Busan

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 2)

The final weekend of racing before the one-week Lunar New Year holiday gets underway at Busan on Friday when there are 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A

Three-year-old maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. It’s hard to go past (2) CHEONHA SARANG. He debuted on January 5th and ran a very good 3rd place over 1200M racing handy throughout and stopping the clock in a decent time. He won’t need to improve very much on that to win here. The main danger could be a first timer. (8) PINE BLUE didn’t qualify at his first attempt at the end of last year but looked much better when tried again on January 13th, settling midfield before running on to win his heat in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he can put in a bold showing first up. (3) RAID HIT and (9) STEALTH MODE both hinted at ability in their respective debut efforts, and both can be considered for improvement here. (11) BLISS MARINE another who can improve.

Selections(2) Cheonha Sarang (8) Pine Blue (3) Raid Hit (9) Stealth Mode
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

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

Competitive maiden. (12) MORPHEUS comes in having run a much-improved 2nd over 1200M on January 5th when leading for much of the way around and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He is done no favours by the wide draw here, but he has shown plenty of speed at the start so if he can get a bit of luck and a good position, he could be the one to beat. (4) MACH MAN has shown steady progress across five starts to date and was a close 3rd behind Morpheus in that January 5th race. He gets the better of the draw this time and the slight step up in trip can suit. (9) SANGIM BOLT improved to 2nd on his latest over 1200M on New Year’s Eve. It wasn’t a quick race but a similar showing here, should see him in the finish. (8) RAON TAIVA is the only debut maker and he acquitted himself well enough in his trail when 3rd in a fair time alongside some experienced horses, to suggest he should be kept safe first up. (10) JUMBO ROCKET another in the hunt.

Selections(12) Morpheus (4) Mach Man (9) Sangim Bolt (8) Raon Taiva
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

(2) GREEN CHIEF returned from eleven months out to run 2nd and 3rd in two December outings, both over 1200M. They were in restricted filly only company, but both the times and the performances were good. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and from a good gate, she looks to be the one to beat. (10) RAON STROKE has shown improvement over three starts, culminating in a runner-up finish at 1300M on December 31st when coming from off the pace. She had got a bit far back in her previous two, but she should be doing her best work late again here. (12) VALHALLA weakened late having led over 1400M last time out. He does have a runner-up finish to his name though and can be given another chance here. (7) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG and (9) AMAZING BOSS among others who can go close.

Selections(2) Green Chief (10) Raon Stroke (12) Valhalla (7) Kwaehan Yeongung
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (11) TEAM PERFECT comes out of the Listed Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Trophy for juvenile fillies at the start of December where she only beat one home. She is though a winner at this distance and has placed at this class as well. She likes to race on pace so if she can get a forward position from the wide gate, she should be very much in the frame. (8) ROAD STAR went much better in that Listed race, finishing a decent 3rd behind Baekduui Kkum. She did struggle in one subsequent appearance but is worth another chance here. (12) UNJU JILJU raced a couple of times without distinction last summer. She looked a much better prospect when winning on her return from almost six months out in December, making all over 1200M. She is up in class here but should stirp fitter for the run, and she shouldn’t be dismissed.  (7) B.K. ZENA and (1) PIMI among other placing chances.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 28)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:25 to 16:05). Both tracks host class 1 features. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens open proceedings with four of the eleven racing for the first time. The favourite though will be (1) MAX GOLD. He has a 2nd and a 5th place from two starts racing handy on both occasions. His times haven’t been fast, but they have been faster than any of the others here and from the inside gate, he should be on pace early and can lead all the way. The rest of the exposed form isn’t great so we will give a chance to one of the newcomers as second pick. (8) TAENG TAENG BALL ran a fair 3rd in his trial, a long way behind the experienced Wow Wow but he didn’t do too much wrong, and this is a great race to debut in.  (9) MAX WEEK improved to 6th at start number two and looks the most likely of the experienced ones to make further progress. (3) BEOLGYOSAMJOKO and (6) CALIPH other potential improvers.

Selections(1) Max Gold (8) Taeng Taeng Ball (9) Max Week (3) Beolgyosamjoko
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

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

(2) ROYAL BEST has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on Christmas Eve when he raced close to the pace throughout. From a great draw he can get a soft run to the front again and this time he can go one better. (7) CHEONGUCHAT has similarly shown improvement across his three appearances, most recently registering a 2nd place over 1300M on December 31st when settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip can suit and he will be a danger here. After an inauspicious debut, (3) JERAQUEEN has been there or thereabouts in three subsequent starts most recently racing on pace over this distance on December 30th and finishing 4th in a decent time. A similar run will see her int the finish again. (5) NAVY CHROME and (6) WINNER ZONE among others in the frame.

