Korea Sprint 2025 – Form Comments

SEE HERE FOR SUNDAY’S RACE-BY-RACE PREVIEW

1. MIGHTY NEO – An up and coming three-year-old who won four times and never been outside the top five. Mighty Now was a smart winner at this distance at class 2 level before running 4th at class 1 over a mile in early August, his best performances have come from on the pace. This is a tough assignment against harder opposition than he has faced before, but he can be competitive.

2. SUNRISE HAWK – A three-time winner at Listed level in Japan, the six-year-old began this   year with back-to-back runner-up finishes at the same level at 1500M and 1200M. Returning from three-months off, he was well back in the G3 Tokai Stakes at Chukyo at the end of July but that is a level at which he has previously achieved consistently good results at and he can be better here. Great draw and can be in the mix.

3. BLACK MUSK – Making his fourth appearance in the race, he was 2nd to Vincero Cavallo in April’s SBS Sports Sprint. He can mix his form, as shown when a long way back in the final leg of the series but he was a class 1 winner at the end of July by a full four-lengths. He has a strong finish on him and at his best, he is a top five chance for an in-form stable.

4. DESPITE WIN – A winner of five from eleven, he ran 2nd in the G3 Owners’ Cup at a mile in June before struggling in the KRA Cup Classic at 2000M a month ago. He has won at distances from 1200M to 2000M and looks to have more scope for development. He likes to come from off the pace and minor money is possible

5. VINCERO CAVALLO – A breakout 6th in this race last year, he has since established himself as Korea’s best sprinter with a sweep of all three legs of the Sprint Series this spring. He missed a scheduled prep race at the end of July, so he is first-up, but he went through two trials in August so should be fit. Tactically versatile, at his best, he is a winning chance.

6. ACHIM DONGJA – A stablemate of Vincero Cavallo, he gets his chance having won two of his last three at class 2 level, all at today’s distance and most recently on August 3rd when he came from a long way back. Untried against this level of opposition but he benefits from the services of Ruan Maia aboard.

7. SELF IMPROVEMENT – A rare Hong Kong All-Weather track specialist, the six-year-old was a two-time winner during the 2024/2025 season, both at 1200M. His wins have come when he has raced on or close to the pace and if he takes to the sand track and gets a good start, then he can give a strong account of himself at probable big odds.

8. MIGHTY GO – He ran a super 2nd to Vincero Cavallo in the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint at this distance in February but has struggled to recapture that form in three subsequent starts, all at Group race level. He has a smart finish and will be running on, but that recent form doesn’t inspire much confidence.

9. KING ANYDAY – It’s fair to say he doesn’t win out of turn and that he isn’t a winning chance here, but he rarely runs a bad race and was most recently 3rd over this distance at class 2 level on August 1st. He likes to race on pace or handy, but he is yet to run the kind of time that will be necessary to compete here. Outsider.

10. CARDINAL FORCE – A three-year-old who has been ultra consistent as he has moved through the grades this year, most recently landing his first class 2 level win over a mile on August 10th when on pace throughout. This is his first time tested against the elite and while he can hold his own, others will be favoured at this stage.

11. SUPER FINISH – He was 4th behind Vincero Cavallo in the final two legs of the sprint series before running 2nd over this distance at class 1 level on July 27th having led for part of the way around. More to find in this company and not an ideal draw, but he can be on or close to the speed and be in this a long way.

12. TAGANO BEAUTY – The veteran eight-year-old rounded off last season with victory in the Listed JBC Sprint at Saga and has in the past been placed at G3 level on the JRA. Remarkably in a career spanning forty-two races and stretching back to 2019, he has never raced at less than 1400M, but the ability to stay further than the 1200M can be a big plus for sprinters on the often-grueling Seoul sand.

13. CHIKAPPA – Won the Listed Hokkaido Sprint Cup and Tokyo Hai last year and he kicked off his four-year-old season with a trip to Saudi Arabia for the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint. While he had a hard time there, he showed a return to form when 4th in the Listed Cluster Cup on August 11th and could be peaking in Seoul. A big run is expected, and Yutaka Take rides, who won the race on Graceful Leap in 2017, rides. Widest gate, but the favourite.

