Busan

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

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Unusually we don’t start with a class 6 but instead have this competitive class 4 affair as the opener. (2) RAON VIBE MAN is a winner of two from six so far and enters off a good score over 1300M on May 26th. He comes up to both this class and distance, but he is down in the weights, he draws well, and he can win again. (6) DAYLIGHT KING did nothing on debut but was a good winner at the second time of asking when stepped up to this distance on June 14th and making most of the running. He carries a full 5kg more this time around, but the manner of that win suggests there can be more to come. (9) WITH SUN won two of four starts before a lengthy absence. He returned at the very end of last year and has shown well in three appearances, most recently a close 2nd at the end of March. CC climbs up and this could be his day, (3) HONORED KHAN and (7) TTANBONG QUEEN others in the frame.

Selections(2) Raon Vibe Man (6) Daylight King (9) With Sun (3) Honored Khan
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. It will though be that one with experience who will start as the hot favourite. (2) BREEDO KELLY debuted over 1300M on June 7th and showed on pace before ultimately finishing in 2nd place. She should have come on for that run and will be strongly favoured to go one better here. Among the first timers, (6) WINNER CLEAR came from off the pace in his trial to stop the clock in a fair time and the 1200M can suit first up. (5) MORNING DEW raced in midfield before finishing off well in a similar time in his heat and is the other one that catches the eye. (8) ARI DRAGON and (3) HEUIMANG YEOSIN are others who hinted at ability.

Selections(2) Breedo Kelly (6) Winner Clear (5) Morning Dew (8) Ari Dragon
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

It’s hard to go past (1) THUNDER GUY here. Yet to finish worse than 4th in three starts, his best was a very close 2nd over 1300M in April. He likes to race on pace, so draws ideally here, Seo Seung-un remains on, and he will be a short price. After a couple of trials, (4) ARION TAEYANG ran well on debut over 1000M on May 31st, finishing 4th in a fair time. With some natural improvement out of that, he can go closer today. (6) RUN TO QUEEN has a best of 2nd from four starts. She has been back to trial since her latest effort and let every step of the way in a heat last Saturday stopping the clock in a fast time. So long as she didn’t leave her race there, she can be a contender. The somewhat ungraciously named (5) FAT BOY along with (11) BANGTANUI JEONSA are others who can improve.  

Selections(1) Thunder Guy (4) Arion Taeyang (6) Run To Queen (5) Fat Boy
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Several of these raced one another over this distance on May 24th and (11) GOAT KING IJI came out on top among them, running a close 2nd having led for much of the closing stages. He had the challenge of the widest gate here but won’t need to find much on that latest effort to win this. (10) BABEL DREAMY ran 3rd in that May 24th race having been sent off as the favourite. He also has a 2nd place to his name over the distance and he shapes as the main danger. (5) OASIS RED debuted over this trip back on May 10th, running a fair 4th. He could well have come on for the experience and can go closer second up. (2) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (9) PINHOLE EYE are others to consider for the minors.

Selections(11) Goat King Iji (10) Babel Dreamy (5) Oasis Red (2) Ilnyeom Sinhwa
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 11

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

(more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 23)

It’s a Stakes race free Sunday but there is still plenty of action to get stuck into at both Seoul and Busan. Seoul has 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00 while Busan hosts 7 from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

No Stakes races this weekend after Success Baekpa’s romp last Sunday in the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) WONDERFUL JET was sent back to trial after his debut 5th in March and ultimately ended up going through two heats, winning the second, before returning to action on May 19th when an on pace over 1300M. Moon Se-young gets on here, the drop back in trip can suit, and he can go all the way. He will be long odds-on and (11) SAMAEBEONJJEOK will be the second favourite. She scored back-to-back 3rd places over this distance in February and April, before running 5th at 1300M on May 26th. She likes to be on pace so has the challenge of the widest gate but there isn’t much else in the way of early speed here bar the favourite and she can get forward and be close. There are three debut-makers and (1) ARCH DAY will have backers. A four-year-old, she is a late starter, but trialled nicely and this is a good race to begin in. Returning to the experience and (9) SARYEONI NIKE and (2) EAST KING STONE are potential improvers.

Selections(6) Wonderful Jet (11) Samaebeonjjeok (1) Arch Day (9) Saryeoni Nike
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

(4) SEONGSIN CHEONHA returned from almost four months off to run a significantly improved 2nd place at this distance on June 9th when settling midfield and running on, having also shown speed in a May trial. He looks nicely on here, should strip fitter for that run, and is the one to beat. (6) EURACHACHA unseated his jockey coming out of the gates at what would have been his second start on May 26th. He was well backed for that having run 3rd on debut in April and has since completed a trial and can be close here. (3) FLYING GLOW returned for his second start on May 11th more than eight months after his debut and ran a solid 4th over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that and will be a danger. (5) NAOL JEONGSANG and (10) DANAEUN REX are the other placing hopes.

