Busan

Ttukseom Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 27)

Sunday sees the 2nd leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer when sixteen fillies and mares will line up for the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul. The big race is number eight on the 11-race card that runs from 10:35 to 18:00, while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Juelgeounyeojeong returns to the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

After two ordinary outings, (10) NURI JILJU led at start number three on March 22nd, ultimately finishing 2nd. Despite the wide draw, she will almost certainly lead again here, and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to beat this limited set of opponents and her odds will reflect that. (3) HYEWONYONGMA is the only other one to have placed. She mixes her form but the 2nd and 3rd on her record, combined with a draw that should see her on the early speed, will be enough to make her the clear second pick. (8) SAINT WINNER may be on the right trajectory with a 4th place at start number three on March 29th and she should be aiming to better that here. Debut-maker (1) SLING STAR along with (9) SSAK DANAEUN, who has been back to trial since a poor debut, are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(10) Nuri Jilju (3) Hyewonyongma (8) Saint Winner (1) Sling Star
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

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

(5) GIANT BOSS enters looking to complete a hat-trick of wins having scored twice at 1300M, most recently at this class on March 23rd when racing handy throughout. He comes up 3kg in weight but got his maiden win carrying just 1kg less and he can score again here. (8) GEUMA FOREMOST is yet to win in seven attempts but has never finished outside the top five. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his two tries at this distance, the latter at this class last time out, and he should be there or thereabouts again, coming from off the pace. (11) NURI CHEONWANG was a winner at this class over 1300M at big odds two starts back before running 4th on his latest. He does his best work late so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be a danger. (7) TURBO CHARGE and (2) CANVASEN GO others to consider.

Selections(5) Giant Boss (8) Geuma Foremost (11) Nuri Cheonwang (7) Turbo Charge
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 12

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

(8) GEUMSEONG BOSS stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 30th and beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place, coming from off the pace. He can have come on for that experience and has every chance of winning here. (6) HEEMANGBAND enters off three consecutive 4th place finishes. She has never finished any better than that, but she steps up to two turns for the first time and the way she has finished off her races suggest that the increased trip can suit. (10) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL has similarly finished no better than 4th. He enters having been 5th behind Geumseong Boss on March 30th and while he doesn’t get an apprentice claim this time, he does get Moon Se-young and he can be a danger. (4) X FACTOR and (9) BEST SHARK the other chances.

Selections(8) Geumseong Boss (6) Heemangband (10) Gwanaksan Global (4) X Factor
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

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

Two standouts here and they have drawn the inside two gates. (1) STARTMAN has a 3rd and a 4th from his two starts so far, showing close to the pace both times. From the inside he will be on pace and can go all the way. The danger is (2) TIP TAP. After an inauspicious debut last summer, he didn’t appear again until March 23rd, but he ran well, settling midfield and finishing off in 4th place over this distance. He can strip fitter for that run and can go closer today. (8) SKY BOY too should be fitter for his debut on March 7th when he was a fair 4th over 1200M. He was doing his best work late, and the slight step up in trip can suit. (9) HIGH LEVEL and (10) WONDERFUL TEAM, the latter racing for the first time since last August but who looked well enough in a trial, are other placing hopes.

Selections(1) Startman (2) Tip Tap (8) Sky Boy (9) High Level
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) CHOEGANG GOLD was a very rare debut maker over 1700M on March 30th, but the plan came together when he led all the way to win. He comes up in class here and slightly in trip, but neither should be a problem and down in weight and well-drawn, he can lead all the way again. (8) FASHION STAR is up in class following two 3rd places and a 2nd at class 6 level. She hasn’t tackled further than 1300M, but she has been finishing off her races very well so the step up in trip can be exactly what she needs and under a light weight she can be competitive. (5) MIGHTY BOM has a 2nd and a 3rd in two tries at this class and distance, most recently beating three of these on March 29th. He comes in under the same weight and can beat plenty again. (1) TAEPYEONGMU and (6) PLAN B others in the frame.

