The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with a 9-race card at Busan from 11:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with six of the nine racing for the first time. (7) BEOLMAUI LAND was a close 5th on debut in a quick race over 1000M on October 4th, showing on pace. He should have come on for the run, and the experience is enough to give him the edge here. (2) PISTOL CUT showed on pace in her debut and while she did weaken, she too should have derived benefit from the experience and can be on pace here. Among the debut makers, (3) SEOGWI CREST ran 3rd in her latest trial coming from off the pace and 1200M can suit first up. (9) AEGIS CROWN and (1) SMART YULIM are other possibles in what is a very modest looking affair.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 30 Million
(5) SWORN QUEEN returned from five months out to run a solid 2nd over 1300M on October 17th. She should have come on for the run and already holding a 3rd place at this distance, she has every chance of coming out on top here. (2) OASIS RUBY was an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on September 28th, starting slowly but quickly ridden up to be handy. She comes into a better gate and third-up she can be peaking. (1) DELEKOOMDA is another with a 3rd place to his name over this distance and from the inside gate he can settle behind the speed and challenge late on. (6) HANEUL GOLD and (3) FLARE UP are others with at least a placing chance.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) GEUMSEONG had a slightly poor day at the office when well fancied over 1200M on October 17th, starting awkwardly and then struggling to get back in contention with the pace strong. He still managed to finish 5th though and based on his previous 3rd and 2nd, he can be given another chance here. (11) SKYLAR JIYOU beat Geumseong when 4th in that October 17th race, settling midfield and running on. That was just his second start, and he can continue to make progress here. (4) COWBOY LOOK has finished 4th in both outings to date, both at 1000M and can be ready to step up in trip. (3) SHINING ONE and (1) DOCTOR ACE are others to consider.
Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(3) VANGIE enters off back-to-back 2nd places in two goes at this class at 1200M and 1400M, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process. He has nine top two finishes from ten starts and while six of those have been as runner-up, in this company he draws well to be on the speed and he can win. (2) DOCTOR OSCAR is rarely far away and has plenty of experience at this level. She can race handy here and be a threat late on. (11) MAGARITA returns to action for the first time since May. She looked well in a trial at the start of the month and first-up for Thomas Gillespie, she may offer some each-way interest. (8) BLACK SPRING and (7) EUNBIT DAERO are both better than their respective latest efforts and are worth another chance.
Selections
(3) Vangie (2) Doctor Oscar (11) Magarita (8) Black Spring
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 11-races from 10:35 to 18:00, and at Busan where there are 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Ziggurat returns to action having won September’s Listed Ilgan Sports (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. (6) WILD SMARTY went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them when runner-up in a good time having led from the widest gate for most of the way alongside some experienced horses (it won’t be in all racecards, so it was a time of 62.6 on September 11th). Drawn well he can lead here and win. (9) BEST THE ON is the best of the experience, having come from off the pace to run 4th on debut over 1000M on October 25th, albeit well back behind a good winner. He should have come on for that, the step up in trip can suit, and he can get closer with Moon on. Returning to the first timers, (8) GRACE DAY was a very close 2nd in his second trial, leading for much of the way and he can be in the finish first-up as well. (11) SEMYEONG PEAK and (10) CHEONJI TANK are the others who hinted at ability in trials.
Selections
(6) Wild Smarty (9) Best The On (8) Grace Day (11) Semyeong Peak
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
2, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
One of three debut-makers, (2) AMOS CHEONHA went through two trials, blitzing the second of them on October 16th, leading gate to wire and crossing the line plenty to the good in a quick time. Given his draw, if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (9) POWERFUL KNIGHT was an on pace 3rd on debut over this distance on October 18th. He draws a touch wider than ideal but if Diego can find a forward position again, he can be in this a long way. (5) BLACK PEPE was a close 4th at start two over this distance on September 20th. Third up he has an experience edge over these and can be in the finish. (3) BANK LINE and debut maker (8) RAON THE CLARA are others who can be in the mix.
Selections
(2) Amos Cheonha (9) Powerful Knight (5) Black Pepe (3) Bank Line
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
2, 4, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRA 30 Million
(4) ISIMNYEON SEWOL ran a much-improved 2nd at start number two on October 4th when coming from off the pace from a wide draw over 1300M. He comes into a better gate today, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he can go one better. (2) GRAY PHANTOM enters off three consecutive 5th places and a 4kg apprentice claim may be what she needs. She can get a bit far back in her races but if she can be in striking distance in the straight, she can be close. Also getting a 4kg claim is (1) ACE MATCH. He has tended to do his best work in trials rather than in races but should be looking to improve in this company. The returning (6) KIA ORA looked good in a trial last week and along with (5) ECLIPSE BAY, can be in the placing frame.
