Busan

Rookie Stakes Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 16)

Seoul and Busan both hold their prep races for the Juvenile Series on Sunday as a small collection of the most promising two-year-olds at each track line up for the Rookie Stakes. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens although all but one have raced at least once before. (3) WONDER GRACE has raced twice, improving to 2nd at start two over 1000M on July 12th. The step up in trip can suit and third-up, she can be peaking. (8) ECLIPSE GOLDEN was 3rd on debut over this distance on July 19th, well beaten by the promising Clutch Derby, but nevertheless putting in a solid effort. He should have come on for the run and shapes as the main danger and possible betting favourite. (9) G B ACE was a beaten favourite on debut over 1000M on July 4th but showed enough in 4th place to suggest he is worth another chance here. (1) BONBON TIARA and (6) SEOGWI MENIQUEEN among others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(3) Wonder Grace (8) Eclipse Golden (9) G B Ace (1) Bonbon Tiara
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(10) SAMJEONG YEOJE enters off back-to-back 3rd places over 1400M racing on pace both times. She draws a touch wider than ideal but se won’t need to find much improvement to win this. (5) JS LOVE did nothing in her first two starts this spring but having gone back to trial, reappeared on July 18th with a close 2nd place at 1200M. She draws well here and can match or better that today. (1) HWARYEOHAN YUSAN was an improved 2nd over this distance on June 7th when racing on pace throughout. He can lead ere again and can be in this a long way. (3) GEOSEN HAMSEONG and (9) ILGEUP BISUL are among others who can be aiming for the places.

Selections(10) Samjeong Yeoje (5) JS Love (1) Hwaryeohan Yusan (3) Geosen Hamseong
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) SWEET MAN here. Since switching to racing on pace two starts back, he has a 2nd and a 3rd both over 1400M and while he comes up to a mile for the first time, he can get a soft lead here and go all the way. (9) RIVER RUN was beaten by a couple of these two starts back but comes in following a 3rd place over 1400M on June 21st when coming from off the pace. He comes up to the mile for the first time, and it may well suit. (10) SHINY KOREA was an improved 2nd at 1400M on July 19th and is another who can benefit from the extended trip today. (8) VIRAL HIT and (11) HANGANG BRAVO are the other main contenders on a place line.

Selections(1) Sweet Man (9) River Run (10) Shiny Korea (8) Viral Hit
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

(2) WHIZ POINT hasn’t won but has two 2nd places and two 3rd places from four starts to date and was most recently runner-up at this class and distance on July 11th when on pace and only going down narrowly. He is up 3.5kg in weight, but he can break through here. (1) HOT FEVER is yet to score in nine but got promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and 1300M in April and May. She comes in having run 4th at this class and distance on July 19th and she can be closer today. (9) ONNURI BIT beat Whiz Point two starts back when the pair came home 2nd and 3rd and while that was her best finish so far, she can be a place chance again. (4) CLOVER ONE and (6) INSPIRE others firmly in the frame.

Selections(2) Whiz Point (1) Hot Fever (9) Onnuri Bit (4) Clover One
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

(1) PRIME JENNY was an all the way winner on debut over this distance on July 17th scoring with plenty in hand. She could have probably taken her chance in the Rookie Stakes later on, but instead is sent to face older rivals at class 5 and should really win again. (9) CLUTCH RUNNER has mixed his form since his maiden win, but he enters off a 3rd place over 1200M at this class on July 19th when settling midfield and running on. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and he will have backers. (10) SKYNEX was a maiden winner two outings back over 1400M before running a solid 3rd place over a mile on his first try at this level on July 12th. He is up 2kg but can be there or thereabouts again. (4) JEONGMUN FELIX is the best of the rest while (8) WONDERFUL LARK, racing for the first time since November 2024, is the wildcard having trialed fairly.

Selections(1) Prime Jenny (9) Clutch Runner (10) Skynex (4) Jeongmun Felix
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 34 Million

(3) BEONGAE LEWIS won a trial by a distance and then scored by six-lengths with a front-running effort on debut over 1200M on July 4th. He comes up in class and in distance, but he is down 2.5kg in weight and the manner of that victory means he goes on top again today. (8) HAKSAN PRINCE is a non-winner of twenty-four and that probably won’t change here, but he has placed on no fewer than nine occasions, including his latest over 1200M on July 18th. He has been runner-up over this trip four times and this is the kind of race he can pick up a cheque in. (2) SINHAN ACE comes back in trip following 3rd place over 1800M on July 18th. He has a 3rd over this distance too and he will be running-on late again. (9) TEN BAGGER and (10) STUNNING SERVE are others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Beongae Lewis (8) Haksan Prince (2) Sinhan Ace (9) Ten Bagger
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

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

A bit of a battle of the non-winners. (7) QUEEN PERFECT comes in off 2nd place at this class and distance on July 12th in what was arguably a stronger race than this. That was her first go at both the class and the distance and with that experience in her, she can go one better today. (9) DUBAI DREAM is up in class having 2nd over 1400M on July 19th when settling midfield and running on. He gets a 2kg weight drop and the step up in trip can suit. (4) KISS THE RAIN was 4th on his first try at both class and distance on July 5th and just like Queen Perfect, can have come on for that. He’ll be on pace and can be in this a long way. Veterans (1) DORAON SAMSON and (10) COLONEL FLYING also find themselves in a race where they can win a prize.

