THE 2026 KOREAN JUVENILE SERIES BEGAN OVER THE WEEKEND AND THE FIRST SEOUL LEG OF THE SERIES ON SUNDAY WAS THE GWACHEON MAYOR’S TROPHY AND MAJOR FURY made Hope K look good with a neck success under Seo Seung-un (writes Luke Humphreys).
Major Fury (near side) holds off Clutch Derby in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy (Pic: KRA)
Major Fury (Revolutionary) had won his first two starts before being best of the rest behind Hope K, a subsequent winner on international weekend, in the Rookie Stakes in August and with no Hope K to worry about, he got the prize after trailing the long-time leader and eventual 2nd placed Clutch Derby throughout.
“I was able to pick up the ride as trainer Kim Dong-kyun had also entered Samjeong Chef which Jang Chu-youl elected to ride,” Seo Seung-un told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “He looked like a good horse to ride and after riding him today I think he is a very smart and good horse. I only rode in Seoul (instead of Yeongcheon) today because of this ride, so I am grateful for the opportunity. The trainer’s instructions were to just sit behind the leaders and then make a run. Jang Chu-youl also told me about the horse as he had ridden him previously so I would like to thank him.”
The Korea Cup disappointment last week of home hope Clean One, who was subsequently found to have fractured his off-fore sesamoid, was still laying heavy on Seo.
“Because the results at last week’s Korea Cup were poor, as a jockey, I sincerely want to apologise to all horse racing fans regarding the fact that I did not ride well. I felt extremely sorry. It is in the past, but I had to focus more than usual this week and thankfully still got satisfactory results.”
Seo also made comments on him riding regularly in both Seoul and the Yeongnam (Busan and now Yeongcheon) region.
“It has been three months (since the integrated freelance jockey system was established) and of course, when I first came here to Seoul for regular meetings, not everyone would be able to give me many opportunities because it came suddenly but as a month or two passed, I have been given a lot of opportunities.”
Friday’s racing is at Busan with 9 races from 10:15 to 17:55. A reminder that this will be the only meeting taking place at Busan last week with Sunday’s “Yeongnam” card set to take place at the new racecourse in Yeongcheon. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Small field of imported maidens with three of the seven racing for the first time. All of the others raced against one another on their respective debuts back on July 24th over this distance. (7) TOHAMSAN BOSS came from off the pace to run 2nd and the best of them on that day, albeit a full nine-lengths behind the eye-catching winner Supex World. He can have come on for that run and it’s hard to go against him here. (4) UNCLE PARK was 3rd in that race, a length and a quarter in arrears, having raced handy throughout and he shapes as the main danger today. (5) ALL CLEAR went through two trials, winning the second of them (which may not appear in all racecards, but was an all the way score in a time of 62.2 seconds on July 9th) and he looks the best of the debut-makers. Returning to the July 24th race, (1) PERFECT LINE and (3) LUNA CROWN were 4th and 6th and there is no reason to change that order today.
Selections
(7) Tohamsan Boss (4) Uncle Park (5) All Clear (1) Perfect Line
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 5,
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. (7) SUNNY WILD debuted over 1200M on August 7th, showing on pace and ultimately finishing in 3rd place. He should have come on for the run, and he can win here. (5) BRAVO YOUNG was a fair 5th on debut in a quick race over 1000M on August 14th. She too should have derived benefit from that, and she can be closer today. Among the debut-makers, (1) POWERFUL INDIE was the best. He went through two trials, improving in the second of them when 3rd from the widest gate in a time of 62.8 seconds on August 13th. If he brings that form to the races, he can be competitive. (10) OASIS YEONGCHEON and first-timer (8) RUN FOR ME are other place chances.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Filly maidens. (2) HEAR WE GO won a July trial and was then 3rd on debut over 1300M on August 9th, racing handy throughout. She should have come on for that run and from a good draw, she is the one to beat here. (11) MISS COCO is the most experienced in the field, with four starts behind her. The best of those was her latest when she was 4th behind Hear We Go in that August 9th race, having settled back and run on well. She previously posted a fast time over this trip, and she can be a danger late here. (4) ACE LOVE and (10) HERO HIT came home 5th and 6th respectively when they raced one another over 1000M on August 9th and both can be in the mix to go better here. (1) GEUMBIT SPRING another who can improve.