Selections
(4) Isimnyeon Sewol (2) Gray Phantom (1) Ace Match (6) Kia Ora
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
5, 6, 7, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 1 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
Class 1 opens proceedings as it is the smallest field on the card. (9) CONTROLLER is a winner of six races including five in a row up until this March when he scored at class 2 level over this distance from the front. He has been out since through injury and appears to have been gelded in the interim as well. He looked very well winning an October trial, and this looks the ideal first assignment back. (7) GANGSEO GIANT comes off a 3rd place two weeks ago at big odds in the G3 Kookje Shimun over 1400M, a race she won a year ago . She was beaten by plenty of these two starts back at this distance but if that Group race effort means she is back in form, then she is a danger. (6) BAEKDUUI KKUM is a stablemate of Controller and races for the first time since August 1st when she won over this distance at class 2 level. She looked very well when leading all the way in a trial two weeks ago and as a six-time winner at 1200M, can be firmly in this. (3) CHOEGOUI KKUM and (5) FANTASTIC KINGDOM are others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Tricky one. (7) BLACK RUSSIAN enters off his best start to date, when at the thirteenth time of asking, he ran 2nd over this distance on October 18th racing handy throughout. The same apprentice takes the same 4kg off his back and he has as good a chance as any of going one better. (1) BODY CHECK raced twice much earlier this year, finishing 3rd in the second of them in March. He hasn’t raced since and hasn’t trialed since July, but he couldn’t hope for a softer race to return in. (3) JIJON BULPAE needs a line drawn through his latest when slow away and never a factor as favourite. Instead, we can go on his 3rd place over 1200M tow starts back and give him another chance. (6) NAEGEROWAJWO and (5) SUN GALLANT others who may place.
Selections
(7) Black Russian (1) Body Check (3) Jijon Bulpae (6) Naegerowajwo
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies with four of the ten racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of the newcomers in (3) FLASH TO ME. She showed on pace in her trial, crossing the line a very close 2nd in a fair time. She draws well Seo Seung-un is on, and there seems plenty to like. Four of the ones with experience debuted together in the same race at 1000M on October 17th. From a wide draw (2) BIG STAR came from well off the pace to finish the best of them in 3rd and she can be a danger here. (5) BLUE HUNTER was 4th in that race, just half a length in arrears and having previously been better than Big Star in trials, will be favoured by plenty to overturn that form. (10) SKY WHITE also comes out of that race and can improve for the run. (8) DREAM BLUE is another debut-maker who hinted at ability in her trial.
Selections
(3) Flash To Me (2) Big Star (5) Blue Hunter (10) Sky White
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 8
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(6) BEST PITCH is two for two having won on debut over 1000M on August 30th and then beating three of today’s rivals on his first try at this class over 1200M on September 28th, coming from well off the pace. He gets another crack at class 5 and while he has to contend with an additional 3.5kg, he can complete his hat-trick here. (10) TIGER K is yet to win in nine starts but he has four runner-up finishes with his latest at this class and distance on October 4th when on pace. His draw is a touch wider than ideal but if he can find a way to the front early, he can be a danger. (7) JUNMA FORCE will round out most opt three selections. Having finished 4th to Tiger K’s 2nd two starts back, she ran a close 2nd of her own at this class and distance on October 25th. She is up 2kg in weight but can be in the finish again. (3) DURAY SHOW and (9) SAENAE CLASSIC others in the minor money hunt.
Selections
(6) Best Pitch (10) Tiger K (7) Junma Force (3) Duray Show
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with a 9-race card from 11:15 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seo Seung-un is on plenty of chances on Friday (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with seven of the nine racing for the first time. (7) CHEONGCHUNEUNJAYU has raced twice, finishing 3rd on debut and then 2nd at start two in a quick time over 1000M when settling just behind the speed and running on. He should have the edge on these both experience and fitness-wise, and he is the one to beat. (1) FANTASTIC BOSS looks the best of the debut-makers. He came from midfield to run 3rd in his heat in a decent time and 1200M should suit first-up. (9) ANY WIN also has an experience advantage. He improved to 5th at start two over 1000M and can continue to make progress here. (3) MYSTIK JIN and (2) CHOEGANG HAPPY also hinted at ability in their respective trials.
Selections
(7) Cheonchuneunjayu (1) Fantastic Boss (9) Any Win (3) Mystik Jin
Next Best
2, 5
Fast Start
3, 4, 7, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) DREAM RACER was 5th on debut over 1000M and followed up with 3rd at 1200M on September 7th when handy and running on. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and third-up he can be peaking. Stablemate of Dream Racer (10) JEONGMUN FELIX returns to action for the first time since registering back-to-back 3rd place finishes in March and May, both at this distance. He looked well when he was close to the pace in an October trial, and he can pick up from where he left off here. (1) SEOGWI OSEONGTAP enters off an improved 4th over 1400M last time out when coming form off the pace. She draws well and, in this company, can be in placing contention. (2) WORLD TRIPLE CAT and (9) QUEEN THE GOLD others who may play a role.
