Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 18)

Sunday racing is at Seoul (9 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (11:30 to 16:30). Cheongdam Dokki faces a weighty assignment in the concluding race in the capital. Here are the previews:

It was super weather in the capital on Saturday

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Eight previously unraced juveniles kick off the day’s proceedings. (5) PURPLE K will be the favourite and is the top pick. She won her trial comfortably and while she was a touch ungainly early, she settled down and ran well under hands and heels in a fast time. She’s very much the one to beat. (1) GREENBACK won her trial in fine style, cruising to the lead and then being ridden out all the way to the line. A similar performance puts him squarely in the finish here. (2) PINE FARM trialed on a very wet track and appeared to hang out a lot, putting her rider at a disadvantage. She still ran well though in a useful time and if she has learned from the experience then a place may not be beyond her on debut. (7) SEUNGBUSA perhaps looks an outside chance based on his trial placing but he veered sharply inward to the running rail on jumping, losing ground and settling a long last. With that in mind, his performance in the closing stages was commendable.

Selections	(5) Purple K (1) Greenback (2) Pine Farm (7) Seungbusa
Next Best	8
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

A maiden for three-year-olds and down and (2) PUREUN JANGMI should have the beating of these. She ran 3^rd on debut and then 2^nd on her re-appearance, both at this distance and both times having raced on pace. At her latest start she led until the closing stages and recorded a fast time. Both of those were in restricted fillies’ company but she draws well again to lead and she should make it third time lucky here. (11) GLORY SONG has done nothing too much wrong in two starts so far, including a good 2^nd place on debut over the 1000M. The extended trip today may work in her favour today. (7) DRIVE TOWN debuted all the way back in January, settling handy and running on for 2^nd over 1000M. He came back to trial in decent order in June and comes into placing contention here . (1) AREUMDAUN GAMDONG has improved across three starts so far. Last time out she crossed from gate ten to briefly lead before ultimately finishing 4^th but today, for the first time, she draws well. This should give her an easier run and she can match or better that 4^th.

Selections	(2) Pureun Jangmi (11) Glory Song (7) Drive Town (1) Areumdaun Gamdong
Next Best	8, 12
Fast Start	2, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies only here. (10) DREAM KNOCK is the favourite, coming back into action twelve weeks after the latest of three encouraging runs at this level which included a 2^nd and a 3^rd. She trialed up nicely at the end of May and her running style suggests she doesn’t need to lead so the draw is not too disadvantageous. She has every chance. (7) MISS CAMP is worth thought based on her last start 2^nd when she led before being caught near the line. The apprentice claim keeps her down in the weights and in the picture. (1) WONDERFUL GEUMSUNG has shown improvement across her four prior starts culminating in 2^nd place last time out at this distance when she was handy throughout and then ran on, registering a good time. She draws the same gate today and it won’t take much improvement for her to be in the finish. There are a couple of newcomers. (11) LAPIEO BAN is an unraced filly who did reasonably well across three trials. The jockey booking will attract plenty.

Selections	(10) Dream Knock (7) Miss Camp (1) Wonderful Geumsung (11) Lapieo Ban
Next Best	4, 2
Fast Start	2, 4, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

The sole previous winner is (3) WHITE GALLOPER, who scored three starts back over this distance, She settled back and then ran on well as is her style, and while in two subsequent starts she has left herself a bit too much to do, coming home 5^th and 4^th, she should be in the frame today under a very light weight. (10) A ONE PLUS looks ready to win after back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1300M, both in good times. At her last start, from an even wider draw than today, she settled midfield and then ran on strong, getting close to a good winner and a similar run could see her home on top here with the slightly added trip a plus. (1) CHOEGANG BEONJJEOK was much improved last time when from the inside gate, he managed to lead before ultimately running 2^nd in a decent time over 1200M. He comes up in trip today but gets the same advantageous draw and can build on that progress. (2) DAEHOMA too got his best result to date at his latest outing when 4^th at this trip. He too can take advantage of a good draw to get close to the pace and is not without a chance.

Selections	(3) White Galloper (10) A One Plus (1) Choegang Beonjjeok (2) Daehoma
Next Best	12, 11
Fast Start	1, 2, 5, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(6) THUNDER CHAMP had good recent form prior to his latest start when he got caught in a duel for the lead early and appeared to suffer for it, ending up well back behind a couple of today’s rivals. Draw a line through that and go on hos previous start over 1300M when he had a soft, relaxed lead only to go down by the narrowest of margins. He has the best start of any of these and is right in this. (11) NAUI SINHWA comes into the calculations based on his last start 2^nd when he was squeezed a little soon after the start and then settled back before running on strong. He has mixed his form but has five top five finishes from seven starts and can go close here. (10) POLKA has the fastest time of these at this distance and he has been consistent in his recent form without breaking through. He can lead or come from midfield and the draw shouldn’t trouble him too much. (4) CHEONJON can have is latest start disregarded when he dipped soon after the start before settling handy but ultimately fading. His 2^nd at the start before was much more in character and he is worth another chance here. (7) STAR RUSH the best of the rest.

Selections	(6) Thunder Champ (11) Naui Sinhwa (10) Polka (4) Cheonjon
Next Best	7, 3
Fast Start	6, 7, 10, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

It’s about time (8) HORAENGI made her breakthrough. Form seven previous starts, she has missed the top five on only one occasion and has consistently recorded good times. She has raced on pace and also come from behind and has been beaten by better foes than she faces today. This time she should get it right. (4) QUEEN OF HEARTS has been getting quite far back in her races but finished off nicely for an improved 5^th in an all-filly affair over 1200M on June 20^th. The manner in which she finished off suggests that the additional trip today will be in her favour and she can continue to improve. (5) SORI OREUM ran 2^nd on debut and then 5^th when running on late on his reappearance a month ago. Both of those were over 1000M so he gets the chance to get stuck into a bit of distance today and it may well suit. (12) TAMNA HWANGHU is just one of two runners here who have previously won a race. It came at this distance two starts back and while the draw does her no favours here, she can go close.

Selections	(8) Horaengi (4) Queen Of Hearts (5) Sori Oreum (12) Tamna Hwanghu
Next Best	8, 9
Fast Start	3, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(10) JEOLMEUN YEONGUNG ran on very pleasingly at start number two over 1200M on June 19^th. He should strip fitter for that and his first run and with Munro aboard again and with an extra furlong to play with, he could breakthrough here. That means we are going to take on the favourite, which will be (7) SILVER DRAGON. He is always competitive and last start after being a little slow away, he finished off strongly for 4^th. He has beaten plenty of these in recent outings, including Jeolmeun Yeongung and he has every chance of breaking through at what will be start number nine today. (6) LONDON HEAT is one of those who has finished behind Silver Dragon before, but she showed her ability at her latest start when 3^rd over 1300M. She was handy in the run before finishing strongly and a repeat of that run should put her in the finish today. (5) PURGE QUEEN was poor when previously tried at this distance but looks ready for another crack after a fair 4^th at 1200M when she stuck to her task well. Her times have been on the slow side, but she won’t need to improve too much to challenge for the places here.

Selections	(10) Jeolmeun Yeongung (7) Silver Dragon (6) London Heat (5) Purge Queen
Next Best	1, 8
Fast Start	3, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) MAN OF TOP finally made his winning breakthrough at start number fifteen on June 27^th after a strong of near-misses. That came at a mile as he sat handy before Ioannis Poullis roused him home in the closing stages. He goes back up to 1800M today, a distance he has performed well at and while he is up in class, this isn’t the most intimidating class 4 field that you’ll find, and he comes down a full 5kg in the weights. He will be strong favourite and is hard to oppose. (6) RAPID GAME ran 3^rd behind Man Of Top two starts back at this distance before finishing 4^th at a mile on his latest start. He carries even less weight under in-form jockey Kim Hye-sun and can push the favourite hard. (7) SEONGSAN POWER was a winner at this distance at class 4 level two starts back before running a very good 2^nd at this class and distance on May 30^th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She likes to lead and will force the rest to come past her. Running in 3^rd place that day was (3) GIJEOGUI JEOKTOMA and he is one of a number capable of challenging for places.

Selections	(4) Man Of Top (6) Rapid Game (7) Seongsan Power (3) Gijeogui Jeoktoma
Next Best	8, 1
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 7

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

(9) ACHIM GISANG picks herself here having won all three previous starts by big margins and in good times. The barrier is of no concern due to her prodigious early speed, and she will lead again regardless. She’ll be hot favourite. Mot winning streaks come to an end at some point and (6) BRAVO MAY is the one with the most chance of bringing Achim Gisang’s to an end today. His win came at class 6 three starts back and in two outings since, he has run 2^nd both times settling midfield and running on. Given his draw, we can expect him to settle handy to the leader today and wait for an opening. (4) ALCHAN NURI showed improvement last start when 3^rd at this distance sitting midfield and running on. A repeat of that effort can get him into the placings again. In a race with such a hot favourite, we might as well go for an each-way one at big odds too. (1) PERFECT POWER has had excuses for his two latest failures but has put in some decent performances as well. He is a 1300M winner and has a nice draw on the inside.

