Busan

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 7)

We’re back after the Lunar New Year break and there is a 9-race card at Busan on Friday. Here are the previews:

The actual Champion jockey at Busan (Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Among those first timers, (8) VANGIE went through two trials running 4th in the first of them on January 11th and then a much quicker 3rd on January 25th (the latter may not be in all race cards). The dam was a winner of six from ten, reigning actual champion jockey Franco Da Silva is on, and in this company, he has every chance first up. (9) HOMYEONG SHINHWA was an improved 3rd over this distance at start four on December 27th, overcoming a slow start to run on and she can go close again. (4) HANEUL GOLD was an on-pace 4th on debut a month ago over this distance. The time wasn’t quick, but the track was slow in January, and he can go closer here. (10) OVER THE ALLIE and first timer (7) RAON THE MASKE, are others in the frame.

Selections(8) Vangie (9) Homyeong Shinhwa (4) Haneul Gold (10) Over The Allie
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 12

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) ACE HIGH ran 2nd on debut over this distance on December 27th, having previously won a trial. She sat handy throughout, she draws nicely again, and with some natural improvement, she can win this. She will be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the day. (2) DREAMMA is yet to finish in the top two in ten attempts but has no fewer than eight finishes between 3rd and 5th.  She likes to sit midfield and run on and from a great draw she can aim to at least match those finishes today. (11) WONDERFUL FORTUNE has finished 5th in both appearances so far. This looks weaker and third-up she can be peaking. Tanaka climbs on and she can be a threat late. (6) NICE GIRL and (4) BAEKPAL BOEUN others who can challenge for places.

Selections(3) Ace High (2) Dreamma (11) Wonderful Fortune (6) Nice Girl
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

(3) DAEJI DAEBONG stepped up to this distance for the first time on January 10th and beat three of these on his way to a very close 2nd place. He draws well, Franco stays on, and he can go one better today. (1) DREAM TREE hasn’t raced since October 25th when she was 3rd over this distance having been slow away and having an awkward trip and adding to a 2nd on her first try at the mile in September. She had a slight setback after that but has been in regular work since the end of December and while her fitness must be taken on trust, she is a chance. (4) OASIS GREEN has picked up in his latest two with a 5tha dn a 4th and the step up to a mile for the first time can suit. (11) FAIRY and (12) HOUDINI have hinted at ability and may improve.

Selections(3) Daeji Daebong (1) Dream Tree (4) Oasis Green (11) Fairy
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

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

Competitive race. Regardless that there are four last start winners, we’ll go with a maiden and (4) MAENGNYONG. He was 3rd in each of his first three starts up to this class and 1400M when he led. At his latest he took an early bump and then came home lame in the off foreleg having run 5th on January 10th. He only missed a week of work and fully fit he can win here. (2) SHASHA is the main danger. She was a class and distance winner two starts back before running 5th over 1200M on January 5th. She comes into a better gate today and should be close. (7) ROAD TO ACE got his maiden win at start two having led all the way over 1200M. He is up in class but looks to have plenty of scope for more development and should measure up. (1) HANEUL BOSS is one for one having led all the way on his debut on January 3rd and down in weight and drawn well, can be in this a long way again. (6) FLASH DAY another in the hunt.

Selections(4) Maengnyong (2) Shasha (7) Road TO Ace (1) Haneul Boss
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

(2) THE WIND has just the one win from eight starts but comes in having been 4th on each of last three starts, the latest two at this distance. He tends to get a long way back, but he comes into a much better gate today having drawn gate twelve in both his latest two. That means Tanaka can perhaps pick his spot a little easier and he can come through late – but in time – today. He will vie for favourite status with (6) FLYING THE LUCKY. He enters off a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times beating a couple of today’s rivals. He too likes to come from off the pace and is a danger. (7) HWANHUIUI MOON got his maiden win two starts back at 1400M before running 5th when drawn wide over 1400M on his first try at this level on January 10th. He comes up to 1800M for the first time and in this company, there is no reason why it can’t suit. (10) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (1) STAR PARK are perhaps better than recent results suggest.

Selections(2) The Wind (6) Flying The Lucky (7) Hwanhuiui Moon (10) Ilnyeom Sinhwa
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) ALL TIME LEGEND stepped up to this trip at start number four on January 3rd, and having already registered two runner-up finishes and a 3rd, secured his maiden win with a front running effort. He is up in class but slightly down in weight, he draws well to be on pace again, and he can go back-to-back. (7) WATER DRAGON for his second win two starts back and then ran 2nd when favourite on his first try at this class on January 10th also at this distance having led until close to home. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and he will almost certainly start as favourite again to get it right this time. (5) NAEPYEON came from off the pace to run 2nd at this class and distance on December 27th. He has a smart finish on him and can be doing his best work late again here. (12) THUNDER FURY and (9) SANGSANGGEUISANG among others in the hunt.

Selections(3) All Time Legend (7) Water Dragon (5) Naepyeon (12) Thunder Fury
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) SAMAKUI KKOT comes in off a gutsy victory over this distance at the end of December, giving trainer Peter Wolsley his last Korean winner. That’s meant an enforced stable change, but he’s landed on his feet with Bart Rice and while up in class he is down in weight and third-up after a lengthy absence, he may have more to give. (1) LEMON TREE is also up in class, in his case following a win and a runner-up finish in his latest two, both at this distance. The win came from a low draw when he was able to get on pace and he gets another here. That, in addition to a big weight drop to the tune of 4.5kg, puts him firmly in with a chance. (8) BEOLMA BROWN mixes his form but based on his last start class and distance 2nd on January 3rd when settling midfield and running on, must be considered here. (5) BINNANEUNGIL and (10) FLYING DANU others in the hunt in another competitive race.