Korea Cup & Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 7)

It’s international day at Seoul on Sunday with the two International G3 races. We’ll have full runner-by-runner guides to those in a while but for now, here are the comments for every race. There are 10 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00, and 6 at Busan from 11:55 to 16:05:

There will be new names on both the Sprint and Cup Trophies this year (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens and (2) GOOD MORNING COME will be a short price favourite. He debuted over 1000M on August 2nd and overcame the widest gate to run on for 2nd place, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He draws much better this time, the additional furlong can suit, and he will take some beating. (1) AGAIN GOOD MAN was 4th on debut in that same race, similarly coming from off the pace. He previously raced forward in his trial and given today’s draw shapes as an early front-runner. (3) POWERFUL PARTNER is the only one in the field who has raced twice, improving to 3rd at start two and she may have a fitness edge on plenty here. (8) EAN PERFECT and (9) MIGHTY BEAT hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(2) Good Morning Come (1) Again Good Man (3) Powerful Partner (8) Ean Perfect
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11

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

Not the strongest of maidens. After an inauspicious debut, (8) MUJEOK HAMDAE was an improved 5th at start two over this distance on August 3rd, coming from off the pace. With the same kind of progress here, he is a chance. (10) BEST RAZI has had an interrupted start to her career making three starts up to March this year with the best being her latest when 3rd. She hasn’t raced since but she looked well enough in an August trial and couldn’t hope for a sifter race to return in. (4) RAON SNIPER briefly showed on pace on debut on August 3rd before dropping to 6th. She should have come on for that run and be in things longer here. (6) JINJUUI SIMJANG and (5) ROAD TO STAR are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(8) Mujeok Hamdae (10) Best Razi (4) Raon Sniper (6) Jinjuui Simjang
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start4, 7, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) HEEMANGBAND remains a maiden after twelve attempts, but she has nine top five finishes including a last start 2nd at this class and distance on August 3rd. She has placed in all four of her tries at 1700M, the wide draw shouldn’t matter as she has a strong finish on her and today can be her day. She will need to overturn the form on (1) BLACK SIDAE, who won that August 3rd race, breaking his own maiden at start fifteen. He comes up 3.5kg in weight but draws well to get to the lead and a repeat is possible. (2) BEOLGYOWISU beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place in another class and distance race on August 3rd and she can be there or thereabouts again. (10) GANGCHEOL DRAGON and (9) SEUNGNI BAROWS are others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Heemangband (1) Black Sidae (2) Beolgyowisu (10) Gangcheol Dragon
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with three of the nine racing for the first time. Like most, we’ll side with the only one to have raced twice already, (7) OASIS GIJEOK. After running 7th on debut, he was an improved 3rd at start two over this distance on August 10th, racing handy and beating a couple of today’s rivals. Third up he can be peaking, and he is the one to beat. After a couple of decent trials, (5) DREAM RACER was a fair 5th over 1000M on debut three weeks ago. He should have come on for that run and can go closer here. (8) BREEDO SOL was 6th on debut behind Oasis Gijeok and can have derived benefit for the run. With the first timers not looking inspiring in their trials, (3) VORTEX and (4) SHINING ONE are perhaps more likely to have improved from their respective debuts.

Selections(7) Oasis Gijeok (5) Dream Racer (8) Breedo Sol (3) Vortex
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Fillies only here. (10) SAMJEONG LADY has won two of her last three, most recently at this class over 1200M on July 13th when leading all the way. She comes up 3kg in weight and she has the challenge of the widest gate, but she can win again. (3) BISANG BELL got her maiden win over this distance two starts back and then ran 2nd on her first try at this class over 1400M on July 26th, coming from off the pace. She only comes up 1kg in weight and she looks very nicely in here. (7) GLOBAL GISANG is up in class having got her maiden win at start number two over this distance on August 13th. She is down in weight, CC stays on, and she can measure up. (4) SPECIAL FORCE and (8) RAON SILENCE among other place chances.

Selections(10) Samjeong Lady (3) Bisang Bell (7) Global Gisang (4) Special Force
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) I AM HAPPY was 3rd on debut over 1200M on August 15th having raced on pace throughout. She should have come on for that run, she draws very well to be on pace again and those who back her here, should be happy after the race. Perhaps not with the dividend though, because she will be a short price favourite so if we are looking to get her beat, (9) DOCTOR CARA might be the one. She does mic her form but going on her 2nd place two starts back she can be in this, and Munro climbs on for the first time. (6) ANN BUNNY races for the first time since last December before which she had a best of 3rd on debut. She ran 2nd in a quick trial at the beginning of August, and if she brings that form to the races, she can be in the mix. (10) SEONGSIL WORLD and (8) GREAT STAR other place chances.