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:50 to 19:25. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with nine of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) ACE CROW was a solid 2nd in her trial, stopping the clock in a good time. She draws well to get forward early here and she has every chance first-up. (6) WILD D’ORO recorded the quickest trial time among the newcomers. She was helped in that by being in the same heat as champion mare Jeulgeounyeojeong, who she finished six-lengths in arrears of, but it was a good showing, nonetheless. In terms of the experienced pair, (11) DOCTOR ATLANTIC was a fair 4th on debut over this distance on July 10th and with some natural improvement, she can get close. (9) GOLDEN CODE was only 6th on her debut but previously ran well in trials and Seo Seung-un staying on will tempt plenty. (8) BREEDO GREEN is another debut-maker who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(2) Ace Crow (6) Wild D’Oro (11) Doctor Atlantic (9) Golden Code
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

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

(2) PILSEUNG WINNER took a few goes to figure things out but has finished inside the top four in each of her latest four with her best a close 2nd two starts back over 1300M when racing on pace. She came from off the pace to run 4th at that same trip on June 28th and the step up to a mile can suit. (3) SO FAST was disappointing when 6th having been well-backed over this distance on July 26th. She got a bit far back that day and didn’t make ground (her jockey that day described her as one-paced and doesn’t ride today) but was going well prior to that and is worth another chance in this company where there is nothing in the way of speed. (9) MORE QUICKLY needs to take his own name’s advice a bit more literally when it comes to finishing off his races but enters off 3rd last time and should be there or thereabouts again. (11) NICE POWER and (4) MACH DASH others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Pilseung Winner (3) So Fast (9) More Quickly (11) Nice Power
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

(9) JOY OF QUEEN is still a maiden but was 2nd two starts back over this class and distance before running 4th having led in a race of upsets on July 19th. In this field, she should be on pace again and can win. The favourite will be (6) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE. Having scored on debut, she took a couple of goes to get used to this class but has run 3rd in her latest two, both at this distance and both times having led. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way and will be favoured market wise despite being beaten by Joy Of Queen two starts back. (7) THE POINT hinted at a return to form with a 4th place at this class and distance on July 24th. He is yet another who should be close to the speed. (11) BORYEONG ONE ROAD and (2) GLOBAL ONE PICK may offer some each-way interest.

Selections(9) Joy Of Queen (6) Road To Number One (7) The Point (11) Boryeong One Road
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (3) YEOUN weakened when stepped up to a mile at the end of June, but she previously ran 2nd at this class over 1400M in May. She has her fair share of weight to carry, but she draws well to be on pace, and this time she should stay on. (11) GLOBAL HEROINE is yet to win in twenty-five appearances but has no fewer than sixteen top five finishes including her latest two and this is the kind of race she can find the money in. (7) BACK TO THE DREAM was a maiden winner over 1400M two starts back but struggled with the pace when beaten by two of these on her hirst try at this class on July 19th. Nevertheless, with only four runs to her name, she is worth another chance here. (10) NICE MYEONGGA and (8) NORTHERN QUEEN are others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Yeoun (11) Global Heroine (7) Back To The Dream (10) Nice Myeongga
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

(2) JADE PALACE ran three times last autumn, getting his maiden win in the last of them over 1200M before suffering a setback that kept him off the track until this July 5th when e was 3rd at 1300M. He clearly has some echoes of his early talent and stripping fitter; he can add another win to his bow here. (6) WINNING TREE returned from a similarly lengthy absence on July 19th and made all to score over 1200M. He is only up 2kg in weight and he has every chance of a repeat. (1) SUCCESS GOLD was 2nd in an all-filly race at this class and distance on July 12th and under the same apprentice claim, she can go very close again. (3) NOBLE WIND and (8) WORLD FIGHTER MAN are the other main ones in the market.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 9)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55 and at Busan with 7 races from 11.25 to 16:55. Here are the prviews:

Oaks winner Catch Race is back on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens with three of the nine racing for the first time. The only southern hemisphere runner is (2) VICTORY LIFE. He looked good when 2nd in her trial in a decent time having been handy throughout. A concern is that was at the end of the April, and he has been lame since, but he has been back in work since the end of June and is worth a chance in this company. (5) A.K JUN looks the best of the experience. He raced handy on debut over 1000M on June 28th, ultimately running on for 4th place, albeit a long way behind a good winner. He beat two of today’s rivals in the proves and he will probably start as the betting faovurite. (8) ESSENTIAL FORCE is another debut-maker who looked well when an on pace 2nd in his trial and can go well first up while (4) NAREUSYA LUCKY went through two heats improving in the second and should be nice and fit for this. (1) BULTAOREUNE was a fair 6th of nine on debut and is the best of the rest.