Selections	(9) Achim Gisang (6) Bravo May (4) Alchan Nuri (1) Perfect Power
Next Best	11, 3
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

After winning well on debut, (10) GOLDEN BYEORAK was on pace but ended up 3^rd on reappearance over 1400M on May 22^nd. He has had eight weeks off since and should be right for his step up to a mile today. The draw isn’t a concern, and he can return to winning ways here. Quite a few are capable of stopping him on their day though. (7) MONOPOLY has won at the distance and ran 2^nd on his first try at this class last time out. He likes to settle midfield and should be coming on strong late here. (3) GALAXY ROAD has the fastest time of any of these at the distance. He is up in class and racing for the first time since a solid score at over 1400M in April and should be competitive here. Rarely uncompetitive is (8) B.K JOHN, who beat a couple of these on his way to 2^nd place at 1400M on June 13^th. His one previous start at this distance didn’t go well but he has impressed since and looks ready for another crack today.

Selections	(10) Golden Byeorak (7) Monopoly (3) Galaxy Road (8) B.K. John
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	3, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Many chances in this race but (4) HIDDEN DOLPUNG is the standout, favourite and pick. He won on debut and has since finished runner-up on three occasions. He settles handy to the leaders and runs on which suggests that the 1400M may suit him and he draws nicely for Moon Se Young to pick his spot. (3) ROYAL ELVIS comes in off 2^nd and 3^rd in his two latest starts and is the likely early leader here. The good draw will assist his chances. (5) GREEN DARC was a somewhat surprising winner at class and distance in a good time at her latest start. She was on pace early then handy and ran on for a good score. A repeat of that effort and a nice barrier bring her into contention again. (6) HEUNGROK DAEBU was 3^rd last start over 1700M but is perhaps better suited to today’s trip. He likes to sit just behind the leaders, which is what he has done in both wins to date and he can go close today.

Selections	(4) Hidden Dolpung (3) Royal Elvis (5) Green Darc (6) Heungrok Daebu
Next Best	8, 2
Fast Start	2, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 2 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(8) BARBARIAN has six wins and a further four runner-up finished from eleven career outings to date. He comes in off a last start class and distance victory on June 13^th against what was an arguably tougher set of opponents than today. He does come up slightly in the weights but that shouldn’t be an issue and he should win again. (4) MAPLE CLASSIC comes back up in trip following a good 3^rd over 1200M three weeks ago. He can sit handy and run on strong here. Coming back in trip is (3) WORLD TOP. He won at this distance in March in a very fast time before weakening in his first two goes at this class, both over 1800M. This should suit better. Also back in trip is (5) WORLD TODAY. He mixes his form but has a solid record at this distance and should be in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(8) Barbarian (4) Maple Classic (3) World Top (5) World Today
Next Best	6, 1
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 5

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) VICTOR MOON is a filly going places with two wins and a 2^nd from three starts so far, all of them at today’s distance and all in good times. She is up in class but comes down in the weights and with a nice draw looks hard to beat. (10) LEVEL TAP is a 1200M specialist and was a big winner at class and distance last start when, as is his racing pattern, he led. Two starts back he posted a phenomenal time when 2^nd to Legend Day. He has to contend with a weight increase, a wide draw and a tough opponent, but don’t rule out him overcoming all three. (1) SPRING KING has shown improvement at recent starts and is worth thought based on his latest outing when 3^rd at this distance in a good time. He can maintain that momentum here. (3) BIG TO THE BIG has done her best work at a little bit further but accordingly, you can be sure she will be strong at the finish and can place.

Selections	(5) Victor Moon (10) Level Tap (1) Spring King (3) Big To The Big
Next Best	2, 6
Fast Start	3, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Small field but a tricky one. (7) DAEHAN JILJU has never been outside the top three in six outings to date. He comes in off back-to-back wins in good times over 1400M, with the latest especially impressive. He is up in both class and distance today but should be equal to both and can make it three in a row. Already with three in a row is (2) ACE HAMSEONG. He too steps up in class following his hat-trick with the latest two having been over 1700M. He comes in well at the weights, is versatile in his racing style and from a nice draw, can settle where he pleases. (4) FIRE ROAD has three wins from five starts including one around two turns. At his latest outing, his first at this class, he didn’t run badly, given his barrier and that he was forced wide throughout. He is worth another chance for a place here. (3) MANSE is worth consideration too. He is yet to try this distance, but his racing pattern suggests it may suit.

Selections	(7) Daehan Jilju (2) Ace Hamseong (4) Fire Road (3) Manse
Next Best	5
Fast Start	3, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 9: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(6) CHEONGDAM DOKKI has been one of Korea’s best racehorses for several seasons and is still in form. Disregard his last start when back in distance to 1400M and up against some super one-turn horses, but instead on his two-turn form. He has won two out of his last three at 1800M, carrying 60kg in both. Doubt may have been sowed by that April defeat to the extent that he may not even start as favourite, but his class can see him through here. If he does get turned over then (1) LIL’ PATRON perhaps has the best chance. He was a last start 2^nd at this distance in a good time and performs best when handily placed which should be assisted by the inside barrier. (4) HEUNGHAENG JILJU is an up and comer who has won his last two races over 1800M at class 2 level to come up to the elite level for the first time. The likes of Cheongdam Dokki is a different prospect but he comes down in weight and should measure up to the majority of this field. (7) WONDERFUL EVIL may sneak a place based on recent 1800M form including a huge class 2 win on a good time. He wasn’t disgraced first-up in class 1 either.

Selections	(6) Cheongdam Dokki (1) Lil’ Patron (4) Heunghaeng Jilju (7) Wonderful Evil
Next Best	11, 10
Fast Start	4, 7, 6, 11

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 17)

The behind closed doors meeting at Seoul on Saturday is a reasonably decent card with 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Wide open race to begin with but two last start winners have an excellent chance of repeating. We’ll side with likely favourite (9) ECTON JILJU, who made all for a sharp win over 1000M at start number three on June 6^th. It’s true that he weakened in his first two outings, which were both over today’s distance, but he looks to have come on since then and with another good start, he can go all the way again. (11) JUMALUI SIJAK took five attempts to get her maiden win and it too came over 1000M. She has come from off the pace in her races so far so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she get in at a nice weight here under a good apprentice. (3) ROSEDAY MARINE has a 2^nd place to her name and from a good draw should be on pace once more with claims on a place. In a race with not much depth, the first-timers should be in with a shout too, in particular (5) LUCKY THUNDER who ran well for 2^nd in a useful time in a trial in late April. It’s taken him a while to get to the races but a similar run to the trial should put him close.

Selections	(9) Ecton Jilju (11) Jumalui Sijak (3) Roseday Marine (5) Lucky Thunder
Next Best	1, 10
Fast Start	3, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies and mares only here and trying to catch one in form won’t be easy. (10) SPEED FLYING is at least consistent and while she is yet to win, she has finished in the top five on nine of thirteen occasions so far. She has registered good times at the distance, carries a light weight, and shouldn’t be troubled too much by the wide draw. We’ll take a chance on her. The probable favourite is (4) EUNHYE PADO, a status earned by a good 4^th last start over 1400M when she sat handy from gate nine and then ran on fairly. In other recent starts she had been getting too far back, but she gets her best draw for a long time today and can make it count. (12) HAPPY MONTH has a strong finish on her and if she can keep out of trouble from the wide gate, she should be coming home strong with placing chances. (7) HIT ACE is another in the solid but unspectacular mold and that may be enough to see her challenging for some minor money here.

Selections	(10) Speed Flying (4) Eunhye Pado (12) Happy Month (7) Hit Ace
Next Best	6, 9
Fast Start	3, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Quite a strong race for the level. (6) LUMINOUS QUEEN is up in class after running 2^nd on debut over 1000M before making all to strike easily over 1200M second-up on June 12^th. She comes up slightly in trip here but is nicely drawn to be on pace again and she may take some beating. (3) ULTRA KING got his maiden win three starts back over 1400M. He’s been on pace in his subsequent two appearances at this level, both at that same distance and has weakened to 5^th and 4^th. He drops back slightly in trip today and with Munro aboard can challenge. So can (4) VYING BLADE. He was beaten by Ultra King last time but draws better today and should be going close. (10) GANGSEO PRINCESS has a great start on her but will need to overcome the wide draw to get to her favoured position. (1) FORT SEUONE another in the placing frame.

Selections	(6) Luminous Queen (3) Ultra King (4) Vying Blade (10) Gangseo Princess
Next Best	1, 8
Fast Start	1, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) FASHIONED PASSION put in a disappointing performance when well supported over 1400M on June 12^th. Her jockey that day – whose services are not engaged this time – stated that he felt the distance did not agree with her and that she is better at shorter. Well, she goes back in trip today to a distance she won well at two starts back at this class when she settled back from a very wide draw and ran on strongly. She is favoured to return to the winner’s circle today. Instead, her last start jockey gets on (5) DONGJIN CHOEGANG and he is set to be the main danger. He won his opening two races, both at this distance, in fine but contrasting styles before struggling a little at this class over 1400M. He too, should appreciate the step back in trip. We will acknowledge but ignore the potential clue about which one Moon Se Young rides, while accepting it may come back to bite us as Dongjin Choegang does look to have more wins in him. (8) RAON THE TIGER is up in class after a front-running win over 1300M on June 13^th. That win had been coming and we can expect him to be on pace or handy here and to be competitive in the finish. (1) ILGYEOK PILSAL comes up in class despite being winless so far but gets in under a nice weight and from the inside gate may sneak a place.