Selections(2) Choegang Gold (8) Fashion Star (5) Mighty Bom (1) Tapyeongmu
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) B.K DANCING GIRL got her maiden win at this distance in January and then, following a challenging introduction to this class in February when weakening over 1400M, she returned to this trip on March 23rd and finished a close 4th having led for much of the way. Franco climbs on for the first time, she should lead again, and she can go all the way. (8) ROAD TO ACE led all the way at start two to get his maiden win and then ran a decent 4th when coming from midfield at this class over 1300M) on February 7th. He comes in fresh after eleven weeks off and back at 1200M, he can be a danger. (11) GRAND DREAM enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on April 4th. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but a similar effort should see him close. (1) DONGBANG JEONSA and the up in class (4) GREAT MARU are others to consider for the minors.

Selections(9) B.K Dancing Girl (8) Road To Ace (11) Grand Dream (1) Dongbang Jeonsa
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (11) PURGE STEP got her maiden win on debut over 1300M in January and has since run 4th and 2nd in two efforts at this class and distance, most recently on March 29th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter as she can settle behind the pace and run on and she looks the one to beat. (9) RED DRAGON had an abysmal performance all around when favourite at class and distance on March 16th, parting company with her jockey in the parade ring and then being restive at the start before proceeding to run very badly. She had looked very good in her two prior efforts though with a win and a 2nd so she gets another chance here. (8) KARA K is yet to win but is up in class following a few near misses and she can be competitive under a light weight. Up in class last start winners (7) SUHYANG MIIN and (4) ALL NUT others to consider.

Selections(11) Purge Step (9) Red Dragon (8) Kara K (7) Suhyang Miin
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 25)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race program from 11.25 to 18.00. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in this maiden with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (6) BREEDO MIRACLE, the only one to have raced twice. She did nothing on debut but was a close 2nd at start two on March 14th when leading until close to home. Third-up she can be peaking and won’t need to improve much to win here. It took (11) WIN GATE took plenty of trials to figure things out, but she looked well in her latest two, running 4th and 3rd in quick times and if she brings that form to the races, she will go close. (4) PACHAMAMA went through just one trial but was a close 2nd in a good time and she is well drawn to play a big role on debut. (5) GUREUM BIT also hinted at ability in her trial while returning the experience, (10) YONGBI LEGEND is the most likely to improve.

Selections(6) Breedo Miracle (11) Win Gate (4) Pachamama (5) Gureum Bit
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

(7) BEOLGYOUI BOM took a few goes to figure things out but has run back-to-back 3rd places in his latest two, most recently on March 23rd over 1300M when coming from well off the pace. The step up in trip can suit and he can win this. (5) DOCTOR KAREN led in her most recent outing on March 28th, ultimately finishing 5th, but beating a couple of today’s rivals. There isn’t much early speed in this race so she should lead again and can be in this a long way. (6) BANGTANUI JEONSA returns to action for the first time since last November. He had put together a decent record before the layoff with a 3rd and a 2nd and looked well enough in a trial earlier this month. (2) DAEJI DAEBONG and (3) DIA MATE others in the frame.

Selections(7) Beolgyoui Bom (5) Doctor Karen (6) Bangtanui Jeonsa (2) Daeji Daebong
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 12

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

Competitive maiden. (2) POWER TIME beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place on his first try at this distance on March 28th, settling midfield and running on. He draws better this time for Tanaka to pick his spot, and he can go one better. (3) FATE was 3rd in that race, a length and a half behind Power Time. He also has a 2nd place over the mile and with Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time, he will have plenty of supporters to overturn that form. (4) QUEEN RACE comes in following a 4th place at 1200M on March 14th when settling midfield and finishing off well. That was her first race in almost three months so she can strip fitter here and step up to the mile can suit. (7) STAR FORCE and (11) CRUELLA others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(2) Power Time (3) Fate (4) Queen Race (7) Star Force
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

(7) SEKWANG LIGHT got his maiden in at start two and while he has mixed his form in five goes at this class, he comes in off a smart 2nd place at this class over 1400M on March 30th, coming from off the pace. Shifting back up to the mile can suit and he can win here. (6) FORCE BE WITH YOU was a winner on debut at 1300M on March 21st, taking things up halfway home and proving too strong. He is up in class and in distance but is down in weight and can measure up. (3) ROCK CANDY was a maiden winner two outings back before running 4th on her first try at this class and distance on March 21st when getting a long way back before running on. She can go closer today. (11) NEOM CITY and (2) FAIRY are others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Sekwang Light (6) Force Be With You (3) Rock Candy (11) Neom City
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start 2, 5, 9, 12

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

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YTN Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 20)

