Racing returns to the daytime schedule this week and kicks off with an 8-race program at Busan on Friday running 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) SUPREME QUEEN has finished between has been getting closer in her latest starts, culminating in a 3rd place over 1300M on March 29th when leading for much of the way and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She should be on pace again here and this time can have too much. (5) GONJOHARI ran once in the middle of last year, finishing a fair 6th. He hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialling up in March and in this company can go well first up. (7) POMPEII has finished 5th on both starts so far. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and should get closer. (11) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST and (4) PURE DANCE among others in the hunt.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) POWER BANK enters off a to-date best of 2nd over 1300M on March 24th when on pace throughout and ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll be on pace again here and this time looks like the one to beat. (2) AWESOME SUNRISE is the probable second favourite. She has plenty of experience over this trip and she won’t need to improve much on how she ran when 4th last time out in order to get closer here. (1) BEOLGYO FRANCHE enters odd a fair 3rd place over 1200M on March 31st, when he led for much of the way. He can be on pace and in this a long way again. (3) BRUG KINGMAN and (11) CHEONGMAUI JILJU are others to consider.
Selections
(9) Power Bank (2) Awesome Sunrise (1) Beolgyo Franch (3) Brug Kingman
Next Best
11, 12
Fast Start
1, 3, 11, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) FUERTE has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two, both over a mile and both times settling midfield and running on. Tanaka climbs on today and she can settle back once more, and this time prove too strong late on. That will mean overturning the form on (7) STAR PARK who comes in having run 3rd to Fuerte’s 4th when they raced each other at this distance on April 5th. He also has a 2nd place to his name and is another who likes to settle back and be doing his best work late. (12) BABEL DREAMY has shown progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place at this distance on March 24th. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can be a factor. (2) STORMY DAY and (8) TRICKSTER other placing chances.
Selections
(4) Fuerte (7) Star Park (12) Babel Dreamy (2) Stormy Day
Next Best
8, 10
Fast Start
5, 8, 9, 10
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) RUBY STONE got her maiden win in a quick time over 1200M two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class on March 29th, leading almost the entire way and beating plenty of today’s rivals. Her win came from the same wide draw she has today and this time she should go one better. (4) SEKWANG CHEOGANG was 3rd on that March 29th race. She has mixed her form over her six appearances, but she has a good finish on her and can be a danger. (9) SEUNGNI PARTY has been consistent over her own six starts, with her win coming at this distance. In this company, she should be on pace, and she can go close. The up in class last start winner (10) BUSAN TODAY along with (5) BRAVE CAPTAIN are others to look out for.
Selections
(11) Ruby Stone (4) Sekwang Choegang (9) Seungni Party (10) Busan Today
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
2, 9, 10, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After the sprinters last week, this week it’s the second leg of the Stayer Series and the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) headlines the daytime card on Sunday at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Global Hit headlines Sunday’s YTN Cup (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) USEUNG CONCORD raced twice in late summer last year, recording a 3rd and a 2nd over 1000M and 1200M. He hasn’t raced since but trialled up fairly in March and Moon Se-young’s engagement makes it likely they intend to pick up from where they left off and win first-up against this very limited set of opponents. (5) ARCH ROCKET has hinted at ability and should at least be on pace here. An apprentice keeps his weight very light, and he should be in the mix. (10) POWER TRY is the solitary debut maker. It took hm two goes to qualify but he looked competent enough at the second time of asking and he can be considered against this lot. (7) JEONGSEONG VICE and (6) HERO NARA others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) BREEDO KING STAR enters off a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance and both times settling behind the lead before finishing well. Despite the wide draw, he can be expected to be on pace here and he us the one to bear. Clear second-pick is (1) GEUMSEONG REVERE. Having returned from almost nine months out to run a 4th place over 1300M on March 14th, she should strip fitter here and can be a danger. The form falls off significantly after those, but (5) ÉCLAIR POWER has hinted at ability across his three starts so far. He has got a bit far back in his races but should be running on strong here. (7) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG and (3) HIGH END are potential improvers.