Selections
(2) Hear We Go (11) Miss Coco (4) Ace Love (10) Hero Hit
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) GAME MAKER was 3rd on debut in July over 1000M coming from off the pace and followed up with a 2nd at start number two over 1200M on August 7th when ridden much closer to the pace. Third-up he can be peaking and he has every chance of going one better here. (5) LOST KINGDOM debuted over 1300M on August 23rd, settling midfield and running on pleasingly enough for 4th. Seo Seung-un climbs on and plenty will be backing him to go better. (8) SIERRA GOLD didn’t do much on debut back in May but looked well when running 2nd in a quick trial on August 20th and can be given another chance here. (10) CHAMPAGNE WINNER and (1) TIGER BLUE among others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Game Maker (5) Lost Kingdom (8) Sierra Gold (10) Champagne Winner
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Sunday is International Day with 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 15:45. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juveniles with all eleven racing for the very first time. (2) MYEONGSEONG PARTY was the best in trials, running 2nd in her heat ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, and stopping the clock in a good time. She draws nicely here, she should be close to the pace, and she will be the favourite. (1) INFERNO has been through a load of trials since May, failing to qualify in the first three of them but then looking significantly better at the fourth time of asking on August 20th when racing midfield throughout. He should certainly be fit and Franco being booked is a plus. (3) GETTYSBURG was 4th to Myeongseong Party’s 2nd in their trial. He showed on pace and probably will again here with claims to be in this a long way. (11) GEOSEN GIPPEUM clocked the fastest time in a trial and that’s enough to have him in the numbers even though he was halfway down the field. (6) B WORK another who hinted at ability.
Selections
(2) Myeongseong Party (1) Inferno (3) Gettysburg (11) Geosen Gippeum
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) G B ACE has raced twice before, finishing 4th on debut over 1000M in July and then improving to 2nd at start number two at this distance on August 16th when leading for much of the way. Third-up he can have an edge on these fitness-wise, and he can go all the way. The danger is in the adjoining gate. (10) POWERFUL MR. was 5th on debut over 1000M in June and then improved to 3rd at start two on August 8th, showing handy early before dropping back and then running on again. He too should be fitter than most here and can be close. Among the debut-makers, (1) YEONGUNG BAROWS was 2nd in his trial, showing close to the pace, and he can be given a chance here. (5) SAVE QUEEN was an on pace 3rd in her heat and she too can make an immediate impression. (11) FULL STRIKE was 4th on debut and can aim to match or better that here.
Selections
(9) G B Ace (10) Powerful Mr. (1) Yeongung Barows (5) Save Queen
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Maiden juvenile fillies with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) BORYEONGUI BYEOL was 3rd on debut and then took her chance in the Rookie Stakes for juveniles over 1200M on August 16th where she was a very fair 4th of eight behind Dubai Heart. She won’t need to improve much on that to win in this company. (8) ACE CROW was a close 2nd on debut over August 14th, having led for most o the way around over 1000M. She comes up in trip here, but she should have come on for the run, and she has as good a chance as any here. (9) HOESAEK JILJU was 4th on debut behind Ace Crow, settling right back and running on. She too should have come on for the run and the step up in trip can suit. (10) SKY WON looked the best of the debut makers in trials and along with (6) BLACK WINNER, who was 3rd on debut over 1000M on August 9th, should be in at least the placing frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Very ordinary maiden. (7) LEADERS PARTNER stepped up to this trip for the first time on August 9th and recorded his best result to date when coming from off the pace for 2nd. Johan gets on for the first time here and he can go one better. (2) SAMJEONG BLUE was a bit ordinary on his latest outing but has looked like he needs a bit further, and he gets a chance to prove it as he tackles two turns for the first time here. Furkan has ridden him to his best results so far and he returns to the mount today. (9) SINCHEON HEART enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently behind Leaders Partner on August 9th when he led early. He should be on pace again and can be close. (5) PNS GUNS and (4) GWANAKSAN WISH ME are other place chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) SEOBULINA didn’t do much on debut but was a significantly improved 2nd at start number two on August 23rd when getting a long way back but running on strongly at big odds. The step up in trip can further suit, and he has every chance today. (11) STRONG WINNER beat several of these on his way to finishing 2nd on his first try at this distance on August 7th. That day’s winner ran 4th at class 5 level on Friday, and he will probably start as the favourite here. (2) FANTASTIC BEACH was 3rd in that August 7th race, coming from a long way off the pace for a significantly improved performance. That was her first try at a mile and she can match or better it today. (3) GEUMBIT and (8) FANTASTIC ONE among plenty of others in the placing frame.