Selections(2) Victory Life (5) A.K Jun (8) Essential Force (4) Nareusya Lucky
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

(9) STAR PLAY was sent off as the longest shot on the board on debut over 1000M on July 4th but made a mockery of that by coming from well off the pace to run a close 2nd. The additional furlong can suit and with some natural improvement, he can go one better. After an eye-catching trial, (4) BEAT STAR was sent off as the long odds-on favourite on debut on June 27th but while he led, he knocked up quickly and finished 4th. He should have learned a bit from that and can be given another chance here. Sole debut-maker (7) MAGIC TOUCH went through two trials and was much improved in the second of them (be aware that as a “voluntary” trial, it won’t appear in all race cards, but it was on July 9th) leading all the way and stopping the clock in 62.2 seconds. If he brings that form to the races, he is a big chance first-up. (8) BLITZ CARA was 5th on debut and then 3rd behind Star Play on July 4th. Third-up he can be peaking and he can be close. (2) K SOCKS can improve on an ordinary debut.

Selections(9) Star Play (4) Beat Star (7) Magic Touch (8) Blitz Cara
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the nine racing for the first time, but it’s the experienced ones who most will go for. (6) OASIS HEUIMANG has raced twice before, finishing 3rd on debut at the end of May and then 2nd when starting the odds-on favourite over 1200M on July 17th. He’ll be on pace here and will be an even shorter price to make it third time lucky. (8) HERO HIT came home in 4th place on debut over 1000M on June 26th, having shown on the speed. She previously won a trial, and she is the main danger here. (9) MORNING ARIA completes the trio wit prior experience. She too ran well on debut for 3rd place over 1000M on July 3rd and with some natural improvement, she can be in the mix again. Of the first timers, (2) ACE LOVE and (7) TWOTWO SPACE showed the most in trials.

Selections(6) Oasis Heuimang (8) Hero Hit (9) Morning Aria (2) Ace Love
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 9

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

(3) BREEDO EPIC didn’t do much on debut on May but was a much-improved 3rd at start number two over 1300M on June 21st. She comes up significantly in trip here but third-up she can be nice and fit, and she can make her breakthrough here.  (7) POWERFUL ARCTIC has been ordinary across seven starts so far but she returns to the distance at which she registered her best result to date at when 2nd – well beaten by a good winner – in May. She can settle midfield and will see out the trip. (10) CLUB MAN has almost identical form with his best also being 2nd over this distance two outings back. He can overcome the wide draw to be handy and can be competitive. (5) GWANAKSAN WISH ME and (4) SINCHEON HEART both picked up in their respective latest outings and can continue to make progress.

Selections(3) Breedo Epic (7) Powerful Arctic (10) Club Man (5) Gwanaksan Wish Me
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

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

(3) MAGIC TREE was anonymous on debut all the way back last July and then didn’t reappear until this May wen a fair 6th of nine over this 1300M. She returned on June 28th to run 2nd over this same trip when handy throughout and she’s favoured to go one better today. There is one debut-maker. (9) HEAR WE GO originally trialed last October but didn’t make it to the races. She looked a much better prospect when winning a heat in early July, showing on pace throughout and if she can bring that form to the races, this is a nice even to debut in. (2) SPEED BUMP was 2nd over 1200M two starts back and would have run better than 4th in her latest outing on July 5th were it not for a bad start and then laying in, as is her habit. She has been back to trial since and with better manners today, she can be a danger. (6) MAGIC OF ART and (8) MISS COCO are the other place chances.

Selections(3) Magic Tree (9) Hear We Go (2) Speed Bump (6) Magic Of Art
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

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

(8) ROYAL HOPE K was a winner on debut over 1000M on June 27th, settling handy before taking things up late on and winning comfortably. He comes up in class and in trip today, but neither should be a problem, and he is favoured to repeat. It’s not a strong race for the level so (7) COMPLETE FUTURE can measure up too. After a 3rd place in March, he got his maiden win in at the end over April over 1300M when on pace throughout. He hasn’t raced since but he has been in consistent work since mid-July and under a light weight, he can measure up. (4) AFLEET RUN is yet to win in nine but has been knocking at the door and looks a strong place chance in this company. (1) P N S NALA and (6) YEONGGWANGUI SKY are others who can trouble the scorers.

