The final leg of the delayed 2021 Korean Triple Crown finally takes place at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Just eight runners will compete but they include Heat Yegam and Winner’s Man, the winners of the first two legs of the Series. Before that, racing gets underway on Friday with a seven-race card from 12:40 to 18:00. All betting locations will be open but attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(3) WIND HIGH stepped up to this distance at start number three on October 8^th and recorded a good 3^rd place having sat handy throughout. She draws nicely here, carries the same light weight, and has solid claims to make the breakthrough. (1) ANNIKA GIRL has been knocking on the door for a while and took a step forward with a good 2^nd place over this trip on November 7^th, having settled well back. The inside gate gives options to her rider and she should be close at hand again here. (9) BARAM GONGJU was caught wide and then well back at her latest start over 1300M before flying home in the closing stages for 3^rd place. She went well at this trip three starts back and should be doing her best work late on again. (8) PICTURE JASPER is another who comes in off a last start 3^rd. (4) SEONGSIL SONYEO the logical next best.

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

The exposed form here isn’t great. (4) UNBRIDLED QUEEN tackles this distance for the first time and is the only one in the field who has a 2^nd place finish to her name. She has the ability to run on and with Seo Seung-un returning to the mount has as good a chance as any of making her breakthrough here. (3) WORLD FLOWER comes in off two consistent performances at this distance, last time overcoming a wide draw to run on well for 4^th with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She gets a much better gate today and should be going close. (8) OMEGA GIRL comes back in trip after recent outings over a mile. She has posted a decent time at this distance and in this company should be competitive. (5) GOLDEN BROOM hasn’t done much in three starts so far but likewise hasn’t done much wrong either. His best finish is a 4^th over 1000M but he stuck to his task over 1200M last time and can be in the mix here. (6) NEW FRESH has slowly shown signs of improvement and is another with minor money hopes.

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

He may have only finished in midfield in his latest two but (8) WILD BLUE has the fastest time among these over the distance and today finds himself in more amenable company. Expect him to sit on pace or handy here and he can win. (1) CHEONHA NUMBER ONE comes up in class having scored his maiden win at start number eight over 1200M on November 5^th. He came from a handy position that day, finishing off well and while he comes up to this trip for the first time, he draws nicely and carries a light weight. (9) ADELE SMART is the only one of these to have already won at the distance and that alone makes him a contender again here while (5) HAVE A GOOD TIME didn’t go well on his previous try at 1400M but draws much better today and if he can get on pace, then he has claims. (3) GOOD STAR another with minor money hopes.

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(10) OREUDA showed good speed on debut on October 15^th to quickly get to the front and run on to win over 1000M. This is further and slightly harder given that it’s up in class but with some natural improvement he looks very much in this. (7) TTEUGEOUN MANNAM is the big danger. Since resuming following nine months out, she has a 2^nd and a 3^rd to her name, both at this distance and the latter at this class three weeks ago when she sat just behind the speed throughout and was beaten only by a couple of decent ones. She has a real chance here. (12) KING ALLIE was a winner on debut back in April and followed it up with consecutive 3^rd place finishes. He hasn’t raced since July but looked very well when winning a November trial in a fast time and while the wide draw doesn’t do him any favours, he should be competitive first-up. (6) CATCH THE VICTORY and (3) TWO TWO LIME are others in at least the placing frame.

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(11) LANE KILLER got his maiden win over a mile two starts back before running 2^nd at this distance on his first attempt at class 5, beating three of today’s rivals in the process on November 19^th. He does come up slightly in the weights and drawing wide is never easy at 1800M in Busan but he is very much the one to beat here. (3) CENTUM THOR ran 4^th in that race. He is yet to win in eleven attempts but has consistently gone close and has strong claims on another money finish here. (6) OLD CHEONHA is up in class and distance following a maiden win at start number five over a mile on November 19^th. His racing style suggests that he should cope with the additional furlong and he can’t be ruled out. Nor can (8) ACE FOUR TEN, who has good experience at this level and is rarely far away. (7) DOCTOR PRO another who could place.