It’s Korea Cup weekend! The action though gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 12:50 to 19:25. Here are the previews:
It’s Friday! It’s Busan!
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juveniles with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) POWERFUL WARRIOR debuted with a solid 4th place over 1000M on July 3rd, settling midfield and running on. He should have come on for that, and he can win here. (3) MAX LEVEL didn’t do much on debut on July 24th, to the extent that he was sent back to trial. He won that heat in fine style, leading all the way, and stopping the clock in a quick time, and from a good gate, he can be on pace, and he will probably start as the favourite. (7) OASIS SONG finished in 6th place on debut in the same race as July 24th. He should have come on for that run and can go closer today. Among the debut makers, (5) HEUIMANG GYEOUL and (6) SEONGSIL JILJU looked the best in trials.
Selections
(9) Powerful Warrior (3) Max Level (7) Oasis Song (5) Heuimang Gyeoul
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (2) OASIS ANGEL here. He was 3rd behind Seraph on debut over 1000M in June and then ran 4th having been ridden up to be handy from the widest gate at start number two over 1200M on August 7th. He comes into a better gate today, and third-up he can be peaking. (7) LOGIST QUEEN was a very close 2nd at start number two on July 5th when she led for most of the way. She could only manage 6th at 1300M on her reappearance, but she should be able to lead again here and back to 1200M, she can be in this a long way. (4) TWOTWO SPACE was an encouraging 4th on debut over 1000M on August 9th. She finished off very well and the step up in trip can suit. (1) GLORYS DAY and (6) COWBOY LOOK, the latter returning for the first time since last November, but who looked very well in a July trial, are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Oasis Angel (7) Logist Queen (4) Twotwo Space (1) Glorys Day
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) ART TREE debuted last October with a quick 3rd place over 1000M but then didn’t reappear until this July 17th when he came from well off the pace to run 5th over 1200M. He was then handy from a wide gate and a close 2nd at 1300M on August 7th. Third-up he can be peaking and is the one to beat. He will be a very short price though. For anyone seeking an alternative, (3) GEORGE PRINCE has finished 5th in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. Both times he has been doing his best work late, and the slight step up in trip can see him get closer today. (4) OASIS TIME was 4th on debut and 6th at start number two, both of them over a mile. He drops back in trip for the first time and in this company, he should see off plenty. (10) FOR THE VICTORY and first-time starter (9) UNION FLASH others in the placing frame.
Selections
(7) Art Tree (3) George Prince (4) Oasis Time (10) For The Victory
Next Best
9, 2
Fast Start
6, 8, 9, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (2) NORTHERN QUEEN is yet to win in ten attempts, but she has seven top five finishes, including her latest on August 14th when she was 3rd in a very similar class and distance race to this, having raced handy throughout. She beat a couple of today’s rivals that day and can beat plenty today. (3) RUSH WILD won on debut over 1300M before good efforts at a mile and 1800M gave her a spin around in the Korean Oaks. She finished well back in that and again when sent off as favourite on June 19th at this class and distance when she was fractious in the barrier and appeared to give up in the home straight. She as passed a starting test since then and with Seo Seung-un giving her another chance, so can we. (5) ONLY FOR ME was a winner on debut over 1000M on July 24th and while up in class and in trip, she can measure up. (8) BULBIT YEONGMA and (9) NICE MYEONGGA others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Northern Queen (3) Rush Wild (5) Only For Me (8) Bulbit Yeongma
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
ON SUNDAY AT SEOUL A 1400M CLASS 1 WAS THE MAIN RACE OF THE WEEKEND AND SUPER FINISH produced his best effort since finishing 3rd in the Korea Sprint last year with a dashing front-running display in his first race for almost six months (writes Luke Humphreys).
Super Finish (Federalist), which was being ridden for the first time by Ruan Maia, proved too good at odds of 4.9 over the topweight Vics Go which ran a very admirable race in 2nd beaten a half-length. The very consistent Ziggurat, 1.8 favourite, was a never nearer 3rd.