Selections(4) Seongsin Cheonha (6) Eurachacha (3) Flying Glow (5) Naol Jeongsang
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

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

(10) SUNCHEON YEOWANG has a 3rd and a 2nd among her four starts so far with the 3rd being her most recent on May 10th when coming from well off the pace in an all-filly race over this distance. She looks nicely in here, the wide draw won’t be a problem, and she can prove too strong late on. (2) GOLDEN NICE enters off a 3rd followed by back-to-back 4th place finishes, all at 1200M. She too has been doing her best work late and may like the slight step up in trip. (4) RAON THE LEGEND has raced just twice but hinted at ability with a 4th on debut and can go closer here. There isn’t much early speed so (7) SUPER KANEL can get an easy run to the front and can be in this a long way. It isn’t a strong race so solitary debut-maker (3) SUPER CELL can be considered first-up.

Selections(10) Suncheon Yeowang (2) Golden Nice (4) Raon The Legend (7) Super Kanel
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

(1) MIGHTY BOM is yet to win in six attempts but has a 2nd and three 3rd places to his name. The latest of those was at this class over 1300M on May 19th when coming from off the pace and from a better draw today, he can win. (2) P N S CAR come sin off a very close 2nd place at class and distance on June 8th. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but Harry gets on and from a great draw, he can he a big danger. (7) INFINITE HONOR is the only one of these who have already won at this distance, albeit at class 6 level, and may be worth some interest at what will be at least an each-way price. (4) BAEKRYONG and (8) PINK WIND others whose form reads well and can be involved.

Selections(1) Mighty Bom (2) P N S Car (7) Infinite Honor (4) Baekryong
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

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

(6) BEOLMA BROWN was a smart winner on debut over 1000M on May 31st in the season’s first juvenile race, showing on pace throughout. He comes up in class and in distance but is down 3kg in the weights and can win again. (7) JEOLDAE BOSS will be favourite. A sixteen-race maiden, he nevertheless comes in here with his recent form reading very well, with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two at 1300M and 1400M. In this company he can sit just behind the speed and will be a big danger late on. It could be his day at last. (2) MASTER ROAD is another non-winner, in his case from six starts but with five top-four finishes. Drawing nicely, she can be on pace and be in this a long way. (1) FLYNG THE FORD and the up in class (10) CHAS QUEEN are other possibles. 

Selections(6) Beolma Brown (7) Jeoldae Boss (2) Master Road (1) Flying The Ford
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 21)

No Stakes races this weekend but plenty of action nevertheless, getting underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

A maiden for juvenile fillies and all nine race for the first time, so it’s to the trial videos that we head. We’ll go with (1) JULGEOUN DONGHANG. She went through two trials, running steadily in both and stopped the clock in good times. She draws nicely, she has the top trainer and jockey combination, and she should be just right for this. (4) BRIGHT MARINE went through just one heat but looked good, running 2nd in a quick time having led for most of the way. She should be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (6) FANTASTIC HIT beat a couple of these when winning a trial on May 25th and looked equally well in a further tune up early this month. (8) EMPIRE DAY and (2) MOTHER POWER, the latter 2nd to Fantastic Hit in that May trial, are others who caught the eye.

Selections(1) Julgeoun Donghang (4) Bright Marine (6) Fantastic Hit (8) Empire Day
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(1) WE LIKE MONEY has shown steady improvement across her seven starts, culminating in a close runner-up finish over 1300M on June 7th when coming from off the pace and running on strongly. She tackles the 1400M for the first time and it may be just what she needs to get over the line in front. (7) YONGBI CHEONWANG has also been showing progress with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on June 2nd. In this company he can be ridden on pace and has every chance. (10) BIG MUSICAL STAR ran a fair 5th on debut at 1000M on May 31st. He should have come on for that run and the extended trip may be more suitable. (3) HANEUL SINHWA and (5) MUNMAK USANG other placing chances. 

Selections(1) We Like Money (7) Yongbi Cheonwang (10) Big Musical Star (3) Haneul Sinhwa
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

One debut-maker in the field and he will be the favourite. (6) GRAND DREAM may already be four years old, but he looked competent when winning a trial on June 1st, leading the whole way around and stopping the clock in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he’ll be hard to beat. It isn’t an especially intimidating set of opponents. (4) DONGBU CHOEGANG is perhaps the best of the rest, at least based on his last start 4th place over 1400M when he was ridden further forward than in previous starts. Expect similar tactics here and he can be a danger. (3) CHRIS MORE raced twice, badly, last year and was then put away. He returned having been gelded and looked much better when trialling at the end of May and he can be a different prospect this time around. (9) OCEAN ONE TAP and (8) WORLD ANGEL CAT others in the minor money frame.

Selections(6) Grand Dream (4) Dongbu Choegang (3) Chris More (9) Ocean One Tap
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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

(6) WONDERFUL BIDDER was a winner on debut over 1200M on May 19th when settling midfield and finishing off well. He comes up in class and in trip here but is down in the weights and he can go for two for two. (2) BLACK EAGLE got his maiden at this distance at the beginning of Mar and while he was slowly away on his first try at this class on May 31st, he can be given another chance here at what should be at least each-way odds. (1) META PRINCESS is already a winner at this class. She comes in off back-to-back 5th places and should be doing her best work late here. (4) OVER THE TRIPLE and (5) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG are others to consider.