Selections	(4) Fashioned Passion (5) Dongjin Choegang (8) Raon The Tiger (1) Ilgyeok Pilsal
Next Best	9, 11
Fast Start	6, 8, 9, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) RAON PINK will be one of the biggest favourites of the day and she’s hard to oppose having won her latest two starts at 1300M and 1400M in good order, making all in one and sitting on the pace behind the leader in the other before proving too strong late on. The latest of those wins was at this class, the step back in trip is no issue, and she should be leading gate to wire again. (1) COBRA BALL returned from five months off to win easily with an all the way showing over this distance on June 12^th. He is up in class but comes down in the weights and draws very nicely. He’ll be on pace too and looks the only credible threat. The rest are not convincing. (2) KING OF SUNDAY ran well for 4^th place at class and distance at his last start a month ago, running on from midfield and a similar run should put him in placing contention today. (6) MONEY SIJANG is rarely too far away and is another who should be doing her best work late on.

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 16)

With restrictions being scaled up, racing has had to scale back and every card over the coming weekend has lost one race. That means there are now 6 races at Busan on Friday and Sunday and 9 races at Seoul on both Saturday and Saturday. The attendance cap at Busan, which was 50% of capacity last week, has been cut at the government’s order to 30%. This week has seen the shutdown of the professional baseball season due to Covid cases, primarily among the NC Dinos (it was going to take a hiatus for the Olympics anyway from next week), as well as an outbreak among Seongnam FC players in the K-League which, while the football league will continue, will see that team on the sidelines for at least three weeks. All sports in Korea continues to walk walk a tightrope. Anyway, Busan’s Friday card has 6 races from 13:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Maiden juveniles go around here for a big prize and eleven of the twelve race for the very first time. The likely favourite is (6) YEONGGWANGUILEGEND. The Concord Point colt made all when winning his trial in a fast time at the end of May. It’s worth noting that while the going was “dry” that day, all three trials ended up being fast, but nevertheless, there were experienced horses behind him and if he brings that form to the races, he should have too much for this field. (9) MENI AGAIN finished just a neck back in 2nd in the same trial and accordingly warrants consideration. She was close to the pace in the heat and is set to be one of the primary dangers here. (2) MISS GO was a trial winner just two weeks ago when she settled on the pace and then ran on to finish on front of set of experienced runners. It’s a top trainer and jockey combination and she too will have plenty of backers first-up. The only entry with prior racing experience is (11) INDY CHOICE. She trialed up in May running 2nd to a filly who has gone on to win her first two races (Miss Indie). Indy Choice was 4th on her own debut briefly striking the front in the straight over 1000M. The experience should be beneficial here.

Selections	(6) Yeonngwanguilegend (9) Meni Again (2) Miss Go (11) Indy Choice
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies only here. (8) MUSIC BOX looks ready to win. She ran 2nd on debut over 1000M when she settled back and ran on strong and was then 3rd on her re-appearance at 1300M on June 26th, this time racing close to the pace. She should have come on for those runs and today can be her day. (12) STARLIGHT races for the first time since beating Music Box when winning at start number three over 1000M on May 22^nd. She led most of the way around that day but while the draw is not in her favour here and there is also the question mark over the additional furlong but she has every chance of going well. (7) D’LOVELY QUEEN also has a slight question over the distance but she has certainly shown a nice turn of foot in two races over 1000M. She was beaten by Starlight and Music Box on debut but showed improvement second-up when she was on pace throughout and eventually finished 2^nd on June 19^th. She’ll aim for the front again. (10) SONHADOR is the better looking of two first-time starters. She came from off the pace to win a trial in June in a decent time, beating Seobu Cat, who is a genuine class 1 sprinter (albeit it an admittedly dawdling Seobu Cat who might as well have been reading the newspaper or checking his phone for how much effort he put in, while Sonhador was asked for plenty). The distance today should suit and this looks a nice race to debut in.

Selections	(8) Music Box (12) Starlight (7) D’Lovely Queen (10) Sonhador
Next Best	5, 9
Fast Start	5, 7, 8, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Two up in class looks set to duel for this one. (8) KING ALLIE registered a win and a 3^rd in two class 6 appearances, both over 1000M and both when racing on pace. She goes here for the first time since May when she was beaten by Starlight and Music Box, who went in race 2, but she comes down slightly in the weights here and with Seo Seung-un climbing aboard looks to have every chance. (1) SKY MORE will have no issues about the distance, having taken a gutsy narrow victory last start over 1300M. He still looks a little green but is out of an Oaks winner and draws much better today which should give You Hyun-myung plenty of options. He is right in this. (6) MAN OF THE WORLD remains a maiden after fifteen attempts but he has had plenty of near-misses. He comes in fresh after eight weeks out and is well drawn to get on to the pace here. Another maiden is (4) DOCTOR FAITH. He comes up in class after a runner-up and three 3^rd place finishes at class 6 level but he has been beaten by some promising horses and has run some competitive times. There is no reason why he can’t be challenging here.

Selections	(8) King Allie (1) Sky More (6) Man Of The World (4) Doctor Faith
Next Best	10, 12
Fast Start	6, 8, 11, 12

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

Tricky race this. (7) DOCTOR FASHION is the slight pick. He has never finished worse than 5^th in seven outings to date and is a winner at this distance in a fast time at class 5 level. His latest two outings have been at 1200M with a win and then a slightly disappointing 5^th when he led only to weaken late on. He looks nicely in here and can return to the winner’s circle most likely aiming to lead all the way. The danger is (5) QUATTRO MAX. The Oxbow colt was slightly slowly away last time out at class and distance on June 20^th but quickly made his way to the front and didn’t look back, running on to win in a time faster than any of his rivals here have recorded at this distance. He does come up 3kg in the weights but draws well and has claims again. (12) GEUMA PSYCHIC beat Quattro Max two starts back when winning over 1200M before running a distant 2^nd to the very good Yeongung Louis. He comes up in trip here and can be a factor despite the wide draw. (4) TUHONUI BANSEOK looks an improving type who came from well off the pace to flash home for a close 2^nd place over 1200M last time out and looks ready to tackle this distance again.

Selections	(7) Doctor Fashion (5) Quattro Max (12) Geuma Psychic (4) Tuhonui Banseok
Next Best	9, 1
Fast Start	7, 8, 9, 12

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

After running 2^nd on debut, (6) GODDESS MOON has won six in a row with various degrees of ease. She fairly bolted up when making all over a mile to score by a full eight-lengths at her latest start on June 6^th and while up in class today, she comes down to carry a feather-weight of 51.5kg and she should be winning again. There is one danger though. (2) TOP FIRE is also up in class and carrying very little on his back. He has run consistently fast times at this distance and was very good winner last time out. There is perhaps more scope for improvement from Goddess Moon but Top Fire should give her a decent test and it isn’t beyond the bounds of possibility that he could win. (1) ILNYEOM TONGCHEON had a poor day at the office last time out but has consistently run good times. He steps up to a mile for the first time and has placing claims. Also with claims to hit the board is (10) ROYAL TICKET. He too comes up in trip today but was a strong 3^rd over 1400M last start at this class.

Selections	(6) Goddess Moon (2) Top Fire (1) Ilnyeom Tongcheon (10) Royal Ticket
Next Best	11, 3
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 6

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

(4) MR. INDIE is rapidly up in class having won twice at class 6 level and then been runner-up twice at class 5. He was a beaten odds-on favourite in both those latest two starts but he despite the rise in grade, he is well worth another go today. He has experience of this distance already, and acquitted himself well in a good time, and has proven himself able to run well from the front or from behind. He comes down in the weights and from a very good draw he should be hard to beat. (5) GREAT DANCE also comes up in class after a strong of consistent performances at class 5 level even though he managed to dodge the winner’s circle. He runs best when just behind the early speed and was 3^rd to Mr. Indie’s 2^nd at this distance two starts back. (10) PINEUI KKUM is a danger He tackles two turns for the first time but has won at this class over a mile. He too has proven able to both lead and run on so the wide draw may not be too detrimental to his chances although he does have to contend with 57kg. (7) JEONGSU SIDAE has a lot of experience at this class and while he doesn’t win out of turn, he recorded a fast time when 2^nd at this distance to Doctor Fappiano at his latest start on June 19^th and can go close here again.

Selections	(4) Mr. Indie (5) Great Dance (10) Pineui Kkum (7) Jeongsu Sidae
Next Best	1, 8
Fast Start	4, 7, 8, 9

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 11)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (7 races from 11:10 to 16:40). Eoma Eoma faces Morfhis and Raon First in Seoul’s feature race. Here are the previews:

Morfhis got the better of Eoma Eoma in last year’s SBS Sports sprint but concedes a huge amount of weight on Sunday

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

We’re go-go on (3) BOGO TTO BOGO here following his last start win at this distance when he settled handily behind the leaders before running on strongly in the straight. He didn’t win by much, but he gets a slightly better draw today and has solid claims to follow up. Likely favourite is (11) JANGSAN GUARD. He is an improving type who ran a close 3^rd to Bogo Tto Bogo last time when ridden to the lead early. He may need a bit of luck today from a wide draw but it’s clear he has potential. (12) SOEWAKKOT scored a soft win over 1000M last start. She led all the way and was too strong, registering a fast time. She steps out to 1200M here and doesn’t get much luck with the draw but with some luck can feature in the finish. (5) ICE STAR was a narrow winner at this distance two starts back. He only managed 6^th when returning to action on June 19^th but can aim for a place here. (4) JILJU BORN another in the placing hunt.