Selections(2) Royal Best (7) Cheonguchat (3) Jeraqueen (5) Navy Chrome
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

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

Maiden fillies in the south coast opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. The hot favourite though will be the only one who has raced more than once before, (6) DRAGON PUNCH. After running 3rd on debut in November, she overcame gate ten to run a close 2nd on December 29th, again over this distance. She should have too much and go one better here. (9) PASSION ran 3rd on debut over this distance in a faster time than – albeit on a much wetter and faster track surface – than Dragon Punch has recorded so far. She should have come on for the experience and can be the main danger here. Of the debut-makers, (3) RUBY STONE is the standout. She went through two trials and was very quick in the second of them when she led from gate to wire. She draws nicely here and can put in a bold showing first up. (8) SEOGWI STAR and (11) SUNCHEON YEOWANG are potential improvers.

Selections(6) Dragon Punch (9) Passion (3) Ruby Stone (8) Seogwi Star
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

(2) BAEKRYONG comes in off a best to date runner-up finish over 1300M on Christmas Day when settling just behind the speed from gate ten and running on well. That continued a positive pattern of improvement and with an extra half furlong to play with here, as well as a better gate, today can be his day. Disputing favourite status will be (8) SHOUT KURO. He is yet to finish in the top two in seven attempts but enters off two 4th place finishes and a 3rd from his latest three, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals over 1300M. He likes to come off the pace so the slight step up in trip can suit and he should be close. (10) CLOVER PARTY was 4th behind Baekryong last time out but two starts back got a runner-up finish of his own over 1200M and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he can be a danger. (4) DRAGON FANTASY and (7) SINUI UNMYEONG are among others to keep safe.

Selections(2) Baekryong (8) Shout Kuro (10) Clover Party (4) Dragon Fantasy
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

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

(6) GRAND CHASER ran a good 2nd on debut to Great Queen, settling midfield and running on and stopping the clock in a good time. She should have come on for the run and she will be expected to go one better here. (2) DREAM WAY got a 3rd place on debut all the way back in June before running down the field in two subsequent appearances. He hasn’t raced since August, but he looked a much better proposition when finishing 2nd in a quick trial earlier this month and from a good draw, he goes straight into contention here. (11) DRAGON FIRE ran 4th on debut over 1200M on December 29th overcoming a wide gate and a slow start. He should have derived benefit from that and can be running on here. (10) BIG WILD and (3) RIVERSTONE among others who can be considered on a place line.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 26)

The weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

No Franco Da Silva for the next couple of weeks – with a suspension followed by the Lunar New Year break, he’s away on holidays (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (3) SKY GRIT ran 6th on debut last June and then didn’t appear again until Christmas Eve when she led early over this distance, ultimately finishing 4th. The time was significantly quicker than any of the others here have achieved, she draws well, and will take some beating.  (10) ONES HEYDEY improved at start number two on December 29th when settling midfield and running on and finishing 4th. She came out of the same wide gate she draws today and the way she finished off suggests her best days may in fact lie ahead. (6) CHAS QUEEN overcame a slow start to run on for 5th on debut on December 29th. It was a slow time, but she beat a couple of today’s rivals and enters the calculations here. Debut-maker (1) GREAT QUEEN along with (7) JINJU BIT are others to consider.

Selections(3) Sky Grit (10) Ones Heydey (6) Chas Queen (1) Great Queen
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

(5) MAJESTIC DANCER enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at 1200M and 1300M both times settling back and running on well. The slight step up in trip can suit and today can be his day. The favourite will be (2) HI WINNER. She’s raced four times so far. Never finishing any worse than 5th and with her best being her latest when 2nd over 1300M on January 7th when handy throughout. She already has a 3rd place at this distance to her name and from a good gate she has every chance here. Completing the top line of chances is (7) WONDERFUL FEVER. He was a solid 3rd on debut over 1200M back in November and returns here after eleven weeks out. He should have come on for that run and in a race devoid of early speed, may well be on the front from the start. (10) JOJOBA and (6) SERAFINA among others in the minor money hunt

Selections(5) Majestic Dancer (2) Hi Winner (7) Wonderful Fever (10) Jojoba
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