Selections(6) Wonderful Bidder (2) Black Eagle (1) Meta Princess (4) Over The Triple
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

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

(more…)

Triple Crown Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 16)

There won’t be a Triple Crown winner this year with the KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby having been won by Success Baekpa and Eunpa Sarang respectively, however, there is plenty to look forward to on Sunday as a full field of sixteen contest the final leg, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul Racecourse. The big race is race 8 on an 11-race program at Seoul that runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Eunpa Sarang saluted in the Derby. He returns for Sunday’s Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (5) RUN WILD, who raced twice across the turn of the year with a very close 2nd on debut at this distance followed by a midfield finish over 1300M. He trialled up fairly at the end of May settling back from a wide draw before running on and back at 1200M first up, can win. The best of the debut makers is (3) COING. It took him two trials – in consecutive weeks – to qualify, but he was much better in the second of them, winning it ahead of none other than Run Wild, leading all the way. He draws nicely and can put in a bold showing from the front here. (7) WITH DIS KURO ran 3rd on debut at this distance in April. It wasn’t a quick race but nine weeks on, he can have derived benefit from the experience and should be in this (2) SAEROUN GUY is next best but after that it is a struggle to make a case for another. Perhaps (6) COMMAND BLUE who trialled fairly could sneak a minor money finish.

Selections(5) Run Wild (3) Coing (7) With Dis Kuro (2) Saeroun Guy
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

(11) MR. POWER enters off a much-improved 3rd place over this distance back in March when slow out and coming from well off the pace. He has had fifteen weeks off since then, so he comes in fresh, the wide draw won’t matter, and with Moon Se-young climbing up for the first time, today can be the day. (5) KHAS was a useful 4th on debut back in April. He has since been back to trial, coming through it in fine style, and he can be a danger here. (6) HANGANG CAPTAIN has shown progress across his three outings to date, most recently a 5th place on May 25th over this distance. That was his first appearance since January, and he can strip fitter here. (2) SMART NOTION and (9) YEONGWON GIANT are others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Mr. Power (5) Khas (6) Hangang Captain (2) Smart Notion
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) BINNANEUNGIL has raced four times, all of them last year and registered a 2nd place and three 4th place finishes despite racing very erratically on a couple of occasions. He has since been gelded and returns here having trialled up well in April. With better manners, he will take some beating. (8) SKY ARCH will be the second favourite. While only ordinary in her latest, she has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name as recently as April and she can settle back and be a danger late on here. Best of the first timers is (3) OASIS GREEN. She went through two trials, improving significantly in the second (which as a voluntary trial, may not appear in all racecards) when on pace and crossing the line 3rd in a fair time. From a good gate she can be on pace and in this a long way first-up. (6) WHITE OIL similarly trialled well enough and can be considered. (4) BORA CHAMP another of the experienced ones who can go well.

Selections(2) Binnaneungil (8) Sky Arch (3) Oasis Green (6) White Oil
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) GREEN VIVACE enters off a 3rd place in a similar class and distance filly only race on May 18th when she drew gate ten and worked hard to get on pace. She comes up slightly in the weights but into a better gate and in this company should get a much easier run to the front and can win. That will mean overturning the form on (9) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL, who won that May 18th race coming from off the pace. She comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but she warrants respect here. (6) BIG BRIDGE is yet to win but comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes at 1200M and under a light weight she can measure up in this company. (5) TESTA RUBY and (3) BEAUTYWONDERFUL, also both up in class, are others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Green Vivace (9) Gangcheol Yeogeol (6) Big Bridge (5) Testa Ruby
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

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

Small but competitive field. (6) CHEONHA SARANG is yet to win in five but comes in having run a close 3rd over 1300M in his first try at this class on April 19th. He comes up 3kg in the weights in the absence of an apprentice claim, but Choi Si-dae climbs up and the colt has run well at this distance before. (1) OVER ENERGY is the main danger. The same apprentice who rode Cheonha Sarang last time gets on, keeping his weight similar to when he ran 2nd in a quick race at 1300M at this class on May 12th. He’ll be on pace and in this a long way. (3) DOCTOR WICKY is the other winning chance. He defied long odds to run 2nd at 1300M on May 26th having briefly led in the straight and warrants more respect today. (2) NAMDO ILDEUNG and (7) ZET CASH are the other placing chances.

Selections(6) Cheonha Sarang (1) Over Energy (3) Doctor Wicky (2) Namdo Ildeung
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

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

It’s about time (5) RAON THE MAN returned to winning ways. Having won two of his first four to get promoted to this level, he is zero for five at class 4. He hasn’t run badly though with two 2nd places and two 3rd places and with CC climbing on, today can be his day. (1) CHAMJOEUN JILJU is the main danger. She comes in having beaten three of these on her way to 2nd place behind Baden Baden at this class and distance on May 18th when slightly slow away from a wide gate and then racing on pace. She carries the same light weight today but draws much better, and she should be in the finish. After two ordinary efforts at this level, (2) PURGE KING ran an improved 2nd when only narrowly defeated at class and distance on May 11th. He comes into a better gate today and Harry Kasim, who rode him for the first time that, day stays on. (9) YONGAM MARENGO and (8) DAEBAK STAR others in the frame.

