUEEN OF BEST has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She comes up in weight today but that’s softened a little buy a better draw and she can be competitive. (8) SOEWAKKOT and (3) K N MENIQUEEN among others in the hunt.

Selections(10) Cupid Jumbo (11) Wonderful Shadow (5) Queen Of Best (8) Soewakkot
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 4)

The weekend’s racing will be headlined on Sunday the Classic trials at both Busan and Seoul. The southern track gets things underway though on Friday with an eight-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open but attendance should still be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens kick things off with five of the nine racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (2) KING SATURDAY. Draw a line through his latest outing at 1400Mwhen from gate ten he got on pace then weakened, and instead go on his first two when he went close at both 1000M and today’s 1200M. From a good draw and against modest opposition he will be hard to beat.  (3) YEONGCHEON POWER ran fairly at this distance before and looks the logical second pick while among the first-time starters, (1) GOODBYE RABBITS went the best in trials and from a favourable draw should be aiming for the money first-up here. (5) FANTASTIC MAGIC and (7) POWER GUY are others who could plausibly place.

Selections(2) King Saturday (3) Yeongcheon Power (1) Goodbye Rabbits (5) Fantastic Magic
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens, this time with three of the eight racing for the first time. We’ll side with one of these first timers, (8) MARIA’S GAL. She was on pace in her trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place and with a bit of natural progression from that looks the one to beat here. (7) GASOK DAY hasn’t exactly shown much in the way of speed in two outings to date, both at 1000M, but she has managed to finish 5th and 4th. The slight step up in trip can suit and she should be in the finish here. So too (3) CROWD ONE who made a significant improvement to 2nd at start number two January 9th. She comes up in distance as well and has claims. (2) ADELE GOLD and another first-time starter, (4) DOKBO are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) Maria’s Gal (7) Gasok Day (3) Crowd One (2) Adele Gold
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) PLAY THE INDY has finished 5th in both starts so far, both at 1000M. He worked home fairly enough on both occasions and up in trip and with a nice draw is the one they need to beat here. (4) INTO MARINE races for the first time since last July. He had hinted at some ability in five outings with the best being a 3rd place over this distance. He trialed up fairly at the end of January and can pick up from where he left off here. Draw a line through the latest from (8) BAEK SEOL QUEEN when she was slowly away and never made an impact over 1400M. Her prior form was relatively promising, and she looks worth another chance in this company (5) SORI TAEPUNG and (3) WONDERFUL SMARTY are others who should be in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Play The Indy (4) Into Marine (8) Baek Seol Queen (5) Sori Taepung
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (8) ARTIE’S GAL, who comes in after a 3rd and a 5th in two starts since returning from several months off. She has the best start among these so should be able to get on pace early and may be able to hold on. (6) GREEN CHEETAH has been improving across four starts so far with her best being her latest over this distance on February 13th when an on-pace 3rd. She will be up on the speed again and can go even closer today. (3) SPEED SUNSHINE didn’t offer much in early appearances but looks to be figuring things out with two 4th place finishes and a 3rd from his latest three. He too will be aiming to get on to the early speed and can maintain his positive run of form here. (9) GALLOP BOY and the first-time starter (4) CUTE GUY are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Artie’s Gal (6) Green Cheetah (3) Speed Sunshine (9) Gallop Boy
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go far past (4) ORANGE GARAGE here. He stepped up to this distance on January 28th and beat a few of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place having sat handy throughout from gate eleven. He gets a much better draw today, will be on pace from the start, and won’t be easy to beat. (3) KING GRACE beat Orange Garage when the pair came home 4th and 5th over 1400M two starts back before running 5th on his first try at a mile on February 11th. He shapes to be the main danger here. (8) HIT RUNNER was 6th behind Orange Garage at his latest start and can be competitive again here while (6) MAJOR FORCE has run a decent time at the distance and comes back up in trip following a good 4th over 1200M when coming from well off the pace last time out. (1) DANGDAE BLUE the best of a limited rest.

Selections(4) Orange Garage (3) King Grace (8) Hit Runner (6) Major Force
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A competitive race. (11) CHEONGMA YEONGUNG was a winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back before overcoming gate fourteen to run a good 2nd on his first try at this level on January 21st making up excellent ground late on. He doesn’t get the best of the draw again here and is up a little in the weights but should be running on strong again. A good draw makes (3) HAMAN BONGHWASAN the probable betting favourite. She ran 2nd at this distance on debut before winning on her second outing when making all over 1300M. She comes up in class here but remains well weighted and from a great gate will be aiming to lead all the way again. (10) INDIAN PARTY has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and enters in consistent form. Remarkably he is yet to win but has ten top-three finishes and can maintain that record here. (8) USEUNG MELODY and (9) TAEPUNGI are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(11) Cheongma Yeongung (3) Haman Bonghwasan (10) Indian Party (8) Useung Melody
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 12

Busan Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) ALIVE STAR will take some beating here. A maiden winner at 1200M two starts back, he stepped up to 1400M for his first try at this class on February 13th and ran 2nd to a good winner having been handy throughout. He comes back in trip here, draws good gate and should win. (5) QUEEN STAR was an unfancied winner on debut over 1000M last month. She came from off the pace and worked home well so while this is tougher, it may suit, and she can measure up. (1) TTEUGEOUN MANNAM finished midfield when drawn wide over 1300M at his latest start. A more favourable barrier today and back slightly in trip puts him into contention here. (4) BEAUTIFUL KING and (6) A ONE PLUS are among others with placing chances.

Selections(3) Alive Star (5) Queen Star (1) Tteugeoun Mannam (4) Beautiful King
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(3) GOLDEN POWER comes up rapidly in class having won two of her latest three, most recently a smart score at class 5 level over 1400M on January 21st when coming from off the pace and running on. Her racing style suggests a mile will suit and under a light weight she has every chance of continuing her hot streak. (11) RUN FIGHTER is ultra-consistent having finished no worse than 5th in eight starts to date. He comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd at this distance, the latest of which was at this class, and he will surely be very competitive again. (9) GALLANT WARRIOR races for the first time since winning over 1800M at class 5 level last November. He is another who should suit a mile and he looked well enough when trialing two weeks ago. (6) GEUMA STARLET and (2) ROSE BULLET others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Golden Power (11) Run Fighter (9) Gallant Warrior (6) Geuma Starlet
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7