Selections	(3) Bogo Tto Bogo (11) Jangsan Guard (12) Soewakkot (5) Ice Star
Next Best	4, 6
Fast Start	1, 4, 11, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

We’ll take a chance on a first-timer starter here. (6) DONGTEUJA BOY. His dam is a half-sister to Dongbanui Gangja, one of the great runners in Korea of the early 2000s and she herself was a precocious talent winning her first six races. Her first foal to make the track was similarly good early on. Dongteuja Boy ran 3^rd in his trial in a fast time behind two experienced racehorses and he has every chance of scoring first up. If you prefer experience, then (2) DOCTOR TEXAS is the one for you. He was 5^th on debut over this distance before running a solid 4^th over 1300M second-up on June 12^th when he was on pace throughout. Back in trip and with a good gate he should be on pace again and has every chance of going all the way. (11) K CHUJKE was a significantly improved 2^nd at his third start on June 13^th and can build on that here while (1) SPEED MAST and (8) B J SONG have potential for improvement.

Selections	(6) Dongteuja Boy (2) Doctor Texas (11) K Chukje (1) Speed Mast
Next Best	8, 9
Fast Start	2, 4, 9, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

There is just the one unraced entrant here and we’re going to take a chance on him. The only two-year-old in the race, (4) BULBANGUL is a Hansen colt who trialed up very nicely, working home well three-lengths behind international Listed winner Dolkong. He should have derived great benefit from that excursion and with Moon Se Young aboard, is worth serious consideration first-up. (3) GEOLJAK WOMAN has placed at 1200M and returned to form lats start when 2^nd over 1000M in a good time She was hard ridden that day to be handy and then ran on well in the straight and did her best work near the finish. A repeat of that run puts her in the mix. (11) REMEMBER WHEN is sure to have backers based on her latest outing when 2^nd over 1200M, taking an early bump and then making up ground in the straight. She’s never been worse than 6^th in seven appearances and surely goes close again. (1) RUN TO GOAL is worth thought based on her last start 2^nd over 1000M, which was a big improvement. She looks ready to step back up in trip and should be competitive.

Selections	(4) Bulbangul (3) Geoljak Woman (11) Remember When (1) Run To Goal
Next Best	5, 6
Fast Start	1, 8, 11, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(12) MISS INDIE debuted over 1300M on May 30^th, quickly working her way to the front from gate eleven and then running on for a comfortable win. Neither the step up in trip or the even wider draw should give her too many problems and the half-sister of Mr. Afleet, a winner of seven from twelve so far, should be maintaining her 100% record here. (3) B.K. KING STAR is likely to be the clear second favourite. He comes in off his maiden win at start five on June 5^th when he settled handy before running on strong over this distance. He draws well and can give the favourite a scare. (4) HONEY STAR has hinted at some ability with his best so far being a smart 3^rd at this distance back in May and he has placing claims here as does (5) TRIPLE JILJU, who improved last start when 4^th in a decent time over 1000M. He tries this trip for the first time today. (2) BLUE OAK the best of the rest.

Selections	(12) Miss Indie (3) B.K. King Star (4) Honey Star (5) Triple Jilju
Next Best	2, 7
Fast Start	5, 7, 9, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(4) THE FIGHTING has shown ability and last start it began to all come together with a 2^nd at this trip in a good time. He worked hard to be on the pace all the way and battled on well. He draws closer today which should assist him. (11) BLUE HAMMER is potentially the betting favourite. Last start in the wet, he was handy before drifting back and working home adequately in the straight. Previously he raced handily on the rails and made-up good ground to be 2^nd and could nail this race if he repeated that run although he may need some luck from the wide draw. (7) BEST FORCE has finished close at hand in recent starts in fair times. Last time out he was ridden hard to be midfield before running wide and running on. He can figure in the finish here. (5) DAESEUNG GAON improved to 3^rd last time when settled well back in the field and working her way through the field late on. She along with (6) WONDERFUL ORANGE have placing claims.

Selections	(4) The Fighting (11) Blue Hammer (7) Best Force (5) Daeseung Gaon
Next Best	6, 10
Fast Start	2, 6, 7, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(8) HAENAM HAMMER registered back-to-back wins over 1200M and a mile in March and April before running 2^nd at this distance on her first crack at class 5 on May 29th, beaten by Sunlight Boy. She can be on pace or handy and looks to have the potential for further development. (7) HILL MORE comes in off consecutive runner-up finishes, the latter of which was at this class. He tends to go back and then run on strong and while he does carry an extra couple of kilos today, he should be in the finish today but may have to settle for yet another near miss. (5) FLAT BABE ran 3^rd behind Hill More at class and distance on June 6^th. Just like Hill More she is yet to win, but she is also yet to miss the top three in four starts. She gets a better draw today and can sit just behind the early speed. That speed may be set by (4) ECOPIA. Having run 3^rd on debut, the Colonel John filly broke through at start number two over 1000M on June 12^th. She comes up in both class and distance here, but from a good draw can get to the lead and cause problems. (12) SEOBU QUEEN among others with placing claims.

Selections	(8) Haenam Hammer (7) Hill More (5) Flat Babe (4) Ecopia
Next Best	12, 1
Fast Start	4, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies only here. Likely favourite is (5) YULONG STAR who put in a much-improved run last start at class and distance when she recovered from an awkward start to settle midfield and run on resolutely. She looks ready to win here. (9) SARYEONI QUEEN is up in class following a four-length score last time out on May 29^th. She has been consistent and run good times and if she can get on the pace here, she has winning chances again. (2) WONDERFUL HEART is a winner at 1300M and hasn’t been too far away in recent efforts. She is an on-pace type of runner so the barrier brings here into play here. (8) CATCH CHARM has been the beaten favourite at both of her latest two starts. In the first of them she led then weakened in the straight while in the second she was midfield throughout without quickening. She’ll not be favourite today but there is talent there and she’s worth keeping safe in the wider numbers. (11) RUBICON another in the frame.

Selections	(5) Yulong Star (9) Saryeoni Queen (2) Wonderful Heart (8) Catch Charm
Next Best	11, 6
Fast Start	2, 3, 6, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Plenty on the hunt here. We’ll go for (5) DUNCAN to prevail though. He holds the fastest time of any of these which he achieved when registering his maiden win back in January and has since acquitted himself competently enough in starts at 1800M and again at a mile. In this company he should be able to get close to the early pace and this can be his day. (7) POKPUNG EONDEOK beat Duncan last time out as the pair finished 3^rd and 4^th respectively at class and distance. He likes to go back in his races and then run on and while that does mean he sometimes needs some luck to avoid trouble in running, he can be a big danger here. The experienced (4) MAGIC FLYING looks like he is coming back into form. He ran a close 2^nd to Man Of Top when sent off at decent odds just two weeks ago when he worked forward early from a wide draw and with Seo Seung-un taking the ride today, he has every chance. (3) TWO TWO LEADS and (10) SINBIHAN YEOIN are among others with placing hopes.

Selections	(5) Duncan (7) Pokpung Eondeok (4) Magic Flying (3) Two Two Leads
Next Best	10, 12
Fast Start	2, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(1) ON POINT broke through for a class 5 win at his latest start over this distance on June 12^th. He had the widest gate that day and settled in midfield before running on strong to beat a useful field that contained a couple of today’s rivals. He has shown himself capable of running on pace too, so the inside gate gives jockey Kim Dong-soo plenty of options. He’s the one to beat. (7) JOY BROTHER was 3^rd to On Point in that June 29^th race. He settled midfield and then ran on, meeting a bit of interference at the 500M. With a clear run today, he can get closer. (9) CHOEGANG BLACK comes up in class after a last start win over 1300M. Her time was competitive, and she appears to have scope for further development. Another last start class 6 winner and possible each-way option here is (10) RULES CLASS. He won by a good margin over 1200M when settling midfield and running on, indicating that he may fancy this distance. (8) FEDERAL EYE is another with solid claims to at least a place.

Selections	(1) On Point (7) Joy Brother (9) Choegang Black (10) Rules Class
Next Best	8, 2
Fast Start	4, 5, 7, 9

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 10)

It never ends, does it? With Covid new case numbers in Korea reaching a record high on a daily basis (although still low by global standards), Seoul and the wider metropolitan region has moved into “Level 4” of the revised social distancing guidelines. This means that no customers will be permitted at Seoul Racecourse or in the capital area’s OCBs for the foreseeable future. While Busan remains open for the time being, it seems inevitable that there will be further changes to the racing schedule for July, the basis of which, with race numbers and even prize money returning to something approaching normal levels, was made with Seoul being able to admit at least 30% capacity from last weekend. This has now been completely blown up. For now though, racing continues according to plan and Saturday’s races are at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews for what is a challenging card:

Seoul Racecourse had been prepared to accept up to 50% of capacity.

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Tricky little maiden for two and three-year-olds to start with in which plenty have potential winning claims. The narrow top pick is (3) ARAK TO WIN. True, her best performances so far have been at 1000M while she is yet to impress in two tries at today’s distance, but the manner of her 2^nd place last start where after sitting in midfield she finished off very nicely. She was a long way behind the winner, a filly who has gone on to score again since, but Kim Yon-geun remains aboard and from a nice gate she could make the breakthrough here. (8) FLYING VICTOR showed good improvement when 2^nd on what was his first start since last August. He too was well beaten by a good winner but should have come on fitness wise for that run and has every chance here. So too (1) GREAT THUNDER who has a 3^rd and a 5^th in two outings so far as well as the fastest time of any of these for the distance. From gate one, he will surely be on the lead and may be hard to get past. There are two debut-makers and both look to have promise. (7) BYEOLBIT MARU was the marginally more impressive in trials but (2) WONDERFUL SAM also looked competent and both can go well first up.