Selections
(6) Dream Racer (10) Jeongmun Felix (1) Seogwi Oseongtap (2) World Triple Cat
Next Best
9, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) SOMANGUIGIL has raced four times and recorded back-to-back 4th places followed by back-to-back 3rd places, beating plenty of today’s rivals along the way. One of those 3rd places was at a mile and in this company, he can be on pace early and he can be winning. (5) CHAMP KING has a 3rd place at this distance two starts back when settling back and running on. He has been consistent over his six appearances to date, and he can be there or thereabouts again. (1) HOUND POKER was 4th behind Champ King last time out on September 12th. He can get a bit far back in his races but draws nicely on int inside and can be running on strong again. (12) FINAL ATTACK and (6) HIGH LEVEL are others in the frame.
Selections
(9) Somanguigil (5) Champ King (1) Hound Poker (12) Final Attack
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
2, 4, 9, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After finishing 4th on debut in July, (12) TWIN RAINBOW got her maiden on August 22nd over 1000M, leading throughout. She was given an easy time in a trial last Saturday and while she is up in class and distance, as well as having the challenge of the widest gate, she can make it two in a row. (2) ROAD TO WIN has a3rd and two 4th places from her lates three, all at this class and distance. She looked well when a close 2nd in a quick trial on October 25th, and well-drawn, she can be a threat. (8) FLASH DAY returns to action for the first time since April and while his most recent trial was in August, he can be competitive in this company. (5) UNLIMITED RUN and (11) TRIPLE J are perhaps the best of an out of form rest.
Selections
(12) Twin Rainbow (2) Road To Win (8) Flash Day (5) Unlimited Run
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (6) POWERFUL RUN was a winner on debut in June and has since recorded a 6th and a 4th in two tries at this class, the latter over this distance on October 17th when she was handy throughout. Expect her to be similarly ridden today and she can win. She will need to overturn the form on (2) SEOGWI LADY, who was 3rd in that October 17th race, settling behind the speed and running on. That was her first start since June so she can strip fitter for the run and be in the mix again. (11) MAGIC SWEETIE has just the one win from twenty-six starts but has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than eleven occasions and she can be there or thereabouts again. (8) NEW LEADER and (7) SEONGSIL JEIL, both of whom raced alongside Magic Sweetie on October 4th, are others to consider.
No Group or Listed races this Sunday but still plenty to get stuck into with an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and a 6-race program at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens though all but three have raced before. (10) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG is the pick and probable favourite having run 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 27th, settling midfield from a wide draw and running on to narrowly miss out. The step up in trip can be in his favour and he can go one better. (2) PANGPANG DAERO was a front-running 2nd at 1000M on his debut back on August 16th. He draws well to be on pace again and Maia staying on is a plus. (1) DAEHAN SIDAE ran 4th on debut at 1000M on October 3rd, coming from a wide gate and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He draws much better today and can be in the mix. (6) YONGBIGYO and (12) EUNPA BOOSTER others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. Since running last on debut (2) TRIPLE JENNY has gone close in each of five subsequent outings, most recently finishing 2nd over 1400M on October 3rd when on pace throughout. Drawn well here she can lead and today should be her day. (5) HAEMAJI may be figuring things out with a 2nd place on her latest at this distance on August 31st. On that form she is the danger. (6) OUTSTANDING GIRL hasn’t shown much in the way of speed across three outings to date, but she does come in off a 4th place at 1200M on October 4th and in this company, she can aim to match or better. (3) DAEHAN COCO’S and (8) JINJUUI SIMJANG are others in the minor money hunt.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) WILD MAGIC was 3rd on debut in a filly only maiden over 1200M on October 4th when settling midfield and running on strongly, although well behind the winner. She takes a big step up in trip here but she should have come on for the run and may even be available at an each-way price. (3) ECLIPSE TANGO has been a beaten favourite a couple of times now and will need a line drawn through his latest at 1400M on September 28th when slow away. He is usually on pace and is worth another chance in this field. (5) BLUE DRAGON stepped up to this distance on September 27th and registered his best finish to date with a 3rd place and he should be there or thereabouts again. (1) WHITE ROMANCE and (4) COMMANDING LEAD are others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Wild Magic (3) Eclipse Tango (5) Blue Dragon (1) White Romance
Next Best
4, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 10, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with four of the eight making their racecourse debuts. We’ll side with one of those newcomers, (3) POWER TREE. He won his trial, showing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. He draws nicely to be up top early again and can go all the way. If you prefer experience, (2) ISIMNYEON JIGI is the one. After a good trial, he ran well for 3rd on debut having been on the speed throughout. He should have come on for that run and will be challenging for the lead right from the start. Expect him to be the market’s choice. The rest of the experience is unconvincing, so we return to the first timers. (7) WORLD FIGHTER MAN was a quick 2nd in his most recent trial and if he brings that form to the races, he can be a factor. (8) YOUNGYOUNG BRAVO and (6) HUIMANG SPEED also look to have some ability.
