The 2025 Triple Crown gets underway with the KRA Cup Mile this Sunday but in the meantime, the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (5) YEONGGWANGUI HONEY overcame a slow start to run 5^th on debut and then improved to 3^rd at start number two over this distance on February 14^th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up she can be peaking and with Seo Seung-un engaged, today should be the day. (9) NAMYANG RUBY ran twice last autumn and showed some ability with a 3^rd and a 2^nd. She races for the first time since November but looked well enough in a March trial and can be close here. There are two debut-makers and among them, (11) WONDERFUL SMART improved significantly in the second of two trials (it was voluntary so may not be in all racecards, but she ran 4^th in 62.3 for the 1000M). If she brings that form to the races, she can go close. (8) TEUTA and (4) GWANGPUNG STAR others who can get better.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) MEANINGFUL TIME ran 4^th over 1300M on debut on February 14^th (behind Yeonggwangui Honey who was due to go in race 1), overcoming a wide draw to finish off well. He should have come on for that run, the step up to a mile can suit, and he can win here. (5) CHAMP SONNY ran 3^rd at start two in February and then beat a couple of these on March 14^th when stepped up to a mile and leading for much of the way around before ultimately finishing 5^th. He can be on the speed again here and can go closer this time. (3) FLYING CHAMPION raced four times last summer and autumn with a best of 2^nd. He races for the first time in five months and while he didn’t offer many clues in a March trial and a mile isn’t easy first-up, if he shows his previous ability, he won’t be far away. (6) DORAON SAMSON and (1) CAPTAIN KOREA other place chances.

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) FLYING THE LUCKY hasn’t won since his debut but has several recent near misses including last time out when 3^rd at this class and distance on March 7^th. He tends to get a bit far back but if he can be a little handier here, he can win. He gets a 3kg weight swing on that day’s winner (10) FAT BOY, who emerged out of the same gate as today and settled handy before taking things up turning for home. He has to deal with that additional weight, but a repeat wouldn’t surprise. (2) STAR PARK is a twenty-two-race maiden but has been getting closer and he was 2^nd in that March 7^th race. He comes up slightly in weight, but draws nicely, Munro gets on for the first time, and he should be there or thereabouts again. (12) PINOT POWER and (4) POMPEII among other chances.

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

(10) FLY TO THE MOON is yet to win in five attempts but has been getting progressively closer and enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes, most recently at this class and distance on March 23^rd when drawn even wider than today. He may need a touch of luck at the start but if he can find a forward position, today can be his day. (7) JINJU BIT returned in January following six months out and has steadily improved across three starts back, most recently when 4^th on March 7^th. He’ll be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (12) DOCTOR HAPPY was an on-pace 2^nd at this class and distance on March 9^th. She is up 2kg in weight and she has the challenge of the widest gate here but can follow Fly To The Moon across to the speed and be a danger. (8) BLUE THUNDER and (5) GRAND DREAM others in the placing hunt.

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

The Triple Tiara gets underway this weekend with the Luna Stakes being run on Sunday. Prior to that the action gets underway with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:25 and 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Competitive maiden with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) DEFENSE PLAY raced once without distinction last April but looked well when trialing in February, racing handy and running on for 3^rd in a fair time. He draws nicely here and has as good a chance as any. (9) YONGBI LEGEND beat a couple of these when leading all the way to “win” a March 1^st trial. That was his fourth attempt to qualify but if he brings that form to the races, then he should be a big chance here. (6) TANTAN DAERO was 2^nd in that same trial, settling back and running on. In his case it was his second trial and he should be nicely fit for this. (5) ECHO CHAMP and (1) OVERSHOOTING others who can be considered first up.

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (10) WONDERFUL FORTUNE was an improved 3^rd at start number three over 1300M on February 7^th when settling midfield and running on and beating a few of these in the process. The slight step up in trip can suit and she won’t need to improve much to win this. After a positive trial, (3) SWORN QUEEN ran a fair 5^th on debut, settling just behind the pace and running on. She should have derived benefit from the run and can go closer here. (7) ILLUSION has hinted at ability across her six starts with her latest being her best when 4^th at 1200M in a similar race to this on February 16^th. She is another who may appreciate a bit more distance, and can be competitive. (4) NICE GIRL and (1) DREAMMA other chances.