Johan Victoire and Lee Joon-chel combined for a race-to-race double on the card and that began when the very consistent FLYING HONOR (To Honor And Serve) bounced back to winning ways in Race 7 (1700M Class 4) scoring by one-and-three-quarter lengths as the 3.0 favourite. The locally bred three-year-old gelding has never missed the top four in seven starts and has now recorded three career wins. He was reversing form on the 3rd placed Hyeukmusang, 5.9, from their encounter on July 25 whilst another decent three-year-old JD Gangja, 3.4, split them in 2nd. The consistent but non-winning Geuma Foremost, 7.5, was 4th whilst the leader in the race Saenae Hunter, 8.6, who was up in trip was 5th.
Victoire and Lee followed up with 1.8 favourite GWANAKSAN SKY (Concord Point) in Race 8 (1800M Class 4) which bounced back to winning ways after winning his first three starts before finishing 9th in The Derby and 7th at his latest appearance. Gwanaksan Sky received a lot of pressure in front when beaten nine-lengths at his last start and was expected to lead once again and did so through the first quarter-mile however Kozzi Asano on Shining Road, which eventually finished 3rd, was keen to make the odds-on chance earn it and they eventually found the lead as Victoire was very keen to surrender the front-running on the popular pick once pressure came. Gwanaksan Sky then raced in 2nd, out of kickback, before leading in the home straight and proving too strong by one-and-a-quarter lengths.
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:35 to 17:55) and Busan (7 races from 11.25 to 16:55). Here are the previews:
Just a week until the Korea Cup 2026 (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens and it is hard to go past (1) ECO BOLT. He was sent off as the longest but one shot on the board on debut over 1200M on July 19th but made a mockery of that with an on-pace 2nd, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He will be much shorter today. (3) TONGKWAEHANSEUNGJA didn’t do much on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start two over 1000M on August 8th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be nice and match-fit, and the step up in trip can suit. (6) MYEONG POWERFUL also beat a couple of these on his debut at 1000M on July 26th, ultimately running 4th. He should have come on for the run and can get closer today. (5) LEGEND MONSTER and (8) GOLD X, the latter a good 4th behind the excellent looking Clutch Derby on debut, are others in the frame.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It took (1) BEOLGYO SIGNATURE a few trials to make it to the races, but when he finally did, he ran a fair 4th of eleven over this distance on July 19th, settling midfield and running on decently enough. He should have come on for that run and has every chance in this company. (10) JEJU PRINCESS picked up significantly when 4th over 1400M on July 11th. Luis has ridden her to her best results and he stays aboard today. (5) DYNAMIC FORCE got sent back to trial after his latest and came through it without offering too many clues. He does have a 2nd place on his resume and that is enough to have him going close here. (11) GOLDEN WARRIOR hasn’t quite managed to kick on since a 3rd place four starts back but hasn’t been far away and can be given another chance today. (7) CHRYSOL POSH another who is better than her latest couple suggest.
Selections
(1) Beolgyo Signature (10) Jeju Princess (5) Dynamic Force (11) Golden Warrior
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 9, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(5) GLOBAL PRINCE was an also-ran in the Korean Derby in May and was then a beaten favourite on his return to shallower waters on June 14th when he got himself a warning for laying out. Before the Derby he was a winner at this class and distance, and he can return to winning ways here. (3) DUDUNG was a smart winner at this class over a mile on July 17th. He comes up 3.5kg in weight as well as up to two-turns for the first time, but neither should be a problem, and he can be a big danger. The vastly experienced (4) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG comes in off back-to-back 3rd places at this class and distance, and this is the kind of race where he can be there or thereabouts again. (2) OASIS ADELE is up in class following a maiden score over 1400M on July 26th. He carries a light weight and has already placed over this trip. (8) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG is the other main place chance.
Selections
(5) Global Prince (3) Dudung (4) Eunseong Yeongung (2) Oasis Adele
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
3, 5, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) LUCKY JOY is probably the one to beat here. His win came over 1700M and he ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance, which was also his first go at this level in April. He has been a front running 5th and 4th in two starts since then, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and he won’t need to find much more to see off this field. (2) CLUB MAN comes up in class following a maiden win over 1700M on August 9th when handy throughout. That’s the distance his best results have come at so there is no reason why he can’t handle an additional half furlong, and down in weight and nicely draw, he can more than measure up. (1) KARA K is yet to score in fourteen attempts but has found the minor money on plenty of occasions and enters having run 5th to Lucky Joy’s 4th on July 26th. She’ll be close again. (7) CHOEGO BELT and (10) CHRYSOL STEP other place chances.