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

(1) NEVER GIVE UP has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1400M on Christmas Eve when he overcame the widest gate. The step up to a mile should be in his favour and he can go one better this time. (4) YEONGGWANGUICLASS enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at this distance and most recently when beating a couple of today’s rivals on January 14th. He makes a quick return here and should be in the mix once more. (7) FUERTE ran on pleasingly enough on debut over 1300M on December 31st, crossing the line in 4th place. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can get closer here. (8) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE and (11) CHRYSOL SIERRA others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Never Give Up (4) Yeonggwanguiclass (7) Fuerte (8) Yeonggwanguiprince
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 10

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 21)

Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:35 to 16:05. Top three-year-old filly prospects Baekduui Kkum and Eclipse Berry will make their season debuts on the south coast and in the capital respectively. Here are the previews:

Baekduui Kkum will make her three-year-old season debut at Busan on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

It’s hard to go past (3) SLAM DRAGON here. He has finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far and comes in having beaten a couple of these on his way to 3rd place at 1300M on Christmas Day. He has a runner-up finish to his name at this distance already and he should have too much here. (7) RAIN STAR has shown improvement across three starts so far. He was 5th behind Slam Dragon on Christmas Day and the slight step up in trip may suit. (8) BLOOD MOUNTAIN beat a couple of these on his way to 5th place at 1300M on December 17th. He has been doing his best work late in each run so far and is another who ay like the extended trip. (9) SAEBYEOK BULBIT and (2) ARNOLD QUEEN others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Slam Dragon (7) Rain Star (8) Blood Mountain (9) Saebyeok Bulbit
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

After an indifferent debut, (5) PASALUBONG has scored a 2nd and a 4th over 1200M and 1300M, most recently racing on pace. He draws nicely to get to the lead again and this time he can go all the way. Also vying for favourite status will be (9) HANGANG GLORY. He’s shown steady improvement across six starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on Christmas Eve when he settled midfield and ran on. The additional half-furlong can suit, and he can be a danger. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but (2) SEONGSIL YEOGEOL came from well back to finish a much-improved 6th of eleven over 1200M on December 24th and with similar improvement today, he can compete. (4) SEONGSIN CHEONHA and (6) BULGEUN POKPUNG are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(5) Pasalubong (9) Hangang Glory (2) Seongsil Yeogeol (4) Seongsin Cheonha
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

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

(9) GREAT MAN has shown steady improvement across three starts so far with his latest, a 2nd place over this distance on December 22nd, being his best when he led from the gate until close to home. He draws a touch wider than ideal but should have enough about him to get to the front again, and this time he can go all the way. The main danger is (6) SEUNGNI PARTY. After a plain debut, he raced on pace at start number two on Christmas Eve, ultimately coming home a close 3rd over this distance. He’ll be on pace again and has every chance of going even closer this time. The exposed form drops off the proverbial cliff after that. As a result, we will make first timer starter (1) ONEULISUNGAN the nest best. He posted fair times in two trials and if he brings that form to the races, he can be in with a place chance. (5) TROPHY WARE and (10) SINGAPORE PARTY, the latter having been back to trial since a dreadful debut, others who could improve.

Selections(9) Great Man (6) Seungni Party (1) Oneulisungan (5) Trophy Ware
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

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

Small field here and (7) LONDON VICTORY will be a short-price favourite. After a solid 5th on debut over 1000M, he was 3rd when stepped up to this trip on November 12th, racing on pace throughout. Third-up here he should be ready to win. The only other one in the field to have recorded a top-three finish already is (4) MONEY TOUCH. That came at her latest appearance over this distance December 23rd when she settled midfield and then finished off well for 3rd place. That was a big improvement on her previous efforts, and she won’t need to go much better to get closer here. (6) BEAUTYWONDERFUL has a 4th and a 6th among three outings so far and that’s enough to see her in with a shout of the placings here. (1) THUNDER A ONE and (5) CHANIGO others in the frame for the minors.