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

Another competitive maiden. (8) FATE has a 2^nd and a 4^th from his latest two, both over the mile and most recently beating a couple of these on February 28^th. He likes to settle back and come from off the pace and today can be his day. (5) CARIBBEAN BAY enters off an improved 2^nd place at 1400M on February 23^rd when handy throughout. He tackles 1600M for the first time and it can suit. (6) HOUDINI was a solid 4^th at 1400M last time out when drawn in the widest gate and then settling back. He too steps up to the mile with scope to get better. (2) DAEJI DABONG and (9) EAGLE POWER are among plenty of others who should be in the hunt

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

We’ll take a chance on (5) MEGA PLAY here. He ran out of steam on his first try at this class when stepped up to 1400M on February 28^th, but he drops back to the distance at which he got his win back in January when on pace and from a good gate he can be in this. It’s been a long time since (3) ROAD TO THUNDER got his sole win, but his recent form reads nicely, and he has finished ahead of plenty of these. He has the fastest final furlong average time in the field, and he should be finishing strongly again. (6) DRAGON PUCNH returned in January from six months out and has since finished 4^th and 3^rd in two outings back. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and can be a threat. (11) DEUMULEO and (1) TENGRE other placing chances.

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

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a first timer, and (3) QUEEN SPICY, who ran a solid 3^rd in her trial, showing on pace. She draws nicely to lead here and can put in a bold showing first-up under Franco. (2) WINNING TREE raced handy on debut over 1300M on February 14^th, ultimately running 2^nd. He should have come on for that experience and similarly well drawn, can be firmly in this. So too (10) WIND VAIN. She came from off the pace on her debut at 1200M in January and entering here fresh off ten weeks off can be challenging late again. (12) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE ran a fair 4^th on debut and can have come on for the experience while returning to the first-timers, (8) SHOOT FOR THEMOON was 2^nd in the latter of two trials and can go well first up.

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

(6) WIND TIME has made progress across three starts so far, with a 3^rd and a 2^nd from her latest two, both at this distance and in contrasting styles from on pace and from behind. She has also registered the fastest time among these for 1200M and is the one to beat here. The rest all need to show an uptick in form. (2) JEONGMUN FELIX has hinted at ability across three starts with a best of 5^th. He draws nicely here and in this company, he should improve. (5) LION MAGIC ran a fair 5^th on debut at this distance in February, coming from well off the pace. He should have derived benefit from the experience and be closer here. (7) FLYING SHOOTER and (12) YONGBI THUNDER are others who may improve.

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

(3) BEOLGYO MABEOPSA hinted at figuring things out when 3^rd over 1300M on February 14^th, coming out of gate ten and finishing strongly. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time, he draws better, and he can win here.  (12) DIVINE KINGDOM enters in the best form of his career with a 3^rd and a 2^nd from his latest two, both times coming from well back. The wide draw won’t matter, and he can be there or thereabouts again. (6) MEGA MACHINE need a line drawn through his latest but if we go on his 2^nd place at this distance two starts back then he has to be firmly in this. (4) BRAVO SINHWA and (7) CRUELLA are other minor money chances.

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

(3) FLEX ENGINE was a front-running winner on debut before running 2^nd on his first try at this class over 1200M on February 21^st, having led for much of the way. He draws very well to be on pace here and he can potentially go all the way. Veteran (4) DAEHOMA has won just once in fifty-three starts but his recent form has been strong with his latest yielding his seventh runner-up finish on March 2^nd at this distance. Franco stays on and they should be close again. (8) FANTASTIC HUMOR enters off 2^nd place at 1300M at the beginning of December. He has had fifteen weeks off since so he comes in fresh, and he can be a danger. (5) MONSTER DRAGON and last start winner (6) MAGIC ELEVEN are others in the hunt.

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

We’re set for an absolute treat on Sunday when the Road to the Korea Cup gets underway with the G3 Herald Business Trophy at Seoul as in the absence of Global Hit, arguably the sixteen next best horses in the nation all line up in what should be one of the most competitive races in a very long time. Before that though, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden fillies. (4) QUEENS DRAGON has raced twice, improving to 2^nd place in a similar race to this on February 23^rd when on pace throughout. She draws well to be on pace again, she can be peaking third up, and she can go one better. There are three debut-makers and (11) OH FANTASTIC was the best in her trial, leading every step of the way and crossing the line plenty of lengths to the good in a fair time She has the challenge of a wide draw, but if she brings that form to the races, she will be close. (7) TWOTWO PERFOR showed on pace on debut, ultimately running 4^th over this distance. She should have come on for that run and can be in the mix here. (6) HOLIDAY QUEEN came through the same heat as Oh Fantastic and while eight-lengths adrift, showed enough to suggest ability. (5) QUEEN RACE another in the frame.

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

Tricky maiden. (8) THE NOMINATE did nothing in one appearance last May and didn’t run again until January when a solid 3^rd place over 1200M. She could only manage a midfield finish when well supported on February 16^th, but she looks nicely in here and can be fitter for those two runs. (1) SPEED BOY came from well off the pace to run a much-improved 4^th over 1400M on February 9^th. He comes into a much better gate and in this company can match or better that today. (11) SUN JAE was similarly significantly better on his most recent outing, in his case his third, on February 16^th when settling back and running on for 4^th. He too can come on for that run and the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue. (4) GWANGPUNG STAR and (7) HOUND POKER look best of a mediocre rest.