Selections
(9) Breedo King Star (1) Geumseong Revere (5) Éclair Power (7) Changjoui Gidung
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) BLAZING MAN will be the favourite here. He has shown steady improvement across his three starts so far, most recently when 4th over 1400M on March 22nd when racing on pace. He has finished ahead of a few of these already and he should be finishing ahead of all of them today. (3) THUNDER GUY comes in having finished a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on March 31st. The time wasn’t the quickest, but he should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, can go closer here. (4) HANEUL SINHWA dead-heated for 5th place behind Blazing Man last time out and can there or thereabouts again. (2) BEST BOY and (7) GOAT KING IJI among others to consider for the minors.
Selections
(9) Blazing Man (3) Thunder Guy (4) Haneul Sinhwa (2) Best Boy
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
3, 4, 9, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only and (2) JERAQUEEN will be a warm favourite here having made steady progress across her five starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1300M in a similar all-filly race on March 17th when leading almost all the way. She draws nicely to lead again and will be expected to go one better. (10) BEATRIZ enters having run an improved 3rd over this distance in February when racing on the pace. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and light, and despite the wide draw, she can be on pace and in this again. (7) PINK WIND was one of those behind Jeraqueen on March 17th, but she has a 2nd place to her name and can be a factor here. (6) CHOGANGBULPAE and (5) MONEY TOUCH others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) MORPHEUS is up in class having secured his maiden win at the sixth time of asking when stepped up to a mile and leading all the way on March 24th. He has performed well at this distance as well and while he doesn’t get much in the way of a weight break, he can be on pace again and can go back-to-back. (4) MOVIE MORE is yet to win in ten attempts, nine of hem at this distance but she comes in with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two. She carries a light weight, draws well to challenge Morpheus for the early lead, and it could well be her day. (2) VELOCIRAPTOR was a winner at this class over 1300M two starts back. It may have been her first win on her twentieth start, but she has loads of experience at this level and this is the kind of company she can place among. The rest need to improve on recent form with (11) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE and (6) SINHAE MANGCHI perhaps the most likely.
Selections
(5) Morpheus (4) Movie More (2) Velociraptor (11) Wonderful Cherokee
Next Best
6, 12
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) YONGAM MARENGO finished down the field when sent off as favourite at class and distance on March 23rd. The margins weren’t huge though and we can give him another chance after two near-misses leading up to it. He can sit behind the speed and prove too strong late on. (6) RAON THE TAP has two placings at this class and enters off a fair 5th, ahead of Yongam Marengo in that March 23rd race. Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he will have plenty of backers here. (5) MEOTJIN GIROK has been working his way back into form and enters off a smart 2nd place at class and distance on March 17th. He is another with a strong finish who should be doing his best work late. (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG and (7) NAOL DAEWANG others to consider.
Selections
(9) Yongam Marengo (6) Raon The Tap (5) Meotjin Girok (4) Bulgeun Pokpung
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (11) JAZZ STAR was a winner on debut over 1200M in an all-filly maiden on March 22nd when settling midfield and running on. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be an issue, and, under a light weight, she can maintain her 100% start. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE is the main danger. She was a winner at this class and distance in February – the only one in the field to have prevailed at 1400M – before running midfield in stiffer company than this and under 56kg last time out. She comes down in the weights here with an apprentice engaged, is drawn well, and she can return to form. (10) ARION QUEEN will need a line drawn through her latest over a mile but should be happier back in trip here. (7) NONSTOP DUTY and (1) CHIMING RUN others in the hunt.
Selections
(11) Jazz Star (2) Wonderful Cutie (10) Arion Queen (7) Nonstop Duty
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
5, 7, 10, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) ROYAL BEST got his maiden win over 1300M in January, making all, and has since been 4th on both tries at this class, both times having led. He draws nicely here, CC climbs aboard, and he can win. (2) JECHUK IHO remains a maiden but is yet to finish any worse than 4th after five starts last year. He hasn’t raced since last October but he looked very well when leading all the way in a trial at the start of this month, and from a good gate, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (9) HAEJE YEOGEOL got her maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on January 14th having led. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks out and she can be in the hunt. (4) GOLDEN LINE and (6) TAMNA CHOEGANGJA others to consider.