Selections(8) Royal Hope K (7) Complete Future (4) Afleet Run (1) P N S Nala
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

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

There are 8-races this Friday at Busan starting from the later time of 12:50 and finishing at 19.25. Here are the previews:

Into NiGHTS into Dreams (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a debut-maker.  (8) SUNNY WILD is a “full” brother to this year’s KRA Cup Mile winner Funny Wild, he looked very good in his trial, cruising around under a hold and crossing the line with an experienced racehorse who was asked for more. He can win first up. (3) GAME MAKER came from well back in his trial and again on debut over 1000M on July 24th when he finished 4th. He should have come on for that run, the additional furlong should suit, and he will probably start as favourite. (11) OASIS ANGEL was 3rd behind Seraph on debut in a quick race over 1000M on June 26th. He too should have come on and is another who may appreciate the step up in trip. (1) LAVENDER CROWN ran on pleasingly in his trial despite getting kickback and can go well first-up. (5) GEORGE PRINCE another with experience who can improve.

Selections(8) Sunny Wild (3) Game Maker (11) Oasis Angel (1) Lavender Crown
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 11

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

(9) LOGIST QUEEN did nothing on debut but was much better when a very close 2nd on July 5th having led for most of the way over 1200M. Third-up, she can be peaking and from on pace again, could go one better in what looks a race of many chances. (10) ART TREE was 3rd on debut last October and didn’t run again until this July 17th when as the 1.3 market-elect, he got a long way back before finishing 5th getting a warning for laying out and the jockey commenting that the slow start and kickback were to blame. He can strip fitter for that run and is worth another chance. (3) OASIS KINGDOM also has a runner-up finish on his record over 1200M in June. That was sandwiched between 5th placings and from a good draw he can be on pace again and be in this a long way and will certainly be a short price. (4) HUIMANG SPEED and (8) FANTASTIC ONE are the main others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Logist Queen (10) Art Tree (3) Oasis Kingdom (4) Huimang Speed
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 11

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

(11) GIROL SIDAE was very ordinary in her first three starts but since being sent up to a mile, she has figured things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her two tries at the distance, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on July 10th when leading. Her draw is wider than ideal, but she had gate ten when 2nd two starts back so it shouldn’t be a problem, and she can win. (6) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN was 4th in that July 10th race when ridden further forward earlier than in previous efforts. That continued a consistent run of form, and he should be aiming for best-to-date finish today. (2) STRONG WINNER has a best of 4th from six starts so far but he has finished off his races well enough and the step up in trip can suit. (9) LUXURY CHOICE and (8) FANTASTIC HONEY others who can be in the mix.

Selections(11) Girol Sidae (6) Yeonggwangui Green (2) Strong Winner (9) Luxury Choice
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(7) AEGIS CROWN was a second-up winner at this class and distance on July 10th, racing handy to the speed throughout. He only comes up 1kg in weight today, Seo Seung-un stays on, and he will have plenty of supporters to go back-to-back and will be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the day. (6) HUIMANG TAYO returned from eight months out at the end of May and has since run 2nd and 5th in two tries at this class. He races best on pace so he comes into a much better gate today and third-up he can be peaking. (9) REIGN QUEEN was 3rd behind Aegis Crown when the latter got his maiden win in May and then beat a couple of today’s rivals when 4th on his first try at this class on June 28th and that makes him the logical third pick here. (3) SEONGSIL WORLD and (8) SAENAE HILL perhaps the best of a less than intimidating rest.

Selections(7) Aegis Crown (6) Huimang Tayo (9) Reign Queen (3) Seongsil World
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

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KRA Cup Classic Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 26)

There is no racing next week what with the short summer break, but we go out with a bang with the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) headlining a 10-race (10.35 to 17.55) card at Seoul. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55. Here are the previews:

Success Baekpa won the KRA Cup Classic a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time, but the experience is good. (4) YONGBI SINSEONG was 2nd on debut, coming from off the pace after a very slow start over this distance on June 20th. He should have come on for that run and with a better start, he can go one better. (2) LEGEND MONSTER was a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on June 27th, settling midfield and running on. He comes into a much better gate, and he too should have derived benefit from that debut experience. As for the first timers, (10) SAMJEONG CHEF went through two trials, finishing 2nd in both. He should be nice and fit first-up and can have a say. (8) MYEONG POWERFUL and (11) POWER RACER others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(4) Yongbi Sinseong (2) Legend Monster (10) Samjeong Chef (8) Myeong Powerful
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

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

(5) PIEONARI has raced three times and has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance. He was the beaten favourite last time out on June 20th when he just got a bit further back early than in his prior two runs, but if he can be a bit handier today, he can win. (8) CHAOS registered back-to-back 3rd place finishes at the start of the year, leading both times. She hasn’t raced since March, but she looked well when running 2nd in a trial earlier this month in a good time, and she can be a danger first-up. (1) JEONGMUN KINGDOM was a much-improved 3rd at start number two when leading on June 14th over this distance. He can be on pace again and in this a long way. (10) NURI DOLPUNG and debut-maker (11) ILSAN SNIPER are others in the frame.