Selections(1) I Am Happy (9) Doctor Cara (6) Ann Bunny (10) Seongsil World
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (3) I AM GO has underwhelmed in her latest couple, but she has placed at this class and won at this distance. She draws well, and Kozzi returning to the ride gives her as much chance as any. (2) POETIC NUBI is yet to win in seventeen attempts but enters in the most consistent form among these with a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two. She carries a light weight and while she may find one too quick again, she should be in the finish. (10) CRAZY MARI is another maiden, but she comes up in class here after three placings in her latest three. She is down a full 4kg in weight and that should bring her into the reckoning. (4) JERAQUEEN and (8) MENI SHARK others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) I Am Go (2) Poetic Nubi (10) Crazy Mari (4) Jeraqueen
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Trophy Race Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 6)

The eve of the Korea Cup and Sprint sees an 11-race card at Seoul between 13:15 and 20:00 with no fewer than five international Trophy exchange races on the card, all looking very competitive. There will also be a “drone show” immediately after racing. Here are the previews:

Chan Famous, 1st and 2nd in the Classic Trial meet again in the SPPL Trophy – neither will be favourite (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. For once we will side with a newcomer and (4) SEONGSIL WINNER. She led for much of the way around a trail at the end of July, crossing the line a close 3rd and stopping the clock in a good time. Drawn well, if she leads, she may be hard to get past. (8) BEST CHEONHA was the next best in trials, showing on pace and also running 3rd. Moon Se-young being booked means she will have plenty of supporters. (9) HORIZON STAR took two goes to qualify but improved second time around and can also make an impact first up. Of the experienced three, (1) BLACK SUN and (7) GHOST have both raced twice and their match sharpness can see them improve.

Selections(4) Seongsil Winner (8) Best Cheonha (9) Horizon Star (1) Black Sun
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 9

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

After finishing 5th on debut, (9) NAMSAN MINYEO was 2nd at start two over 1300M on August 17th, racing handy throughout. An apprentice jockey claims 3kg today, third up she can be peaking, and she can win here. Probable betting favourite is (2) JILPUNGA, who enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes from his latest two, most recently in that August 17th race behind Namsan Minyeo. He only has a head to make up and he comes into a much better gate. After an inauspicious debut, (5) TRIPLE JENNY has three consecutive top five finishes and she should be aiming to improve again. (1) HERO CHOICE and (4) GRAND PARK are others who can be in the mix.

Selections(9) Namsan Minyeo (2) Jilpunga (5) Triple Jenny (1) Hero Choice
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

(2) FREE TIME was a winner on debut and then took a few goes to figure things out at this class before winning over 1300M on June 29th when on pace throughout. He comes up 3.5kg in weight today but that’s balanced by a similar draw to last time that should allow him easy passage to the front, and he looks to have the most upside here. (10) WINNER GLORY comes up in class and in distance having got her maiden win in comprehensive fashion at start number five on June 15th. She has had almost three months off, but she is down 3kg in weight and can measure up. (6) SHINE BOLT enters off a 2nd at this class over 1300M on August 17th at a big price and warrants more respect here. (7) HAKSAN PRINCE and (11) YES MADAM others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Free Time (10) Winner Glory (6) Shine Bolt (7) Haksan Prince
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / SPPL Trophy / KRW 150 Million

The first of five valuable Trophy races and while it is rating capped to the equivalent of class 3, it’s an absolute cracker of a race with no fewer than seven last start winners. (3) SILVER RAIN won a Listed juvenile event on this weekend a year ago but missed the Triple Crown through injury.  He won on his return at class 4 level at the end of June and then beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd at class 3 level and 1400M on July 27th. From a good draw, he can lead all the way. (13) CHAN FAMOUS won Seoul’s Classic Trial in February but found things hard in the first two legs of the Triple Crown. He returned to winning ways at a mile at class 3 on August 16th and while this may be a little short, can be worth a go at an each-way price. (10) BEST RACE is a winner of three of his last four and should be close. (11) HAKSAN SPEED and (7) GOLDEN DRAGON among plenty of other chances.

Selections(3) Silver Rain (13) Chan Famous (10) Best Race (11) Haksan Speed
Next Best7, 14
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1700M) Special Weight B / Race Coast KZN Trophy / KRW 150 Million

Capped at a rating of 80 so equivalent to class 2, and while it’s a small field, it is competitive. (3) ONE PUNCH DRAGON is a winner of six of his eight starts, including his latest three, most recently at class 2 over a mile on July 19th. He’ll be on pace and is very much the one to beat. (8) BROWN GOLD might have taken a shy at the Korea Cup stumps, but he goes here instead having won all of his last four up to class 2 and 2000M. Weight is no problem, the draw is no problem, and five in a row is not impossible. (2) GANGNAMBULCHUNGGAK is a half-brother to champion mare Jeulgeounyeojeong and he was a winner of a Trophy race on this day a year ago. He has had his setbacks since but returned from a four-month layoff to run 3rd at 1200M on August 3rd. That should serve as the ideal lead-up to this and he can be in the finish having been 2nd on his only previous spin around 1700M. (1) KING HONOR and (4) DRONE KILLER are other place chances.