Selections
(3) Royal Best (2) Jechuk Iho (9) Haeje Yeogeol (4) Golden Line
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
The short spring evening race season comes to an end this week with the action kicking off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of those. (1) QUEEN OF DRAGON went through two trials in March and April, settling midfield in both and running on well to cross the line 4th in both in good times. She draws nicely, the 1200M can suit first-up, and if she brings her trial form to the races, she’ll be close. Among the experience, (12) KING DRAGON. He ran an on-pace 5th on debut over this distance on March 15th and while he was a fair bit behind the first-three, he should have come on for that run and can be closer here. (9) SHINING MORNING enters off a 3rd place over 1300M last time out, her bets in six attempts so far. That’s enough to put her in the frame here. (2) GOLDEN NICE and (3) THE GREY MAN other potential improvers.
Selections
(1) Queen Of Dragon (12) King Dragon (9) Shining Morning (2) Golden Nice
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
5, 6, 9, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (2) SKY ARCH has shown improvement across eight starts so far, and she comes in off her best when 2nd over this distance on April 5th when settling midfield and running on. She is third-up this preparation and from a good draw, she can go one better here. (5) HYPER FORCE improved to 3rd at start number two over this distance on March 1st when racing handy. She looks to have scope for more development and has posted the fastest time of any of these for the 1400M. (7) UNJU LEGEND enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at a mile. An apprentice keeps her weight low, and she should be in the mix again. (9) DIA GRIT and (4) HAERANG JINJU others in the hunt.
Selections
(2) Sky Arch (5) Hyper Force (7) Unju Legend (9) Dia Grit
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) BLUE POINT has quite the name to live up to, but he looks to be figuring things out following a much-improved 2nd place when stepped up to this distance at start number three on March 17th. There isn’t much speed in this race so he should get a nice run to the front, and he can win here. The danger is (6) GREAT BOY. He made his first four starts last year recording a best of 4th but was then off from October until re-appearing on March 15th. The break seemed to do him some good as he was an improved 2nd on return at 1300M and can be expected to strip fitter here. (3) MY WAY leaves himself too much to do but may appreciate the step up to the mile for the first time, while (5) NANGMAN DAERO has finished 4th on each of his last four starts and could well do so again. (9) NEVERSTOP HEEMANG another to consider for the minors.
Selections
(7) Blue Point (6) Great Boy (3) My Way (5) Nangman Daero
Next Best
9, 8
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) HUNTER DRAGON remains a maiden but comes up to this class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in his latest two, both over a mile and both times racing on pace. He comes down in the weights, the step up in trip can suit, and he has every chance of getting off the mark here at what is only his fourth career start. (6) NALA beat three of these on her way to a close 2nd at big odds over a mile on March 22nd when overcoming the widest gate and flying home late. She’ll be at least an each-way price again and could provide some interest. (3) TOP FRIEND ran 5th in that March 22nd race having raced on pace. He is a twenty-start maiden but has five 2nd place finishes and should be in the mix here. (9) STREET ROCK and (5) QUEEN OF JOY others in the placing frame.
Selections
(8) Hunter Dragon (6) Nala (3) Top Friend (9) Street Rock
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The second leg of the Sprint Series, the SBS Sports Sprint at Seoul, takes centre stage on Sunday, but there are plenty of other valuable races spread across both the capital and Busan with Trophy Exchange races for the Singapore Turf Club (evidently for the final time), Jockey Club of Turkey, Tokyo City Keiba, Royal Western India Turf Club and the China Horse Industry Association. There is also a big money race to mark the end of the Cherry Blossom season. There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Raon The Point won the opening leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) SEOBU CHAMP comes in off a 3rd place over this distance on March 16th when settling back and running on strongly. She comes in here carrying the same weight and has every chance of coming out on top this day. It’s a competitive maiden though. (4) TAP DIA has a 2nd and a 3rd among her own three starts so far. In this company, she may be further forward than in those races and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) PROCEED showed improvement to run 3rd at start number two over 1300M on March 2nd. He too may like the increased distance and CC Wong climbs up. (3) EUMSEONG POWER and (10) ALL EYES ON ME among others capable of at least challenging for the places.