Selections(2) Samakui Kkot (1) Lemon Tree (8) Beolma Brown (5) Binnaneungil
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(11) SKY ROJO beat four of these on his way to victory at this class and distance on January 17th when settling just behind the speed and proving too strong. He comes up a full 4kg in weight, but he is third up this preparation so may be even better, and he can win again. (6) BEOLMAUI ANGEL was rapidly promoted to this class with three consecutive wins between October and December, all at this distance and making all in each. He stepped up to 1400M for his first try at this class on January 3rd, leading but ultimately weakening to 5th. Back in trip and drawn well, he has every chance of returning to winning ways. (2) FINAL SEVEN has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1400M on December 29th. He comes up a full 4kg but can be close again. (5) DRAGON REVENGER and (10) TAEWANG SINGI, the latter 3rd behind Sky Rojo last time, among others in the frame in a very competitive race.

Selections(11) Sky Rojo (6) Beolmaui Angel (2) Final Seven (5) Dragon Revenger
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 9: Class 2 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

Super finale for Friday. (10) BANG BANG BANG is up in class having won over 1800M at class 3 level on January 3rd. She comes up in class and in distance here but looks to be getting better with each run and under a light weight and with Munro at the controls, she may still have some upside. (5) BEOLMAUI MONSTER has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1800M on December 27th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He has the steadier of 58kg this time, but is not to be dismissed. (3) LOVE KING IJI was a winner over 1800M two starts back and was then a desperately close 2nd on his first go at this class and distance on January 19th, racing 2nd the whole way around and beaten by a longshot winner. He once more carries his fair share of weight, but he draws well and has every chance of going one better. (9) B.J. CHIEF and (6) GEUMA HUGE HIT others to keep safe.

Selections(10) Bang Bang Bang (5) Beolmaui Monster (3) Love King Iji (9) B.J. Chief
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

2025 Korea Stakes Racing Preview

With the short Lunar New Year holiday now over, the 2025 Korean racing season gets underway in earnest in February with racing returning from its one week break on February 7th at Busan and with the first big race due to be run the following weekend.

There have been some striking performances in 2025 already. Three-year-old prospect Sahara Khan added himself into early Classic contention with an eye-catching nine-length win at Seoul January 25th. The following day four-year-olds Miracle Marine and Success Baekpa suggested they can be forces in the big leagues this year, turning a class 1 event over 2000M at Busan into a match race in which the pair could only be split by a nose.

Those aforementioned big leagues get underway with the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M at Seoul on Sunday February 16th, a lead up to – if not an actual part of – the Sprint Series. Currently thirteen remain entered, chief among them Speed Young, winner of the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan last summer and notably the best placed local finisher in the international G3 Korea Sprint over 1200M in September.

Vincero Cavallo was 6th in the Korea Sprint in 2024 and has won three out of four subsequent starts, most recently an impressive score after getting a long way back over 1200M at class 1 level on January 12th. An intriguing entry is Naol Sniper, who boasts a rating lower than only Speed Young. Were he to take his place in the gate, he would be tackling 1200M for the very first time (although he did win at five furlongs as a juvenile in 2022).  Solid sprinters Raon The Point and Saenae Queen are also among the entries.

The following week, the Triple Crown picture is scheduled to start to take shape with the running of Classic trials over 1400M at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday February 23.

Group racing commences with the speedsters in the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on Sunday March 9th while the route horses get their first chance for a big prize a week later at Seoul in the Herald Business Cup (2000M), the opening leg of the Stayer Series, on March 16th.

That latter race would normally have marked the seasonal debut for Korea’s top-rate horse, Global Hit. However, last year’s winner remains in Dubai where after a luckless opening effort at Meydan at the end of January, he will take his chance in the G2 Al Maktoum Classic on March 1st.

March 23rd sees the opening leg of the Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares with the DOnag Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-L) at Seoul. As it was in 2024, the series is split into Spring/Summer and Fall Winter with the three-year-olds expected to join the latter on the conclusion of the Triple Tiara.

This year’s Triple Crown series kicks off at Busan on April 6th with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) before moving to Seoul for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) on May 11th and finally the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) on June 15th.

For the three-year-old fillies, the Triple Tiara starts with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) at Busan on March 30th, followed by the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), also on the south-coast on May 4th, concluding with the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on June 8th.

International invitational races, the Korea Cup (1800M G3) and Korea Sprint (1200M G3) will be run on September 7th while eight other races are Listed in the International Blue Book, including the season finale Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) on November 30th.

Thoroughbred racing in Korea takes place on 50 weeks of the year, usually at Busan on Fridays and Sundays and at Seoul on Saturdays and Sundays.

A full calendar of Listed and Graded races for 2025 can be found here: RACING_INFO | PRINCIPAL RACES https://race.kra.co.kr/globalEn/racingPrincipal.do

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 26)

Racing will take a one week break, with the action not resuming until February 7. We head into the holiday with Sunday cards at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:30). Here are the previews:

Success Baekpa won two legs of the Triple Crown last year. He goes in the feature on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Competitive maiden to open with. (1) SMART A ONE was a front-running 3rd on debut over this distance back on October 26th. She had a setback after that (ligament strain) but has been back in work since early this month and from a good draw, she can be on pace and has every chance here. (3) GINSHARI BOY led on debut at this distance on December 22nd HE ultimately fell away and finished back in the pack, but he should have come on for that experience and can be in this for longer. (2) INDIAN TAPIT ran a fair 5th on debut at the end of last month and she too can have derived benefit from the experience. (10) TROLL and (6) NAEGILUI ACE others who could be in the minor money frame.