Selections(5) Pieonari (8) Chaos (1) Jeongmun Kingdom (10) Nuri Dolpung
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

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

(8) THUNDER WAVE was an improved 5th at start number two over 1000M on June 26th coming from off the pace in a race where everything was blown away by debut-maker Seraph. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and the step up in trip could suit very well. (10) RUBY GONGJU has a 5th and a 6th from two starts so far with the second of those coming in the June 26th race when beaten just a neck by Thunder Wave. Third-up she can be peaking and she can go much closer today. (7) OASIS ROSE debuted fairly enough in midfield on June 19th over 1000M. He should have come on for that, and he is another who may like the extra furlong. Debut-maker (1) SEOBULINA, along with (2) WILD CHAMP, the latter another out of that June 26th race, are others to consider.

Selections(8) Thunder Wave (10) Ruby Gongju (7) Oasis Rose (1) Seobulina
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

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

(6) DELTA EAGLE didn’t do much in her first two outings, but she comes in here having run 3rd at the end of May over 1300M, and then 2nd on June 28th at 1400M, both times coming from off the pace. She beat a couple of today’s rivals last time and she can beat them all here. (4) BEST A ONE similarly enters having run 3rd and 2nd in her latest two appearances, both at this distance and both times having been ridden much closer to the pace than in her previous outings. Expect similar tactics today from a good draw, and she can be in the finish again. (5) PNS GUNS completes a trio of last start runners-up, in her case over this distance on July 5th when on pace. Maia stays on and she can be close again. (10) BULGEUN YEOJEONSA and (1) GRAND COURAGE others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Delta Eagle (4) Best A One (5) PNS Guns (10) Bulgeun Yeojeonsa
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

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

(2) GOLD ROGER has never finished outside of the top six with her best being a 2nd place over 1400M three starts back when handy throughout. She was a beaten favourite on her latest, which was her first try at a mile on June 19th when she was awkwardly away and much further back than usual. Seo Seung-un is on and with a better start here this time, she can make her breakthrough. (6) BEOLMAUI GEOIN did absolutely nothing in his first seven starts but patience appears to be paying off as he has a 3rd, a 2nd and a 4th from his latest three with the 2nd at this distance in that June 19th race, and he can be close here. (3) SO FAST was 4th on her first try at this distance on June 26th and can match or better that here. (10) MORE QUICKLY and (9) HAENGBOK TREE other place chances.

Selections(2) Gold Roger (6) Beolmaui Geoin (3) So Fast (10) More Quickly
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

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

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

The last week of racing before the brief summer break kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8-races from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. After a good trial, (1) VICTORY TIME was 2nd on debut over this distance on June 26th, beaten seven-lengths by the mightily impressive Seraph having been handy throughout. He should have a fitness edge on these and will be odds-on to score. (9) GAME MAKER was a close 4th in is trial, coming from off the pace and registering a decent time. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can be competitive. (7) STRONG TIGER ran 3rd in his heat, well-back behind the experienced Global Week and Jade Palace and showing enough to suggest he can go well first up. (6) MAX LEVEL and (4) TRIPLE GANGJA others who could make an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Victory Time (9) Game Maker (7) Strong Tiger (6) Max Level
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (6) SUPEX WORLD was slightly slow away in his trial but ran on well under minimal urging to finish just two-lengths in arrears of Classic winner My Dream Day (who was urged even less). The time was quick and if he brings that form, he can win. (4) OVERLORD KING is the only one who has raced before, doing nothing and getting sent back to trial. He duly won that trial in June 11th showing on pace early before taking it easy and then being asked for an effort at the end. The time was good and he can be much better this time around. (7) POTEN SSONSAL was a close 3rd in a decent time in his heat, running on from a handy position and he can be in this. (2) BREEDO ONE and (5) UNCLE PARK others who hunted at ability in their heats.

Selections(6) Supex World (4) Overlord King (7) Poten Ssonsal (2) Breedo One
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(9) BEST TIGER has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place on his first try at this distance on June 26th, when close to the pace throughout. The same apprentice keeps his weight nice and light and he can win here. (7) DOCTOR ATE came from a long way back to run 5th of ten over 1000M on debut on June 19th. He should have come on for the run, the extended trip should be far more suitable, and he can be much closer today. (5) FANTASTIC CITY similarly did his best work late on debut over 1300M on May 17th and coming in fresh after ten weeks out and slightly up in trip, he too can be a danger. (8) YONGBI CHEONMA did nothing on debut but had posted a good time in trials and with Seo Seung-un staying on, so will plenty of punters. (1) TAESAN SHINHWA another in the hunt.