Selections(5) Raon The Man (1) Chamjoeun Jilju (2) Purge King (9) Yongam Marengo
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 14)

The final leg of the Triple Crown series, the Minister’s Cup, highlight’s the weekend’s action at Seoul on Sunday but in the meantime, things get underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:50 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 four of the ten racing for the first time but one with experience goes on top and based on her last two starts, (5) DEUMULEO may be hard to beat. After a few very ordinary showings, she was much improved when 3rd over this distance on May 3rd and backed it up with a 2nd place on May 24th, both in quick times. She’ll be on pace and won’t need to improve much more to win here. A couple of debut-makers follow. (6) BACK TO THE LADY led every step of the way to win her trial in a fair time on May 25th. She responded well when asked for effort and can go well first up. (7) SCORPION QUEEN won a heat on May 18th, similarly, leading all the way. Her time was quick and unfashionable connections may mean she starts longer than she should (2) GUKDAE MIRACLE and (10) WORLD PINK CAT other money chances.

Selections(5) Deumuleo (6) Back To The Lady (7) Scorpion Queen (2) Gukdae Miracle
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

(8) OAK RIDGE shapes as favourite. He has five top-five finishes among eight starts so far and comes in off a smart 2nd place over this distance on May 17th when close to the pace throughout. Expect similar tactics here and he can go one better. (5) BEST BOY ran a close 3rd in that May 17th race, his second consecutive 3rd place finish and he looks the main danger. Solitary debut maker (1) BREEDO SHOOTER went through two trials, the second of which may not appear in all race cards as it was a voluntary trial. This is unfortunate because she showed significant improvement, running on for 2nd from a wide draw in a good time. She draws nicely here and can go well first-up. (10) PRIME PARK and (2) GWANGSOKMA among others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Oak Ridge (5) Best Boy (1) Breedo Shooter (10) Prime Park
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

(8) SEOBU VISION is yet to win in eight attempts but has five top-five finishes including a last start 5th over a mile at this class on May 19th. He has generally finished off his races well, and the step up to two turns can suit. (1) BLUE POINT is similarly a maiden, in his case from five starts, getting promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes over a mile in March and April. He ran 6th behind Seobu Vision in that May 19th race and both can be closer today. (6) YEONSEUNG BRAVO led that May 19th race before capitulating. He was racing for the first time in almost six months though so can be forgiven and he has placed at this class and distance. He should strip fitter here. (2) DAEHOMA and (9) QUEEN’S ROAD others in the minor money frame.

Selections(8) Seobu Vision (1) Blue Point (6) Yeonseung Bravo (2) Daehoma
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

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

(7) CHARON TODAY returns to racing for the first time since September last year. Her win came and this distance and she followed up with a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. Having looked well when 2nd in a late May trial in a good time, she can be supported first up. (3) RUBY STONE is yet to finish worse than 5th and got her win in a quick time at this distance. She comes in off a slightly disappointing last start on May 24th when on pace and weakening, but from a good draw is worth another chance today. That will mean overturning the form on (10) SANGIM BOLT, who got his maiden win at this class and distance in that May 24th race when racing handy and running on. He comes up 3kg in the weights, but a repeat is possible. (11) TRIPLE DREAM and (6) TAURUS KING, the latter another out of that May 24th race, are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Charon Today (3) Ruby Stone (10) Sangim Bolt (11) Triple Dream
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(more…)

Triple Tiara Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 9)

The Triple Tiara Series for three-year-old fillies concludes on Sunday at Seoul Racecourse with Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) and Eclipse Berry will be the favourite to complete a clean-sweep of the series having already won the Luna Stakes and Korean Oaks. The big race is race 8 on a 10-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Eclipse Berry (KRA)

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

It’s hard to go past (9) CUPID MIR in this maiden. He has no fewer than six top-four finishes from seven attempts, including his latest over 1200M on May 18th when slow away and settling right back before running on. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and in this company, he should be on pace and will take some beating. (3) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE has finished in either 4th or 5th place in all seven of his starts so far. He has a strong finish on him and can be aiming for better here. Solitary debut-maker (4) WONDERFUL TECHNO trialled up well and from a good draw shouldn’t be ruled out first up. (2) DAEMUL SOCKS and (1) SCALE KING the other major place chances.

Selections(9) Cupid Mir (3) Heunghaeng Bulpae (4) Wonderful Techno (2) Daemul Socks
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 11

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

(1) SUNSHINE QUEEN comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both times finishing off well. She comes up to 1400M for the first time and from a good draw, Jo Jae-ro can pick his spot behind the speed and she has solid claims here. (8) MK LEE has shown good progress across four starts so far and was a close 4th over 1300M last time out. He too comes up to the 1400M for the first time and in this company can be on or close to the pace and can be in this a long way. (3) RAON THE KLAMMER was 5th behind MK Lee at his last start. He draws better this time and can be a danger, (11) TRES VITE and (6) SMILE GOLD others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Sunshine Queen (8) MK Lee (3) Raon The Klammer (11) Tres Vite
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