It’s the biggest day of the season so far as Japan’s Yumeno Honoo takes on Global Hit, Success Baekpa and the rest of the top two-turn horses in the country in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3). It’s race 7 of an 11-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. At Busan there are 6-races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews with full form comments for the YTN to follow:

Success Baekpa won the 1st leg of the Stayer Series but will face a bigger challenge in the 2nd (Pic: KRA)

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

After thirteen starts, (4) DAEWONYONGMA looks to have finally figured it out and comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on March 16th when he led almost the entire way. He draws nicely to lead again and today should finally be the day. (8) JISAN FRIEND was an improved 4th at start number two on March 22nd over this distance, settling just behind the speed and finishing well. It was a slow race, but he finished ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, and he can continue to make progress here. (11) CHEONGRYONG GIUN was a fair 5th of eight on debut a month ago. He should have come on for that run and go closer. (5) SEMYEONG GHOST and (9) FLYING CONCORD, the latter looking well in a March trial, are others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Daewonyongma (8) Jisan Friend (11) Cheongryong Giun (5) Semyeong Ghost
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) AWESOME QUEEN ran 2nd on debut in January before following up with 4th at this distance on March 15th. She has been doing her best work late so can sit behind the leaders here and she will be a short-price favourite to be too good. (3) BULGUKSIDAE enters off an improved 4th place at this distance on March 23rd. Well drawn in this company she should be among the pacesetters and can be in this a long way. (9) GEOLJAK HAPPY has a 3rd place on her record and against limited opposition, that’s enough to put her in with a chance of a place. (7) KIA ORA and first-time starter (1) CHARMING QUEEN are others to consider, the latter having hinted at ability in a decent trial earlier this month.

Selections(4) Awesome Queen (3) Bulguksidae (9) Geoljak Happy (7) Kia Ora
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

(5) QUANTUM K ran a fair 5th on debut and followed up with an improved 2nd place at 1300M on March 15th. He has run through the line well suggesting that the slight step up in trip can be in his favour and he will be odds-on to go one better. (6) MASTER KWAIGON similarly made progress at start number two on March 15th when 2nd at 1300M, coming from well off the pace. He too should go well at the 1400M and shapes as the main danger. The form falls off rapidly after that pair but (1) BLACK SMILE has been knocking on the door of the places in her latest few and can so similar here. (3) PURGE RUBY and (7) NAEGILUIYEONGGWANG are others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(5) Quantum K (6) Master Kwaigon (1) Black Smile (3) Purge Ruby
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

(11) CHOEGANG TRIPLE has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on March 2nd when close to the pace throughout and posting a time half a second faster than any of these have managed over 1200M. He has the challenge of a wider than ideal gate, but he won’t need much improvement to win this. Second-favourite will be (2) LION MAGIC. After running-on too late on debut he was ridden much closer at start two on March 21st, ultimately running 2nd, well beaten by a good winner. Expect similar tactics today and he shouldn’t be far away. (1) DIA KNIGHT ran twice without distinction last year, most recently in October. He looked well in a March trial and can make a fresh start here (although do note he trialed well last year too. Debut-makers (3) GREAT UP and (8) WIND ROSE showed well in their respective trials and can be considered on a place line first up.

Selections(11) Choegang Triple (2) Lion Magic (1) Dia Knight (3) Great Up
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

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

(9) USEUNG JINLI was a winner at start two last autumn before straining a ligament on his first try at this class in early December. He returned to action on March 9th at this class and distance and led a long way and ultimately ran 2nd. He comes up 2.5kg in weight but should have come on for that run and he can win here. (5) HAKSAN CAIRO remains a maiden after eight attempts but he has been ultra consistent with seven top five finishes. That includes his latest when 2nd over 1300M on March 29th and while he may once again find one too quick, he can be a danger late on for his first try at 1400M. (8) TAEGISAN KING comes up in class having scored over 1300M on March 8th, coming from midfield. He is down slightly in weight, and he can measure up. (1) ECLIPSE EDGE and (10) BULGEUN POKPUNG other place chances.