Selections	(3) Arak To Win (8) Flying Victor (1) Great Thunder (7) Byeolbit Maru
Next Best	2, 11
Fast Start	1, 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

The second division of the maiden for two and three-year-olds. Again it’s competitive but (3) WONDERFUL TYCOON gets the nod. He ran 4^th on debut in what was a slow race at this distance before finishing 3^rd to Aqua Punch, who has gone on to win again, over 1300M on June 6^th. Both times he has sat in mid-division before running on well and he can take top spot today. The main danger is (4) JEONGSEONG DAERO. On debut on June 12^th she sat in the middle of the pack before running on strong for 3^rd place over 1000M in a decent time. The additional furlong may well suit and she will be a threat. Also stepping up in trip after a promising debut over 1000M is (2) MAGIC JUNIOR. He settled handy and stuck to his task well and he will be expected to make the running today with solid claims to stay on for the finish. There are four first-time starters and among them (10) GEOSEN GISANG went through two trials showing on the pace in both and posting solid times. Munro is on board and she can go well first up.

Selections	(3) Wonderful Tycoon (4) Jeongseong Daero (10) Geosen Gisang (2) Magic Junior
Next Best	1, 9
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

This maiden is open to older horses but it’s just as competitive as the previous ones. (5) TELOS mixes her form but we can give her a pass on her latest effort at 1200M when she drew the widest gate and used up a lot of energy getting to her favoured position before weakening. Instead we can go on her performance two starts back at this distance when she again drew wide but had an easier time of it getting to the front and led until the closing stages, ultimately finishing 3^rd. She draws much better today which gives her a chance of getting a soft lead and she can go all the way. (2) CURRERECUS has been consistent across his eight starts to date. He has a strong finish on him compared with most of these and if Park Hyun-woo can have him in a good position turning for home then he will be in the finish. (1) GOLD SPIKE has a similar style of running. Although yet to record a top three finish he generally doesn’t miss by much and should be aiming for a best to date placing today. (8) VIKING HEART looks to be on the proper trajectory with an improved 4^th last time out which he can build on today.

Selections	(5) Telos (2) Currerecus (1) Gold Spike (8) Viking Heart
Next Best	12, 4
Fast Start	5, 7, 10, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(1) ROCK FIGHTER won back to back races at class 6 level in March and May, both at this distance and in competitive times. For his first try at this level on June 12^th. He dropped back to 1200M and ran well, settling in midfield and running on strong, briefly getting up to 2^nd in the straight before finishing 3^rd. From the inside gate expect to see him on speed here and if he is at his best, he should be too good. (6) MOST SPEED has run 2^nd in both her attempts at this trip so far including at her latest start when she was on pace throughout. From a decent draw expect her to challenge for the early lead again and she should still be there at the business end of the race. Kim A-hyun’s 4kg claim brings (11) NINE EYE right into this. Yet to win in ten attempts, he has finished as runner-up on no fewer than ten occasions although at his latest start he had to settle for 3^rd when stepped up to 1700M. He rarely runs a bad race and is tactically versatile and he should be on the board again here. (5) JOYFUL K struggled from a wide gate on his first try at this class over 1200M last start. The time before he was successful at this distance in a fast time at class 6 level and is worth another chance here.

Selections	(1) Rock Fighter (6) Most Speed (11) Nine Eye (5) Joyful K
Next Best	2, 8
Fast Start	1, 5, 6, 7

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 9)

The Seoul Racecourse and Capital region OCBs remain closed to customers for the foreseeable future – more on that tomorrow – but Busan is open to pre-bookings and there are 7 races on Friday from 13:20 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

The likely favourite here is (2) ADELE SOFT who has taken a somewhat unusual route up to this point, having debuted at a mile and finishing midfield, before dropping back to 1400M and running 2nd having overcome the widest draw. He drops back even further here and for the first time draws well with every chance of overcoming this small field. (8) MY DESTINY has improved across three starts so far. Last start at this distance she settled handy before running on for a good 2nd place and while drawn in the outside gate today, with such a small field, it shouldn’t be a concern. (6) HAVE A GOOD TIME has looked much better this preparation with a 3rd and a 4th place. He has proven capable of running a competitive time at this distance and should be on pace from the start. (7) DIA FORCE and (5) CATCH THE SUN are others with placing hopes.

Selections	(2) Adele Soft (8) My Destiny (6) Have A Good Time (7) Dia Force
Next Best	5
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Tricky one. (8) SWEET BAND has been running very consistent times over her recent starts, all of them at 1400M. She can be one-paced but dropping back in trip slightly her may be in her favour. (11) CHEONGMA HWANGHU has the fastest time among these at the distance. That was recorded at her latest start when as favourite, she worked hard to get on pace from a wide draw before ultimately finishing 5th. She doesn’t draw well again but most of the speed here looks set to come from wide gates anyway and she does get an apprentice taking 2kg off. She should go close. (10) INTO MARINE looks to be on the improve. He came from a handy position to run 3rd over 1200M at his last start and can step back up to 1300M with confidence. His times haven’t been world-beating but he has mixed it with some decent horses and looks to have as much chance as any here. There is one solitary debut maker. (1) GOOD STAR has been through two trials and while he was relatively anonymous when qualifying in May, he went through a second one on June 18th and after a slow start ran on strong in a decent time to finish close to some good horses. This looks a good distance for him first-up and he has claims.

Selections	(10) Into Marine (11) Cheongma Hwanghu (8) Sweet Band (1) Good Star
Next Best	5, 12
Fast Start	2, 9, 11, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(10) CRYSTAL THINKING comes in off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes including at her latest start on June 19th when she beat several of today’s rivals. She settled handy that day having drawn the inside but the time before she came from off the pace so the widest gate shouldn’t be a problem and the only filly in the race can go one better today. (7) B J’S TERMS came home in 3rd place that day continuing his consistent run of form at this distance. He usually settles back and runs on and should be close again. (2) CHEONGDAM DRIVE has a 2nd place at the distance to his name and enters off a last start 4th over 1400M in a good time and beaten by good horses. He draws nicely here and is set to be a danger. (3) WONDERFUL WORLD looks like he is figuring things out after four starts. He ran on strong for 3rd over 1300M last time out and gives every indication that he is looking for further, which he gets today. (8) CENTUM THOR the best of the rest.

Selections	(10) Crystal Thinking (7) B J’s Terms (2) Cheongdam Drive (3) Wonderful World
Next Best	8, 6
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 8

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

Two horses here come up in class seeking a hat-trick of wins. We’ll side with (3) COOL GUY who after finishing 2nd in both his first two starts, registered back to back wins, both at 1200M and both by convincing margins. He generally sits handy in the early stages before taking command and the step up in trip should suit. (11) DOCTOR GIANTS has also won two in a row to be rapidly promoted in class and just like Cool Guy, they came at 1200M. He has a slightly different running style in that he has tended to sit midfield and then run on. One concern is that when he attempted a mile back in February it didn’t go well, but he looks ready for 1400M here. (2) MR. HANSEN hasn’t quite managed to recapture the explosive form of the very beginning of his career, when he recorded some very fast times at this distance. He showed signs of a return to form at his latest start when a close 6th over 1200M and with an apprentice taking some weight off today, he can get closer still. (5) SUNLIGHT BOY was a good winner at this distance two starts back at class 5 level and ran a strong 4th in a fast time on his first go at this class on June 20th. He’ll be on pace and has every chance again.

Selections	(3) Cool Guy (11) Doctor Giants (2) Mr. Hansen (5) Sunlight Boy
Next Best	6, 8
Fast Start	2, 3, 6, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

The banker favourite of the day goes here. (3) KING OF THE MATCH won a trial in a fast time in May before coming from off the pace to win well on debut on June 5th. He does come up in the weights here but he should have come on for the experience and if anything this is a weaker field than the one he defeated first-up. (9) K.B. BOSS had a poor day at the office at his latest start, capitulating having led into the straight. She is better than that though and is worth another chance for a place in this company. The most intriguing entrant is (1) MARK ONE. His recent efforts have been at a mile and 1800M and he ran well for 4th at the latter distance at his latest start a month ago. He has shown ability at sprint distance too and should be competitive here. Not much else arrives in anything much resembling form, so (7) SKITTER could take advantage and improve on recent appearances. He has won at class and distance before.

Selections	(3) King Of The Match (9) K.B. Boss (1) Mark One (7) Skitter
Next Best	10, 11
Fast Start	6, 7, 9, 12

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Two turns is unchartered territory for the majority of these runners and the ones that have tried it before do not enter in good form. There are a couple who should be able to make the step up though. (11) SEUNGNI GLORY was a fine front-running winner over a mile on May 29th and comes up in class as well as distance today. The widest gate at the 1800M start at Busan is never ideal but he doesn’t need to lead and if Seo Seung-un can find a decent spot for him, he has every chance. The main danger is (8) GOLDEN KAISER. He got his maiden win back in January at 1400M and has since run well in three attempts at this class with a very good 3rd behind Raon The Boss and Mr. Indie at his last start over a mile. He can be close to the pace or further back and run on and the additional trip can suit. (3) YEONGWON POWER was 7th behind Golden Kaiser last start on what was his first try at class 5. He has won at a mile before and he too looks like he can take to two-turns well. (2) KING BROTHER comes up in class and while he remains winless, his recent form has been consistent and he could find the minor money here.