One of two debut-makers in the race, (5) QUEEN SOPHIA looked very well when winning a trial as easily as she pleased in a quick time on May 18th, sitting behind the leader before pulling clear. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (8) SEOGWI STAR is yet to finish outside of the top-five and comes in off her best finish so far when 2nd at this distance on May 17th. She carries a light weight here and can be a danger. (1) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE likes to race on pace and today draws very nicely for a much easier run to the front. Franco climbs on and she should be in this a long way. (10) GREEN BULLDOZER and (3) PURE DANCE others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Queen Sophia (8) Seogwi Star (1) Yeonggwangui Rose (10) Green Bulldozer
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

Competitive race. (10) AMAZING STAR has two 4th places and a 3rd from three starts so far racing handy on each occasion. She draws a touch wide here but should be able to find a relatively forward position and today can be her day. (8) BLACK SPECTER ran 3rd on debut in March before following up with a close 5th on May 4th, both times over 1200M and both times coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can be a threat here. (7) SEONGSIL CHEONHA has trialled twice since his latest run and looked much more assured in the latter of those on May 23rd (may not appear in all racecards) when a close 2nd in a quick time. He can be in the mix first-up here for his first race in sixteen weeks. (5) ALL NUT and (1) MAX PARTY among plenty of others who can be in the mix.

Selections(10) Amazing Star (8) Black Specter (7) Seongsil Cheonha (5) All Nut
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

Open race with plenty of chances. (4) WONDERFUL FEVER is yet to win but got promoted to this level having placed in each of his first three starts. He then ran a solid 5th over this distance on his first try at this level on May 10th when he had to overcome gate ten. He draws much better today and under a light weight, he can win. (6) STRIKE ZONE has never finished any worse than 5th in seven attempts with his win coming at 1300M. He races for the first time since running 3rd in a quick race at this class over 1400M in January, but he looked well in a May trial and can go well first-up. (7) MAJESTIC DANCER enters off a 4th place at class and distance on May 10th coming from off the pace and he can be a danger late on again here. (8) MOST RAPID and (9) GOLDEN AIR others in the frame.

Selections(4) Wonderful Fever (6) Strike Zone (7) Majestic Dancer (8) Most Rapid
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

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

(more…)

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway in 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 30 Million

Having been through several trials, (3) DREAMING BOY made his debut over 1200M on May 10th settling midfield and running on for 3rd place in a decent time. He should have come on for that experience, he draws nicely and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) HAERANG JINJU enters having run an improved 2nd place over this distance in an all-filly maiden on May 10th. She can settle just behind the speed here and can be a danger late on again. (7) DORAON ZETTA has the fastest time among those here who have previously tackled the 1300M. Franco climbs up and she should be aiming to go better than her previous best of 4th place. (9) WE LIKE MONEY and (2) GOLDMASK are other placing chances.

Selections(3) Dreaming Boy (8) Haerang Jinju (7) Doraon Zetta (9) We Like Money
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

A very underwhelming maiden. (9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG hasn’t raced since running 3rd over this distance back in February but including that result, he has three top-four finishes. He gets the verdict here having run a very quick 2nd in a May trial and if he brings that form to the races, he could be hard to hold out. There are two debut makers and (3) BREEDO KELLY performed fairly in her trial. She draws nicely and with Franco booked, she is worth a chance first-up in this limited company. (1) HOMYEONG JILJU ran fairly for 5th place over 1400M on May 12th, his best finish to date and from a good gate – and with absolutely no early speed in this race – can be further forward earlier and bettering that here. (4) GLOBAL SPURT and (8) MY WAY are the other placing hopes.

Selections(9) Haerang Yeongung (3) Breedo Kelly (1) Homyeong Jilju (4) Global Spurt
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 9

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

(5) BLAZING MAN has been getting closer across his five starts so far and comes in following the best of them to date when stepped up to a mile for the first time on May 10th and running a solid 2nd place with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. In this company, expect him to be on or close to the pace, and he can go one better. He will be a prohibitive favourite. Second favourite will be (9) SEOBU CAPTAIN. He ran 5th behind Blazing Man in that May 10th race when on pace and weakening late. He comes in under the same weight and in slightly weaker company, he should be closer. (1) SUPER KANEL ran 3rd over 1400 at his last start and this is the kind of race the twenty-one-start maiden can find some money in again. (3) AMAZING CURLIN and (2) NANGMAN DAERO are others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Blazing Man (9) Seobu Captain (1) Super Kanel (3) Amazing Curlin
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

Tricky one but we’ll go with (7) YEONYEIN. He has mixed his form in three starts at this level since getting his maiden win at this distance but his 3rd place two starts back in a decent time is enough for him to go on top. He can settle behind the speed and run on. (4) SUCCESS BATTLE broke through at big odds at the eleventh time of asking over this distance on May 5th. It was a fast time, and he overcame the widest gate to do it and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, he warrants more respect this time. (3) BLUE CAPTAIN and (1) TOO CUTE GIRL enter having run 3d and 4th respectively when they raced one another at class and distance on May 12th and both can be in the mix again here with the former more favoured. (10) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH another to consider.