Selections
(5) Seobu Champ (4) Tap Dia (8) Proceed (3) Eumseong Power
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 8, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies here and it’s hard to go past (3) APPLE QUEEN. Having run 4th on debut, all the way back last June, she didn’t race again until this March 16th when she was an on-pace 3rd over 1400M. She should strip fitter for that run and will be strongly fancied to lead from gate to wire. (6) SHINE BOLT has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 4th place over 1200M on February 24th over this distance. She comes into a better gate here and can continue to get closer. (8) COMPLETE PARTY has two 3rd places among her four appearances. That means that any top-three finish will get her a rating and see her at class 5 next time and she could well match or better. (4) SMILE GOLD and (7) BYLONG STAR, the latter having been back to trial since a chastening debut, are others to consider.
Selections
(3) Apple Queen (6) Shine Bolt (8) Complete Party (4) Smile Gold
Next Best
7, 11
Fast Start
2, 3, 4 ,7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive opener. (10) GANGSEO PRIDE ran 2nd on debut over this distance on March 8th, when on pace throughout. It wasn’t a quick time, and he was well beaten by a good winner, but he should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, he has as good a chance as any here. (9) GIANT MARINE raced three times without distinction up until July last year. He was then put away and returned on March 15th this year and ran much better, finishing 3rd in a decent time over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that run and can challenge here. (11) ONE WAY ROAD has been getting steadily better in recent outings and can continue his upward trajectory here. (5) CHOEGANG CHONGAL and (8) DREAM WAY others in at least the placing hunt.
Selections
(10) Gangseo Pride (9) Giant Marine (11) One Way Road (5) Choegang Chongal
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
4, 8, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) LOVE COWGIRL returns to action for the first time since last September. After winning on debut, she finished 4th, 3rd and 2nd in three subsequent starts before her layoff and going by her all the way trial win two weeks ago, she can pick up from where she left off. (8) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA got his maiden win at this class and distance on March 3rd, settling handy and running on. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights today, but he can be competitive again. (6) THE SUN FIGHTER got his maiden win at this distance three starts back and has since run 4th and 5th in two tries at this level, most recently over 1700M. He looks nicely in here and should go close. (4) SINUI YEOJE and (11) GOOD SEONGBONG the other logical place chances.
Selections
(3) Love Cowgirl (8) Seoul Choegangja (6) The Sun Fighter (4) Sinui Yeoje
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) I AM LEGEND got her maiden win two starts back over this distance before running 2nd at big odds on her first try at this level on March 8th settling right back and running on. She seems to be hitting her groove and she can win this. (3) RAON THE TANGO enters off a useful 3rd place at this class over 1400M on March 8th. The same apprentice jockey keeps the edge off his carried weight and from a good draw, he can go close again. (11) HANEUL EUTTEUM scored a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 15th. He comes up 2lg in the weights and he draws a touch wider than ideal, but he should be running on to be a danger once more. (2) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (7) JEOLDAE BOSS are others who can enter at least the placing calculations.
Selections
(5) I Am Legend (3) Raon The Tango (11) Haneul Eutteum (2) Yongsan Keunbyeul
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
2, 7, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
The Stakes racing action moves to Seoul this weekend with Sunday’s SBS Sports Sprint. The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday though with 8 afternoon and evening races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maiden fillies in the opener. (4) MARIA’S CALL went well in trials and debuted fairly in 5th place over 1200M on debut on March 8th when racing handily throughout. It wasn’t a quick race, but she should have come on for the run and she has as good a chance as any here. (2) WORLD ANGEL CAT was a much-improved 3rd on her latest appearance on March 10th, leading for much of the way. She draws nicely here, and a similar effort will see her in the finish again. (9) ROSE DRAGON improved to 4th place at start number two over 1400M on March 15th having been slowly away and run on well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can get closer here. (3) BORAM and (5) RUNNING FASHION others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(4) Maria’s Call (2) World Angel Cat (9) Rose Dragon (3) Boram
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 6
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) FLYING THE FORD didn’t do much in two starts around the turn of the year, most recently in February, but he went back to trial in late March and led all the way around, stopping the clock in a quick time. If he can bring that form to the races, he’ll be the one to beat here. (6) FLASH DAY beat a couple of these when racing on pace on his way to an improved 4th place on his second start over 1200M on March 15th. In this company, he should be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (9) BREEDO PELL did nothing on debut last October but looked a much better prospect when trialling up again in March. He can go well first-up here. (10) WHITE FALCON and first timer (4) GLORY GANGSEO are others in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Flying The Ford (6) Flash Day (9) Breedo Pell (10) White Falcon
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
5, 6, 8, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG is a sixteen-race maiden. But he has no fewer than nine top-five finishes on his record including a last start 4th over this distance on Mach 22nd when settling midfield and staying on. He draws nicely here and today can be his day. (3) HERE THE QUEEN got her maiden win two starts back over 1400M before running 4th on her first try at this class, again at the 1400M, three weeks ago. She looks nicely in here and can be competitive again. (7) MAJESTIC DANCER came from well off the pace to get his maiden win over this distance on March 15th. He comes up in class here but is slightly down in the weights, and he can measure up in this company. (12) B.K. ZENA and (11) CHOICE ROAD are others who can go close.