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(7) DOCTOR TAKE came from midfield to comprehensively score over this distance on November 12^th. He comes up in class here but there isn’t too much to fear and he has every chance of winning again. (2) SEUNGNI TOUT looks to be the main rival. He’s been a model of consistency at this class and comes in after a good 3^rd over a mile at his latest start in November. He comes up 3kg in the weights but draws nicely and must be considered. (6) GREAT DANCE was a solid class and distance 4^th on November 19^th and should be in the mix again while (5) DONGBANUI SIJAK comes up in trip following a decent 2^nd place at 1400M. The latter comes down in the weights and looks very nicely in here. (1) YEONGBONGSAN, a class and distance winner at odds two starts back is another one in the frame in a competitive race.

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

It’s about time (10) ROCKY SKY returned to the winner’s circle. He has won just the once from fourteen starts but has finished as runner-up on no fewer than seven occasions, most recently at his last start when racing against several of today’s rivals at this class over 1400M on November 14^th. The wide draw may not be ideal but he should be the one to beat here. (5) BABEL HIT was the winner that day, coming from well back to score. He comes up 3kg in the weights as a result but warrants respect. (9) AMOR FATI is up in class after an all the way win over 1200M on November 5^th. He carries a really light weight here and should measure up in today’s company. (4) GEUMA PSYCHIC ran 6^th in that November 14^th race, positing a fast time, and should be aiming to get closer today. (6) RAON THE POWER was an also-ran in the November 14^th race but has plenty of speed about him and can be given another chance.

There’s plenty to still be decided in what’s set to be a hectic final month of 2021. There is the final leg of the Triple Crown to come, plus the conclusion of the race for champion filly and mare, as well of course as the big one, the Grand Prix Stakes on Boxing Day. The first item on the agenda is to decide Champion Juvenile and that will be resolved in the Korean Breeders’ Cup (KOR G2) at Busan on Sunday. Things get underway at Busan on Friday with 7 races from 12:40 to 18:00. Moon Se Young is among several Seoul based jockeys in town for Sunday’s race, who also have rides on Friday’s card. Also in action will be Kim Hye Sun, who reached her latest career milestone last weekend. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile filly maidens open proceedings. (9) QUEEN’S DAERO has run well for 4^th and 3^rd in two starts so far, finishing both in fair times. She comes in off six weeks out and draws marginally better and with You Hyun-myung climbing aboard, could make the breakthrough here. Kim Hye-sun rode four winner last Sunday and she has solid claims to pick up where she left off with (3) HANEUL MISO. She significantly improved at start number two on November 7^th when prominent throughout and only narrowly beaten into 2^nd. From a good draw she will be on pace again and can go one better. Among the first time starters, (7) GREEN PAPAGO was the fastest in trials, coming from off the pace to run on well. She has fair claims first-up as does (2) GLOBAL YEOSIN who was on pace throughout her heat and ran 2^nd in a similarly decent time. (12) ALL CROWN wasn’t especially quick in her trial but she did cross the line first and is another to take note of.

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

(3) CHIEF OFFICER returned from three months out to run a significantly improved 2rd place at 1200M on November 5^th, beating a couple of these in the process. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights which would normally be a red flag given he had done nothing prior to it, but the form in this race is so patchy, that 3^rd is enough for him to go on top. He was ridden on pace for the first time that day and despite the additional trip should be again. (2) HERO MAN came from off the pace to run 6^th at this distance on November 14^th. He draws better today and seems to be the main danger. (1) OBAEK JANGGUN ran 8^th in the same race, running on from an unpromising position. The time he recorded there, while not fast, is enough to put him in the mix in this company. (11) DOCTOR CANDY is another who showed some signs of improvement at her latest appearance when 4^th behind Chief Officer at 1200M. She along with (12) RHIANNON POINT, should be in the placing frame.

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

(3) BEOLMAUI STAR was an all the way winner over 1000M on debut on November 5^th. He comes up in both class and distance today but should have enough about him to handle both and he can win again. (11) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT ran 2^nd in both his first two starts before finding things touch in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup on his first try at 1300M. He should have come on for that and while the draw isn’t ideal, he can be given another chance today. (4) SUNSET MELODY was a winner at this distance on debut at class 6 level and while she weakened to 6^th place on her first try at this level on November 7^th. She should be in the mix here, as should (1) GOLDEN who finished one place ahead of her in 4^th in that race having led for much of the way around. (10) NAMED returned from six months out to run 8^th of eleven in a fair time at this trip on November 14^th and can build on that run here.