Selections(7) Yeonyein (4) Success Battle (3) Blue Captain (1) Too Cute Girl
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 10

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

(more…)

KNN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 2)

Jeulgeounyeojeong will aim to complete a clean sweep of the Queens’ Tour Spring & Summer as that series concludes on Sunday afternoon with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3). In a change to May’s schedule, there are 8 Sunday races at Busan from 10:35 to 17:00 and 9 at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong beat Wonderful Slew in the Donga Ilbo (Pic: KRA)

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

It’s hard to go past (10) SEUNGNI GITBAL. She beat three of these on her way to 2nd place over this distance on May 3rd and while she has the challenge of the widest gate here, she doesn’t necessarily need to lead, and she may not even need to improve to win this. That’s because there isn’t much to fear from this opposition. (1) YONGBI CHEONWANG overcame gate eleven to run a fair 4th over 1200M on May 5th. Given today’s draw he may well revert to leading – as he had done in previous starts – and he can be in this a long way. (2) ILCHUL GOLD was 3rd behind Seungni Gitbal in that May 3rd race and while she has plenty to make up, she gets a weight swing in her favour as well as a better draw. (3) JOJOBA and (6) HAPPY NORTHERN are the other place chances.

Selections(10) Seungni Gitbal (1) Yongbi Cheongwang (2) Ilchul Gold (3) Jojoba
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

(2) CHOEGANG TIME has had a stop-start beginning to his career but ran a solid 2nd at this distance back in January. He hasn’t race since he won a trial in a double-quick time in mid-May and from a great draw and with an apprentice taking 3kg off his back, he can win first up today. (5) SHINE BOLT has been getting closer across her four starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on April 14th when slow out and coming from a long way back. She shapes as the main danger here. (9) PRINCE DAY enters off a 2nd place at this distance on April 21st, albeit well beaten by a good winner. In this small field, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he is another who has a smart finish on him. (8) TWO ACE and (6) STUNNING SERVE are others in the placing frame. 

Selections(2) Choegang Time (5) Shine Bolt (9) Prince Day (8) Two Ace
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

Two first timers among these maidens and one of them, (5) OPEN SKY, will be the warm favourite. The Cowboy Cal gelding showed on pace in his trial, pulling away to win in a quick time, and if he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (3) BEOLMAUI ACE raced once for a fair 5th last November and hasn’t been seen since. He trialled well two weeks ago and Moon Se-young, intown to ride Wonderful Slew in the KNN Cup later, taking the mount catches the eye. (9) GOTOTHEVALHALLA ran a fair 4th on debut in March, albeit in a slow time over 1400M. He comes in following twelve weeks out but in this company should be a threat. (4) FLASH DAY has a 4th and a 5th from his latest two, both at this distance and that’s enough to put him in the frame here. The unfortunately named (11) FAT BOY, another who can improve having trialled twice since an anonymous debut.

Selections(5) Open Sky (3) Beolmaui Ace (9) Gotothevalhalla (4) Flash Day
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

It’s hard to go past (4) ECLIPSE HONOR. From two starts so far, he has a 2nd and a 3rd, both at this distance and in fair, if unspectacular, times. He has settled behind the speed and run on in both and in this company, he should have too much. (3) LADY FOX enters off a solid 2nd place in an all-filly race over 1300M on April 21st when she overcame gate eleven. She looks nicely in here and can be a danger. (7) CUPID RISE has the second fastest time among these for the distance, after only Eclipse Honor. That was recorded when 4th last time out on April 21st when he led for much of the way. David stays aboard and he should be in the finish again. (2) CRAZE CHANG and (10) NATURAL SOUND others to look out for.

Selections(4) Eclipse Honor (3) Lady Fox (7) Cupid Rise (2) Craze Chang
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here and (1) BLACK JILJU will be the one to beat. She is still a maiden after six attempts, but she has never finished outside the top five and she comes in having run 2nd on her first try at this class over 1300M on May 5th, racing on pace. She draws well to lead again and this time she can go all the way. (3) MARIA’S CALL got her maiden win in a similar all-filly race over 1300M on May 10th when leading from gate to wire. She comes up in class here but with only three races under her belt, has plenty of scope for more improvement and she can be the danger. (6) SUPREME QUEEN is, like Black Jilju, a maiden but she comes up in class following a few too many near-misses. She is another who likes to race on the speed and under a light weight, she can measure up. (9) TAP DREAM and (2) MORO the other placing chances.

Selections(1) Black Jilju (3) Maria’s Call (6) Supreme Queen (9) Tap Dream
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4 ,6

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (4) UASEN was a dominant winner on debut over 1200M on May 5th, taking things up in the home straight and skipping away to win by plenty. She comes up in class and also slightly in distance, but neither should be an issue and she will be a warm favourite to make it two from two. (5) PINK WIND also comes up in class following a maiden win, in her case at start number six over this distance on April 21st. Her time was faster than any of the others here who have tackled the 1300M have achieved and down in weight, she can measure up. (1) LOVE COWGIRL ran out of steam on her first appearance in over six months in April. She has placed twice at this level though and should have derived benefit from that run to the extent she can be in the mix here. (6) DIANA and (8) GIANT FORCE among others to consider.