Selections(3) One Punch Dragon (8) Brown Gold (2) Gangnambulchunggak (1) King Honor
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class Open (1400M) Special Weight B / Selangor Turf Club Trophy / KRW 150 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 5)

It’s International Weekend in Korea! Racing gets under way with an 8-race afternoon and evening card at Busan on Friday from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the nine racing for the first time. We generally prefer experience in these kinds of races, and this is no exception as (2) DOCTOR ACE has raced twice, improving to 3rd place at start number two over this distance on August 9th. He draws well and third up he can be peaking. The best of the first-timers is (4) YURIM ACE. She was an on pace trial winner in mid-August and if she brings that form to the races, she will be in the finish. (8) SAENAE HILL has run 5th and 4th in her two outings to date and like Doctor Ace, she can be fitter here. Newcomers (1) TOHAMSAN ONE and (9) FANTASTIC EAGLE hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(2) Doctor Ace (4) Yurim Ace (8) Saenae Hill (1) Tohamsan One
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

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

(4) SEINE GANG has raced three times with his best being his latest when 3rd at this distance on August 2nd, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. In this company and well-drawn, he should be among the early leaders and looks the one to beat. (8) QUEEN THE GOLD was 5th behind Seine Gang two starts back and then ran 4th on August 15th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. That was her best in eleven attempts but among this company, she should be aiming to better it. (7) SKY BOY raced a couple of times in the spring with a best of 4th on debut. He returns after nineteen weeks off having trialed fairly and with Tanaka on, he can go well. (3) HIT WINNER and (11) WONDER MOCCASIN others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Seine Gang (8) Queen The Gold (7) Sky Boy (3) Hit Winner
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

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

Very competitive looking maiden. (5) FINAL HIT enters off a best so far 2nd over 1300M on August 22nd, settling handier than in previous outings and running on well. A previous go at 1400M didn’t go especially well but he can be ready for another crack and has as good a chance as any. (8) DOCTOR SOLAR has been knocking at the door recently with his latest being a 3rd place over this distance on August 10th. His best finish of 2nd also came at this distance, and he can be a danger from off the pace. (4) UNJU MAGIC was a much-improved 4th at start number two on August 10th and he can continue to make progress here. (9) SOMANGUIGIL and (10) MUHAN NAREUSHA among plenty of others in with a shout.

Selections(5) Final Hit (8) Doctor Solar (4) Unju Magic (9) Somanguigil
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) ONE WAY was a winner at this class and distance on August 1st, racing handy throughout and running on. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but that’s balanced by drawing the same gate, and she can repeat. (3) BURUI TONGCHI got his sole win to date all the way back at start number two, but he has a 2nd and a 4th among his latest three, the latter on his latest on August 2nd when on pace throughout. From gate three he is a possible leader here, and a potential winner. (9) TRIPLE AXEL is a winner at this distance and hinted at a return to form when 5th on August 9th. Franco being booked catches the eye. (1) THUNDER PASSION and (6) HEAVY DUTY are others to consider.

Selections(2) One Way (3) Burui Tongchi (9) Triple Axel (1) Thunder Passion
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 31)

August concludes with daytime Sunday meetings at Seoul and Busan. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

(8) WONDERFUL N.B. returned from five months out on August 17th and ran a solid 4th over this distance. He should strip fitter for that run and can score here for an in-form stable. (10) RAON THE BELMONT has two 3rd places to her name and enters off a fair 5th at this distance on August 3rd. She has a good finish on her so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she is a danger here. (2) WHITE ROMANCE has mixed her form but going on her 3rd place two outings back over this distance has to rate as a chance in this company and from a good gate she can be on pace. (4) AWESOME STEP and (5) SPICE BAND others in line for the minors.

Selections(8) Wonderful N.B. (10) Raon The Belmont (2) White Romance (4) Awesome Step
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

After running 4th on debut, (5) STORM TROOPER was a narrowly beaten 2nd at start number two at 1200M on August 3rd having led for part of the way. He comes into a better gate today, can lead again, and third-up he can be peaking. (4) CHRYSOL PEACE did nothing on debut in January but returned on August 3rd looking much better and running 3rd over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run and can be close here. (11) GAYA STAR has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two. He has done his best work late so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can challenge at the business end here. (6) STRONG BOSS and (10) BLACK RUSSIAN are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Storm Trooper (4) Chrysol Peace (11) Gaya Star (6) Strong Boss
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare). (3) CHRYSOL STONE looked very good when winning on debut over 1200M on July 20th, leading for most of the way. She comes up in class and in trip here, but the manner of that victory suggests there is more to come, and she will be hot favourite to make it two from two. (4) CUPID K was a smart winner at this distance on July 20th, racing handy. She comes up in class but is down in weight and she can measure up. (1) ARCH RUNNER remarkably has ten top three finishes without winning. She was 3rd at this class ahead of a couple of today’s rivals over 1700M on August 3rd and with an apprentice claiming 2kg, this is the kind of race where she can pick up a prize. (8) STUNNING STEP and (11) MIGHTY CAP other place chances.