Selections(9) Useung Jinli (5) Haksan Cairo (8) Taegisan King (1) Eclipse Edge
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 18)

The weekend’s racing 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 30 Million

After running 4th on debut, (8) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE was an improved 2nd over this distance on March 31st at, racing handy throughout having overcome the widest gate. Drawing slightly better this time, he can go one better. (6) BLACK SQUALL was similarly 2nd at start number two, in his case over 1200M on March 7th, tracking the leader throughout. The slight step up in trip should be no problem and he too has every chance of peaking third-up. (1) WIND VAIN was 2nd on debut before running 3rd behind Apdojeok Numberone in that March 31st race with very little between them He comes into a much better gate and it’s not impossible that he overturns that form. (10) QUEEN SPICY and (12) SEOBU DANCING are others who can improve.

Selections(8) Apdojeok Numberone (6) Black Squall (1) Wind Vain (10) Queen Spicy
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden. After finishing 2nd in February, (7) QUEENS DRAGON was sent off as favourite in a similar event to this over 1200M on March 14th but was caught wide of the early speed and ultimately finished 5th. The increase in distance can give her more time to settle and Seo Seung-un being engaged suggests this can be the day.  (12) LOILOI was an improved 2nd at start two over 1300M on March 14th, coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit here and she should have a big chance late on. (3) BABEL COME ON has four finishes between 3rd and 5th from six starts so far racing both on pace and from behind. She’s drawn well here and should be there or thereabouts again. (8) REIGN QUEEN and (6) TUHON FIGHTER other placing hopes.

Selections(7) Queens Dragon (12) Loiloi (3) Babel Come On (8) Reign Queen
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 9

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

Not an especially strong maiden. (1) NICE GIRL ran a best to date 2nd when coming form well off the pace over 1400M on March 28th, adding to an earlier 3rd. Her previous try at this distance didn’t go especially well, but the opposition here is weaker and she has ss good a chance as any. (9) USANG RYUNG enters off a fair 5th of eleven over 1400M on March 9th when coming from well back. She has a 2nd and a 3rd at this trip already and that’s enough to put her in the mix here. (6) BAEDARI BOSEOK could only manage 7th last time out on March 14th but she did finish ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She has a 4th place at this distance and while one-paced, can beat plenty of these again. (7) JOJOBA and (5) RIVERSTONE are perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Nice Girl (9) Usang Ryung (6) Baedari Boseok (7) Jojoba
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

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

Competitive race with plenty entering in form. They include (6) QUEEN TYCHE, a winner of two of her latest three, most recently on March 23rd on an all-filly affair at this class and distance when on pace throughout. She only comes up 2kg in weight, and she can repeat. (5) DONGNAM GANGTAJA got his maiden win last October and has since had three goes at this class with two of them ending in 3rd place, including last time out at this distance on March 9th when coming from well off the pace. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here and will probably be sent off as the favourite. (3) UNLIMITED RUN won at 1300M at start three in February, leading all the way, before finishing 3rd on his first try at this class over 1400M on March 23rd, again racing on pace. He’ll be on pace here too and can have a big say. (10) SPEED TOP and (4) CHEONGWAN, the latter needing a line through her latest but who has since trialed well, others to consider.

Selections(6) Queen Tyche (5) Dongnam Gangtaja (3) Unlimited Run (10) Speed Top
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

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

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Sprint Series & Trophy Exchange Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 13)

It’s a big day of racing on Sunday with the 2nd leg of the Sprint Series at Seoul as well as six International Trophy exchange races across the two tracks, each with a big prize on offer. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Vincero Cavallo won the first leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)

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

(2) RACE ROSE took a couple of goes to figure things out, but she has a 4th and two 3rd places from her latest three, most recently at this distance on March 15th racing handy throughout. Moon Se-young stays on, she draws well and today should be her day. (4) TIGER K was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over this distance on March 8th when being ridden further forward than in his first two appearances. Expect similar tactics today, and he can be a danger. (5) DIA ROOK has the fastest time among these for the distance and from a better gate can go much better than last time. (9) CHEONGHAE STAR and (7) DUSON EUTTEUM others in the frame.

Selections(2) Race Rose (4) Tiger K (5) Dia Rook (9) Cheonghae Star
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 11

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

After an inauspicious debut, (9) POWER BAND has run 3rd in both subsequent outings, both at 1200M and most recently on March 16th when close to the speed throughout. The wide draw shouldn’t stop her getting a forward position, and she can win here. (4) ALPHA FEMALE led for much of the way around over this distance on March 2nd before ultimately having to settle for 5th. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (2) BEST KINGDOM has two 3rd places from his latest three. An apprentice keeps his weight nice and low, and he can be doing his best work late on. (5) NONSTOP SERVE and (6) LASER RUN are perhaps the best of a somewhat limited looking rest.