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) B. K. MARSHALL has never been worse than 3^rd in three starts so far and got her breakthrough at her latest outing when she settled back before running on strong to score at this distance on November 7^th. She comes up in class again here but finds herself in very amenable filly only company and looks to be the one to beat. The main danger is perhaps one of the three first-time starters. (2) UNBREAK led in her trial ultimately crossing the line a close 2^nd place. The Shanghai Bobby filly draws nicely to get on pace again and could well be dangerous. (5) HAPPY WITCH has run consistently decent times at this distance and while it seems she has found her level in this class, she can run into some money here. (3) MASTER QUEEN and another debut-maker (8) GEUMA MAIA are others who could go well.

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

Competitive race here. (1) WONDER BLADE has been a model of consistency across seven starts so far, with two wins to his name. He comes up in trip to a mile for the first time but there is no reason it can’t suit and from the inside gate, he has solid claims. Similarly consistent is (11) QUEEN HARLEY. She beat three of these on her way to 3^rd place over 1800M on November 12^th and while she is up 3kg on her class and distance win two starts back, she still gets weight from Wonder Blade. She doesn’t need to lead so the draw shouldn’t be too disadvantageous. (5) GOLDEN KAISER was 4^th in the November 12^th race and is another one in the hunt to match or better while (6) QUEEN VRONSKY comes in off a smart class and distance 2^nd on November 5^th. That was a big uptick on her recent form but she only comes up 1kg in weight and can go well again. Up in class (4) ADELE CROWN, a front-running winner over this trip on November 5^th, is another to be considered.

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(7) SPEED MATCH was sent off as an odds-on favourite at this class over 1400M on November 5^th but dipped coming of the gate and then bumped another horse, losing position. While he worked home very well, he couldn’t quite get there and had to settle for a 2^nd. They come up in trip today and Speed Match can overturn the form on that day’s beneficiary (4) SUNLIGHT BOY, who grabbed an early lead and never let it go, holding off Speed Match by a Head on the line. He comes up 3kg but draws well to get on pace again and must be taken seriously. (2) FLAT BABE is another up in trip following a good win at this class over 1400M on October 22^nd. She broke fairly that day before taking up the running at the top of the straight and finishing off well. She comes up a full 4kg but can be competitive again. (6) TOHAM STAR comes in off a strong 2^nd behind the very good Domination over this distance at the end of October and along with (3) JUST WIN, is another in at least the placing frame.

Busan Race 7: Class 2 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

(5) B. K JOHN comes in having won his latest two in fine style, both at this distance and most recently at this class when he beat several of these handily on November 5^th. He comes up 3kg in the weights but draws nicely enough and should have too much again. (3) GEUMA MYSTIC was second-favourite in that November 5^th race but from a wide draw struggled to find position and his challenge never really arrived. He has run well at this distance though and from a much better gate today, he can be given another chance. (10) DIAMOND MARINE crossed from gate eleven in the November 5^th race to lead until the middle of the home stretch before battling on gallantly for 3^rd. He scarcely draws any better today but can place again. Among those who didn’t run in that race, (12) JANGSAN DOKKI and (9) YEONGSEONG ACE are perhaps the best.

It‘s President’s Cup weekend with the big race taking place in Seoul on Sunday. Before that the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 7 races from 12:40 to 18:00. All betting locations across Korea are open (at least for now) with an attendance cap of 80% of indoor capacity. There is no walk-up admission available and reservations must be made through the MyCard app. Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open the card with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. Having won a September trial, (8) SEOGWI PLUS debuted in a n all-filly race at this distance on October 24th and ran around in 2nd place the entire way, well-beaten by a good winner but comfortably ahead of the rest of the field. She won’t need to improve much on that to win here. The main dangers look to all be first-timers. (6) COLORFUL WIND crossed the line 1st in her trial having sat handy and finished off nicely. It was a fair time and should stand here in good stead here. (7) SKY JEJUHYANG made all to comfortably win her trial in an unhurried fashion and should enter the calculations. Likewise, (10) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG and (4) GREAT CAPTAIN came home 2nd and 3rd in their trial and both can have claims to go well first-up.