Selections(3) Chrysol Stone (4) Cupid K (1) Arch Runner (8) Stunning Step
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 10, 11

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

(1) HEY BROTHER was 6th on debut and then 3rd at start two on August 1st. Both of those were over 1000M but the step up in trip can suit and he can win here. (11) HOLY NIKE ran in the same two races that Hey Brother did, finishing 5th and 4th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but he too should appreciate the step up in trip and can be a danger. (2) SILVER STONE improved to 3rd on her second outing over this distance on August 1st when she came from well off the pace to defeat three of today’s rivals. She can be running on again here. (9) JIJONSANBANG and (6) GLOBAL FORCE are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(1) Hey Brother (11) Holy Nike (2) Silver Stone (9) Jijonsanbang
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

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

(3) CHOEGANG SPEED needs a line drawn through his latest ton August 3rd when he got too far back and didn’t run on.   Before that he was 2nd and 4th at this class, Moon Se-young stays on, and he can put in a better showing today. (2) GLOBAL HAMSEONG will be a warm betting favourite. He is a winner at this distance and has finished 2nd in both starts back from a five-month layoff. Third-up this preparation he can be peaking fitness wise and he can be a danger. (4) RAON THE AFFIRMED enters off three consecutive 4th place finishes at this class and she can be there or thereabouts again. (5) YEOWANG SOCKS and (7) CHAMP HAMSEONG also should be in the mix.

Selections(3) Choegang Speed (2) Global Hamseong (4) Raon The Affirmed (5) Yeowang Socks
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 30)

It’s an afternoon and evening program at Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 13:15 to 20:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) BLUE SUN has shown steady progress across four starts to date, culminating in 2nd place when tried at this distance for the first time on June 28th. He will be a short price to go one better over this field. (6) THUNDER LUCKY has run 3rd in both his latest two starts, coing from off the pace. He is yet to finish in the top two but has seven finishies between 3rd and 5th and should be in the mix again. (2) SAVANA CHARLIE similarly hasn’t troubled the quinella in twenty-four appearances but has no fewer than fourteen 3rd to 5th finishes. He does have a 3rd to his name at this distance and can be competitive here. (7) BLACK SMILE and (3) ALPHA FEMALE others to consider.

Selections(4) Blue Sun (6) Thunder Lucky (2) Savana Charlie (7) Black Smile
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (9) EVERY TIME ran a close 2nd in his trial, showing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he can win. (10) DANAEUN RUBY is the first runner to make the track by 2018 Champion Juvenile King Socks. She too looked good in her trial showing on pace and running 2nd. Her sire was a nine-length winner on debut and Danaeun Ruby can get him off to a good start here. (5) BEST PITCH went through two trials and in the second of them clocked the fastest time of all of these. He came from off the pace both times and should be a big danger late on.  He may start as the betting favourite. (3) SEVEN KAISER led his heat and can do the same again while we shall assume the sole one with experience, (8) CLUTCH MAN, can improve.

Selections(9) Every Time (10) Danaeun Ruby (5) Best Pitch (3) Seven Kaiser
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Maiden for imported northern hemisphere two-year-olds and southern hemisphere three-year-olds with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) SMILE DAY was ordinary on debut but ran a much-improved 2nd at start two at 1000M on July 13th, leading for most of the way and beating three of today’s rivals. He draws well to lead again, and this time can go all the way. (4) EAST BEACH went through two July trials winning them second of them when leading all the way. If he brings that form to the races, he can be a chance. (11) CRAZY STAR debuted behind Smile Day on Jul 13th and while he was well back he has since gone through two trials in fine order and can be a different proposition this time around. (8) NARO MA STAR and newcomer (5) MY MUNNINGS others to look out for.

Selections(3) Smile Day (4) East Beach (11) Crazy Star (8) Naro Ma Star
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) SMILE NAMSAN ran 2nd on debut in a very similar race to this on August 3rd, racing handy for most of it. She should have come on for that run and she will be the one to beat here. (10) JISAN FRIEND seems to be figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both in similar races to this. Today’s company is no more taxing and she should be there or thereabouts again. (3) WONDERFUL TUNE UP ran 4th behind Smile Namsan on August 3rd coming from off the pace. She comes into a better gate today and can continue to make progress. (9) RAON FINAL has won a trial since her underwhelming debut and can be given another chance. (2) MUNHAK DAESE another who can improve.

Selections(1) Smile Namsan (10) Jisan Friend (3) Wonderful Tune Up (9) Raon Final
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) GHOST CHRYSOL is yet to win in seven attempts, but he has three runner-up finishes including his latest on July 13th at this class and distance when only narrowly beaten having led close to home and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. CC stays on and he can go one better. (11) FASHION STAR was a class and distance winner on July 27th, coming from well off the pace. He comes up 3kg in weight, but the wide draw should be no problem and a repeat isn’t impossible. (6) WONDERFUL TECHNO is three starts into a comeback following almost a year out. He stepped up to two turns for the first time on August 3rd, running 2nd over 1700M, and he can be in the mix today. (5) MAGIC WITH YOU and (1) GRATITUDE other place chances.