Selections(7) London Victory (4) Money Touch (6) Beautywonderful (1) Thunder A One
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

(3) BREEDO WIZARD is the pick here. After a strong trial, he’s finished 4th in both starts so far, both at 1200M and both times settling back and running on well. Franco climbs on, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he can win. (2) GRAY BOSS enters off two 4th places and a 5th from his latest three between 1200M and a mile, each time going right back and running on well. He has super average time for the final furlong and draws a much better gate this time. He can be a danger late. (9) BARADEON BADA was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M after overcoming gate twelve. She should have come on for that run and can match or better it here. (4) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG and (7) DORAON ZETTA among others in the placing frame.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 19)

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

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

Three-year-old maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with a first-timer and (3) MR.KEYMAN who jumped out on pace in his trial and led all the way, doing things very easily. He draws nicely on debut, Seo Seung-un is aboard, and he can make it a winning start. Of the experienced ones, (7) YEONYEIN is the best. After an average trial, he overcame gate ten on debut to get on to the speed before ultimately finishing in 3rd. It wasn’t a quick race, but he should have come on for the run and from much a better draw, can get an easier start this time. (5) BABEL DREAMY ran fairly on debut for 5th and she too should have derived benefit from the experience. Returning to the first timers, (4) ROAD TO WARRIOR and (11) STEALTH MODE hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(3) Mr.Keyman (7) Yeonyein (5) Babel Dreamy (4) Road To Warrior
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 12

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

Fillies only and two standouts here. (11) DAESEUNGNIJA has steadily improved across four starts so far with her best being her latest on December 10th when she settled a bit further forward than in previous starts and ran on well for 3rd over this distance. In the process she posted the fastest time among these for the distance and with similar tactics she has every chance today. The danger is (5) SEKWANG CHOEGANG. She has a 2nd and a 3rd among her three outings, most recently settling handy and running on over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and she has solid claims. (9) FLYING BABY and (2) DREAMMA both finished 5th on their respective debuts over 1200M and both should have come on for those experiences. (4) TWOTWO MONEYGUN another in the minor money hunt.

Selections(11) Daeseungnija (5) Sekwang Choegang (9) Flying Baby (2) Dreamma
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

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

(8) CAPTAIN CHARLIE has five top-five finishes from seven attempts with his best being his latest when 2nd over this distance on December 17th. He tends to start a bit slow but so long as he breaks on terms here, he will be favoured to make the breakthrough.  (10) ARA NURI has two 3rd and two 4th place finishes among her five starts so far, most recently at this distance on Christmas Eve. There isn’t much early speed among this field so despite the wide draw, she may well be on pace and can be in this a long way. (6) DOCTOR LICA has finished between 3rd and 5th in all of her four starts so far. She too should be on the front from the start and can go close again. (4) RAON THE CHEONHA and (11) LEMON DRAGON are others in the frame.

Selections(8) Captain Charlie (10) Ara Nuri (6) Doctor Lica (4) Raon The Cheonha
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10

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

Competitive race. (7) KING FIGHTER was a winner over 1300M two starts back before running 4th over the same trip on his first try at this class on December 29th. He has consistently run quick times and has proven tactically versatile and has as good a chance as any here. (5) HAVE A GOOD YEAR returned from five months off to get his maiden win at this distance in November and then followed up with a 2nd place on his first try at this class on December 22nd, beating a couple of these in the process. He’ll be on pace here and has every chance of going one better. (3) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH was a close 4th on his first try at this class on December 8th. His win came at this distance, and he should be there or thereabouts again. (9) HI CHAMP and (2) SANGIM STAR among plenty of others with placing hopes.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 14)

There are the usual 17 races across the two tracks on Sunday although unusually, it is Busan that kicks things off. Busan hosts 8 races from 10:35 to 17:00 while Seoul has 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Ilgan Sports Trophy winner Nut Play is in the Seoul feature and finale on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Unusually for a Sunday, we begin on the south coast and a maiden with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (5) SAENAE HIT is the only one to have raced three times already, and she will be favourite. Her best was her latest on December 29th when she was handy throughout and ran on for 2nd. She was well beaten by a good winner that day but won’t need to improve much to win here. The best of the first timers looks like (2) TOP LINE. She only went through the one trial, but she led for most of it, ultimately crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. She draws nicely to lead again and can be in this a long way. (10) MONSTER DRAGON also trialled fairly enough and in this kind of race can be given a chance first-up. Among the others with experience, (3) HARVEST MOON and (9) GWANGSOKMA look the most likely to improve.

Selections(5) Saenae Hit (2) Top Line (10) Monster Dragon (3) Harvest Moon
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

(5) DRAGON SQUARE has finished in 3rd place in both his two starts so far at 1400M and most recently at this distance, coming from off the pace both times. Third-up today, he can be peaking and Tony Castanheira’s charge is the one to beat. (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has shown steady improvement across six appearances to date, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on December 2nd when on pace throughout. Expect her to be on the speed again here and she can go close. (11) TONNERRE comes into slightly softer company than he has faced in his two prior outings and that, combined with the slight step up in trip, can see him more competitive today. (3) JEONGSANG HIT and (9) GANGHAN NURI are other possibles.