Selections
(3) Power Tree (2) Isimnyeon Jigi (7) World Fighter Man (8) Youngyoung Bravo
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) SAMJEONG LADY has mixed her form a bit but when she has had trouble it has been at 1300M and when drawn wide. She draws great today and has two wins and a 3rd in four outings at 1200M. She can add to that win count here. (11) SEONGSIL DAERO has a 3rd and two 4th places from her latest three, beating a few of today’s rivals along the way. An apprentice jockey keeps her under a light weight and while she has the challenge of the widest gate, she can be a danger. (10) DONGBANG FORCE returned from nine months out to run 3rd over 1300M on October 19th. She should strip fitter for that run and while she is up in class, she is down in weight and can be competitive. (3) HERO CHOICE and (9) MUNHAK BELL others in the frame.
Selections
(2) Samjeong Lady (11) Seongsil Daero (10) Dongbang Force (3) Hero Choice
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
October concludes with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all of them racing for the first time so we have to head for the trial videos. (8) BORYEONG ULTRA MAN was the fastest in heats, winning his trial from the front. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first up. (11) NONSTOP HUG won her trial too, leading all the way around and finishing in a quick time. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but if she can find a forward position, she can be in this. (4) GREAT POWER showed on pace in his trial, ultimately finishing in 3rd place in a good time, albeit well back behind the heat winner. She draws well to be on pace and can be in this a long way. (7) BAMTORI BAMBAM and (10) GAMDONGUI BAKSU others who hinted at anility in their morning tests.
Selections
(8) Boryeong Ultra Man (11) Nonstop Hug (4) Great Power (7) Bamtori Bambam
Next Best
10, 9
Fast Start
1, 4, 8, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (5) DOLPHIN KICK has finished between 3rd and 5th in five of six starts so far and she returned from eight months out to run 3rd at this distance on September 19th, showing on pace. She should strip fitter for that run, and we can take a chance on her here. After running 3rd on debut (7) CRYSTAL MULGYEOL was an also-ran in the Rookie Stakes in August but returned to shallower waters and was 4th in a similar race to this on September 26th. Franco returns and she can be in this. (8) MAGIC SHOW was an improved 3rd at start three on September 12th and can build on that here. (6) CHAMPUI SIDAE and (10) I’M THE ONE are others in the hunt.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) GLOBAL FORCE has made good progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place in an all-filly race over 1200M on September 26th when racing handy. She was well back behind a good winner, but she won’t need to improve much to go one better here. (4) DEIMOS was ordinary on debut but was an improved 4th at start number two at 1200M, settling midfield and finishing off well. The step up in trip can suit and he can get closer today. (5) DELEKOOMDA has mixed his form so far but going on his 3rd place at this distance two starts back, has to be considered to be in this. (9) FLARE UP was a much-improved 2nd place last time out at big odds and will be much shorter this time. (6) JIJONSANBANG another in line for the minors.
Selections
(7) Global Force (4) Deimos (5) Delekoomda (9) Flare Up
Next Best
6, 10
Fast Start
6, 7, 9, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) TOHAMSAN DRAGON remains a maiden but is up in class having run 2nd in both his starts so far at 1200M and 1000M. He is down in weight; he draws nicely to be on pace and Seo Seung-un stays on. He can win. (4) FANTASTIC EAGLE ran 3rd on debut at 100M before winning at start number two over 1200M on October 2nd, settling midfield and running on strongly. He is up in class, but down 3kg in weight, and he can measure up. (8) ALL ROUND ONE was a desperately close 2nd at this class over 1400M on October 2nd when slowly away but rallying well. With a better start here, she can have claims with Franco climbing aboard for the first time. Veteran (10) MAGIC ELEVEN enters off back-to-back 3rd places and can be there or thereabouts again. (2) SUCCESS POWER another in the hunt.