Selections(9) Power Band (4) Alpha Female (2) Best Kingdom (5) Nonstop Serve
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. It’s been twelve runs at this class for (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT since getting her maiden win, but she has been working her way back into contention in her latest few, most recently when 3rd at class and distance on March 9th sitting behind the speed and running on. The same apprentice keeps her weight from coming up too much and she has as good a chance as any. (8) EXCELLENT MATTA is yet to win in seventeen, but recent efforts are a cause for optimism, and she beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd in a similar race to this at 1300M on March 8th. In this company she should be on pace and she could break through. (7) UPPERHAND is up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in filly maidens. Both times she was beaten by decent winners and there isn’t much to fear here. (9) GOOD FIGHTER and (4) WONPYEONG GWANGYA others to consider.

Selections(5) Wonderful Spirit (8) Excellent Matta (7) Upperhand (9) Good Fighter
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) HANNAM QUEEN enters in the best form with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both at 1200M and both times close to the speed. In this company she should be among the early pacesetters again, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (12) SEOGWI CHOWON beat a few of these on her way to 3rd place over 1200M on March 14th. That was by far her best effort so far and she can build on it here. (3) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL was a fair 6th of nine on debut at the end of February. She should have come on for that run, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and she can improve here. (1) SPEED MORE and (5) HOLIDAY QUEEN are others to consider for the places.

Selections(6) Hannam Queen (12) Seogwi Chowon (3) Areumdaunnaldeul (1) Speed More
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 12

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

After winning a trial, (2) WHITE CARLA led every step of the way to win on debut over this distance on March 15th. He comes up in class here but is down in weight, draws well, and he can maintain his 100% record here. (11) LEGEND WOW won on debut and following an undistinguished first try at this class, ran 3rd at this distance on March 2nd. CC climbs on and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he can be a danger. (8) HAKSAN DARK HORSE has been working towards a second win, most recently running 3rd at class and distance on March 23rd when coming from well back. He can leave himself a bit much to do but should be dangerous late on. (3) SEOUL BINGO and (9) RYAN HEAT, the latter up in class following a last start maiden win, are others to consider.

Selections(2) White Carla (11) Legend Wow (8) Haksan Dark Horse (3) Seoul Bingo
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

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

(8) RAON THE MASKE was a winner on debut over 1200M in February before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on March 7th racing handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in weight, he should be on speed, and he will be a short price favourite to win this. (9) BEOLGYO WANGCHO is the danger. His maiden win had been coming, and it arrived at start four in January when leading all the way at 1200M. He was on pace on his first try at this class on February 28th, ultimately finishing in 2nd in what was his first try at this distance. He should have come on for that run and while up in weight and drawn a touch wider than ideal, he can go close. (4) BEST BOY is yet to finish in the top two and was 7th behind Beolgyo Wangcho last time out. He has eight finishes between 3rd and 5th though and from a good gate may make for some each way appeal. (12) ASTRE and (10) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Raon The Maske (9) Beolgyo Wangcho (4) Best Boy (12) Astre
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 11)

The weekend’s racing 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

Maidens with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) TOP DOG debuted inauspiciously last September and only reappeared, gelded, on February 21st when he ran a solid 2nd over this distance from a wide draw. He should have come on for that run, he comes into a much better gate, and he can win here. (2) STUKA Debuted in that February 21st race, finishing 7th. He came back out on March 14th when he was an improved 3rd at 1300M having raced on pace throughout and he is a big danger here. (8) JUST SHINY ran 2nd in two trials in quick times. Seo Seung-un is on and if he brings that form to the races, he can co close. (11) PLUTO has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far and has the best time among these for the distance. He has the challenge of a wider gate this time but warrants another chance. (10) YEOSU SUPER STAR another fast timer who caught the eye when winning a trial.