Selections	(11) Seungni Glory (8) Golden Kaiser (3) Yeongwon Power (2) King Brother
Next Best	6, 7
Fast Start	2, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 7: Class 2 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(3) JANGSAN DOKKI is up in class following a good win over this distance on May 30th when from a handy position he hit the front in the straight and ran on for an easy victory. He enters here under a light weight of 52kg and that could give him the decisive advantage over (4) THE SABER, who will carry a full 6kg more. He is already a class 2 winner having scored over 1400M in February and he races here for the first time since running 4th over this distance in a really good race on April 25th. He is tactically versatile and regardless of the weight, is sure to be in the finish. Those two are the standouts but (6) THUNDER KING, who has previously posted a fast time at this distance comes back into action for the first time since April. He looked very well when winning a trial in June and can go well under a light weight today. Continuing the theme of light weights. (8) GYEONGJUUI DUREBAK returned to form with a very good class and distance 3rd last time out on June 13th and can aim for the money again here.

Selections	(3) Jangsan Dokki (4) The Saber (6) Thunder King (8) Gyeongjuui Durebak
Next Best	1
Fast Start	1, 4, 6, 8

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 4)

It’s going to be a wet one! The monsoon season arrived in Korea during racing on Saturday and it’s expected to keep on raining for the foreseeable future. There are Sunday cards at Seoul (9 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:30). Blue Chipper faces Doctor Carson once more at Busan while at Seoul there is a heavyweight clash too in the shape of Heuk Jeonsa vs Dia Road. Here are the previews:

It’s been a while since we had some really foul weather

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Three-year-old fillies get proceedings underway. (6) MODERN TIMES comes in off a good 2^nd on debut when after a bump at the start she showed speed to be on pace and ran on well. She twitched her tail a little every time the jockey urged her forward with the crop but responded well to hands and heels. Hopefully she has learned from that and can improve here. (3) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE has improved at every start and showed a nice effort last time when 2^nd over 1000M showing plenty of speed to be at the front and finishing off pleasingly. She returns to the filly ranks today, gets a nice barrier and her jockey’s confidence will have been buoyed by a good win last week. (4) HAPPY DAY has placed in two of three starts to date. Her latest was her first since last summer and she could well have come in for it. (2) MAGIC TIDE’s worst finish to date was at this distance but she hung in at the start and took a bump before finishing well and may be worth some though. (5) PRINCESS SOCKS is the only filly in the field with a win to her name and comes into the calculations based on that.

Selections	(6) Modern Times (3) Namsan Chocolate (4) Happy Day (2) Magic Tide
Next Best	5
Fast Start	2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(7) AMAZING FOOT is set to be favourite here. He has two runner-up finishes from four starts so far, his latest being a fast race over 1000M on a wet track when he led for much of the way around. He’ll be on speed again here and can go all the way this time. (2) SEOBU WONDERFUL made an inauspicious start to his career but went back to trial in June and looked a very different prospect. From a good draw, expect to see him on speed here. (1) KING BID has been knocking on the door for a while. He was a good 2^nd over 1300M two starts back before leading and then weakening late over 1400M last start. Back in trip today and drawn on the inside can help him go close. The rest of the form in this race is patchy but (5) OMEGA GIRL and (9) QUICK WIND, the latter like Seobu Wonderful having shown promise in a trial since her latest race, which was all the way back last summer, are others to consider.

Selections	(7) Amazing Foot (2) Seobu Wonderful (1) King Bid (9) Quick Wind
Next Best	5, 10
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(1) SAENAE WIN looks ready to win after placing at his last two starts. He has tended to be a little bit slow away, but his most recent performance was good one and with a little bit of luck today, he can make the breakthrough. (9) K N LIGHT is a winner at 1200M already. He has had to work hard from wide draws to get to a decent position and has perhaps paid for it in the later stages of his subsequent two races, but he looked well when winning a June trial and can go close here. (4) MAIN OF KING is worthy of consideration based on his last start over 1200M when he settled well back in the field in the field then ran on really well and doing his best work near the finish. (8) GEUMA FLAWLESS has been there or thereabouts in recent starts. He met some interference early last time out over 1200M and then settled back before running on strong in the straight. 1300M should suit and with an easier run he can be competitive again. Solitary debut-maker (3) KING CRUSH trialed up in 2^nd place behind K N Light and has every chance of going well on his racecourse debut.

Selections	(1) Saenae Win (9) K N Light (4) Main Of King (8) Geuma Flawless
Next Best	3, 11
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

(4) RUN FIGHTER has a 3^rd and a 2^nd to his name from two starts so far, both times coming from off the pace and finishing off well. Those races were at 1200M and 1400M respectively so he splits the difference today and under the in-form Perovic can find a nice sport from a good barrier and be too strong late on. The main danger is (7) WINNER STAR. He’s raced just the once so far when he jumped midfield then settled handy and ran on for 2^nd behind Wonder Blade. He should have come on for that experience and the additional half furlong today may suit. (1) FANTASTIC LEADER has two 3^rd place finishes and while he only managed 6^th on his first try at this distance last start, he draws better today and can be competitive. (2) USEUNG MELODY and (9) CROWN KING STAR are others with the potential to improve.

Selections	(4) Run Fighter (7) Winner Star (1) Fantastic Leader (2) Useung Melody
Next Best	9, 8
Fast Start	1, 2, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(2) K BLADE is perhaps due a change of luck after three 3^rd place finishes at distances out to 1300M. Her racing pattern is to be handy or on the pace and a nice draw here puts her into prime contention. (1) JEONGMUN PRINCE can have his latest start disregarded and instead we’ll look to his previous effort over 1400M when soon after the start he knuckled over but regained his footing before settling near the back and then working home very well for 3^rd. He should be in contention here. (6) CHEONDUNGSEJA is the least experienced in the race with five prior outings, but he is showing improvement with a last start 3^rd over 1000M. Going out to 1300M here may be a query but his racing pattern to date has been to settle midfield to handy which may suit the longer trip. (8) YEONGUNG DAEMA comes into the picture having been close at his last two starts. Last time over 1300M he was only fairly away but ran on well in the straight. (9) BIG RED the best of the rest.

Selections	(2) K Blade (1) Jeongmun Prince (6) Cheondungseja (8) Yeongung Daema
Next Best	9, 7
Fast Start	2, 3, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(7) MUJEOK BULPAE tops all the indicators here. Fastest average first furlong, fastest average final furlong, fastest time at this distance. That latter record was recorded two starts back when beating a few of these when 2^nd to Adele Pupil on a wet track and he followed up with another runner-up finish when dropped back to 1200M on June 13^th. He carries top weight but should be too good. (5) TEAM SKY was well back behind Mujeok Bulpae two starts ago from a horrible draw but stepped up to a mile last time and made all for a narrow win. Ioannis Poullis isn’t likely to hang about here so expect him to lead again and be in the finish. (4) CHOEGANG LIGER was very slowly away last start before rallying for 6^th. He is better than that and has placing claims here along with (6) ROCK PEGASUS and (8) YEONGGWANGUIRUNNER.

Selections	(7) Mujeok Bulpae (5) Team Sky (4) Choegang Liger (8) Yeonggwanguirunner
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	1, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) THE QUEEN JUSTICE ran a good race on her first try at this class when she settled midfield and ran on wide in the straight over 1300M. She comes back to 1200M after a seven-week freshen up and looks nicely in here. The faovurite will be (4) MORNING HILL. He was a good winner of his opening two races but weakened having led over 1400M on his first try at class 5 level on June 5^th. Back at 1200M and very nicely drawn, he has every chance of returning to winning ways. (9) CHEONBISEONG comes in after a good 2^nd when he settled handy to the leaders and then ran on well on the rails beating a number of these in the process. The draw isn’t ideal but he looks a placing chance. Further back in that race was (6) GREEN POKJU. We’ll give that filly another chance based on her win to starts back at class 6 level when she made all over this distance. (10) STREET GANGJA another in at least the placing frame.

Selections	(8) The Queen Justice (4) Morning Hill (9) Cheonbiseong (6) Green Pokju
Next Best	10, 2
Fast Start	4, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(8) SUCCESS MACHO has won both his starts so far in fine fashion with front running performances over both 1200M and 1300M with winning margins of six and five-lengths respectively. He is up in both class and slightly in distance today, but neither should present any issue and he will be hotly favoured to complete a hat-trick of victories. (1) DONGBANUI SIJAK also comes up in class in her case after a less spectacular, but commendably solid start to her career. She comes in after a good 2^nd in a fast time to Miss Indie over 1300M and the additional half furlong may suit under a light weight. (2) WONDERFUL KING is yet to score in ten attempts but has four runner-up finishes ad was a decent 4^th at this class and distance having led last time out. He draws nicely and can be on pace early. (6) WONDERFUL JAZZ comes up in class and in distance after a decent win over 1200M on June 12^th. He can sit on the pace or handy and can be competitive at this level. (9) CHEONNYEONUIGUREUM another with placing hopes.