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this big field class 6 maiden. After two goes at 1000M and one at 1400M, registering consistent times in all three, (10) GOLDEN POWER tackles this distance for the first time and is perhaps ready to win. She ran on well for 4th last start at 1000M and this could suit. (6) CHEONGMA POWER too looks to be working her way towards the winner’s circle. She has the join-fastest time of any of these for the distance and comes in having run a good 2nd and 3rd in her latest two. Today and apprentice takes 4kg off her back and that could be what she needs to make the breakthrough. She’ll most likely be on pace from the start and can go all the way. (11) LOOKING CAT is one of only two in the race who has won already, albeit all the way back in January over 1400M. She hasn’t raced since March and while she only trialed adequately, shouldn’t be overlooked. (4) DOCTOR TANGO has offered nothing in three previous outings but fairly bolted up in a trial two weekends ago and can be given another chance here. (2) UNBRIDLED QUEEN another in the hunt.

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (3) MISS GO here. Her win came in a super time two starts back over 1000M and she then ran a solid 4th in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy on October 31st. She comes up in trip but from a good draw she can lead and it would be a surprise were she to be beaten. (4) FANTASTIC LEADER comes in following a good 2nd place over class and distance on October 24th when he sat midfield before running on and only very narrowly missing out. He comes up 3kg in the weights but should be competitive. (7) NICE WORLD came home in 3rd place in that October 24th race, continuing his run of very consistent form, finishing between 2nd and 4th in all five starts so far. He surely continues that record here. (12) INDIAN PART is yet to win in eighteen tries but is rarely far away with eight placed finishes. He doesn’t need to lead or be on pace so the draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can go close. (8) KING BROTHER another in the hunt.

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) WONDERFUL FAGER returned from five months out to get his maiden win over 1200M less than two weeks ago on November 14th. He looked full of running that day and while he is up significantly in distance time, they can strike while the iron is hot again here. It’s a competitive race though. (5) QUEEN OF HEARTS comes in following a decent class and distance 2nd place three weeks ago and from a nice draw can aim to repeat while (9) WONDERFUL WORLD is another up in class, in his case following a good win at this distance on November 12th when handy early before striking the front on the turn and running on well. He can measure up at this level. (3) K K WON is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has a solid placing record as well as the fastest time among these at a mile. From a great draw, he’ll be on pace and has solid claims to go close again. (12) LUCAS SUN generally makes up excellent ground late on and will surely be coming home strong. If he doesn’t leave himself too much to do, he’ll be dangerous.

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) DOCTOR CAESAR won his first two races at 1000M and 1200M, the latter at this class, before taking his chance in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy, when he set a tough early pace before ultimately ending up in 3rd. He returns to shallower waters today and under a light weight and from a good gate he should on the lead from the start and prove very hard to beat. (10) MUJEOK BULPAE has proved very consistent across his nine starts to date. He beat a couple of these when 6th at his latest outing in a hot race over 1400M on October 31st and steps back in trip for the first time in a while. He has finished as runner-up on no fewer than five occasions and can do so again here. (3) WINNING DANCER has registered fast times in 2nd and 4th in his latest two. He runs on strong and should enter the calculations. (2) AMAZING FOOT and (7) BURNING FLY the best of the rest.

Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

A winner of five from eleven so far and of both his latest two, (1) DOCTOR FASHION is the one to beat again here. He comes up 3.5kg from his latest score at class and distance on October 8th but from a great draw on the inside can get to the lead from the start and should have too much. Draw a line through the latest outing of (11) B J MISS when well beaten in the Luna Stakes Oaks trial over a mile in October. This should suit much better and while she is drawn wide again, she carries a very light weight and can be in the finish. (7) COPY THAT was a very good winner over this distance first-up on October 10th. He then ran 4th over 1400M on his first try at this class two weeks ago and can keep his good run going here. (4) YEONGGWANGUI TIME and (8) FUTURE KING are others with placing claims.

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(3) ALPHA STAR was an all the way winner over a mile at class 3 level on October 1st. Up in class and in distance today, he draws nicely and while this is significantly harder, he has claims to win again. (12) MAN OF TOP beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance on October 22nd, continuing a recent run of good form. Gate twelve over 1800M at Busan is never easy but he doesn’t need to lead and if he can find a decent position then he can go close. (2) POKPUNG EONDEOK was a smart class 4 winner over a mile two starts back before running a very good 2nd to Fantastic Man at this class and distance back in August. This is his first start since then but he draws nicely and should figure in the finish. (9) QUATTRO MAX and (8) YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT are among others who should be in at least the placing frame.