Selections(1) Smart A One (3) Ginshari Boy (2) Indian Tapit (10) Troll
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 11

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

(10) ECLIPSE BLACK will be the warm favourite. After a shaky debut, he has put together a run of 3rd, 4th and most recently 2nd when stepped up to this distance for the first time on December 28th. He will want to be on pace, so he has the challenge of a wide draw, but CC stays on and he is very much the one to beat. (8) UMA DACHI was slow away at start two in that same race on December 28th but ran on very nicely to finish in midfield. With a better start, he can get much closer this time. (3) KING WARRIOR enters off an improved 3rd place at 1300M on December 22nd when on pace throughout. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time and from a good draw, it can suit. Debut maker (1) CHRYSOL DONGHAE along with (9) CYCLONE STAR are others to consider.

Selections(10) Eclipse Black (8) Uma Dachi (3) King Warrior (1) Chrysol Donghae
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (6) FLYING DAY ran out a winner on debut over 1200M in a filly maiden on December 29th when racing handy throughout. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be an issue, and she can maintain her 100% record. (10) STUNNING PEARL got her maiden win at start number two in November and then ran 2nd on her first try at this class on December 15th over 1300M. She comes up slightly in the weights, but the draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can maintain her record of never being outside of the top three. (7) GAMUN PARTY enters off a maiden win on December 29th. It was at this class, so she comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights, but she warrants respect. (5) SEMYEONG DIA and (2) GROW other placing chances.

Selections(6) Flying Day (10) Stunning Pearl (7) Gamun Party (5) Semyeong Dia
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

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

Fillies and mares only in the opening maiden on the south coast. (1) GLOBAL HEROINE ran 5th on debut before improving to 3rd at start number two over 1300M on December 27th, with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She led for much of the way that day and from the inside gate can so the same here and this time go all the way. (10) GWANGPUNG STAR has been 4th on both her outings so far, most recently behind Global Heroine in that December 27th race. She can settle back and run on and can be getting closer this time. (9) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL improved to 4th at start two on November 29th. There isn’t much early speed in this race so she is one of the contenders to join Global Heroine on pace and she can be in this a long way. (8) WONDER MOCCASIN and (6) DOLPHIN KICK others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Global Heroine (10) Gwangpung Star (9) Kkeutpan Yeogeol  (8) Wonder Moccasin
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

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

Competitive race. (6) SEOUL BINGO got her maiden win at start three over this distance on December 21st when ridden on pace for the first time. She comes up in class here but is down in the weights, Moon Se-young climbs on, and with similar tactics, she can win again. (8) SCALE KING got his maiden win at the eleventh time of asking at this class and distance on December 22nd, settling midfield and proving too strong. He comes up 3kg in the weights but can be competitive again and a danger late on. (7) BAEDARI KWAEGEOM saw her form go a little cold across last summer, but she finished off 2024 well with a 3rd and a 2nd. She comes in fresh off a nine-week lay off and can be in the mix again. (3) NAOL INDY and (5) WONPYEONG GWANGYA other minor money chances.

Selections(6) Seoul Bingo (8) Scale King (7) Baedari Kwaegeom (3) Naol Indy
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) YOUNG SKYWALKER was a beaten favourite three times before finally breaking through at the fourth time of asking on December 29th when racing handy and running on. That was at this class and distance so he does come up 3.5kg in weight, but in this company, he should be on or close to the pace and the force can be with him once more. It only took (10) TOHAMSAN TIGER two attempts to get his maiden win, which he did at this distance on January 5th. He makes a quick return here up in class but down in weight and he can measure up. (5) SWORD MASTER was an also-ran in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie for juveniles in November but bounced back to run 2nd at this class over a mile just before Christmas, albeit a long way behind a very good-looking winner. He comes back to the trip at which he got his win and Munro knows him well. (4) YONGBI PAEWANG finished 3rd in two Listed events as a juvenile last term and back down in trip can be given a chance. (9) WORLD WINNERS MAN another to consider on a place line.

Selections(7) Young Skywalker (10) Tohamsan Tiger (5) Sword Master (4) Yongbi Paewang
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

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

(8) DREAM CARD returned from six months out in December and has run 3rd twice, both at this class and both over 1400M. He steps up to 1700M for the first time, but his style suggests it can suit and third up he can be peaking fitness wise. (6) SPEED CARA enters having beaten a few of these when an on-pace 3rd at this class over 1800M on December 28th. He is one for one at this distance and shapes as the main danger. (11) ELDORADO HEUNGBU was 4th in that race behind Speed Cara. He is yet to win in six attempts but should have derived benefit from his first go around two turns and can be there or thereabouts today. (1) LOVE O MINE and the up in class (3) LUCKY FAMOUS are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Dream Card (6) Speed Cara (11) Eldorado Heungbu (1) Love O Mine
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

(7) RICH TREE looks the one to beat here. After running 2nd at a mile two starts back, he stepped up to two turns for the first time on December 27th and after a slow start from a wide gate, ran on for 5th. He should have benefitted from that experience and from a slightly better gate and with a better start, he can win. That will mean overturning the form on (12) THE WIND, who ran 4th in that race, coming from well off the pace. The wide draw is no problem, Munro stays on, and he can be there or thereabouts again. (10) BLUE POINT is yet to win in twelve attempts but has been getting closer and comes in off a smart class and distance 2nd just two weeks ago. He is another who likes to settle back and run on, and he can be danger late. (3) FAT BOY and (1) HI CHAMP others in the placing frame.  