Selections
(2) Success Yeonggwang (3) Here The Queen (7) Majestic Dancer (12) B.K. Zena
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
1, 5, 10, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) OVER THE TRIPLE was a beaten favourite over a mile on March 22nd when he led for much of the way and then weakened late on. He comes back down to a distance at which he has a win and a runner-up finish at in two prior attempts, and from a good draw, he can lead again, and this time go all the way. (1) DOCTOR CAPTAIN won that March 22nd race, settling handy from the widest gate and running on for a narrow score. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights but that is balanced a little by a much better draw, and he can be competitive again. (7) MORNING FLOW was a winner at this class and distance two starts back and with an apprentice claim here, can go close. (11) ROAD TO TOP and (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE are among others to be considered.
Selections
(2) Over The Triple (1) Doctor Captain (7) Morning Flow (11) Road To Top
Next Best
10, 4
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(7) SUCCESSFUL has been ultra consistent, finishing in the top five in all ten of his starts so far. He comes in having run 3rd in a quick race over 1200M on March 1st which he led at one point, and under the same weight today and up slightly in trip, he can win. That will mean overturning the form on (4) SKY ROJO. He was the winner of that March 1st race, settling midfield and proving too strong in the closing stages. He comes up a full 5kg in the weights, but he is not to be dismissed here. (5) SKY JILJU led every step of the way to win in a decent time over this distance on March 17th. He is up in class here but should be competitive again. (2) NICE BIG GUY and (11) WISE KING are other placing chances.
Selections
(7) Successful (4) Sky Rojo (5) Sky Jilju (2) Nice Big Guy
Next Best
11, 10
Fast Start
1, 4, 10, 11
Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(5) MASARANGGIL won back-to-back races over the turn of the year with the most recent being at this class and distance in January. She didn’t really feature on her latest start over 1800M at the start of February, but she comes in here fresh and back at a mile and drawn well, she can win. (1) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK doesn’t win out of turn, but he enters in very solid form with two 3rd places and a 4th from his latest three at this class, all over 1800M. He draws nicely here, he carries a light weight, and he should go close again. (2) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE is up in class having won over 1400M on March 3rd. He has placed at this distance before, and he can measure up here. (6) PURPLE LINE and (12) BLACK VOLT others who can enter the calculations.
The Triple Crown season is upon us with the first jewel being contested at Busan on Sunday afternoon in the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2). The big race is number 5 on a 6-race card at Busan which runs from 11:25 to 16:05. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul – where the cherry blossom festival continues – from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Wonderful Lear beat Hangang Class in the Busan Classic Trial (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) TAENGGEURI has five top-five finishes and comes back in trip after a couple of spins at 1700M and one at 1400M, not without some success. He has a 3rd place over this distance and has as good a chance as any here. (1) B.K. BELLE is the main danger. She has mixed her form across five starts so far but her running style suggests that the slight step up in trip can suit and she should be running on late. There isn’t much early speed in the race though. (8) HAYAN TAEYANG returns to action for the first time since last November. She has trialled up well on two occasions and should be in the mix first up here. The form falls off a bit after those three so it may be worth taking note of the debut making pair of (11) WONDERFUL LORD and (2) MAGIC PRINCE, both of whom hinted at ability in trials.