Selections(9) Best Tiger (7) Doctor Ate (5) Fantastic City (8) Yongbi Cheonma
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

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

Fillies only here. (6) WIDAEHAN HEART debuted with 2nd place last October but then didn’t run again until May 31st. It was a winning return as she made all to score by six-lengths over 1300M which led her to be sent off as favourite on her first try at this class over 1400M on June 28th. She was slow away but did run on for 3rd and wit a better start and up in trip, she can win here. She will need to overturn form on (9) MAGIC SHOW, who ran 2nd in that June 28th race, having settled midfield and run on. She’s yet to win but now has three consecutive runner-up finishes at this class and she will be there or thereabouts again. (5) SEOGWI CREST was 3rd at this class and distance two starts back and can be in the mix today. (4) WONDERFUL LALA and (8) MORE AND MORE among others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Widaehan Heart (9) Magic Show (5) Seogwi Crest (4) Wonderful Lala
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

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

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10.35 to 17.55) and at Busan (10.25 to 16.55). Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. The experience is generally good, but we have an eagerly awaited debut-maker in the form of (1) CLUTCH DERBY. He was an easy trial winner, leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fast time and if he brings that form to the races, he wins.  Helpfully for us, three of the ones who have raced before debuted together over 1000M on June 13th. (10) GEOLJAK RUBY was the best of them in 2nd place finishing well having previously won a trial, and the step up in trip can suit. (5) CHEONDUNGUIBULKKOT and (8) NEWBAL SOCKS were 3rd and 4th respectively in that race and both can have come on for their runs. Returning to the newcomers, (11) ECLIPSE GOLDEN trialed up fairly behind the experienced JD Gangja, and is another who can make an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Clutch Derby (10) Geoljak Ruby (5) Cheondunguibulkkot (8) Newbal Socks
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BLUE RIBBON has made solid progress across three starts so far with his latest being his best when 3rd over 1400M and ridden further forward earlier than in his first two. That was back at the engining of May, so he has had eleven weeks off, but he can win here. Probably betting favourite will be (11) DAEDONGYONGMA. That follows a much-improved 2nd over this distance on June 13th when on pace throughout. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but won’t need to improve much, if at all, on that effort to having winning chances. (5) HERO DRAGON has hinted at figuring things out in her latest couple, and she gets a 4kg claim here. (2) VIVA CISSIMO and (8) NIGHT CAPTAIN are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(3) Blue Ribbon (11) Daedongyongma (5) Hero Dragon (2) Viva Cissimo
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(2) GYEONGBOK PORTAS has been getting closer over his latest couple with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on June 5th. He doesn’t get an apprentice claim today but Park Jae-I climbing on for Kim Hye-sun suggests that he is ready to win. (10) OASIS KINGDOM has also been getting closer and took a big leap last time out at start four when a close 2nd over 1200M on June 12th. A previous try at this trip wasn’t great but he should be ready for another crack here. Those two are the standouts though (3) ONE PLUS ONE does have a 2nd place on his record and that’s enough to have him on a place line here. (9) OVER RAINBOW and (4) SMART YULIM others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(2) Gyeongbok Portas (10) Oasis Kingdom (3) One Plus One (9) Over Rainbow
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

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

(1) PALPALNARA did nothing in four starts across the turn of the year but returned from over four months out on June 21st to run a much-improved 2nd over this distance, showing on pace throughout. She should strip fitter for the that run and she can go one better today. (8) WHITE JACKPOT didn’t do much on debut at the end of May but was a strong 2nd at start number two on June 27th over this distance, showing on pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He can be a danger here. (4) SONNY K came from off the pace to run 4th on debut in May before finishing 2nd when handy throughout on June 7th and he will have plenty of backers to go close again. (6) VICAR DELLA and (7) TWOTWO MAGIC others who can compete for the places.

Selections(1) Palpalnara (8) White Jackpot (4) Sonny K (6) Vicar Della
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Competitive race. (5) WONDERFUL MUD has been quietly getting closer and most recently ran 3rd over 1300M on June 21st, settling midfield and running on. Franco gets on for the first time, and she may well be available at an each-way price. (3) GAON PERFECT has finished no worse than 4th in four starts so far with a 2nd place over this distance two outings back his best. He can settle just behind the speed and run on, and he can be in the finish again. (7) DUBAI DREAM was 4th to Wonderful Mud’s 3rd on June 21st. That was his first run since last November so he can strip fitter here and has every chance of going closer. (1) DOCTOR QUE SERA and (2) THANKYOUFORTHETIME are the other main chances.  