Selections(7) Rich Tree (12) The Wind (10) Blue Point (3) Fat Boy
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 24)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races at Busan from 11.25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Global Hit and Kim Hye-sun will be going around at Meydan on Friday night (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens with all but one racing for the first time. We will side with experience as (7) MEGA PLAY ran well on debut, overcoming a wide draw to eventually race handy and run on for 3rd place over this distance on December 22nd. That experience, and its potentially associated fitness edge, makes him the one to beat. Of the first timers, (12) QUEENS DRAGON went through two trials, improving significantly in terms of time in the second of them (a voluntary trial on December 14th behind Mother Road when clocking 62.8 seconds – beware, it may not appear on all racecards). She has the challenge of the widest gate but if she brings that form to the races, she is a chance. (8) STARTMAN raced handy in his trial, running on well for 2nd in a fair time and he too can put in a bold showing first up. Sole trial winner (10) DOCTOR LOUIS, along with (1) SPEED THIEF are others who hinted at ability in their respective heats.

Selections(7) Mega Play (12) Queens Dragon (8) Startman (10) Doctor Louis
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

A maiden for imported three-year-olds. (3) AMAZING KHAN ran 4th on debut on November 29th, beating a couple of these in the process, before improving to 2nd at start number two on December 27th, racing handy throughout and briefly leading close to the line. Crucially he had no fewer than seven of today’s rivals behind them, and from a good draw, he can be on pace and go one better. (2) EL CAZADOR was 3rd in that December 27th race, a big improvement from his debut. Like Amazing Khan, he runs for the third time so can have a fitness edge on most here and he draws a much better gate than in his first two outings. (1) MEETING ST has been 5th on both appearances to date, while (8) SELL LIKE was 4th in the September 27th race. The only one who didn’t race that day is the solitary debut maker. We will put (9) HIDDEN TIARA in the numbers because she looked well in two trials.

Selections(3) Amazing Khan (2) El Cazador (1) Meeting St (8) Sell Like
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

(11) FLYING ICE enters off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, most recently beating plenty of these over this distance on December 29th when, as is his style, he settled right back and then ran on well. He does risk getting too far back, but he has to be favoured to go one better here. Should he leave himself too much to do, (5) SWORD WING can take advantage. After taking a few goes to figure things out, he has a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, the latter being behind Flying Ice on December 29th. He too comes from off the pace and with only six starts behind him, may have some improvement.  If you think neither will get up, (4) YEOSU GUARDIAN may be the one to go for. He ran 3rd at this distance last time out and from a good draw can be on pace and force the favourites to try to come past. (7) DOCTOR CASTLE, who “lost interest” when favourite last time according to his jockey, and (9) SEOGWI PRINCESS are others in the frame.

Selections(11) Flying Ice (5) Sword Wing (4) Yeosu Guardian (7) Doctor Castle
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

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

One debut maker here, and (2) PLUTO did it very easily in his trial, cruising around on the bridle, leading all the way, and crossing the line plenty to the good. He draws beautifully, and if he brings that form to the races, he can win first up. (5) BEOLGYOUI HIM has mixed his form across four starts so far, with his best being his latest when 2nd at this distance on January 3rd, coming from off the pace. He makes a quick return here and he should be finishing strongly once more. (4) TOP OF THE TREE comes in off an improved 3rd place at start number three over this distance on November 17th. He comes in fresh after ten weeks out and from a good draw, can be on pace and in this a long way. (The form drops off significantly after those but Seo Seung-un climbing on (3) JEONGMUN FELIX will give him plenty of backers. (7) SUN JAE, who has been back to trial since debut, another minor money chance.

Selections(2) Pluto (5) Beolgyoui Him (4) Top Of The Tree (3) Jeongmun Felix
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

(10) MORNING DEW got his maiden win two starts back over this distance before running a close 3rd on his first try at this class on December 29th when settling midfield and running on. He draws a touch wider than ideal here, but he should have enough about him to get a forward position and if he does, he may take some beating. (3) SING FOR ME trialed up well and then ran out a winner on debut over this distance on December 27th, when slightly slowly away before being ridden up handy halfway and then running on. He comes up in class but comes down in weight and into a much better gate, and he can measure up in this company. (5) GRAND CHASER had a hard time last time out when wilting under a strong pace over 1400M. She comes back to the distance at which she got her win, and she is worth another chance here. (8) GOLDEN AIR and (12) DAEHOMA are others to consider.

Selections(10) Morning Dew (3) Sing For Me (5) Grand Chaser (8) Golden Air
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 10

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

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 19)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul, with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and at Busan, where there are 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Can Seirene return to winning ways? (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) NICE WINNER ran 5th on debut in October when slowly away, before improving to 2nd at start number two on December 7th when leading for much of the way around. He will lead again here and will be the warm favourite to go one better. Second favourite will be (1) IMRO. After a fair trial, he ran a solid 4th of eleven over this distance on debut on December 22nd, settling midfield and running on. He should have come on for that run and from a great draw, can get closer this time. (5) MUNHAK CHUKJE came from off the pace on his debut to run 4th. He too can have derived benefit from that experience and can improve here. (9) WONDERFUL CATHAY and (2) JOSE others who have hinted at ability.