Selections(10) Ghost Chrysol (11) Fashion Star (6) Wonderful Techno (5) Magic With You
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 29)

The twilight schedule begins at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the ten racing for the first time. (3) LEGEND HIT beat two of today’s rivals when 4th on debut of July 18th. It wasn’t the most fluent of performances as he laid both in and out throughout to the extent that he was sent back to trial, which he came through in good style. With better manners today, he is the one to beat. (7) TRICK SHOT also finished 4th on debut, in his case over 1000M on July 4th. She should have come on for the run, the step up in trip can suit, and he can be a danger. Among the first timers (4) TOHAMSAN DRAGON was a front-running 2nd in his trial and from a good draw, he can be in this a long way. (1) DEIMOS and (10) MUJEOKYI are others who can improve from their respective debuts.

Selections(3) Legend Hit (7) Trick Shot (4) Tohamsan Dragon (1) Deimos
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

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

(6) K ROYAL had eight months between his first and second starts but o his 3rd in June, he was 2nd over 1200M, well beaten by a good winner but showing improvement. The step up to 1400M can suit, and third-up he can be peaking fitness wise. (2) WORLD TAEYNAG is yet to finish in the top two after fourteen attempts, but she has run 3rd to 5th on six occasions. She has got a decent finish on her and in this company, she can be aiming for a best to date placing. (4) FAST QUEEN has a 2nd place to her name at this trip and hinted at a return to some kind of form when 4th last time out and she can be in the mix from off the pace here. (10) GRACE CAL and solitary debut maker (7) OASIS RUBY are others to look out for.

Selections(6) K Royal (2) World Taeyang (4) Fast Queen (10) Grace Cal
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) DOCTOR CHRIS went through plenty of trials, but it was worth the wait as he was a solid 2nd on debut over 1300M, overcoming a slow start to run on strongly. He should have come on for that run, the mile looks good for him, and he can win. (5) SEOBU GAMBLE was 5th in that same race following on from a 3rd place at the start before. He tackles the mile for the first time and is third-up this preparation. (6) CAPTAIN DRAGON races for the first time since finishing a fair 6th at this distance back in April, coincidentally with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He looked well when 3rd in a quick trial two weeks ago and can be a factor here. (7) REMENT and (4) SEATTLE DREAM are the other main contenders.

Selections(8) Doctor Chris (5) Seobu Gamble (6) Captain Dragon (7) Rement
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) BORYEONGJEOKTOMA is yet to win in fourteen attempts, but he has placed in three of his last four including last time out at this class over a mile. He draws well, Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and today can be the day. (4) GOOD DADDY enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class and distance. He likes to race on-pace, and from an excellent draw can be the early leader and be in this a long way. He will need to overturn form on (8) SWORD WING who beat Good Daddy when the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at this class and distance on August 1st. He likes to settle right back and run on and he can be a danger again late. (5) BABEL DREAMY and (10) FLASH RUN among plenty of other place chances.

Selections(1) Boryeongjeoktoma (4) Good Daddy (8) Sword Wing (5) Babel Dreamy
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 11

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

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 24)

Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (5) CHAM BBAREUN MAL was a very close 2nd on debut over 1000M on July 27th, racing handy throughout and almost getting up. He finished off very well so should have no problem with the extended trip, and he can win. (2) MY RUNNER was beaten by a bigger margin when 2nd on his debut at 1000M on July 5th, but he came from well off the pace to run on well. He too should have benefitted from the run and 1200M can suit. (9) KING MASTER beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place when debuting at this distance on July 20th, overcoming a wide draw to get to the speed. He will need to do similar here but should be in the finish. Of the debut-makers, (1) AMOS STAR and (12) COMEBACK HOLYMOELY look the best at this stage.

Selections(5) Cham Bbareun Mal (2) My Runner (9) King Master (1) Amos Star
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

Maiden fillies. (6) UNJU TIME has four top four finishes from five starts so far and enters off her best to date when 2nd in a very similar race to this on July 19th when close to the pace throughout. She won’t need to improve very much at all to win this. (4) TRIPLE PALMETTO has made steady progress across her four appearances, culminating in a last start 4th at 1200M. She has come from well off the pace every time and the slight step up in trip can suit. (9) TIGER ROAR also finished well on debut with her performance being better than the 7th of twelve finish suggests. She should have come on for that run and can go closer this time. (5) SMART MINK and (1) DAEHAN COCOS are other place chances.