Selections(3) Top Dog (2) Stuka (8) Just Shiny (11) Pluto
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

(6) DOCTOR MATTERS enters off a 3rd place at 1200M on March 16th when handy throughout. She comes up to 1400M for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and she has every chance here. (1) STORM POINT has shown signs of figuring it out with a 5th and a 4th in two starts back from a six-month layoff, most recently at this distance on March 21st, coming from off the pace. Munro stays on and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (11) GEUMA PANTHER didn’t do much on debut a month ago but previously trialed well and can improve here. There is no early speed in this race so (5) HANEULPYEONGJEONG can get an easy run to the lead and can be in this a long way. (3) BAEKPAL BOEUN another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Doctor Matters (1) Storm Point (11) Geuma Panther (5) Haneulpyeongjeong
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

A very ordinary maiden. (4) DOCTOR CURLIN was away slowly from a wide gate before running on for a best to date 4th place at 1300M on March 9th. She draws much better this time and in very modest company won’t have to improve much to win this. (1) COWBOY MAN has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record, something that has led him to be sent off as the favourite in each of his last three starts. None of those went especially well, but from the inside gate he can be on pace here and in things a long way. (9) SUN LIGHT was slow away on debut over 1200M on March 14th, but she ran on pleasingly enough for 6th place. She should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (11) HOUND POKER and (2) DOCTOR SOLAR others who may have a say.

Selections(4) Doctor Curlin (1) Cowboy Man (9) Sun Light (11) Hound Poker
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

The maidens continue. (2) OASIS GREEN has been knocking on the door of the places and was a beaten favourite when leading on his first try at a mile on February 7th, ultimately finishing a fair 5th. Drawing well to be on pace again, he can go all the way this time. (6) ARONDIGHT was a much-improved 2nd at start number seven over 1400M on March 9th, settling midfield and running on well. Franco climbs on for the first time and he can build on that effort here. (4) EAGLE POWER will need a line drawn through his latest when never a factor but if we instead go on his 2nd place two starts back over this distance then he has to be considered a chance here. (9) SUN JAE and (11) HIT MAJOR among plenty of other chances.

Selections(2) Oasis Green (6) Arondight (4) Eagle Power (9) Sun Jae
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

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

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 6)

The 2025 Korean Triple Crown gets underway on Sunday with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan. It is the last race on a 6-race card on the south coast that runs from 12:05 to 16:30. Up at Seoul there are 11-races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Succes Baekpa won the race a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

(1) STUNNING WORLD has a 2nd place to her name, recorded on her final run as a juvenile over this distance at the end of December. She has raced just the once since when slow away from a wide draw and running on for 5th. She comes into a much better gate today and won’t need to improve much to win this modest maiden. (10) CHOEGANG SPEED was a fiar 5th in debut over this distance on March 1st, settling back and finishing off well enough. He should have come on for that run and can be closer here. Debut maker (3) RAON THE BIG RED tried and failed to qualify a couple of times last summer. He was then gelded and put away until this March when he was a good 3rd in a trial. If he brings that form to the races he has every chance. (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (8) DREAM LYZE others who can improve.

Selections(1) Stunning World (10) Choegang Speed (3) Raon The Big Red (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2., 3, 4, 6

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

(4) HIGH CROWN is the one to beat here. He has a 2nd on his record and enters off a solid enough 4th place at 1300M on March 15th when settling just behind the speed and running through the line. In this company he should be on or close to the speed and he can goa ll the way. (5) GWACHEON QUEEN got a long way back when well supported over this distance on February 9th. At the start before she was a good 3rd, running on, and coming in fresh after eight weeks off and with conditions now different, she can be given another chance. (10) LOVE SCARLET was an improved 4th at start number two on March 9th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and 3rd up she can be peaking. (9) ECLIPSE TANGO and (6) SEMYEONG STRONG are others in the placing hunt.

Selections(4) High Crown (5) Gwacheon Queen (10) Love Scarlet (9) Eclipse Tango
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

(5) KING WARRIOR has hinted at ability across six starts so far with his best being a 3rd and his most recent a solid 4th over 1300M on March 2nd when on pace throughout and briefly leading. Ruan Maia rode him that day and stays on and he has as much chance as any. (3) MALSGO was a significantly improved 3rd when beating a couple of these at this distance on March 8th. He was ridden forward for the first time that day and from a good draw, expect similar tactics with the chance of going all the way. (2) HAKSAN PRINCE and (8) ISEUL CHEOREOM were 4th and 5th respectively in that March 8th race and both should be able to have a say here. (6) LALA GIRL also picked up when 2nd on her latest and can build on that here.