Selections(4) Uasen (5) Pink Wind (1) Love Cowgirl (6) Diana
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

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

Competitive race. (11) GONJOHARI debuted somewhat anonymously last summer and then didn’t reappear until this April 26th. And some reappearance it was as he slipped away from the field to win by a cool twelve-lengths over 1200M. He comes up in class but the manner of that first-up win suggests there can be more to come, and he is favoured here. (9) BREEDO WIZARD is yet to win in seven outings but has also never finished any worse than 4th. He enters off a close 2nd place over 1200M at this class on May 10th and he should be close again. (5) META PRINCESS is a winner of two from four including at this class and distance. She comes back in trip following a fair 5th over 1400M and after twelve weeks off, can be in the mix here. (4) ONEULISUNGAN and (2) ROAD TO WARRIOR are others to consider.

Selections(11) Gonjohari (9) Breedo Wizard (5) Meta Princess (4) Oneulisungan
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 31)

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

The two-year-old races begin and eight face the starter for the first time, so we head to the trial videos. (2) BIG MUSICAL STAR went through two trials scraping through the first in the slowest allowable time but then much better on May 11th when overcoming a wide gate to settle midfield and run on for a close 4th in a quick time (as a voluntary trial, this may not appear in all race cards, so do take note).  The trainer/jockey combination will ensure he has plenty of backers first up. It took (6) ARION TAEYANG two goes to qualify which he did well on May 4th settling on pace and while a long way back behind a six-time winner the time was good, and he will be a danger here. (3) YONGBI PAEWANG settled right back in his heat before running on. (8) WORLD KNG IJI and (1) WONDERFUL GROOM others who may offer some interest at longer prices.

Selections(2) Big Musical Star (6) Arion Taeyang (3) Yongbi Paewang (8) World King Iji
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6 

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (11) ONE WAY has shown improvement across her three starts so far and enters off a 4th place at 1200M on May 3rd when racing close to the pace. She may need a touch of luck from the wide draw, but she should be close here. (8) ONES HEYDAY enters off am improved 2nd place over this distance on April 28th when leading for much of the way. She recorded the fastest time of any of these for the 1300M and she can be on pace and in this a long way again. (4) GREEN LEGEND enters on the right trajectory with a 5th and a 4th from her latest two and she can be there or thereabouts again. (7) DREAMMA and the returning (10) ALLURE, the latter looking well in a trial earlier this month, are others in the frame.

Selections(11) One Way (8) Ones Heyday (4) Green Legend (7) Dreamma
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 11

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

(10) FLYING ICE has raced just twice but did improve in the second of those when stepped up to this distance on May 3rd. That was four months after his inauspicious debut and he should strip fitter for that run and with Franco climbing on, there is plenty to like. (6) TODAY QUEEN has a 4th and a 5th from her latest with the 4th coming when she led at this distance. There isn’t much early speed here so she should get an easy run to the front again and she should be in this a long way. (7) POMPEII has finished 5th in all three starts so far. He comes into slightly softer company here and can be aiming higher. (1) GUKDAE WIFUNG and (11) B.K. MARON other placing chances.

Selections(10) Flying Ice (6) Today Queen (7) Pompeii (1) Gukdae Wifung
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

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

(6) BURUI TONGCHI ran 3rd on debut last October but didn’t reappear until March when he won first-up over 1200M on the last day of the month, overcoming a wide gate to settle midfield and then run on. He stepped up to this class on April 26th and from the same wide draw, ran a close 2nd place at 1300M. He comes up slightly in the weights, but that’s offset by a better gate and the slight step up in trip can suit. The big danger is (3) MR.KEYMAN. He too got his win over 1200M and comes in having run 5th of twelve in a quick race over this distance on May 5th.  He too draws better this time and won’t need to go much better than that to go close here. (10) LEMON BULPAE races for the first time since running 2nd at class and distance in January. He looked well in an April trial and can be competitive first-up. (8) SKY SHOT was a class and distance winner on April 21st and while up in weight shouldn’t be dismissed. (5) BLACK EAGLE another in the hunt.

Selections(6) Burui Tongchi (3) Mr.Keyman (10) Lemon Bulpae (8) Sky Shot
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

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

(more…)

Busan Mayor’s Cup Sunday- Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 26)

The Stayer Series heads to Busan on Sunday when Global Hit will seek to complete a clean sweep by winning the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2). Unusually the big race is race 3 on the card with a post time of 1.35pm, in order to accommodate live TV coverage (SBS N Sports). There are 6 races in Busan on Sunday from 11:25 to 17:00 as well as 10 in Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Global Hit won the Herald Business Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Competitive opener. (6) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG enters off his best finish to date at start number five on April 28th when racing handy over this distance and finishing 2nd, well beaten by a good winner, but ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He can sit behind the speed here and can go one better. (5) NAOL INDY raced once without distinction last summer and then didn’t reappear until this April. Now gelded, he has a 4th and a 2nd in two stars back, most recently leading almost the entire way around over this distance on May 5th. Third-up he can be peaking and can win. (1) SAMAEBEONJJEOK enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes and comes up to this distance for the first time having drawn well. (3) EURACHACHA and (9) CHROMITE others in the frame.