Selections
(1) Tohamsan Dragon (4) Fantastic Eagle (8) All Round One (10) Magic Eleven
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Two Group 3 races at Busan highlight Sunday’s action with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), for fillies and mares followed by the Kookje Shinmun Cup (1400M KOR-G3), which has attracted the nation’s top sprinters. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 and 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Boryeonglightqueen will be favourite for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) GEOLJAK TIARA is the one to beat though having followed up a 5th place on debut over 1000M in August with 2nd when stepped up to this distance on September 21st. She will be expected to lead here and go all the way. (11) MIGHTY BEAT has also raced twice and was an improved 4th at start two on September 27th. His time was quicker than that achieved by Geoljak Tiara for the same distance and he will be the second favourite. (2) SUPERDAY and (3) BROWN MAMMA came home 3rd and 5th respectively when they debuted together over 1000M on September 13th and both should have come on for the run. Of the three first timers, (8) RAON BLITZ was the best in trials.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (6) RAON SNIPER was an improved 2nd at start two over this distance on September 7th, having raced on pace throughout. She can lead again here and third-up she can be peaking. She will dispute favourite status with (2) CLUTCH LOVE, who debuted in a quick filly race over 1000M on September 20th when she settled midfield and finished off pleasingly. She should have benefited from the experience, and the additional furlong can suit. One of only two three-year-olds in the race, (7) DAJEONGHAN debuted all the way back in February, running 3rd at this distance. She looked very well when winning a trial in late September and can be in the mix first-up. (4) MIGHTY SHINE and (5) MACHEON WORLD other chances.
Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(9) AWESOME QUEEN has never finished outside the top four and comes in having led at this class for much of the way around on what was her first try at 1800M on September 21st. She actually carries 1kg less today, Moon Se-young climbs up for the first time, and she is very much the one to beat. (6) DRAGON FANTASY has won his latest two, both at 1400M. He comes up in class today, as well as up to two turns for the first time, but he can measure up. (5) BLACK SATANG was a class and distance winner on September 27th, settling midfield and running on. She stays under the same light weight and can be in the finish again. Apprentice claims bring both (7) K POWERFUL and (8) GOMANARU into the placing picture.
Selections
(9) Awesome Queen (6) Dragon Fantasy (5) Black Satang (7) K Powerful
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) BURUI SINJEON has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on his first try at this distance on September 21st when emerging from midfield and beating a couple of today’s rivals. Munro stays on and the pair can go one better. (10) STAY COOL didn’t do much in her first two appearances, but she was a much-improved 2nd when sent up to this distance for start three on September 28th when she led until the furlong pole. She is drawn a touch wider than ideal, but in the absence of much speed on her inside, she should be able to find her way to the front, and she can be in this a long way. (12) MUJEOKYI has also made progress over three starts and with a 2nd place last time out can be in this. (7) BEAT BOY and (4) SERYEONDOENWISUN are others in the frame.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) ALPHA FEMALE got a spin around in the final leg of the Triple Tiara, finishing a cool eight-seconds behind the winner. She does though have a 3rd and a 5th in two starts since then both in similar maidens to this at 1700M. Her draw, which means she should lead again and, to be lazy about this, the booking of Moon Se-young for the first time, put her on top. (5) MR.CARA enters off a best to date 3rd place at 1400M on September 20th. He comes up to two turns for the first time and in this company, it can suit. (8) TTOSUNI SEOUL returned from three months off to run 4th over 1400M at the end of September. He has placed at this distance and stripping fitter for that run, can get closer. (2) MAX MAN and (11) YEOMYEONGUI SUNGAN others to consider on a place line.
Selections
(3) Alpha Female (5) Mr.Cara (8) Ttosuni Seoul (2) Max Man
Next Best
11, 6
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) here. (2) ALL THE BEST got her maiden win at start number three over 1400M on September 14th when leading from gate to wire and stopping the clock in a good time, a full nine-lengths to the good. She comes up in class here but draws well and the manner of that victory means she will be a short price to repeat. (12) QUEENS DRAGON was a winner at this class over 1200M on September 19th. She comes up 3kg in weight and has the challenge of the widest gate, but she can be competitive again. (10) STRAWBERRY QUEEN is up in class after scoring by sic-lengths over 1200M on September 19th. She and fellow up in class last start winner (11) GRAND TREE can measure up in this company. (9) WIND ROSE another to look out for on a place line.
Selections
(2) All The Best (12) Queens Dragon (10) Strawberry Queen (11) Grand Tree
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
2, 8, 11, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
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 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) B K. SPIRIT ran midfield on debut over 1000M on September 19th but that was in spite of a dreadful start and then laying out. She was sent back to trial, which she blitzed in a time of 60.2 seconds and if her manners are up to scratch here, she can win. (9) ONE PLUS ONE was a trial winner, on pace throughout. With a good start here, he can be in this a long way first up. (1) LAMPYOJEONGGEENIE is another who was slowly away on debut, but she ran on pleasingly enough for 4th, albeit well beaten by Funny Wild who was 3rd in Listed Juvenile company last Sunday. She comes into a much better gate today and can go better. (4) GLOBAL PRINCE and (11) SUCCESS RUN among others who hinted at ability in their trials.