Selections(5) Dragon Square (8) Hampyeong Jangmi (11) Tonnerre (3) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 11

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

Tricky one. (10) LOLLY comes in having run a solid 3rd over 1400M on Christmas Eve, beating a couple of these in the process. She has proven herself a good finisher and the step up to a mile for the first time could very well suit. Four of these raced each other over this distance in a different race on Christmas Eve. (3) HERE THE QUEEN was the favourite that day but while showing handy, ultimately finished in 5th. Seo Seung-un climbs aboard today and third up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness-wise, and she will have plenty of supporters again here. The best of those in the mile race on December 24th was (2) YEONGGWANGUICLASS, who came from off the pace to run 3rd. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and he can be in the mix again. (1) MIRACULUM was 4th in that race and along with (6) LEMON DOKKI, is another to consider for the minors.

Selections(10) Lolly (3) Here The Queen (2) Yeonggwanguiclass (1) Miraculum
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 11

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

Fillies only for this maiden and (9) SHACKLE POINT will be a hot favourite. After running 3rd on debut over 1200M, she then ran 4th on a snowy day on December 16th, again at this distance. Given the running style she has displayed so far, the wide draw won’t be a problem, and she can win here. The most credible danger is (3) ASSI JANGGUN. She was the longest shot on the board for her third career start on December 16th but made a mockery of that to come from off the pace for a fast-finishing 2nd. Her time was significantly quicker than that Shackle Point recorded over the same distance on the same day (although in a very differently run race) and she can be taken seriously here. (7) LADY HANABI and (8) TIZ MORNING both hinted at ability in their respective first outings and can improve here. (1) BEATRIZ debuted almost a year ago and wasn’t seen again but did win a trial last week and is the wildcard.

Selections(9) Shackle Point (3) Assi Janggun (7) Lady Hanabi (8) Tiz Morning
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

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

A small but competitive field. (7) SUCCESS BAEKPA got his maiden win at start number four on December 10th when he led for most of the way around the 1300M and ultimately won by ten-lengths. He comes up in class and slightly in distance today, but the manner of that last start win suggests there is more to come, and he goes on top again. (2) SEUNGNI TAKEN is similarly up in class following a last start maiden win. In his case, it was over this distance on December 17th when he made all and from a good draw and slightly down in the weights, he can be in this a long way again. (6) HUIMANG CANDY got her maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on December 8th. She is another who likes to be on pace and who can be a threat. The rest will all need a line drawn through their respective latest outings with (5) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (1) QUEEN’S ROAD perhaps best placed to return to form.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 12)

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

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden with four of the eleven racing for the first time. The experience doesn’t exactly give cause for optimism, so we’ll take a chance on one of the newcomers in the shape of (4) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE. She raced on pace in her trial, briefly leading close to home and crossing the line a close 3rd in a fair time. She draws well and if she can bring that trail form to the races, she will be close. (2) HWANGU YEOJANGGUN is the best of the experience having beaten a couple of the others here on the way to 6th place over this distance on December 15th, settling midfield and running on pleasingly. With some natural improvement here, she is a big chance and will probably start as favourite. (11) NAMHAE YEOGEOL was a dismal last in that same race but previously trialled well and we can draw a line through it and can be given another chance. (1) DAESEUNG DOLPUNG and (3) WONDERFUL RIDGE other with the potential to improve.

Selections(4) Yeonggangui Rose (2) Hwangu Yeojanggun (11) Namhae Yeogeol (1) Daesung Dolpung
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

(10) TROUBLEMAKER ran 4th on debut and then followed up with an improved 2nd over 1200M on November 26th when coming from off the pace. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can go one better here. The main danger is the only horse drawn wider. (11) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST trialled well and then ran 2nd on debut over 1000M back in September. He hasn’t raced or trialled since then so needs to be taken on trust, but this is a nice race to return in. (5) HI LEGEND comes in following a couple of goes around 1400M. He showed on pace in the latest of them before running 5th and a similar effort should see him closer in this company. (4) FLYING AARON and (8) ILMANG BLUE look the best of the rest.