Selections	(8) Success Macho (1) Dongbanui Sijak (2) Wonderful King (6) Wonderful Jazz
Next Best	9
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 8

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

(5) RAPIDO ARES gets the nod here. Disregard her latest start when she was caught a little wide early from less-than-ideal barrier. She had good form prior to that when on the pace or settled in a handy position and today’s draw helps her chances. (1) LOVE RACE is competitive at most distances. She has tended to get back in her races but from the inside gate here, Antonio Da Silva may opt to have her handy and she comes into the calculations. (6) MONEY SILK is a hard horse to get too enthused over but, in this field, he is a genuine place chance based on times he has run. Last time he was wide but still ran on and should go better here. It’s been a while since (8) MAMMA ROMA placed but she does seem to prefer this distance, and this isn’t the toughest of races. He racing pattern is to settle midfield and run on, she has light weight and looks a money chance. (3) IL MARE mixes his form but is another one who in this company, can aim for a money finish.

Selections	(5) Rapido Ares (1) Love Race (6) Money Silk (8) Mamma Roma
Next Best	3, 9
Fast Start	3, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

It’s rare in Korea for a horse to tackle 1800M at just his second start but (8) GEUMA STORMING is a four-year-old who went through a good number of trials before making his debut at a mile on June 13^th and running a very creditable 2^nd having led for much of the race. He should have learned a bit from the experience and is from the track’s top stable. He looks to have an excellent chance of winning here. (9) SEUNGNI TOUT was a last start winner at a mile on May 22^nd. That was his maiden win but he has finished in the top four in seven of nine attempts to date and is set to be one of the main dangers here, most likely sitting handy and then running on. That day in May he beat (10) TWO TWO CARLTON, who himself was a class and distance winner in April (with Seungni Tout in 4^th). Two Two Carlton likes to settle midfield so the draw should not be a problem. With Perovic taking the ride, there was a chance in tactics on (4) DOCTOR SKY and it did the trick has with a front-running performance he recorded a good 2^nd over a mile in a fast time and that brings him into contention here. (5) TOP BEST the best of a competitive rest.

Selections	(8) Geuma Storming (9) Seungni Tout (10) Two Two Carlton (4) Doctor Sky
Next Best	5, 6
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 3)

Saturday was supposed to be the first race meeting at Seoul to take place with fans in attendance since last November, but it was not to be. And while the vaccination program has made rapid progress, as case numbers continue to rise in the Seoul and Gyeonggi area (337 new cases in the capital on Friday), it seems questionable that permission will be granted any time soon. For more background on the abrupt but not unexpected about-turn made by the local authorities see here. There are 9 races at Seoul on Saturday from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Fillies kick us off and (4) CHOEGANG QUEEN looks ready to win at what will be start number three for her. She has a 3^rd and a 2^nd from her two starts so far, both times racing handy and running on in creditable times. She drew wide on both occasions but gets a much better gate today and can make her breakthrough here. (2) LEAD VOCAL is the only runner in the field to already have a victory to her name. That came two starts back in fine fashion when she made all over 1400M in an impressive time on a wet track. She was 5^th on her reappearance in early May but won a trial in good order a couple of weeks ago and should be the main danger here. (7) SOBERANIA did nothing much wrong when 4^th on debut back in May and can build on that today while (1) FLYING FULL MOON and (8) MODERN BEST are others who have placing chances among this small field.

Selections	(4) Choegang Queen (2) Lead Vocal (7) Soberania (1) Flying Full Moon
Next Best	8
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

The first event of the season for previously unraced two-year-olds race of the season brings with it boosted prize money and no form, so we have to head to the trial videos. Accordingly, (7) YUKWAEHAN NALDEUL is set to jump as favourite having made all to win his qualification trial in early May before doing similar in another voluntary trial, although this time sitting handy, at the end of that month. If he brings that form to the races, he’ll be hard to beat first up. (8) BYEOLI SUNGAN only finished 6^th in his heat but the time was a fast one as the trial field that day included some class 1 and class 2 horses and he acquitted himself well. Moon Se Young rode him in the heat and partners him first-up here so he is bound to get plenty of backing. (9) YESULIYA beat a couple of his fellow debut-makers here when running 2^nd in his May 21^st trial. He led until the final furlong and posted a good time on a wet track. With just nine runners, the wide draw shouldn’t be too problematic. (5) BENCAL PRINCESS made all to win her heat and while the time wasn’t fast, she was a long way clear of the rest of the field and should be able to go well. (3) ROAD ACE didn’t catch the eye in his qualification trial but improved in a voluntary trial two weeks ago when he looked more assured and if he can improve again on that, can be in the finish.

Selections	(7) Yukwaehan Naldeul (8) Byeoli Sungan (9) Yesuliya (3) Road Ace
Next Best	5, 4
Fast Start	1, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Back to the class 6 fillies here and it is hard to look past (3) AQUA PUNCH. She finished well back on debut but stepped up to score at start number two over 1300M on June 6^th. She sat handy that day striking the front in the final furlong and going on well and from a similar draw in what looks a significantly easier assignment, she’ll be hard to beat. (4) ADVANCE has a 3^rd place to her name and while that was over 1000M, she comes in under a nice light weight under the same apprentice who rode her that day. She draws well and if she can get a close position early, she can be in the finish. So too can (2) BORI BORI who ran on well from midfield last time for a good, if well-beaten, 4^th place. That was her best to date and she can build on it here. (7) CHOENTAP too gets a bit of a weight allowance and may improve in weak company.

Selections	(3) Aqua Punch (4) Advance (2) Bori Bori (7) Choentap
Next Best	1, 6
Fast Start	3, 4, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Three-year-old maidens go around here. (2) IMUGI is set to be the warm favourite having made steady progress across four starts so far including back to back 4^th place finishes in his most recent outings at 1200M and 1400M. He steps up to seven furlongs for the first time and from a good draw he can sit handy and then run on and be too strong in the finish. (9) RUN RUN RUN ran out of track at his latest start but when he got well back before running on strong for 6^th place. Choi Bum-hyun remains aboard and his first go at an extended trip may be in his favour. The same can be said for (6) WONDERFUL DEVIL, who has settled towards the back of the field at each of her three starts so far before finishing well and similarly looks like she may appreciate a bit of distance. (5) MAGIC JOY and (7) GRAND STAR are others in the hunt for places.

Selections	(2) Imugi (9) Run Run Run (6) Wonderful Devil (5) Magic Joy
Next Best	7, 1
Fast Start	1, 2, 8, 9

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 2)

In the least surprising news of the year so far, the reopening of Seoul Racecourse as well as capital region OTBs will not now go ahead from this weekend.

Due to a rise in the number of Covid positives in the Seoul and Gyeonggi area, local governments have decided to hold off on altering their social distancing guidelines for at least another week. This means that while baseball and football stadiums in Seoul may accommodate 30% of capacity (including the completely enclosed Gocheok Skydome), racing is permitted 0%. However, outside of Seoul, the new levels will come into effect meaning the permitted capacity level in those locations has risen to 50%.

Open this week will be the racecourses in Busan and Jeju as well as OTBs in Busan (two of them), Changwon, Daegu, Cheonan and Gwangju. A total of approximately 11,000 punters will be allowed across the south of the country.

At the same time, the bill to permit online betting on horse racing once more failed to pass the National Assembly Agriculture Committee last week. Online betting on track cycling as well as lottery and sports betting is now legal, however, they are overseen by different ministries.

For the first Friday thoroughbred meeting of 2021, there are just 5 races (local punters will be betting on simulcast pony racing from Jeju as well) abd here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A distinctly average set of gallopers line up in race 1. (8) TAEPUNGI was a distant 3rd on debut behind King Allie when racing prominently throughout before running a less convincing 7th over the same 1000M distance on reappearance in June. She did run on though and the step up in trip for the first time may be to her benefit. The trainer/jockey combination will attract plenty and she will probably start as favourite. (6) BUSAN ACE has recorded the fastest time of these at the distance, although that is perhaps faint praise. She mixes her form but based on her effort two starts back when she led for much of the race, ultimately finishing 2nd and beating Doctor Giants, who has subsequently gone on to win twice, she warrants consideration. (10) WONDERFUL LADY came from well back to run on for 5th place over 1300M on May 30th. She’s nicely weighted again and while she drops back in trip, should be looking for a career-best finish here. (1) K.B. HONOR and (2) INDY DANCER are others who have hinted at ability and also may improve.

Selections	(8) Taepungi (6) Busan Ace (10) Wonderful Lady (2) Indy Dancer
Next Best	1, 3
Fast Start	3, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Good little race this with three standouts. Not much to choose between them but (5) POKPUNG JILJU might be the improving one. He ran a decent 3rd working home strongly behind Gold Fountain on his first try at this distance on May 30th. It was a decent time on a good rated track and he can better it here. (2) YEONGGWANGUI SPEED has managed to maintain good consistency over six starts spread across eighteen months. At his latest start he came from off the pace to run home strongly for 2nd place to Queen Of The Queen in a fast time, albeit assisted by a sloppy track. A similar performance today puts him in the finish again. (3) FIGHT DREAM led for much of his latest outing at this distance, being passed ultimately in the final 300M to finish 4th. He has shown he is capable of running decent times and merits some thought here. (1) SIMON TOP GUN flew home late for 4th over 1300M last time out and may appreciate the step up in trip.