Selections(6) Geumak Myeongjang (5) Naol Indy (1) Samaebeonjjeok (3) Eurachacha
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

Fillies only in this maiden, and (7) CROQUIS will be the favourite. She enters off a 3rd and a 4th in her latest two appearances, both over 1300M and both times having sat handy and run on. The slight step up in trip can suit and, in this company, she should be on pace and is the one to beat. (2) P N S GAJA enters off an improved 4th place at start number three on April 21st when ridden on pace for the first time. She draws well for similar tactics to be employed today and she can be competitive. (11) ARNOLD QUEEN does have experience at this distance. She ran 5th behind Croquis at 1300M on March 30th on what was her first start since January and while she has had another eight weeks off, she can get closer here. (8) NEXTLEVEL and (9) CLAIR GOLD are others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(7) Croquis (2) P N S Gaja (11) Arnold Queen (8) Nextlevel
Next Best9, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

Maiden fillies in the south coast opener. It’s fair to say that she has mixed her form across her five starts so far but (11) BLISS MARINE has a 3rd and a 2nd to her name at 1400M and 1600M. She likes to race on pace and while she has drawn wide, her pattern so far suggests she can run well today, and she won’t need to improve much on those precious showings to win here. (5) NEOM CITY enters off an improved 4th place over this distance at start number five on April 28th. In doing so, she recorded the fastest time among any of these for the distance and a similar effort will see her in the finish again. (1) JUMBO ROCKET also enters off her best finish to date, which came over 1400M on April 5th. She was ridden much further forward than in previous starts and she is nicely drawn for a repat here. (9) RUN TO QUEEN and (6) WE LIKE MONEY others in the hunt

Selections(11) Bliss Marine (5) Neom City (1) Jumbo Rocket (9) Run To Queen
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

(4) CAMP DAVID comes in off a much-improved 2nd at start number three on April 20th when handy throughout. He comes up to 1700M for the first time and from a good draw should be on pace, and he can win here. (8) P N S OHOH ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on May 11th, settling just behind the speed and running through the line pleasingly enough. He should have derived benefit from that run and with some natural improvement can challenge a bit closer today. (9) MAGIC PRINCE has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far, most recently at 1400M. His running style suggests that two turns can suit, and he should be challenging late. (2) MARUBYEOL and (3) MEOTJIN CHOEGANG are others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Camp David (8) P N S Ohoh (9) Magic Prince (2) Marubyeol
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

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

Competitive maiden. (1) THUNDER GUY ran 4th on debut in March and followed up with a 2nd place over 1300M on April 21st when on pace throughout and only going down very narrowly to the longest shot on the board. He draws very well here, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and he can go one better today. (9) AWESOME SUNRISE enters off a career-best 2nd place at start number nine on April 26th when coming from off the pace over this distance. In doing so, she recorded the fastest time among those here who have tackled the 1400M and she shapes as the main danger. There is one debut maker. (5) OASIS BLUE took two trials to qualify but he certainly caught the eye on the second of them, running 2nd in a quick time. The trainer/jockey combination will not go unnoticed either and he will have backers first-up. (11) WORLD MAID CAT and (4) GLOBAL SPURT are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Thunder Guy (9) Awesome Sunrise (5) Oasis Blue (11) World Maid Cat
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

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

(1) NARAOLA will be the warm favourite here. He got his win over 1400M three starts back and come sin having run 3rd on his first try at this distance on April 28th when overcoming gate eleven to find a handy position. He enters under a similar weight but draws a much better gate and will take some beating. (5) HEUIMANGUI CHANGA has plenty of experience of this class and distance with a 2nd place on his record over it. He likes to settle back and run on, and he can be a danger. (8) THORUI MANGCHI has placed at this class over 1400M, and he comes up to two turns for the first time. He has shown he can be versatile in his running style and the distance may well suit. (7) FEDERAL KING and (2) ANYANG CHEONDUNG ae the other logical money chances.

Selections(1) Naraola (5) Heuimangui Changa (8) Thorui Mangchi (7) Federal King
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class Open (1800M) Weight for Age / Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR G2) / KRW 700 Million

The final leg of the Stayer Series sees (11) GLOBAL HIT looking to complete a clean sweep having already taken out the Herald Business and the YTN Cups at Seoul, both over 2000M. He is steadily asserting himself as the best horse in Korea and he will be hot favourite to prevail again. Should he not be at his best then (6) TUHONUI BANSEOK is an ever-present danger. He was 3rd in the Herald and 2nd in the YTN, and he is the defending champion. He draws nicely to be on pace and Global Hit has a furlong less to get past him here than he did in Seoul. (5) NUT PLAY was 2nd in the Herald and 4th in the YTN. If he can take advantage of the favourable draw here to get in front of Global Hit and make the favourite come past him instead of the other way around, he can be firmly in the finish. (1) GALAXY ROAD hasn’t really managed to mix it in with the elite but enters in very good form and Franco staying on gives him a chance from off the pace. (3) SPEED YOUNG is a stablemate of Global Hit and was 5th in the Herald and 3rd in the YTN. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he has a big win in him eventually and from a good draw, it is not impossible it could be today.

(more…)