Selections(10) Troublemaker (11) Yeonggwanguifirst (5) Hi Legend (4) Flying Aaron
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

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

Stick a pin in this one. (10) UNJU LEGEND ran 4th on debut over 1200M on December 15th having come out of the same wide gate she draws today. She settled back before running on pleasingly and second-up and with an extra furlong to play with, she has as good a chance as any. (3) OVER THE TRIPLE was slow away on debut from a wide draw before finishing off fairly. He previously won a trial in fine order and from a much better gate, can go better today. (5) SPRIT FIGHTER was an improved 2nd over this distance at start number five on December 22nd, coming from off the pace. He won’t have to improve much on that to go close again here. (7) ALICE MARINE and (8) SKY YEONGUNG among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

Selections(10) Unju Legend (3) Over The Triple (5) Sprit Fighter (7) Alice Marine
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

Three-year-old imports here with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (2) BEOLMAUI JEONSA will be a warm favourite. He led on debut on October, ultimately finishing 4th and then beat three of today’s rivals when 2nd in a very quick race over this distance on December 15th again leading before finishing a full eight-lengths behind winner Biwol, but five-lengths clear of the rest. He draws nicely here, he should be on pace again, and this time he should go all the way. (3) WOLFS KING MAN is the best of the debut makers and probably the main danger. He led all the way in a November trial before coming from off the pace to run 2nd in another heat two weeks ago. Both his times were quick, and he can put in a bold first-up showing. (7) NAYANA too won his trial, leading all the way and is sure to be popular in the market too. (5) CRAZY KHAN was 6th behind Beolmaui Jeonsa on December 15th but appears on the right trajectory. (10) FANTASTIC WORLD another contender for the minors.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 7)

There are 11 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Choi Bum-hyun rode his 900th career winner last week – he isn’t riding on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) HEART K comes in off back-to-back 3rd places, most recently at this distance on December 2nd when settling handy and running on having overcome hate eleven. He gets a kinder draw this time and could well have too much. (7) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE ran 4th in that same December 2nd race, sitting midfield and finishing well. That was his second 4th place in just three starts to date and he can get closer here. (9) E.H. COCO comes in following a best to date runner-up finish over this distance on December 10th when leading for most of the way around. He has the challenge of the widest draw this time but can be competitive again. (1) ÉCLAIR STAR and (8) BEAT RACER others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(6) Heart K (7) Heunghaeng Bulpae (9) E.H. Coco (1) Éclair Star
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(1) THE SUN FIGHTER will be a short-priced favourite here. He has been getting closer across his three starts to date and comes in off his best so far, a close 3rd over 1200M in a quick time on December 10th when coming from off the pace. He draws nicely here, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he should win. The logical danger is (4) FIRST CHOUX. He is yet to win but has seven top-five finishes and his latest was his best, when 2nd over this distance on December 17th having led for part of the way. He is nicely drawn and should go close again. There isn’t much else in the way of exposed form but (11) THUNDER SPEED has hinted at having a bit of speed and if we go on his 4th place on debut instead of his poor effort last time, he can be considered. (7) CRAZE CHANG and (2) MR. POWER are the others who will get some support on a place line.

Selections(1) The Sun Fighter (4) First Choux (11) Thunder Speed (7) Craze Chang
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

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

(2) RAINBOW ROAD has finished no worse than 4th in three starts to date most recently coming home 3rd when tried at this distance for the first time on December 17th. Her style is to race on pace and handy and with not much early speed to contend with here, she should get an easy run to the front and can go all the way. (7) FLYING DIA has mixed her form across seven outings but going on her latest when 3rd in a quick time over 1300M, she has a chance here. She’ll be one of those up with Rainbow Road on the speed. (1) BLACK FALCON was an improved 2nd at start number three over 1300M on December 10th. The step up in trip can suit and he is very nicely drawn. (8) VALHALLA and (11) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE others to keep safe.

Selections(2) Rainbow Road (7) Flying Dia (1) Black Falcon (8) Valhalla
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

(7) BEST WHIZ has a 5th and a 4th so far at 1200M and at 1300M, racing on pace both times. He looks nicely in here, Moon Se-young climbs on, and today could be the day. (6) SAENAE PARK was slowly away on debut over this distance on December 3rd but rallied well late on to get up for 2nd place, albeit a decent distance behind a good winner. He should have come on for the experience and if he can put himself in a better position a bit earlier, he could go one better. (10) SAHARAMOND has two 4th places and two 4th places from four total starts so far. He has been racing on pace, but he has coped well from a wide gate already and he should be in the mix here. (2) PINK MELODY won a trial and from a good gate can be considered first up. (3) FEDERAL PRESS another in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Best Whiz (6) Saenae Park (10) Saharamond (2) Pink Melody
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 7, 10, 11