Selections(7) Nice Winner (1) Imro (5) Munhak Chukje (9) Wonderful Cathay
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

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

Moon Se-young will be aboard another short price favourite. (11) GRAND KWAEMA has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from three starts so far, most recently at this distance on December 14th when settling midfield and running on. He has the fastest time among these for the 1300M and won’t need to improve much to win here. (10) YEOMYEONGUI SUNGAN was an encouraging 4th on debut at 1200M on December 7th, settling back and running on. She drew the same wide gate that day and the slight step up in trip can suit. (5) COMMAND BLUE has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest two and she can continue to make progress here. (9) BREEDO KING STAR and (3) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL among others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Grand Kwaema (10) Yeomyeongui Sungan (5) Command Blue (9) Breedo King Star
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

Moon Se-young could really be having a proper day out early on Sunday as he is on another warm favourite here in the shape of (11) DRAGON KILLER. He came from well off the pace to run 2nd on debut over 1200M on December 22nd and while he once more draws wide, the way he finished off suggests that the additional half furling can be in his favour and he can go one better today. (7) RAON NOTHERN DANCE got a long way back on debut but has since run 3rd and 4th, most recently over this distance on December 22nd. He can settle just behind the speed and be a danger here. (6) HEUNGHAENG DOLPUNG has finished midfield in both starts so far but is another who may benefit from a slightly increased trip and third-up, he can be peaking fitness wise. (9) MERIT SUNSHINE and (3) CHRYSOL MAJOR others to consider.

Selections(11) Dragon Killer (7) Raon Nothern Dance (6) Heunghaeng Dolpung (9) Merit Sunshine
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (8) B.K DANCING GIRL was an eye-catching trial winner, causing her to be sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on November 29th. She led for most of the way but ultimately got caught and ended up in 3rd place. She’s had seven weeks off since then, she should lead again, and this time she can go all the way. It’s not a strong set of rivals. (7) COME ON GLORY and (5) ROAD TO SPRING came home 5th and 6th when they raced each other on the latter’s debut on December 13th. The former has races once since, struggling over 1400M two weeks ago, but back at this trip both can be in the place hunt. (11) QUEEN TYCHE and (2) WONDER ROAD others who may improve without really inspiring much confidence.

Selections(8) B.K Dancing Girl (7) Come On Glory (5) Road To Spring (11) Queen Tyche
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (7) TOHOMARKET is yet to win in eleven attempts but after back-to-back runner-up finishes to get promoted to this level, she has finished no worse than 4th in four class 5 outings. In this company, she can sit just behind the speed and today could be her day. (5) RED DRAGON came from well off the pace to win over 1200M on her debut on December 14th. She comes up in class and marginally in trip, but she is down in the weights, draws well, and Moon climbs on. (10) SINHAN ACE was runner-up on debut but got her maiden win at start number two on December 21st, over 1200M. She too comes up in class and distance but is down in weight and can measure up. (3) TOUCH CHARM and (8) QUEEN ABIGAIL are the other logical placing chances.

Selections(7) Tohomarket (5) Red Dragon (10) Sinhan Ace (3) Touch Charm
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 11

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

(1) TOHAMSAN TAEYANG was a much-improved 2nd over 1300M on December 22nd, settling midfield and running on. She comes up to 1400M for the first time today and with a bit more improvement, she can go one better. (2) RIGHT CHAMP has been knocking on the door across her five starts to date with the best being a 2nd place at this distance. She was slow away last time but draws better here to be on pace and is a real chance. (9) BLACK EQUUS got a long way back on debut but ran on pleasingly enough for a midfield finish. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can go closer today. (7) WORLD TAEYANG and (5) HANEULPYEONGJEONG are the other place chances.

Selections(1) Tohamsan Taeyang (2) Right Champ (9) Black Equus (7) World Taeyang
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 12)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:30). Here are the previews:

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

Maiden fillies in the opener. Two race for the first time and we’ll take a chance on one of them with (1) BISANG DAY. She qualified with a solid 3rd place in a December trial in a fair time having led through the early stages. She draws nicely to lead here and couldn’t ask for a softer race to debut in. The favourite will be (10) UNJU TIME. She ran a solid 4th of eleven on debut over this distance in a similar filly only maiden on December 14th, settling back and running on. She should have derived benefit from that and with some natural improvement, has every chance. (3) KARA K improved to 5th at start number two over 1000M in October. She comes in here fresh after thirteen weeks out and can be in the mix here. (9) HIGH CLASS and the other debut maker (8) POWER BAND are others to consider.

Selections(1) Bisang Day (10) Unju Time (3) Kara K (9) High Class
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

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

(7) HYEUKMUSANG got promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes in his first two outings, both at 1200M, before running 6th in a competitive race on his first try at this class on November 30th. The slight step up in trip can suit, Kozzi climbs on, and he can win here. (9) WANGCHOEGO is also yet to win but comes up in class following a very narrow defeat in a decent time over 1200M on December 7th. He finished off very well so should be ready for another crack at this distance and down in the weights, has every chance of going close. (1) CUPID HEART was a maiden winner at start four over 1200M on December 14th. It wasn’t a quick race, but he won well and can measure up in this company. (8) JURING SKY and (4) WONDERFUL SEEKING others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Hyeukmusang (9) Wangchoego (1) Cupid Heart (8) Juring Sky
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap

(5) ECLIPSE THE KING got his maiden win at start number four on December 8th when he raced on pace for the first time and went on to score comfortably over 1300M. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but neither should be an issue, and he can win again here. (2) GANGNARU ran 3rd in his first two starts before getting his maiden win at outing three on December 14th, racing handy throughout over 1300M. He already has a place at this distance to his name and up in class but well drawn, he can more than measure up. (10) APPLE STYLE will need a line drawn through his first effort at this class, but he is a winner at this distance as recently as November and CC climbing up is in his favour. (9) B.K. BELLE and (7) PINK GOLD others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Eclipse The King (2) Gangnaru (10) Apple Style (9) B.K. Belle
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) WANNABE WITH YOU came from off the pace to run 3rd on debut in a filly only maiden on December 8th. She should have come on for that experience, the additional trip can suit, and she is the one to beat. Her debut was perhaps marginally more impressive than that of (9) INDY GHOST. Nevertheless, the latter acquitted herself when similarly 3rd first up over 1300M on December 20th, also settling back and running on. She too should appreciate the slight step up in trip and she is the main danger. (6) CARIBBEAN BAY was 4th n debut and then beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 6th of twelve over 1300M on December 13th and that’s enough to make him clear third pick here. (2) FAST QUEEN and (1) GLORY WIND other minor money hopes.