Selections
(7) B K. Spirit (9) One Plus One (1) Lampyojeonggeenie (4) Global Prince
Next Best
11, 3
Fast Start
4, 7, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maiden fillies with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) WORLD EAGLE CAT has raced twice, following up a 5th on debut with a 3rd at start two on September 19th, both over 1000M. The step up in trip can suit and third-up, she can be peaking. (8) YURIM ACE was well supported on debut and did show on pace until blundering and becoming unbalanced at the top of the straight, ultimately finishing 6th of nine. Seo Seung-un is on and plenty will give her another chance. (12) BORYEONG ONE ROAD ran 4th on debut over 1000M before being given her chance in the Listed Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy in September. She finished last in that but in much more amenable company today she should be better. (3) PILSEUNG WINNER looks the best of the first timers and if the trial is anything to go by, will be on pace, while (10) WOLF STEP is another who could go well first-up.
Selections
(11) World Eagle Cat (8) Yurim Ace (12) Boryeong One Road (3) Pilseung Winner
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(12) CAPTAIN DRAGON didn’t do much in three starts at the beginning of this year but in two outings back following four months out, he has run 3rd and 2nd, both at a mile and most recently beating three of today’s rivals when he led on September 26th. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but he is the one to beat. (2) OWNER CHAMP has five top five finishes from seven starts with a 3rd and a 4th over 1400M from her latest two. She has a smart finish on her and the step up to the mile can suit. (11) BREEDO CAPTAIN was 5th behind Captain Dragon on September 26th but was 2nd over this distance two weeks before that and can be in the mix here. (3) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG and (7) CHAMP KING among plenty of others with chances.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(6) ACE SUN ran 2nd on debut in August and then led all the way to win by a full ten-lengths at start number two over this distance on September 12th. He comes up in class but is down 2.5kg in weight, he draws well to lead again, and the manner of that victory suggests more to come. (7) FANTASTIC FORCE ground out a hard-fought win over 1000M on debut on September 26th, settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and in trip but is down in weight and can measure up. (10) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL is yet to win in ten attempts but has no fewer than five runner-up finishes including all of her latest three and she will be there or thereabouts again. (1) SWEET BELLE and (11) OH FANTASTIC among others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Ace Sun (7) Fantastic Force (10) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (1) Sweet Belle
Next Best
11, 12
Fast Start
1, 6, 10, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Global Hit returns to defend his crown in the Billion Won G1 President’s Cup in Seoul and there are also bug Juvenile Series races both in the capital and at Busan on a huge Sunday of racing. 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:
Global Hit won last year’s President’s Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(5) DI NE ran 3rd on debut at 1000M in July before finishing a very fair 6th of thirteen in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th. He steps back into more amenable company here and third-up, he should be ready to claim his maiden win. (10) JEONGSANG HERA exceeded expectations on debut over 1000M on August 23rd, showing handy throughout and running on for 2nd. She should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (7) REFLECT ran 5th on debut at this distance on September 14th, starting slowly but finishing off well. He too can come on for that run. (8) CHOEGO GOLD and (4) SAEROUN BISUL are others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.
Selections
(5) Di Ne (10) Jeongsang Hera (7) Reflect (8) Choego Gold
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (9) HWANSANGUI NARA ran 2nd on debut over 1000M and then 3rd in the Rookie Stakes in August. That led her to be given a crack at the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy for juveniles on September 14th and while she finished back in the pack, she didn’t run badly and coming back into shallower waters today, she is the one to beat. (11) TIGER ROAR was only ordinary in her first two outings, but she found form at start three on September 21st when only beaten a neck over this distance. Ruan Maia stays on and she shapes as a danger again. (6) TRIPLE PALMETTO enters off back-to-back 4th places, most recently at this distance on August 24th and coming in fresh after eight weeks off, can aim to get closer. (1) DONGBANG FORCE returns to action for the first time since January but looked well in a September trial. (3) OMENO TIME another in the hunt.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) RAON FLORENCE has finished 2nd in all three starts so far, most recently only beaten a head over 1200M on his first try at this class on August 21st. From a good draw, he will be on pace, and he can go one better. (1) KING OF DRAGON was a promising juvenile a year ago running 4th in Listed company but not running again after being well back in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie. He finally returned to action in August and while he only finished midfield, he can strip fitter here and get closer. (6) CHEONMAHORYEONG returned from a similarly lengthy absence to run 4th at this class and distance on September 28th. He should have derived benefit from the run and be in the mix here. (3) DAEWONYONGMA and (10) UNIVERSAL are other chances.