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

(9) RAON VIBE MAN ran 4th on debut over 1200M in November before following up with a 2nd place, again at the six-furlong trip on December 10th, settling handy and running on. He can be peaking fitness-wise third up here and the slight step up in distance can see him home on top. (1) WONDERFUL ONE is yet to finish in the top two but has run some decent times including when 6th over this distance on December 3rd. He comes in under a light weight with an apprentice claiming and he can be in the mix here. (10) HI WINNER has finished 3rd to 5th in her three starts so far. She seems to like to be on pace so the draw is a little wider than ideal, but she shouldn’t be too far away. (5) TAP BOLT and (8) CHRYSOL HERO look the best of a limited rest.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 5)

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

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

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

The New Year kicks off with a full field of three-year-old maidens with ten of the twelve racing for the first time. Both the two with prior experience did well, coming home in 3rd place in their respective debuts and they will be the top picks. (4) FLEX DAY settled midfield on her debut on October 29th, settling midfield and running on well in a fair time. She has had ten weeks off so comes in fresh again and looks the one to beat. (10) BLACK JILJU raced on pace on her debut on December 1st. Her time was slower than that of Flex Day and she has the challenge of a wide draw here, but she is the man danger. As for the first-time starters, (9) MIRACLE MARINE won a trial in December leading all the way and shapes as the most likely to make and immediate impact. (12) BLAZING MAN and (7) NAEPYEON others who hinted at ability in the mornings.

Selections(4) Flex Day (10) Black Jilju (9) Miracle Marine (12) Blazing Man
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

(10) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG will be a short price favourite here. He ran 3rd on debut back in August and then didn’t return until December 10th when he repeated the trick over this distance and with three of today’s rivals behind him. He may need some early luck from the wide gate, but he won’t need to improve much to win this. (9) SHACKLE ZONE comes in having run a much-improved 2nd over this distance on December 1st. The time wasn’t quick, but he finished off well and can be given another chance here. (3) OAK RIDGE and (8) MACH MAN came home 4th and 5th respectively behind Kwaehan Yeongung in that December 10th race and both can be considered to match or better that here. (4) MORPHEUS among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Kwaehan Yeongung (9) Shackle Zone (3) Oak Ridge (8) Mach Man
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start4, 8, 10, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (8) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA has a pair of 4th places and a 3rd from three starts so far, most recently over this distance on December 8th when coming from well off the pace. She has proven capable to race on the speed as well and she is the one to beat here. (10) QUEEN’S FLETAR comes into contention following a strong 2nd place at this distance on December 8th. In doing so she recorded the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, and she has proven herself to have a strong finish. That makes her second pick here. (7) HEUIMANG FLYING was 3rd behind Queen’s Flatter in that race, having led for part of the way around. That continued a consistent start to her career, and she should be there or thereabouts again today. (2) LIGHT BROWN and (6) SMART SMILE the others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (10) Queen’s Fletar (7) Heuimang Flying (2) Light Brown
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

(10) ROAD STAR was a winner over 1200M at class 6 level in November before running 3rd behind Baekduui Kkum in a Listed race for juvenile fillies at the start of December at big odds. She has run consistent times; she has been versatile in her running style and the slight step up to 1300M can suit here. (4) HANEUL EUTTEUM ran out a winner on debut over 1200M on December 1st, settling handy and running on. He comes up in class and slightly in distance here but draws well and a repeat isn’t impossible. (7) GUKDAE HERO is up in class following a win at start number four in a quick race on a very wet track over this distance. He doesn’t get a weight drop, but a repeat of that effort will put him in the mix again. (11) BLUE CAPTAIN and (1) TWO TWO LIME others in the minor money frame.

Selections(10) Road Star (4) Haneul Eutteum (7) Gukdae Hero (11) Blue Captain
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

(5) LEMON PIE was a winner back on debut and has since run well for a pair of 4th places and a runner-up finish in three goes at this level. She draws well to get a nice run to the lead here and she is very much the one to beat. (1) YONGBI STAR comes up in class having scored her maiden win at start number six over this distance on December 3rd, when slowly away but quickly on pace and proving too strong. The win had been coming and she can measure up in this company. (2) DOCTOR KONGDOLI can mix his form, but he has loads of experience at this level and looks nicely in under a light weight and in a good gate. (4) CHAS PALPAL and (6) MOST RAPID among others in the hunt.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 31)