Selections(5) Wonderful Mud (3) Gaon Perfect (7) Dubai Dream (1) Doctor Que Sera
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 17)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11.15 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) OASIS HEUIMANG was a beaten favourite on debut on May 29th leading close to home over 1000M. That day’s runner-up Tipping Point went on to win last week and from a good draw and with a very good apprentice claiming 2kg, it should be his turn today. Tipping Point’s subsequent win was on June 19th. (5) GLOBAL TOP TIER ran 4th in that race on debut and with some natural improvement can go closer today. Among the first timers, (6) HIT THE RUNNING is probably the best coming out of trials where he was handy throughout and 4th in a fair time. (7) JANGGO KING and (1) SUPEXNIKKE trialed together and hinted at ability.

Selections(3) Oasis Heuimang (5) Global Top Tier (6) Hit The Running (7) Janggo King
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(10) ART TREE debuted all the way back on October of last year when he ran a very solid 3rd over 1000M in a juvenile maiden. After that he had a procession of setbacks, including a chip fracture. He has been back in regular work since the end of April and looked very well when winning a trial on June 25th and he can make a winning return here. (9) WONDERFUL PAS pretty much stopped late on debut over 1300M on May 31st to the extent she was sent back to trial. She came through the same heat as Art Tree and was less than half a length behind and could be a much different prospect. (7) RIVER RUN was an improved 4th over this distance on June 19th when coming from midfield and beating a couple of today’s rivals and he can continue to make progress. (6) NAGAN CHUEOK and debut maker (5) OASIS SHACKLE among others who could go well.

Selections(10) Art Tree (9) Wonderful Pas (7) River Run (6) Nagan Chueok
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

Good race for the level. (4) GYEONGBOK ATOS was a winner at start two over 1300M in March when leading all the way before running 4th over 1400M on his first try at this level over 1400M in April. He came back into work on June 18th and while up in trip, he can be a big danger first up. (1) MAGIC MIRROR finally broke through at start number nine on June 5th when handy throughout. It came at this class and distance and while he is up a full 4kg in weight, he may well start as the betting favourite again. (8) TAKE RACE was a winner on debut over 1300M in May and then ran a solid 3rd at a mile on June 12th on his first try at this class. The additional furlong shouldn’t pose many problems, and he can be in the finish again. (6) CHAMPUI HEUIMANG and (2) REGINA VINCIT among plenty of others with at least place chances. Nine of the eleven finished in the top four in their respective latest outings.

Selections(4) Gyeongbok Atos (1) Magic Mirror (8) Take Race (6) Champui Heuimang
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 9, 10

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

(7) WILD REAL is two for two having won over 1200M on debut in April before scoring at this class and distance on May 31st, leading all the way both times. He comes up 2.5kg in weight but can lead again and can complete his hat-trick. (5) NINETEEN NINE WON broke through at start number three over 1200M on April 10th. She had a couple of months off but came back into work in the first week of June and while up in class and in distance, she is down in weight and has every chance.  (10) BUGYEONG TRIPLE got his maiden win at start number eleven over 1300M on June 5th. It was at this class and he previously has a 2nd place to his name over this distance so only coming up 1kg in weight, he has to be in the hunt again. (2) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL is winless and up in class but has rarely been far away and under a light weight and drawn well may offer some each-way appeal. (4) JEONGMUN FELIX another in the frame.

Selections(7) Wild Real (5) Nineteen Nine Won (10) Bugyeong Triple (2) Dolgyeok Special
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

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

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10.35 to 17.55) and at Busan (7 races from 11.25 to 16.55). There are no Listed or Graded races or even class 1 events, but there is still plenty to get stuck into. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) MORNING CHIEF was the best of the newcomers in trials, racing handy for a close 3rd in a decent time. From a central gate she should be prominent early and she can win. Of the experienced ones, (7) WONDER GRACE was the most convincing on debut when he came from gate ten to sit midfield and run-on for a not too distance 6th. He can strip fitter for that run and have an edge on plenty here. (8) SEVEN FORCE took a few goes to qualify but looked well enough when he did and can be given a chance.  (11) UNICORN ACE and (10) CITY OF DREAM others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(4) Morning Chief (7) Wonder Grace (8) Seven Force (11) Unicorn Ace
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

Seven fillies and one gelding in this maiden. (1) STORM CRUSH was 2nd at start two over this distance in April before putting in an ordinary effort on June 7th over 1300M. We’ll draw a line through that and back at 1200M, he can break through. The sole gelding is (6) RAON EXTREME, He debuted all the way back last November, running 3rd over 1200M after which he had surgery for a chip fracture. During his time out he was gelded and he finally returned to work in May. He led in his June trial before finishing midfield and can be competitive. (4) NINE SPEAR recorded back-to-back 4th places at 1300M in May and early June before parting company with her jockey coming out of the gates on June 20th and galloping around herself. So long as she came out of that ok, she should match or better those 4th places. (5) WINNER NAMCHON and (7) LOVING PURPLE others in the frame.