Selections
(2) Raon Florence (1) King Of Dragon (6) Cheonmahoryeong (3) Daewonyongma
Next Best
10, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not the strongest of maidens. (8) SUN LIGHT enters off a 2nd place at this distance on September 14th when albeit nine-lengths behind a good winner, she raced well. That made it four top four finishes from seven starts and she has as much chance as any here. (4) SOMANGUIGIL ran 4th in both his first two starts before improving to 3rd over a mile on August 26th when handy throughout. He will be on or close to the pace here and is a big danger. (5) DELEKOOMDA looks to be figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on September 21st when coming from off the pace. He can be challenging late again. (3) HOLY NIKE and (1) SPEED BOY are other place chances.
Selections
(8) Sun Light (4) Somanguigil (5) Delekoomda (3) Holy Nike
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) RAON THE AFFIRMED got his maiden win at this class and distance on August 31st when he led from gate to wire, scoring by four-lengths. He comes up 3kg in weight, but that win was impressive, and he can follow up. (4) EODIDEUNJI was a winner over 1200M at start number two on September 20th when settling midfield and running on. He is up in class and slightly in trip, but he is down in weight, and he can measure up. (9) BREEDO TROPHY comes in following back-to-back 3rd places at this class over 1200M, working home well both times, and he can be in the finish again. (10) HIT FLY and (3) YEONGGWANGUI SKY, the latter getting a 4kg apprentice claim, are among others in the hunt.
Selections
(7) Raon The Affirmed (4) Eodideunji (9) Breedo Trophy (10) Hit Fly
Next Best
3, 11
Fast Start
3, 7, 10, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(12) SCYTHAI remains a maiden after nine attempts, but she has five top three finishes including her latest two when 2nd and then 3rd at this class and distance. She carries a light weight, the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem as she has a strong finish and today can be her day. (5) SHACKLE SUN is likewise yet to win but only missed out by a nose when 2nd two starts back and was within a length of the winner when 4th last time out on August 24th. He can settle handy again and can be a danger. (11) DAEGIL HERO continues the trend of non-winners with a big chance of breaking through. He comes in off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class and distance coming from off the pace and he can be running on strong again. (2) SMART SMILE and (7) HEAVY DUTY are previous winners who should be in the frame.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) CHARMING QUEEN will be a warm favourite here. After finishing 2nd on debut, she got her maiden win over 1300M at start number two in May and has since then finished as runner-up on both her tries at this class, most recently over 1400M on September 14th. She steps up to two turns for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit. The vastly experienced (not always a great thing at class 5) (8) BITNANEUN JILJU has raced thirty-six times since he last won but he enters following back-to-back 2nd places at this class and distance and he can be in the finish again. (4) MIGHTY BOM is a non-winner of twenty but has eleven top three placings and this is the kind of race he can score a money finish n. (11) HEEMANGBAND and (6) WITH DIS KURO others to consider.
Racing returns to Korea after the Chuseok break with an 8-race Friday card at Busan between 11:25 and 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan is back (Pic: KRA)
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile filly maidens with all but one racing for the first time. That experienced one is (2) GOLDEN EMPIRE and after winning a trial, she was sent off as favourite on debut in a very similar race to this on September 19th when settling midfield and running on to not miss by much. That experience should stand her in good stead, and she can go one better. Plenty of the first timers hinted at ability in trials. (7) ROAD TO CLEO showed on pace and finished a close 2nd in her heat and if she brings that form to the races, she will be in the mix. (3) WIDAEHAN HEART was similarly on pace before running 3rd in her trial in a good time. (1) SUCCESS QUEEN and (5) PISTOL CUT among others who caught the eye.
Selections
(2) Golden Empire (7) Road To Cleo (3) Widaehan Heart (1) Success Queen
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Lots of chances here. (8) GEUMSEONG has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both over 1000M and both times racing handy. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and the step up in trip can suit. There is one debut maker. (6) JEONGMUN FAPPIANO was only steadily away in his trial but ran on well to cross the line 3rd in a decent time. Seo Seung-un aboard means that plenty will take note. (2) SHINING ONE beat a couple of these on his way to an improved 2nd at start number two on September 7th when racing on pace. Expect similar tactics here and he can be in the mix again. (4) AIR CITY and (10) VORTEX among others who can improve.