Selections(5) King Warrior (3) Malsgo (2) Haksan Prince (8) Iseul Cheoreom
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

It’s not often we start a card at 1800M but here we are, and it is very competitive with just fillies and mares. (5) BROWN FALCON was the longest but one shot on the board at a mile on March 14th, but she made a mockery of that by coming from well back to run 2nd, beating a couple of these in the process. She remains lightly weighted and from a better gate she can go one better. (1) SEONGSIL SIHWA was one of those beaten in that race but she has a class and distance 4th on a tougher race than this as recently as January and with Franco climbing on for the first time, she can get closer. (3) ARION QUEEN mixes her form but was 3rd at this class and distance two starts back and should be there or thereabouts again. (9) JILJU YEOLJEONG and (4) LASER GRIT others to consider.

Selections(5) Brown Falcon (1) Seongsil Sihwa (3) Arion Queen (9) Jilju Yeoljeong
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

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

(1) TAPDINE was 3rd in both his first two starts before breaking through at start three over this distance on February 23rd when leading from gate to wire. He comes up in class today and while he doesn’t get much of a weight break, he draws very well to lead again, and he can repeat. (2) WONDERFUL FAPPY has been a touch disappointing in two tries at this class since getting his maiden win in December. In this company and drawn well he can be challenging Tapdine for the early lead and is worth another chance. (8) BEOLGYO D Y is yet to win in eight attempts but has three 2nd places including last time out over 1300M at this class. He can settle behind the speed and run on here and he should be close. The up in class pair of (9) UMA DACHI and (7) YES ANGEL others to consider.

Selections(1) Tapdine (2) Wonderful Fappy (8) Beolgyo D Y (9) Uma Dachi
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 2: Clas 6 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 30 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 4)

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 5th on debut and then improved to 3rd at start number two over this distance on February 14th 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 3rd and a 2nd. 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 4th 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.

Selections(5) Yeonggwangui Honey (9) Namyang Ruby (11) Wonderful Smart (8) Teuta
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 11

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

(4) MEANINGFUL TIME ran 4th over 1300M on debut on February 14th (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 3rd at start two in February and then beat a couple of these on March 14th when stepped up to a mile and leading for much of the way around before ultimately finishing 5th. 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 2nd. 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.

Selections(4) Meaningful Time (5) Champ Sonny (3) Flying Champion (6) Doraon Samson
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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 3rd at this class and distance on March 7th. 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 2nd in that March 7th 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.

Selections(8) Flying The Lucky (10) Fat Boy (2) Star Park (12) Pinot Power
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 12

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 23rd 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 4th on March 7th. He’ll be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (12) DOCTOR HAPPY was an on-pace 2nd at this class and distance on March 9th. 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.

Selections(10) Fly To The Moon (7) Jinju Bit (12) Doctor Happy (8) Blue Thunder
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 12

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

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Luna Stakes Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (March 30)

The Triple Tiara gets underway at Busan on Sunday when twelve fillies line up for the Luna Stakes over a mile. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 (this big race is the last) while at Seoul there are 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Eclipse Berry won last year’s Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (7) CHRYSOL NIKE ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on January 25th, settling midfield and running on well. She comes in relatively fresh after nine weeks out, she should have come on for the run, and she can go one better today. (9) GIDAEHARA improved to 5th at start number two on February 22nd, showing on pace before weakening a little late on. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and with Maia getting on for the first time, she can get closer. (3) NAEGILUI ACE beat Gidaehara when running 3rd in that February 22nd race. She has shown progression across each of her three starts so far and can be in the mix again. (8) MISS FAMOUS and (10) SMART TAKE the other main chances.

Selections(7) Chrysol Nike (9) Gidaehara (3) Naegilui Ace (8) Miss Famous
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

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

(9) TOUR FELIX ran once without distinction last summer and then didn’t reappear until February 23rd this year when he was a much-improved 2nd at 1200M, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for the run and he can go one better today. (7) THUNDER FIRE improved to 3rd at start number two on March 1st, similarly racing handy all the way. He’ll do the same here and third up can be even fitter. (3) J ONE POWER ran 3rd behind Tour Felix in that February 23rd race, having settled a little closer than in his first two outings and accordingly running better. He draws well and can be there or thereabouts again. (11) MUNHAK CHUKJE and (2) RAON SILENCE are others to consider.