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

(1) CHAMP SONNY ran 5^th on debut in January before beating a few of these on his way to 3^rd place at start number two over 1400M on February 16^th. He has been doing his best work late, the step up to a mile can suit, and third up he can be peaking. (12) BARBELL MOMO has a 2^nd and a 3^rd from his latest two, both at a mile and most recently beating a couple of these on February 21^st. (4) INDY GHOST was 6^th behind Champ Sonny on February 16^th but came into that race having run 3^rd in both her previous outings. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and she will have plenty of backers to get closer today. (5) BAEDARI BOSEOK and (10) PINOT POWER are among plenty of others with at least placing hopes in a competitive race.

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

(3) GREAT TOP ran 3^rd on debut over this distance on January 10^th before getting his maiden win at start number two at 1300M on February 14^th, leading pretty much all the way having overcome gate eleven. He comes up in class but is down in the weights, he comes into a better gate and with Seo Seung-un as ringmaster, he can win again. (8) SIX HERO has five top five finishes from seven starts with his best being a 2^nd place at this distance two outings back. In this company he should be on or close to the pace and he shapes as the main danger. The form falls off rapidly after those two. (1) BROWN ROOKIE has finished midfield in both starts at this class since her maiden win in December but draws nicely here and can be a place chance. (7) SINHAE MANGCHI and (5) TENGRE, the latter who can at least be replied upon to be on the speed, others who can challenge for the minors.

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

Fillies only and it is a very good race. (10) CHRYSOL HERO got her maiden win two starts back and then ran 2^nd on her first try at this class over 1300M on February 14^th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She comes up 2kg in weight but had little trouble with gate ten last time and she should win again. (8) SUCCESS GOLD got her maiden win at start four having gone progressively closer in the previous three. She’s up in class but fairly weighted and she looks to have more to offer. (5) BLACK TREE is also up in class after a maiden win, in her case over 1200M on February 23^rd when racing handy. She comes down 2.5kg in weight and can measure up here. (2) CANCAN STEP and (11) MUSKET GIRL among plenty of others in at least the placing frame.

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

February draws to a close with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden fillies in the opener with two of the nine racing for the first time.  Despite two very unpromising trials, (6) JJAK SARANG ran 4^th on debut over this distance on February 7^th, showing on pace throughout. She should have come on for that run and can be the one to beat here. (9) GREAT MARU has been poor in her latest two most recently having weakened after leading on January 27^th. She does have a 2^nd place to her name though and that’s enough to put her in contention in this company. (7) DOCTOR KAREN has a 4^th on her record at start two and while that is surrounded by two less encouraging efforts, she should be on pace in this company and go close. (1) WONDER MOCCASIN and debut maker (2) AREUMDAUNNALDAL others who could feature.

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

After an inauspicious debut, (7) POWER TIME has picked up in his latest two coming from off the pace to record a 6^th and 3^rd at 1200M and 1400M. Tanaka stays on and with similar tactics, he can win here. (6) COWBOY MAN has a front running 2^nd and a 3^rd on his record and had excuses last time out as he returned lame when 6^th over 1300M on January 17^th. He came back in to work on February 7^th and fully fit here, he can be a danger and will probably start as favourite. (2) HANEULPYEONGJEONG returned from nine months out in December and has since run 4^th twice, most recently on January 19^th at 1400M. She draws well to be on pace and third-up she can be peaking. (3) DIVINE KINGDOM and first-time starter (4) CAPTAIN DRAGON are others to look out for.

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

(6) GLOBAL WONDER was an improved 3^rd when stepped up to the mile at start number four on February 7^th, settling midfield and working home well. Franco climbs aboard for the first time, and it can be his day. That will mean overturning the form on (1) FATE. He too stepped up to a mile for the first time in that February 7^th race and after a slow start made his way forward and ran on for 2^nd. Both were well beaten by a good winner, but the pair can dispute top honours this time. (10) RUNNING FASHION is one-paced but does have a 2^nd place to her name as well as the fastest time among these for the distance and she looks a fair place chance here. (5) NICE GIRL and (11) JOJOBA perhaps the best of a limited rest.

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

Fillies and mares only here. (7) MIRAGE got her maiden win at start three on December 15^th having been on pace throughout. The win had been coming and after having January off she came back in to work at the start of this month and while up in class, she has every chance of measuring up in this company. (12) QUEEN TYCHE was a smart winner at this distance on February 16^th, coming from off the pace. She is up in class but she did it from gate twelve last time and she can measure up. (5) ASSEMBLE won at start number two in November, similarly on pace all the way, and comes back in after sixteen weeks out. It’s fair to say she didn’t offer many clues in an underwhelming trial on February 8^th, but she will have plenty of backers here. (9) MOTHER CHUKJE and (4) ALICE MARINE others in the hunt.

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