Selections	(5) Pokpung Jilju (2) Yeonggwangui Speed (3) Fight Dream (1) Simon Top Gun
Next Best	7, 8
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies and mares only here and the banker favourite is among them. (4) SAGARMATHA has finished no worse than 3rd in any of her five starts to date with two wins among them. Last time out on May 8th, she beat four of these on her way to 2nd place in a very similar class and distance race. She carries an additional kilo today but she draws better and should be winning this. Having said that, she only narrowly finished ahead of (10) MASTER QUEEN in that race and the latter filly has gone on to since put in another good performance, finishing 2nd at class and distance on June 5th. She led that day as is her style and while the barrier may not be in her favour today, she has a good start on her and we can expect here to work around to challenge for the early lead again. (7) SECOND WIND comes up in class following a breakout victory over 1400M three weeks ago. She had mixed her form prior to that and this is a stiffer test but further improvement can’t be ruled out. (3) HANHYEOLMA and (5) GREAT GO are other potential dangers.

Selections	(4) Sagarmatha (10) Master Queen (7) Second Wind (3) Hanhyeolma
Next Best	5, 9
Fast Start	3, 4, 8, 10

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

(5) MR. FUSION ran out a three-length winner at class and distance on May 29th. That was his second career win but he has never finished worse than 4th. He has performed well when both handy or from coming from further back and while he does go up 3kg today, he has every chance of scoring again. Meeting him at better weights than last time is (4) SMART MOD, who was 3rd in that May 29th race. He settled back and then ran on strong and while that day he was conceding 1kg to Mr. Fusion, today he is getting 1.5kg. He has three-and-a-half lengths to overturn from last time and can be a danger. (2) CRONUS is a two-time winner at this distance and comes in off a good 3rd place last time out. He is nicely weighted again and he’ll aim to come from off the pace and hit the line strong. (3) MINYEOBONG finished in midfield on her first try at this class over 1200M on May 22nd. She ran well enough on her only previous try at this distance last year and could be a place chance in this small field.

Selections	(5) Mr. Fusion (4) Smart Mod (2) Cronus (3) Minyeobong
Next Best	8, 6
Fast Start	3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) GREAT BOSS was a beaten favourite over 1200M last on May 22nd, hitting the front in the straight but ultimately being worn down by Doctor Fashion. That continued his impressive run of form with eight top-two finishes from nine starts so far and was enough to push him up in class here. This is his first attempt at a mile although he has run well over 1400M already and he comes down a full 6kg in the weights. That gives him a big advantage in that respect over the other standout (4) GEUMA CAVALRY who comes up a full 4kg for his super win at this class and distance on April 24th. That day the Violence colt practically made all and cruised away for a five-length victory in a fast time on a dry track. Regardless of the additional weight, He looks a talent and if he can deal with the weight, he has every chance of following up. (3) YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT beat a couple of these on his way to a solid 2nd place at class and distance on June 5th. He doesn’t win out of turn but is a prolific place getter and can be in the finish again. (5) MY TIZ GEM and (9) MALIBU BYEOL are others in at least the minor money hunt.

Selections	(1) Great Boss (4) Geuma Cavalry (3) Yeonggwangui Fight (5) My Tiz Gem
Next Best	9, 11
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 12

No need to click “more” that’s it!

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 27)

All fingers and toes are crossed that Sunday sees the final behind closed doors meetings before the track and other locations in Seoul can re-open next weekend. There are 10 races in Seoul (10:45 to 18:00) and 6 in Busan (12:05 to 17:00). Here are the previews:

East Jet is back on Sunday after being disqualified last start (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Maidens get us underway. (1) A ONE QUEEN has put in good efforts at her last two starts when on pace. At her latest she stumbled a little at the start before getting close to the lead and running on well. She drops back slightly in trip today and with a better draw looks right in this so we will take a chance on her to beat the likely favourite. That is (11) COMPLETE VALUE, who makes it to the races having won consecutive trials in May. Both times she has been steadily away before cruising away late and 1200M seems ideal first-up. (2) WONDERFUL K placed at this distance at his first start and has performed fairly in three efforts since. He was handy then passed in the run last start and the drop back in trip may suit. It may pay to disregard the latest effort of (7) FINAL ACE when she led but raced ungenerously. Two starts back she ran much better, leading to the 50M and then finishing 2^nd and a repeat isn’t impossible. (8) GRAND MASTER is another in the placing frame at least.

Selections	(1) A One Queen (11) Complete Value (2) Wonderful K (7) Final Ace
Next Best	8, 4
Fast Start	2, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(14) GWANGYANG EUTTEUM won a trial in April and was then a good 2^nd on his racecourse debut on May 23^rd at 1000M and while not assisted by the draw here, he is likely to start a justified favourite. On debut he ran handy before getting caught wide but ran on very strong and won’t need to improve too much. (10) HURRICANE SOCKS has run 3^rd at both his latest two starts beating a couple of these in the process. Last time he was caught a bit wide but continued to show improvement and he can maintain his momentum here. (7) STELLA ROAD ran 4^th last start behind Hurricane Socks. She was well back turning for home but made up a lot of ground in the straight. That followed a good 3^rd on debut and she’s worth thought here with Kim Yong-geun remaining aboard. (6) BLACK INDY and (8) HESSIAN are others with at least placing claims.

Selections	(14) Gwangyang Eutteum (10) Hurricane Socks (7) Stella Road (6) Black Indy
Next Best	8, 13
Fast Start	1, 6, 10, 14

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(3) AFLEET MARINE has been close at recent starts and perhaps deserves a change of luck. She has a significantly better barrier today compared to last time when she was awkwardly away from gate twelve but proceeded to put in a huge run nonetheless getting to the lead in the straight and only being passed by a couple in the shadow of the post. She has a big chance today. She’ll need to beat the favourite who is likely to be (9) CHOEGANG JANGSAN. No worse than 4^th in three outings so far, at his latest start he put in a big run over this distance and just missed out on 2^nd. He can come from handy or further back and a win would appear to be in his near future. (5) SINDAERO has raced competitively recently. He raced midfield last time before running on well and a repeat should put him close at the finish. (10) CONDOR YEOWANG ran in a similar fashion at his latest start for 4^th and an apprentice taking an additional 2kg off his back brings him into the calculations. (6) WONDERFUL ORANGE another with placing claims.

Selections	(3) Afleet Marine (9) Choegang Jangsan (5) Sindaero (10) Condor Yeowang
Next Best	6, 11
Fast Start	1, 6, 10, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

After back to back runner-up finishes, (4) ACE GUY looks ready to win at what will be start number five. He has been finishing off his races tremendously well and the additional half furlong could well be what he has been waiting for. (2) TRIPLE STORM has been knocking on the door in his latest couple. He tends to get very far back in his races before running on and while he may once more find one or two too quick, he should be coming strongly at the business end. Like Ace Guy, (3) K K WON benefits from a 3kg apprentice allowance. He drops back in trip having led in the straight over a mile last time only to be passed late on by a good winner and he surely goes close again. (9) GALLANT WARRIOR and (12) BLUE OAK among others in the placing frame at least.

Selections	(4) Ace Guy (2) Triple Storm (3) K K Won (9) Gallant Warrior
Next Best	12, 7
Fast Start	1, 4, 6, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(10) BODYGUARD is a winner at this distance at his last start in a good time when he settled midfield and finished off nicely. Although he has drawn wider this time, it may actually suit his running style and he will be the one to beat here. (9) STAR RUSH has to be considered on sheer consistency having run 3^rd at each of his last three starts. Last time out he settled in the back of the field and ran on strongly with a repeat of those efforts likely to put him firmly in the finish today. (11) JILPUNG BAEKGWANG comes into consideration after her much improved run last start when 3^rd over 1400M. She settled much handier than usual that day and if she can do the same over 1300M this time, she can get close. (1) EUNHYE GADUEK should provide each-way value as while his paper form isn’t great, he has made improvement at each run and stumbled at the start before being bumped last time. He should get an easier passage from the inside gate and may be worth a shy at the stumps. (5) CUPID KOREA another with strong placing claims.

Selections	(10) Bodyguard (9) Star Rush (11) Jilpung Baekgwang (1) Eunhye Gaduek
Next Best	5, 7
Fast Start	2, 5, 10, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Two horses who seem to be figuring things out after both making seven starts should head the market here and there seems little to choose between them. We’ll marginally side with (3) DOCTOR TAKE, who has beaten a few of these over his latest two starts, both of them at a mile. In both of those, he has settled in midfield and has run on well for 4^th and 3^rd. In a race without a huge amount of speed, he may take this on early and it can be third time lucky at the distance today. The big rival is (4) LUCAS SUN who was a touch one-paced on his first try at a mile last time but nevertheless registered a decent time. His style is usually to go back and finish strongly and he is a real chance. (1) SEONGSAN HERO ran 5^th behind Doctor Take last start on May 23^rd. He was ridden closer earlier than he had been in previous outings and the inside gate could help him today. (7) ACE FOUR TEN and (9) BOUNTY HUNTER among others with claims.

Selections	(3) Doctor Take (4) Lucas Sun (1) Seongsan Hero (7) Ace Four Ten
Next Best	9, 10
Fast Start	1, 3, 7, 9

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Horse Racing in Korea

Korea Racing Blog

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 18)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 17)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 16)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 11)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 10)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 9)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 4)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 3)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 2)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 27)

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