Selections(9) Tour Felix (7) Thunder Fire (3) J One Power (11) Munhak Chukje
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

Not the strongest of maidens. (9) CUPID K probably gets the verdict although that means having to discount her latest effort on March 2nd when she was sent off as favourite but barely laid a glove on them and finished midfield. Her form leading up to that was good though and on her 2nd place two starts back, she warrants another chance with the extended trip potentially suiting. (11) MARUBYEOL must be close to setting the record for most class 6 starts. That’s not a good thing. However, she got her best ever finish at this distance in January and in this very modest company, could be going even better. (6) GHOST CHYSOL races fro the first time since being beaten by Marubyeol at thus distance in that January race. He comes into a better gate today and get closer. (5) GRAND FLYING and (1) SAVANA CHARLIE perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(9) Cupid K (11) Marubyeol (6) Ghost Chrysol (5) Grand Flying
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

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

After running 4th on debut in February, (2) VANGIE was beaten into 2nd place when sent off as favourite on March 7th over 1200M. He draws nicely here, and with the slight step up in trip, he will be hot favourite to get it right at the third time of asking. (4) JJAK SARANG also has a 4th and a 2nd from two starts to date, racing on pace both times. She can be on pace and in this a long way. Those two will be at the top of most quinella picks, although (8) HEUIMANG GUNJU was an improved 3rd at start number three over this distance on February 28th when close to the speed throughout. He can aim to at least repeat in this company. (6) FAST QUEEN and (7) THUNDER PASSION others who can potentially improve.

Selections(2) Vangie (4) Jjak Sarang (8) Heuimang Gunju (6) Fast Queen
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 12

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

(1) RAON NOTHERN DANCE is yet to win in five but comes up in class following four top four finishes, including a last start 3rd on his first try at this distance on February 23rd when close to the speed throughout. He can have come on for that experience and coming down a full 4kg in weight and drawn nicely, can win here. (3) DANGDAECHOWOL is similarly winless and in his case has sic top five finishes from seven attempts. He enters off a 2nd place at this class and distance on January 25th and while he was well beaten by a good winner, he won’t need to improve much to have winning claims here. (9) LOTUSMIREU has improved since a six-month layoff and can aim to at least match the 3rd places she has from each of her latest two. (6) GRAND KWAEMA and up in class (10) TROLL other minor hopes.

Selections(1) Raon Nothern Dance (3) Dangdaechowol (9) Lotusmireu (6) Grand Kwaema
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

(8) SWORD MASTER was an also ran in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Rookie and since then has two runner-up finishes and most recently, a 4th place at this class over a mile on February 23rd when on pace throughout. He ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and he looks the one to beat today. He will need to overturn the form on (6) WORLD HIT, who was 3rd in that February 23rd race, showing on pace throughout. He will be on the speed again and can be in this a long way. (5) HOMYEONG SHINHWA comes up in class following a maiden win over 1300M that had been coming. She carries a light weight and can measure up in this company. (7) MORNING DEW and (10) TRIPLE AXEL are others to look out for.

Selections(8) Sword Master (6) World Hit (5) Homyeong Shinhwa (7) Morning Dew
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 28)

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 3rd 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 1st 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 2nd 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.

Selections(4) Defense Play (9) Yongbi Legend (6) Tantan Daero (5) Echo Champ
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (10) WONDERFUL FORTUNE was an improved 3rd at start number three over 1300M on February 7th 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 5th 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 4th at 1200M in a similar race to this on February 16th. She is another who may appreciate a bit more distance, and can be competitive. (4) NICE GIRL and (1) DREAMMA other chances.

Selections(10) Wonderful Fortune (3) Sworn Queen (7) Illusion (4) Nice Girl
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

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

Another competitive maiden. (8) FATE has a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two, both over the mile and most recently beating a couple of these on February 28th. He likes to settle back and come from off the pace and today can be his day. (5) CARIBBEAN BAY enters off an improved 2nd place at 1400M on February 23rd when handy throughout. He tackles 1600M for the first time and it can suit. (6) HOUDINI was a solid 4th 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

Selections(8) Fate (5) Caribbean Bay (6) Houdini (2) Daeji Daebong
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 11

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 28th, 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 4th and 3rd 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.

Selections(5) Mega Play (3) Road To Thunder (6) Dragon Punch (11) Deumuleo
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 11

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

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