Selections(6) Unju Time (4) Triple Palmetto (9) Tiger Roar (5) Smart Mink
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

(7) ECLIPSE TANGO has been getting closer across his five starts and enters having run 3rd at this distance on July 12th when he led for most of the way around. Moon Se-young stays on, they should lead again in this company and this time they can go all the way. It isn’t a strong set of rivals. (1) X-FACTOR was only ordinary last time out but draws better this time around and with a good start, should be in this a long way. (3) GANGCHEOL POWER got his best finish in eighteen attempts when 2nd at this distance on July 27th, settling back and running on, and that’s enough for him to be in contention here. (5) SUN GALLANT and the returning (3) HANMADIMALDO are others to consider.

Selections(7) Eclipse Tango (1) X-Factor (3) Gangcheol Power (5) Sun Gallant
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

After running 7th on debut (5) CHAMP SIDAE was a much-improved 2nd in an all-filly maiden over this distance on July 18th, racing further forward and beating a couple of today’s rivals. Franco stays on, third-up she can be peaking, and she is the one to beat. (3) WONDERFUL WIND has made progress across each of her four starts so far with 4th behind Champ Sidae in that July 18th race being her latest and best. She has a bit to find on the favourite but can get closer. (11) META V was 5th in that same race in what for her was her racing debut and she can have come on for the experience. (10) SPEED BUMP and (6) BREEDO GALLANT others who can improve.

Selections(5) Champui Sidae (3) Wonderful Wind (11) Meta V (10) Speed Bump
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) GOLD CATCHER won back-to-back races in June and early July before running 3rd at this class and distance on July 26th when she raced more forward than in previous starts. Johan knows her well, they draw well, and they can return to winning ways. (9) CLAIR BIG BANG was only ordinary on debut back in January but since coming back in June, has been excellent, winning twice from off the pace at 1300M and at this distance. She has a very quick final furlong on her compared to her rivals here and so long as she is withing striking distance, she will be a big threat late on. (6) WANGCHOEGO will need a lone drawn through his latest at 1200M on July 26th, but he has placed on both tries at this distance and can at least do so again. (4) JOY CHOENHA and up in class (11) BULGEUNTAEYANG are other chances.

Selections(2) Gold Catcher (9) Clair Big Bang (6) Wangchoego (4) Joy Cheonha
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

It’s hard to go past (4) NICE BUDDY here. She got her win at start two over 1200M in June and has since run 2nd and 3rd in two tries at this class, both times racing on pace. She draws well to lead again, and she will be expected to go all the way. (2) ROSE DRAGON returned from six months off to run 2nd at this class and distance in June. She has had a further eleven weeks off since then, but she should be fitter, and she can be close. (8) OASIS WICKY won on debut back in January but hasn’t been seen since. He appears to have been gelded in his spell away from the track and he looked well enough in a trial two weeks ago to suggest he be a danger first-up. (11) PLUTO and the up in class (3) LION MAGIC others in the frame.

Selections(4) Nice Buddy (2) Rose Dragon (8) Oasis Wicky (11) Pluto
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 23)

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

After 10 months out injured, jockey Lim Gi-won makes a welcome return to Seoul on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile fillies only with all but two racing for the first time. We will favour the experience. (5) STEEPLE ran a solid 4th on debut over this distance on July 12th, settling midfield and running on. She should have come on for that run and is the one to beat here. (1) DREAM DIA ran 6th debuting in that same July 12th race. Drawing the inside and with Moon Se-young, who rode her in trials but not on debut, will give her plenty of backers. (11) GEOLJAK TIARA looked marginally the best of the newcomers in trials, settling handy and crossing the line a close 2nd. Maia booked is a plus. (7) CATCH RACE and (10) ILLUSION FORCE are other first-timers who can make an impression.

Selections(5) Steeple (1) Dream Dia (11) Geoljak Tiara (7) Catch Race
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

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

(8) JIJON BULPAE ran a fair 5th on debut over this distance on July 20th, settling back and running on. He should have come on for that run and he can win here. (10) SILLAUI FIGHTER has run twice, finishing in 4th and 5th at 1300M and at 1200M, racing on pace both times. He has the challenge of a wider draw this time but with a bit of luck at the start, he can find a forward position and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (5) YONGBI STORM ran 5th on debut over 1000M on July 27th. He was doing his best work late so with the step up in trip and some natural improvement from his debut, he can get closer. (1) BEST DREAM and (9) ACE MATCH are others who can improve.

Selections(8) Jijon Bulpae (10) Sillaui Fighter (5) Yongbi Storm (1) Best Dream
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 10

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

(6) THUNDER FIGHTER has a 4th and a 2nd from his two starts to date, both at 1200M, most recently on July 12th when he led for much of the way around. He should lead again and this time he can go all the way. (10) THE EXCELLENT ran 5th on debut and then 4th at start number two over 1200M  on July 20th when coming from well off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. The slight step up in trip should suit and he can be a big danger. (11) SAINT WINNER is a bit more experienced and comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd over 1400M on July 26th. He may need some early luck from out wide, but he can be in the finish. (8) SMART NOTION and (1) DDATTEUTHAN WIRO others in the frame.