Selections
(9) Lucky Joy (2) Club Man (1) Kara K (7) Choego Belt
Next Best
10, 5
Fast Start
2, 4, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. One of those newcomers is (2) VICTORY CHAMP, and he will be the favourite. The Old Fashioned colt led for much of the way in his trial, ultimately crossing the line a close 2nd in a quick time. Drawn well, if he brings that form to the races, he’ll be hard to beat. (8) DAESEONG SKY was also 2nd in his trial. The time wasn’t as quick, but it was very solid having raced handy throughout, and Seo Seung-un aboard means he will have plenty of first-up supporters. Of the experienced ones, (6) DANALDA was a close 3rd on debut (close to the 2nd placegetter, anyway) over 1200M on July 17th. (3) HIT THE RUNNING and (10) MR. SUNSHINE were 4th and 5th in the same race and both also showed enough to suggest they can improve.
Selections
(2) Victory Champ (8) Daeseong Sky (6) Danalda (3) Hit The Running
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 112:50 to 19:25. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies with five of the nine racing for the first time. (5) RACE NINE ran 2nd on debut over this distance on July 10th in a very similar juvenile filly maiden to this, showing on pace throughout. She should be on pace again here, she should have come on for the run, and she will be a short price to go one better. (3) GREY WIND was a fair 4th on her debut at this distance on July 24th when handy all the way. She too should have derived benefit from the experience, and she shapes as the main danger. Among the first-timers, (4) CHEONNYEON YEOJE was a close 3rd in her trial having led for much of the way and she can be on the speed here. (8) OASIS CELEB was well beaten by G2 Ttukseom Cup winner Fantastic Value in her trial but showed enough to suggest she has some promise. (1) PURPLE QUEEN another who hinted at ability in her trial.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Tricky one. (9) DOCTOR ATE dead-heated for 4th at start number two over 1400M on July 24th when coming from well off the pace. Third-up he can be peaking and the step up to a mile can be in his favour. He will need to overturn the form on (4) YONGBI CHEONMA, who ran 3rd in that July 24th race having shown close to the speed throughout. That was his second start, and he too can continue to make progress here. (5) GIROL SIDAE has already placed twice at this distance with a 2nd and a 3rd in June and July. She struggled from the widest gate last time out but is worth another chance here. (3) ONE PLUS ONE and (10) RED KING – the latter having been the other horse in that dead-heat for 4th on July 24th – are among plenty of others with at least placing chances.
Selections
(9) Doctor Ate (4) Yongbi Cheonma (5) Girol Sidae (3) One Plus One
Next Best
10, 11
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 5
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) BORYEONGUI SINYONG has six top three finishes from eight starts, missing out only in the second two legs of the Triple Tiara. She returned to shallower waters on June 21st and ran 2nd to Powerful Battle over a mile at this class, and coming in fresh after ten weeks off, she can return to winning ways today. (1) BEST TIGER broke through at start four over this distance on July 24th, scoring well from a handy position. An apprentice claim ensures that her carried weight comes down, and from the inside gate, she can measure up in this company. (5) NAMHAE MAGIC is yet to win in thirteen attempts, but he has no fewer than nine top four finishes including his latest when a very close 2nd at this class and distance on July 17th. He may find one or two too quick again but should be close. (3) FLEX KHAN and (7) WORLD TREE are the other main chances.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s been a long time since (6) HANEUL POLPUNG got his sole win and he endured a run of very cold form, but his recent efforts have been goof with two 3rd places followed by a 5th at this class and distance on July 26th when he beat two of today’s rivals. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here. Nothing else enters in much form. (5) CHOEGANG HAPPY was 6th in that July 26th race. His sole win to date came over this trip and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (9) NEW LEADER was 3rd two outings back at this class and distance and while she got sent back to trial following her latest, she came through the heat well and should be challenging in this company (1) GAON BOSS and (11) BIG STAR other placing chances.