Selections(8) Wannabe With You (9) Indy Ghost (6) Caribbean Bay (2) Fast Queen
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) WESTERN GUN was a dominant winner on debut over 1400M in October before running 2nd on his first try at this class, again over the seven-furlongs, on his first try at this class on December 14th, racing handy. He steps up to two turns for the first time, but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and he is very much the one to beat. (10) MK LEE enters following three consecutive 3rd place finishes at this class and distance. He has the challenge of the widest gate but he does have the fastest time among these for the 1700M and should be in the mix again. (11) K POWERFUL was 4th being Western Gun in that December 14th race and he also steps up to two turns for the first time. The widest gate isn’t ideal, but if he can find a decent position early, he can be in the finish. (1) MAX WEEK and (2) GANDAGO, both last start winners, the former at this class and distance, are others to consider.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 3)

The 2025 racing season gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

2024 Horse of the Year Global Hit arrived in Seoul on Thursday for pre-export quarantine ahead of travelling to Dubai (Pic: KRA)

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

The 2025 racing season kicks off with a maiden with two of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) DOCTOR KAREN ran an improved 4th at start number two when she led for much of the way around over this distance. She weakened late and the time was slow, but she showed enough to suggest that in this company she can lead again and will be the one to beat. (11) JEONGMUN FELIX went through two trials in fair times, improving to 3rd in the second of them. He has the challenge of the widest gate but if he brings that trial form, he can go close first-up. The other debut-maker, (2) HANEUL BOSS, is the next best. He was a solid 5th of nine in his trial in a decent time and from a good draw has nothing to fear in this field. Returning to the first timers, (7) BEOLGYOUI HIM and (3) HANNAM QUEEN may be the best of a very limited rest.

Selections(6) Doctor Karen (11) Jeongmun Felix (2) Haneul Boss (7) Beolgyoui Him
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 11

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

(1) SHACKLE LAUD has been knocking at the door in his lates three and comes into a much better gate this time than when he drew the widest when 4th at this distance on December 13th. Tanaka climbs on and he is the one to beat. That will mean overturning the form on (8) PINE BLUE, who was 3ed in that December 13th race. That was an uptick in form, and he can maintain his momentum here. (2) EAST SUN has steadily improved across three starts so far culminating in a 3rd place in an all-filly maiden at this distance on December 6th. From a very good draw, she can be on pace, and she can be in this a long way. (3) DIVINE KINGDOM and (4) HI LEGEND other place chances.

Selections(1) Shackle Laud (8) Pine Blue (2) East Sun (3) Divine Kingdom
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

Fillies and mares only in this maiden. (11) TEAM SURPRISE has been getting closer and closer across her seven starts to date and comes in following a 3rd place at this distance on November 24th when she was ridden a bit further forward than in other recent outings. Despite the widest draw, expect similar tactics today and she can win. (3) DREAMMA is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than seven finishes between 3rd and 5th. In this company and drawn well, she can be expected to be on pace, and she shapes as the main danger. (9) SINCHEON FREEDOM picked up at start number three when 5th at 1200M on December 20th and with Munro booked for the first time, can go closer today. (4) COME ON GLORY and (8) GOLDMASK are the other placing chances.

Selections(11) Team Surprise (3) Dreamma (9) Sincheon Freedom (4) Come On Glory
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

(1) YONGBI PAEWANG registered back-to-back 3rd place finishes in Listed juvenile company in September and October before finishing in midfield in the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie in November. He is yet to win but has shown enough against promising horses to suggest that back in more amenable company, he can win. (10) ALL TIME LEGEND is also winless having been promoted to this class with a pair of runner-up finishes from his first two starts before running 3rd on his first try at this level at 1200M on December 1st. He comes up in trip here but should be a danger late on again. (2) BIG JAWS comes up in class having won over 1200M on December 1st and well-drawn and down in weight, can measure up. (4) HYPER FORCE and (11) GOLDEN NICE others to consider.

Selections(1) Yongbi Paewang (10) All Time Legend (2) Big Jaws (4) Hyper Force
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 10

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

(11) NINETY PLUS will be a warm favourite here. The Instagrand colt comes in having run 2nd at this class and distance back on November 24th and having previously finished 2nd in Listed juvenile company, he is very much the one to beat. (3) BABEL DREAMY enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes most recently beating a few of these over this distance on December 6th when coming from well off the pace. Yet to win from fourteen starts, she has no fewer than five 2nd place finishes, and she should be in the mix again. (9) HOLY RUN is yet to finish outside of the top four from five attempts and in this company should be there or thereabouts again without looking a winning chance. (10) BLACK SPEED and (5) NANGMAN DAERO are other place chances.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 29)

The final race day of 2024 is on Sunday with an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and a 6 race card at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but two racing for the first time. (3) TEUKGEUP PARTY was the quickest in trials, finishing 4th in her heat behind three experienced racehorses having settled midfield and run on. She draws well here and has every chance first up. (2) FLYING DAY went through a slower trial but more than held her own with a close 3rd running on well. Drawn well and with Moon Se-young booked, she will have plenty of backers. One of the two with racing experience is (7) JUNMA FORCE. She debuted fairly when 5th over 1300M on November 30th and that experience should give her the edge over most of the newcomers. Returning to the debut makers, (4) GYEOUL JANGMI and trial winner (9) NAEGILUI ACE look the next best.