The final race meetings of the year take place on Sunday at Seoul and Busan. There are 11 races in the capital from 10:35 to 18:00, and 6 on the South Coast from 11:50 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden that made up yesterday’s race 1 and nine of the twelve race for the first time. The experience should have the advantage though. After a good trial, (6) CROWN HAMSEONG was sent off as favourite over this distance on November 25th when she raced handy before running on for a close 2nd. She should have derived benefit from the experience, and she will be expected to go one better here. (7) GANGHAN NURI was similarly 2nd on debut. In his case it came over 1000M back on October 7th. He has had twelve weeks off since so comes in fresh and showed enough promise to merit consideration here. Completing the set of experienced ones, (11) YEONGGWANGUI WORLD showed on pace before finishing 6th on debut on November 19th. He can get closer here. As for the debut makers, (12) RAON PARANOMA and (4) DONGJIN BULPAE looked the best in trials.

Selections(6) Crown Hamseong (7) Ganghan Nuri (11) Yeonggwangui World (12) Raon Paranoma
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

More maidens. (2) EDENUI DONGJJOK gets the verdict by virtue of his 3rd place at start number two over this distance on December 3rd when handy throughout. He overcame gate twelve that day so with a much better draw today, he is the one to beat. (5) GENERAL POWER debuted back in June and then didn’t reappear until running an improved 5th over 1200M on November 26th, beating a couple of today’s rivals when coming from well off the pace. He should strip fitter for the run and can go closer here. (8) EUNPA JOY was also an improved 5th at his latest start and can be considered for more improvement here. (1) CHEONGUCHAT and (4) NONSTOP YEOLCHA are other contenders to challenge for the places.

Selections(2) Edenui Dongjjok (5) General Power (8) Eunpa Joy (1) Cheonguchat
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(9) HAKSAN MACHO shapes as the warm favourite here. He come sin having run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two appearances over 1200M and 1300M. He has the fastest time of any of these over the distance and can sit behind the early speed and prove too strong late on.  (8) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has hinted at ability across three starts so far, with his best being a 3rd place over 1200M in October when coming from off the pace. Moon Se-young climbs aboard today and that itself ensures plenty of backers. (2) SHOUT KURO has made steady improvement and was most recently a close 4th place over this distance on November 26th. He can get a bit far back in his races, but if he is withing striking distance at the top of the straight, he can pass plenty. (11) WONPYEONG GANGJA and (5) BAEDARI HYANGGI others in the frame.

Selections(9) Haksan Macho (8) Galsaek Dojeonja (2) Shout Kuro (11) Wonpyeong Gangja
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maidens in the opener at Busan and it’s hard to go past (2) GUKDAE STAR. After a somewhat plain debut, he ran a good 4th at start number two over this distance on November 24th when settling in midfield and running home strongly ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He won’t need to improve much to win this. (11) RAON STROKE has a 6th and a 5th in two starts so far, both at 1200M. Both times she has been a long way back before running on and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) BIG WILD ran 8th on debut behind Gukdae Star. He had previously been quick in a trial and should have benefited from his first-up experience. Debut maker (9) FUERTE along with (10) JOJOBA are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Gukdae Star (11) Raon Stroke (8) Big Wild (9) Fuerte
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (10) BLACK BELT is up in class having broken through at start number three over 1200M on November 26th. His style has been to go right back and run on and the step up to 1400M can suit. (7) DALMAJI has put together some consistent results at this class, most recently a strong 2nd place over 1300M on November 11th when on pace throughout. In this company he can employ similar tactics today and can go one better (3) MIRAE TOWER got his maiden win at start number five on November 19th over 1400M when leading all the way around. The win had been coming and while he is up in class here and doesn’t get any weight relief, he draws nicely and has every chance of measuring up at this level. (2) REAL PACK is yet to win in twenty-eight attempts, but he’s been close on several occasions and comes in with recent form reading well and along with (4) NEMO SPIRIT is a place chance here.

Selections(10) Black Belt (7) Dalmaji (3) Mirae Tower (2) Real Pack
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(11) UNJU TOP has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far at 1000M and 1300M, running on well both times. She has proven to have a smart finish on her, so the widest gate shouldn’t be too problematic, and while she may need a bit of luck at the start, she can prove too strong. This isn’t a strong race so (4) SONGDO GALMAEGI may be worth a chance at a probable even-money price. He did nothing in two starts at the beginning of this year but after ten months off, he looked well when trialling up. He draws nicely. (1) ROAD TO PARTY can also be given another chance following an indifferent debut. He had previously trialled well and from the inside gat e can get an easier early run here. (5) WORLD WINNERS MAN and debut-maker (3) UNJU CHEONHA are others to consider for the minors.

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