Selections
(6) Haneul Pokpung (5) Choegang Happy (9) New Leader (1) Gaon Boss
Next Best
11, 3
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s daytime racing on Sunday with 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (6) LUNA SOCKS was a close 2nd in her trial, showing close to the pace throughout. She’ll be on pace here and if she brings that trial form to the races, she is the one to beat. (4) RAON CHARIS GIRL ran 2nd in her trial, sitting behind the pace and running through the line pleasingly enough and she can go well first-up. (8) TAEPYEONG SG went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them (which may not appear in all race cards, but he was 3rd in 61.8 seconds on July 23rd) and he should be nice and fit for this. (5) GWANAKSAN JUMP was 3rd in what was a fast heat and he too can be aiming to be prominent early and be a chance. (1) BLACK TIME is the only one with racing experience and while she finished 8th of eleven, it wasn’t a bad showing, and she can have derived benefit from it.
Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Imported juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (2) SINGSING NASHE was a dominant trial winning, leading all the way and crossing the line thirteen-lengths to the good in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, the Nashville colt will take some beating. (4) CLASSIC AUTUMN is one of the two in the race with experience. It took him plenty of trials to get to the races and he led on debut over this distance on July 11th before finishing 5th in a fair time. He should have come on for the run and can be in this a bit longer. (1) G B FLASH was a solid trial winner, showing handy throughout and from the inside gate can go well first up. (9) NAREUSYA GOAT and (5) MIGHTY WONDER are other debut-makers who can be a threat.
Selections
(2) Singsing Nashe (4) Classic Autumn (1) G B Flash (9) Nareusya Goat
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Tricky opener on Busan and we can take a chance on one of the two debut-makers. (10) LOST KINGDOM took two goes to qualify but was much more accomplished at the second attempt when an on-pace 3rd in a good time. Franco is on and at a possible each-way price, he could make an immediate impact. (9) RANI did nothing on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on July 26th, coming from off the pace and the slight step up in trip can benefit. (3) SMART YULIM has mixed his form across seven outings to date, but he does have a pair of 3rd places, including on his latest on July 19th, and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (4) WONDERFUL MUD can have a line through his latest when he was found to be lame in the near-fore. He has been back in work since August 1st and was 3rd over this distance in June. (8) YEONGGWANGUI HOPE did nothing on debut but has since been back to trial and looked much better, and he can be given another chance.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
There are two debut-makers here and one is quite interesting. (10) CLUTCH WORLD took two goes to qualify but he did it well in the second of them when settling midfield and running on pleasingly. He was seven-lengths behind Mighty Log, whose own debut is even more hotly anticipated, but if he brings that form in here, he can go close. It helps that the main danger and probable favourite is drawn even wider. (11) DAEDONGYONGMA did nothing in his first four, but he has picked up with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1300M and he can continue to make progress here. (5) SONGDANG JILJU showed signs of figuring it out when 4th on her first try at this distance on July 25th and she can build on that here. (3) DELTA CHOEGANG and (4) SEOBU KING look to be the other main place chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s hard to go past (2) AEGIS CHEONMA here. In four starts, he is yet to be worse than 4th, getting his maiden win at start two over 1200M in May and then running 4th and 3rd on two tries at this class, the latter on July 24th. Seo Seung-un stays on and drawing well to pick his spot, the pair can win. They will need to overturn the form on (3) CALM FAST, who was a somewhat unexpected 2nd in that July 24th race. That was his best finish in twenty-eight attempts though and he has run once since without doing much. Nevertheless, in this limited company he can aim to place. (9) WIND SWORD enters off a fair 4th place at 1300M on July 26th and with an apprentice claim giving him a 3kg weight drop today, he should be firmly in contention. (1) POWER TIGER and the returning (5) BULBIT GANGJA are others in the frame.
Selections
(2) Aegis Cheonma (3) Calm Fast (9) Wind Sword (1) Power Tiger
Next Best
5, 11
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) QUERENCIA has been working back towards another win since getting promoted to this class after his maiden, culminating in 3rd place over 1400M on July 26th, well-beaten by a good winner but not far off 2nd when racing handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg, Luis stays on, and he can win. (3) THE SUN MONSTER has been ultra-consistent without winning, with three 2nd places and a 3rd from his latest four, most recently at this class and distance on June 21st, when coming from a long way back. He draws nicely and today could be his day. (2) WINNER SOCKS was 4th behind Querencia in that July 26th race. He has four-lengths to make up but can beat plenty of these. (1) BULGEUN POKPUNG and (4) NAOL AURORA others who can make the placing frame.
Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 12:50 to 19:25. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (8) SPECIAL FIRST was the best in trials, showing on pace and crossing the line 2nd in a good time behind the vastly experienced Daehoma. If that form comes to the races, he can win. (5) PEGASUS YEOWANG ran 3rd in her trial, showing handily throughout and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (6) MODERN BOY took two goes to qualify and while he didn’t beat many at the second time of asking, he looked competent enough and he should be nice and fit for this. Of the experience, (9) OASIS SHACKLE and (10) SUPER WEEK are perhaps the best placed to improve from their respective debuts.
Selections
(8) Special First (5) Pegasus Yeowang (6) Modern Boy (9) Oasis Shackle
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not the strongest of maidens. (8) OVER RAINBOW has been knocking on the door across seven starts so far with his best being a 3rd over 1200M in March and his best his latest when 4th at 1400M on July 19th He usually settles back and runs on, and he won’t need to improve by much to win this. (4) DOCTOR PRINCE was slow away on debut and finished well-back behind Seraph on debut over 1000M in June but was an improved 5th when sent up to a mile for start two on July 26th. The difference is split distance wise here and he can continue to get closer. (9) FANTASTIC ROYAL similarly improved to 6th at start two and Seo Seung-un riding for the first time will tempt some. (11) WORLD THUNDER CAT and (7) SHINING CLUTCH others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Over Rainbow (4) Doctor Prince (9) Fantastic Royal (11) World Thunder Cat
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
5, 6, 9, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) DOCTOR QUE SERA broke through at start number three over 1400M on July 19th, leading from gate to wire. He is up in class and in trip here, but he comes down 2.5kg in weight, and he could make it two in a row. (6) REGINA VINCIT finished 6th of twelve in the Korean Oaks and then 7th of ten in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. She returned to regular waters when beating a couple of these on her way to 4th place at this class and over 1800M on July 17th and back at a distance over which she got her two best results, she has the potential to return to winning ways. (10) GYEONGBOK PORTOS is up in class following a maiden win at this distance on July 19th and can measure up at this level. (11) SPACE GOLD and (7) MOST WANTED among plenty of other place chances.
Selections
(4) Doctor Que Sera (6) Regina Vincit (10) Gyeongbok Portos (11) Space Gold
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (1) QUEEN WIND didn’t do much in her first four tries at this level, but she returned to winning ways in fine style on July 17th over 1400M, leading all the way around. She comes up a full 4kg in weight, but she has every chance of winning again. (2) FLASH COCO broke through at start number three over this distance on July 3rd with a similarly front-running effort. She is up in class here but there could be more to come and form a good draw, she can measure up at this level. (9) GREAT STAR has been close in her latest three, most recently when 3rd over this distance in a very similar race to this on July 19th and she can be there or thereabouts again (4) ARE YOU READY and (6) YEONGGWANGUIROOKIE are among others in the frame.
Selections
(1) Queen Wind (2) Flash Coco (9) Great Star (4) Are You Ready
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 6
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Seoul and Busan both hold their prep races for the Juvenile Series on Sunday as a small collection of the most promising two-year-olds at each track line up for the Rookie Stakes. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens although all but one have raced at least once before. (3) WONDER GRACE has raced twice, improving to 2nd at start two over 1000M on July 12th. The step up in trip can suit and third-up, she can be peaking. (8) ECLIPSE GOLDEN was 3rd on debut over this distance on July 19th, well beaten by the promising Clutch Derby, but nevertheless putting in a solid effort. He should have come on for the run and shapes as the main danger and possible betting favourite. (9) G B ACE was a beaten favourite on debut over 1000M on July 4th but showed enough in 4th place to suggest he is worth another chance here. (1) BONBON TIARA and (6) SEOGWI MENIQUEEN among others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.