Selections(3) Teukgeup Party (2) Flying Day (7) Junma Force (4) Gyeoul Jangmi
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 9, 10

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

(3) POWER MONSTER has made good progress across three starts so far, culminating in a close 2nd place over 1200M on November 30th when settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip can suit, and he can go one better today. (11) RAON SILENCE ran a solid 4th on debut over this distance on November 30th when beginning well then dropping back before rallying well. She should have come on for that run and she will be disputing favourite status here. (2) MEGA STEP has two 3rd places to her name among five starts. She can get a bit far back in her races but draws well to sit behind the speed and pressure late. (8) FOX TROT and (5) TAEGISAN KING are other place chances.

Selections(3) Power Monster (11) Raon Silence (2) Mega Step (8) Fox Trot
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) DOCTOR CASTLE didn’t do a lot on debut but was much improved at start number two over 1400M on November 1st when coming from off the pace and finishing strongly for 2nd place, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. The step up to a mile should be in his favour and he is the one to beat. The unkindly named (9) FAT BOY has five top-five finishes among his nine starts. He has been doing his best work late in his races and is another for who the additional distance can suit. (12) FLYING ICE beat three of these when coming from a long way back to run 3rd at 1400M on December 6th. He has a 4th already over the mile and in this company should be aiming for at least the places. (5) SWORD WING and (3) CLOUD LOVE are other place chances.

Selections(2) Doctor Castle (9) Fat Boy (12) Flying Ice (5) Sword Wing
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) WITH DIS KURO has made progress over four starts so far culminating in a 2nd place when sent up to this distance for the first time on October 19th, leading for much of the way. He comes in fresh following ten weeks off and should have too much here. (10) MERIT SUNSHINE beat three of these on her way to 3rd place on her first try at this distance on November 30th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and with CC climbing up, she shapes as the main danger. (2) ROPPONGI DRAGON ran on too late on debut over 1200M on December 7th. He should have learned plenty from that and from a better draw and up in trip, can go much closer here. (4) SUN GALLANT and (3) NAEGILUIYEONGGWANG are others to consider.

Selections(9) With Dis Kuro (10) Merit Sunshine (2) Roppongi Dragon (4) Sun Gallant
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) YOUNG SKYWALKER has been the beaten favourite in all three of his outings so far, with two 2nd places and a 3rd. He has been on pace on each occasion but just hasn’t managed to finish off. He comes up in class today but that actually may work out well for him as he is down in weight and there isn’t too much to fear. He gets another chance. (1) GRAND CHASER stepped up to this distance for the first time on November 29th and ran a solid 2nd place. She comes into a much better gate and third-up this preparation, she may be peaking fitness wise. (12) WORLD WINNERS MAN has been working his way back towards a second win with a runner-up finish at this class and distance on November 22nd his latest and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he can be dangerous. (10) BLUE POINT and the up in class (4) STEROPES are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Young Skywalker (1) Grand Chaser (12) World Winner s Man (10) Blue Point
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 27)

The last weekend of racing of 2024 gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

A last chance for these juvenile maidens to get a win on the board in their first year and six of the ten are racing for the very first time. We’ll go with a first timer and (2) MISSOURI CHAMP, who went through a couple of trials, improving significantly to win the second of them, settling midfield and running on in a fair time. If she brings that form to the races, she has every chance in this field at a likely good price. Punters will probably side with experience though. (6) BARBELL MOMO was a solid 4th on debut, coming from off the pace on December 1st and can have come in for that. (1) BREEDO COMET has raced twice with a 3rd and a 5th to his name. He comes into a good gate and can have a fitness edge on plenty of these. (8) GWANGPUNG STAR and (4) GLOBAL HEROINE others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(2) Missouri Champ (6) Barbell Momo (1) Breedo Comet (8) Gwangpung Star
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juvenile maidens here with three of the nine racing for the first time. (8) OASIS POWER is the only one to have raced twice before and he has registered a 3rd and a 2nd in two promising efforts, most recently over 1200M on November 29th when slow away before finishing very quickly and beating three of today’s rivals. He is the one to beat here.  (1) MEETING ST was actually sent off at a shorter price than Oasis Power in that November 29th race. That was on the strength of his trial win in a quick time and while he only managed 5th place on debut, he should have come on for the run and can be a threat here. (2) AMAZING KHAN was 4th in that same November 29th race and can similarly improve here. (3) SMART SHAMAL and debut maker (6) GEUDAEMANUI BLUE are others to consider.

Selections(8) Oasis Power (1) Meeting St (2) Amazing Khan (3) Smart Shamal
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

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

(2) FLASH RUN will be the favoruite here. He’s raced twice, with a 2nd and a 4th to his name at 1000M and 1300M. He has been a bit slow away on both starts so far but from a good gate he can be handy early, and this time should be too good. (11) CANCAN STEP come sin off a much-improved 2nd place at 1400M on November 29th and can be a danger here. (12) RAON FLATTER has the challenge of the widest gate but was 4th in that November 29th race and seems to be on the right trajectory. (9) RIGHT CHAMP has a 2nd on his record and can be there or thereabouts on his day. (3) QUEEN TYCHE another in the frame having improved last time.