Selections(1) Storm Crush (6) Raon Extreme (4) Nine Spear (5) Winner Namchon
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

(4) SWEET MAN has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at this distance on June 5th when ridden much handier than in previous runs. Expect similar tactics here and he has every chance of going one better. (7) LOOKS GOOD enters off a best to date 3rd place at 1300M on June 28th when close to the pace throughout. She makes a quick return here and should be challenging for the lead from the start. (3) SHINING CLUTCH has got a bit far back in his races but gets a 2kg claim today and going on his 4th place at 1200M two outings back, has to be given a chance to improve in this company. (9) RESPECTING GIRL and (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN other place chances.

Selections(4) Sweet Man (7) Looks Good (3) Shining Clutch (9) Respecting Girl
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

One debut-maker here and (5) MR. DOR certainly caught the eye in his trial, settling back before pulling away to cross the line seven-lengths to the good. The way he finished off suggests that 1400M can suit first up and he can win. (1) CLAIR FREEDOM looks to be figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, showing on pace both teams and beating a couple of these in the process. In the absence of much early pace in this race, she can get an easy run to the lead and can be in the finish. (2) CLUB MAN was a much-improved 2nd at start six over 1700M on June 21st. He has raced handy in each of his last two and back in trip should do the same with every chance of another place. (9) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN and (7) ROAD TO SPEAR others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Mr. Dor (1) Clair Freedom (2) Club Man (9) Wonderful Darshaan
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 10)

The monsoon season has started but the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11.15 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but one racing for the first time. The experience is good though as (10) DUBAI HEART led for much of the way over this distance on June 19th, before ultimately going down by a head to Tipping Point. That experience can give her the edge here. (6) GOLDEN CODE went through two trials showing on pace in both and running 2nd in both in decent times. She should be nice and fit for this and can be a danger. (5) RACE NINE similarly led in her trial before finishing three-lengths 2nd behind the experienced Doctor Louis. Seo Seung-un rode and while he gets on Golden Code, Race Nine should be in this a long way. (7) SUPER WEEK and (9) DOCTOR ATLANTIC others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(10) Dubai Heart (6) Golden Code (5) Race Nine (7) Super Week
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

(6) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN seems to be figuring things out having run 3rd in both his latest two at this distance and most recently over 1400M on June 14th when he beat a couple of today’s rivals. In this company, he can settle behind the speed and run on and with Seo Seung-un up for the first time, today could be the day. (3) GIROL SIDAE did nothing in her first three starts but was much better when stepped up to this distance for the first time on June 6th when she led for the first time and ran 2nd. She can build on that here. (7) MORE QUICKLY also led for the first time on June 19th over this distance and finished a best to date 3rd. She can aim to match that here. (4) FANTASTIC GREEN and (8) WORLD HANI other place chances.

Selections(6) Yeonggwangui Green (3) Girol Sidae (7) More Quickly (4) Fantastic Green
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(11) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE was a winner on debut 1200M in February, making all and has been getting closer in three subsequent starts at this level, most recently on June 12th when having led again, she beat a couple of today’s rivals when finishing 3rd.  Her win came from gate ten so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can win. It’s been a long time since (3) BLACK JILJU’s solitary salute but her recent form reads well with two 3rd places and a 4th from her latest three and she should be around the mark again. (8) SONGJEONG TODAY beat Black Jilju when winning at this class and distance on June 7th. She is up 4.5kg in weight and she has been a bit of an all or nothing horse so far but she clearly has some talent. (7) AEGIS CROWN should strip fitter second up, while (9) WHITE OIL is another in the frame.

Selections(11) Road To Number One (3) Black Jilju (8) Songjeong Today (7) Aegis Crown
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

(5) POWERFUL MENIFEE debuted in last year’s Rookie Stakes, finishing last, and then didn’t reappear until May 1st. He was a winner on return before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on June 5th showing on pace throughout. He can be on pace again today and this time can win. (4) BULBIT YEONGMA won at start two over 1200M and after a pair of 5th places to start life at class 5 has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two coming from well off the pace and she should be close again here. (3) DOCTOR CHAMP is yet to win in eight attempts but has three runner-up finishes including one at this class two starts back. He was a bit one paced last time out when 5th but is worth another chance in this company. (11) WORLD FIGHTER MAN and (6) DORAON SAMSON others in line for the minors.

Selections(5) Powerful Menifee (4) Bulbit Yeongma (3) Doctor Champ (11) World Fighter Man
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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