Selections
(3) Wonder Grace (8) Eclipse Golden (9) G B Ace (1) Bonbon Tiara
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 8, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) SAMJEONG YEOJE enters off back-to-back 3rd places over 1400M racing on pace both times. She draws a touch wider than ideal but se won’t need to find much improvement to win this. (5) JS LOVE did nothing in her first two starts this spring but having gone back to trial, reappeared on July 18th with a close 2nd place at 1200M. She draws well here and can match or better that today. (1) HWARYEOHAN YUSAN was an improved 2nd over this distance on June 7th when racing on pace throughout. He can lead ere again and can be in this a long way. (3) GEOSEN HAMSEONG and (9) ILGEUP BISUL are among others who can be aiming for the places.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go far past (1) SWEET MAN here. Since switching to racing on pace two starts back, he has a 2nd and a 3rd both over 1400M and while he comes up to a mile for the first time, he can get a soft lead here and go all the way. (9) RIVER RUN was beaten by a couple of these two starts back but comes in following a 3rd place over 1400M on June 21st when coming from off the pace. He comes up to the mile for the first time, and it may well suit. (10) SHINY KOREA was an improved 2nd at 1400M on July 19th and is another who can benefit from the extended trip today. (8) VIRAL HIT and (11) HANGANG BRAVO are the other main contenders on a place line.
Selections
(1) Sweet Man (9) River Run (10) Shiny Korea (8) Viral Hit
Next Best
11, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) WHIZ POINT hasn’t won but has two 2nd places and two 3rd places from four starts to date and was most recently runner-up at this class and distance on July 11th when on pace and only going down narrowly. He is up 3.5kg in weight, but he can break through here. (1) HOT FEVER is yet to score in nine but got promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and 1300M in April and May. She comes in having run 4th at this class and distance on July 19th and she can be closer today. (9) ONNURI BIT beat Whiz Point two starts back when the pair came home 2nd and 3rd and while that was her best finish so far, she can be a place chance again. (4) CLOVER ONE and (6) INSPIRE others firmly in the frame.
Selections
(2) Whiz Point (1) Hot Fever (9) Onnuri Bit (4) Clover One
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) PRIME JENNY was an all the way winner on debut over this distance on July 17th scoring with plenty in hand. She could have probably taken her chance in the Rookie Stakes later on, but instead is sent to face older rivals at class 5 and should really win again. (9) CLUTCH RUNNER has mixed his form since his maiden win, but he enters off a 3rd place over 1200M at this class on July 19th when settling midfield and running on. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and he will have backers. (10) SKYNEX was a maiden winner two outings back over 1400M before running a solid 3rd place over a mile on his first try at this level on July 12th. He is up 2kg but can be there or thereabouts again. (4) JEONGMUN FELIX is the best of the rest while (8) WONDERFUL LARK, racing for the first time since November 2024, is the wildcard having trialed fairly.
Selections
(1) Prime Jenny (9) Clutch Runner (10) Skynex (4) Jeongmun Felix
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 34 Million
(3) BEONGAE LEWIS won a trial by a distance and then scored by six-lengths with a front-running effort on debut over 1200M on July 4th. He comes up in class and in distance, but he is down 2.5kg in weight and the manner of that victory means he goes on top again today. (8) HAKSAN PRINCE is a non-winner of twenty-four and that probably won’t change here, but he has placed on no fewer than nine occasions, including his latest over 1200M on July 18th. He has been runner-up over this trip four times and this is the kind of race he can pick up a cheque in. (2) SINHAN ACE comes back in trip following 3rd place over 1800M on July 18th. He has a 3rd over this distance too and he will be running-on late again. (9) TEN BAGGER and (10) STUNNING SERVE are others in the hunt.
Selections
(3) Beongae Lewis (8) Haksan Prince (2) Sinhan Ace (9) Ten Bagger
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
A bit of a battle of the non-winners. (7) QUEEN PERFECT comes in off 2nd place at this class and distance on July 12th in what was arguably a stronger race than this. That was her first go at both the class and the distance and with that experience in her, she can go one better today. (9) DUBAI DREAM is up in class having 2nd over 1400M on July 19th when settling midfield and running on. He gets a 2kg weight drop and the step up in trip can suit. (4) KISS THE RAIN was 4th on his first try at both class and distance on July 5th and just like Queen Perfect, can have come on for that. He’ll be on pace and can be in this a long way. Veterans (1) DORAON SAMSON and (10) COLONEL FLYING also find themselves in a race where they can win a prize.
Horse Racing in Korea 