Selections(2) Flash Run (11) Cancan Step (12) Raon Flatter (9) Right Champ
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start3, 6, 9 12

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

(6) SIX HERO has loitered about the places across his four starts so far, most recently with a 3rd place at this distance on December 1st. He likes to lead, and he can do precisely that here, and he can go all the way. (11) GREAT MARU has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place in an all-filly maiden on November 1st. She has shown good late speed and she can be a danger late here. (12) SING FOR ME is interesting. He is one of three first time starters, but he looked very well in trials when runner-up in one in a fair time. It has become more than a cliché now, but if he brings that form to the races, he will be in this. (1) HANEUL POKPUNG and (7) B.K DREAM are the others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Six Hero (11) Great Maru (12) Sing For Me (1) Haneul Pokpung
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 22)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:25 to 18:00). Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (2) WONDERFUL REASON ran a solid 4th on debut before using up a lot of energy to get to the front from a wide draw at start number two on November 17th, ultimately weakening. Third-up and from a much better gate, he is worth another chance. He will dispute the early lead with (8) ROAD TO A SPUR, wo improved to 5th on his second start when racing on-pace. CC climbs up today and he can be in this a long way again. (4) CHAMP HAMSEONG ran a fair 5th on debut at this distance and with some natural improvement can get closer. None of the debut-makers inspired much confidence in trials but (7) IMRO was the best looking and he will have supporters. (12) UGWANGMYEONG also hinted at ability.

Selections(2) Wonderful Reason (8) Road To Spur (4) Champ Hamseong (7) Imro
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

(6) HANMADIMALDO was somewhat surprisingly given his chance in the Listed NACF Chairman’s Trophy for juveniles in October and he exceeded expectations by running a very solid 6th place, not far away from the placings in a quick time over 1200M. That’s more than enough to make him a warm favourite ahead of this limited set of opponents. (4) BEATRIZ is the only one in the field to have placed with two 3rds to her name, both at this trip and she can be the main danger. (5) LUCKY FAMOUS had a poor day at the office from a wide gate last time out but he does have a 4th place on his record and from a good draw can be considered. (8) BLACK RUSSIAN and (2) EAST SKY others who may have a say.

Selections(6) Hanmadilmaldo (4) Beatriz (5) Lucky Famous (8) Black Russian
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 11

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

Juveniles with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) ROAD TO ACE ran a good 3rd on a decent time on debut over this distance on November 3rd, settling just behind the speed and running on well. Expect similar tactics here and he won’t need to improve much to win this. (12) GLOBAL HIGH similarly ran 3rd on debut over this distance on November 8th, racing handy throughout. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be a danger. (5) CHOEGANG TRIPLE was sent off as favourite on his first start on November 22nd having won a trial and while he only managed 4th, he showed enough to suggest he can improve second-up. Among the debut-makers, (6) QUEEN LIRUN looks the most likely to make and immediate impact while (4) FIRST INTENSION may have spelling challenges but improved in the second of two trials and can improve again first-up.

Selections(7) Road To Ace (12) Global High (5) Choegang Triple (6) Queen Lirun
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

Decent maiden. (4) HAKSAN CAIRO has two 3rd places and a 5th from three starts so far, most recently on his first try at this distance on November 17th when ridden more forward than in his first two outings. He draws nicely here, Moon Se-young rides for the first time, and he is a chance. The betting favourite will be (3) CHEONGSAN JILJU. In five appearances he has never finished any worse than 5th with his latest being his best, when 2ns at this distance in a quick time on November 24th. He was ridden on-pace that day and drawn very well here, will probably be similarly handled, and he can win. (7) RAON NOTHERN DANCE was an improved 3rd at bid odds at start number two on November 16th and with an apprentice keeping his carried weight light, he can be a place threat again. (8) CYCLONE STAR and (1) SEMYEONG STRONG others who can be in the mix.

Selections(4) Haksan Cairo (3) Cheongsan Jilju (7) Raon Nothern Dance (8) Cyclone Star
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

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

(5) DUSTIN MARINE was slow away on debut before running on to finish in midfield but at start number two over 1400M on November 24th he went straight to the lead before weakening a little late and ending up 4th. Third-up he can be peaking and form a good draw can be on pace again and slightly back in trip, he can win. He doesn’t face an intimidating set of opponents. (3) SUCCESS COW’s best was a 5th on debut when posting a good time over 1200M. His subsequent two efforts have only been fair, but he draws better today and can be a danger. (9) WONDERFUL FORTUNE ran a creditable 5th place on debut in October and can improve. (6) BURUI PYEONGHWA and (10) WIDAEHAN YAKSOK other place chances.

Selections(5) Dustin Marine (3) Success Cow (9) Wonderful Fortune (6) Burui Pyeonghwa
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

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

(7) WONDERFUL NORTHERN ran 3rd in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in September and then got this maiden win at this distance a month later when leading all the way. He then went to Busan for the G2 Breeders’ Cup Rookie and ran a fair 7th of sixteen. That takes his resume significantly higher than his rivals here and he will be a short price favourite. (11) RISING MO was a winner on debut at 1000M in August and has since run three times at this level, placing twice. Most recently she was 2nd over 1200M on November 17th and while she is up to this trip for the first time, her running style suggests it can suit. (5) ECLIPSE EDGE is up in Class having got his maiden win at start number three over 1300M on November 23rd. He likes to come from off the pace and should be ready for the step up in trip. (3) HANGANG CAPTAIN and (1) CHEONJI SKY others in the frame.

Selections(7) Wonderful Northern (11) Rising Mo (5) Eclipse Edge (3) Hangang Captain
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

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