Selections
(8) Geumseong (6) Jeongmun Fappiano (2) Shining One (4) Air City
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (1) GREAT STAR took a few goes to figure things out but she has a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, most recently on September 7th when beating a couple of today’s rivals over this distance. She won’t need to improve much on that to be very close here. There is one first timer. (7) WORLD DANCER CAT ran 2nd in what was a very quick trial on September 13th, showing on pace throughout. She draws fairly enough here and if she brings that form to the races, she is a chance. (6) I AM HAPPY has a 3rd and a 4th from two starts so far and can be in the mix again. (10) SINCHEON FREEDOM and (2) SWORN QUEEN among others to consider.
Selections
(1) Great Star (7) World Dancer Cat (6) I Am Happy (10) Sincheon Freedom
Next Best
2, 9
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) DIA X has improved in his latest two, most recently 2nd over 1300M on October 4th when settling midfield and running on. He makes a quick return here, has as good a chance as any. (5) LIKE DRAGON has been knocking on the door in her latest few with a 2nd place and most recently a 4th when beating a couple of today’s rivals at 1300M on August 2nd. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance previously and she can be a danger late here. (7) MUHAN NAREUSHA has a 3rd and two 5th places from three starts so far. He has been doing his best work late on each occasion and can finish strongly again. (4) DOCTOR ACE and (10) JEJU STONE are others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Dia X (5) Like Dragon (7) Muhan Nareusha (4) Doctor Ace
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
There is no racing on Sunday as the Chuseok holiday starts so Saturday sees racing at both Seoul and Busan. 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:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maiden fillies with four of the nine racing for the first time. (9) MYEONG DREAM may only have been 7th of eleven on debut over this distance on September 7th but the margins weren’t huge, and she ran fairly enough in a decent time. She should have come on for the run and Ruan Maia getting on means she goes on top. Both (4) GEUMJEOKSAN and (5) WILD MAGIC showed promise in their respective trials, both of them settling midfield and running through the line well and both can go well on debut. (8) B.K. DEVIL was a fair 6th on debut over 1000M on August 23rd and along with (3) HAENGBOKAN JILJU, the latter having raced twice, can be considered for improvement.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) MUJEOK HAMDAE has shown progress across his three starts so far, culminating with a 3rd place over 1200M on September 7th. He has come from off the pace each time so the slight step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat. (4) ROAD TO STAR was an improved 4th at start number two in that same September 7th race. Third-up he can be fitter, and he can be the main danger. There is one debut-maker. (5) SANGIM YEONGUNG went through two trials, improving to 2nd in his latest one when he came from off the pace to finish well and stopped the clock in a fast time. The 1300M can suit first up and he can go close. (10) GLORY JOY and (9) RAON THE BIG RED are others who can compete for the places.
Selections
(8) Mujeok Hamdae (4) Road To Star (5) Sangim Yeongung (10) Glory Joy
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BEST DREAM came very close to breaking through over 1200M on August 23rd when she led for most of the way only to be taken down late by a narrow margin. She comes up to 1400M for the first time, but she can lead again, and this time go all the way. (11) JILPUNGA has four top five finishes from his first five starts including two 3rd places over 1300M. The wide gate shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be challenging late here. (6) THUNDER LUCKY is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than nine finishes between 3rd and 5th. An apprentice takes 4kg off his back and that can bring him into placing contention. (5) CHRYSOL PEACE and (1) RAON THE BELMONT others in the frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. (1) DAESEONG GOLD was a front-running trial winner on August 30th posting a good time. He draws the same gate for his debut and can win. The three with prior experience all debuted in the same race over this distance on September 12th. (12) CHEONGCHUNEUNJAYU was the best of them, showing on pace and ultimately finishing 3rd. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be close. (8) ART TREE went through two trials, improving in the second of them on September 13th when coming from well off the pace. Seo Seung-un being booked means he will have plenty of first-up backers. (6) COWBOY LOOK and (9) SINCHEON JUSTICE are the other two coming out of that September 12th race finishing 4th and 5th respectively and while they have plenty to make up on Cheongchuneunjayu, both should have come on for the experience.
Selections
(1) Daeseong Gold (12) Cheongchuneunjayu (8) Art Tree (6) Cowboy Look
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 11, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) TIGER K is yet to win but has had several near misses including runner-up finishes from his latest two, most recently at this class over 1400M on August 30th when he led for most of the way. He is up 2kg, but he can lead again here and this time, he can go one better. (10) WONDERFUL SOCKS wasn’t fancied at all on debut over 1000M on September 6th, but she came from off the pace to snatch the win. She is up in class and in trip today, but she can measure up. (5) HERO CHOICE is up in class following a maiden win at this distance on September 6th when leading all the way. He is down in weight and drawn well to be on the speed again. (2) TURBO SOCKS and (6) JUNMA FORCE are others in the frame.
Horse Racing in Korea 