Selections(6) Thunder Fighter (10) The Excellent (11) Saint Winner (8) Smart Notion
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

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

(3) SONE SONJABGO comes in with recent form reading very consistently, most recently when 2nd at this class and distance on July 27th when ridden a little closer than usual. Expect similar tactics here and he can go one better. (7) KING OF DRAGON was 4th in a juvenile Listed race last autumn but hasn’t run since finishing down the field in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie at Busan last December coming in and out of work in the intervening time. He trialed up well in July and while his match fitness must be taken on trust, he could make a winning return. (2) WHITE CARLA hasn’t yet kicked on from a debut win but second-up after a couple of months off, she may be sharper today. (6) ROYAL SOCKS and (9) J ONE POWER the other main chances.

Selections(3) Sone Sonjabgo (7) King Of Dragon (2) White Carla (6) Royal Socks
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

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

(3) GANGCHEOL DRAGON returned from a six-month absence to run a strong 3rd over 1400M on August 2nd, settling midfield and running on. His sole win to date came at today’s trip and stripping fitter for that run three weeks ago, he can win. (9) RAON NORTHERN DANCE is yet to score in nine attempts, but he has seven top four finishes, including his last start 4th place at 1400M. He tackles two turns for the first time and under a light weight, it can suit. (2) BEOLGYO D Y got his maiden win three starts back at this class and distance and is much better than his subsequent two runs suggest. Drawn well again, he is worth another chance. (5) THUNDER STORM and (8) NASSAU CHAT among more in line for the minors.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 22)

The final weekend before racing switches to an afternoon and evening schedule to run through September sees the action kick off at Busan on Friday with 8 races between 11:25 and 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with all but two racing for the first time. We’ll just about side with the experience and (7) TWIN RAINBOW ran 4th on debut over this distance on July 11th, overcoming a slightly slow start to run on. She should have benefited from the experience and Seo Seung-un getting on will attract attention. Given that the other one who has raced before didn’t do much, we head to the trial videos and (2) WORLD EAGLE CAT beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 2nd in her heat and from a good draw and with Franco on, must be a chance. (9) GRAND TREE posted a decent time when 3rd in her trial and if she brings that form to the races, she can be in the finish. (3) HUIMANG SARANG and (11) NICE POWER, 3rd behind World Eagle Cat in their trial, others who can make an impact.

Selections(7) Twin Rainbow (2) World Eagle Cat (9) Grand Tree (3) Huimang Sarang
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

Small field and (2) VICTORY STORY gets the nod. He has mixed his form but his last start 3rd place on July 13th when settling midfield and running on is enough to suggest that he is ready to win here. (7) GAMDONGUI DOLPA has shown steady progress across four starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place finish at 12000M on June 13th. She comes in fresh after ten weeks off and shapes as the main danger. (3) BAEKPAL BOEUN is yet to finish any better than 3rd in twelve starts but this is not exactly a tough race and if she can get off to at least a fair start, she can be in the finish. (4) FINAL HIT and, given it is such a weak race, newcomer (5) OASIS CHAMP, are others to consider.

Selections(2) Victory Story (7) Gamdongui Dolpa (3) Baekpal Boeun (4) Final Hit
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

(6) MUHAN NAREUSHA ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on July 18th, coming from well off the pace. That was his style in trials too, so we are going to be very superficial and assume that the additional half furlong is what is required to get him home on top. The sole debut-maker is (3) EXCELLENT RUN. He was an on-pace 3rd in a fair time in the second of his trials and in this limited company, that’s enough to make him a chance. (8) EOKSAE has hinted at ability with an improved 4th place last time out, (1) BLUEORCHID and (7) TOP BLUE others in line for the places in what is a very ordinary race.

Selections(6) Muhan Nareusha (3) Excellent Run (8) Eoksae (1) Blueorchid
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) BEOLMA WINNER raced twice last autumn and showed promise but then didn’t return until this August 2nd when he beat several of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at 1300M. He should strip fitter for that run and is favoured to go one better today. (6) HWANHUI BANK was 3rd in that race, coming from off the pace to score his best finish to date. The slight step up in trip can suit, and he can be a danger. (8) HEAVY DUTY has a 2nd place to his name and comes back in trip after recent work at a mile and he can be on pace and in the finish. (7) CRUELLA and (1) GANGSEO GENIUS are others who can contend for the places.

Selections(9) Beolma Winner (6) Hwanhui Bank (8) Heavy Duty (7) Cruella
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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