Selections
(7) Taenggeuri (1) B.K. Belle (8) Hayan Taeyang (11) Wonderful Lord
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
A small field of maiden fillies. (2) MAGIC IMPACT won a February trial and then finished midfield on debut over 1200M later that month. She should have derived benefit from that experience, she draws much better today, and she has every chance here. (4) BAEDARI HYANGGI has been getting closer in recent outings, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on March 2nd. In this company, she should be on pace, and she can get even closer today. (7) GENERAL POWER may sound like an energy company and she has mixed her output across her four starts, but going on her 3rd place at 1200M in a good time two starts back, she is a chance here. (1) FLYING LION and (8) NEXTLEVEL are other placing chances.
Selections
(2) Magic Impact (4) Baedari Hyanggi (7) General Power (1) Flying Lion
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) BLACK JILJU led for much of the way around over this distance on March 1st and was only narrowly beaten into 2nd place. She is yet to finish any worse than 5th and she looks very much the one to beat here. (1) NAEPYEON ran an improved 4th at start number two over this distance on February 23rd. From the inside gate he should be on pace and with Seo Seung-un booked to ride, more improvement seems probable. (10) SEOGWI STAR has been solid if unspectacular across her four appearances to date. She generally finishes off well and can run into some money again here. (8) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE and (6) DANCING BOY are others in the frame.
Selections
(4) Black Jilju (1) Naepyeon (10) Seogwi Star (8) Yeonggwangui Rose
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) STUNNING CHAMP enters off a close 2nd place over 1300M on February 24th when settling midfield and running on well. She has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin, and she can win here. (1) SPALTA is clear second pick. He was an improved 2nd at start number four over this distance on March 3rd when racing handy throughout. From a good draw, he should get a relatively easy run to the lead and is the one the favourite will have to get past. There are a couple of debut-makers. Both (9) SPARKLING and (8) MAX PARTY went through plenty of trials, and both are capable of a bold first-up showing. (4) PERFECT TIARA the best of the rest.
Selections
(6) Stunning Champ (1) Spalta (9) Sparkling (8) Max Party
Next Best
4, 10
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (1) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA is yet to win in six attempts but is also yet to finish outside of the top four. She comes in off three consecutive runner-up finishes, the most recent of which was ahead of a couple of today’s rivals at this class and distance on March 3rd. She comes up a couple of kilograms in the weights but today should really be her day. If she manages to find one too quick again, it could be (2) FLYING DANU, who was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on March 8th and duly obliged, racing on pace throughout. She is up in class here but carries a light weight, draws well, and can measure up. (7) SKY GRIT is up in class after a maiden win in a good time at 1200M on March 3rd. She’ll be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (6) GRAY QUEEN and (8) DONGNAM WINNER other placing chances.
It’s Triple Crown opening weekend and the cherry blossom racing festival continues, this week with actual cherry blossoms having appeared. The action starts at Busan on Friday with and afternoon/evening card of 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:
Busan nights
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Weak maiden to begin with but something has to win. Moon Se-young is in town to attempt to complete a Triple Tiara-Triple Crown 1st leg double on Sunday and his conveyance here, (5) FLYING BABY, has as good a chance as any. We need to overlook her second appearance when she weakened badly, but if we go on her debut effort in December when running on for 5th in a decent time at 1200M, she can go on top. There are plenty of runs we need to overlook here. (10) WEST POINT managed a 4th place two starts back over 1400M. It was a slow race but that’s enough to put him in the mix here. (1) BIG BOY raced four times last year with a best of 5th over 1400M. He returns for the first time since November and looked well enough in a March trial. (8) DIVINE KINGDOM and (11) SEOBU HOLIDAY other potential improvers.
Selections
(5) Flying Baby (10) West Point (1) Big Boy (8) Divine Kingdom
Next Best
11, 2
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden and Moon Se-young will be on the favourite again. That’s (7) SAVAGE GIRL, who has been getting closer across her recent outings, and enters off her first 2nd place finish on March 10th when handy throughout. That came at start number fourteen, but she should finally shed the maiden tag here. (3) GEUMA REJOICE has hinted at ability across four outings so far with the best of them a 3rd place at 1200M last November. She didn’t race again until a midfield finish on March 1st and should strip fitter here. (6) SUNCHEON YEOWANG was a much-improved 2nd at start number two at 1200M at the end of January. Se comes in fresh after ten weeks out and can go close. (9) SKY ARCH and (4) HARVEST MOON among other placing chances.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) ILNYEOM SINHWA has raced three times over the mile already and comes in having run 3rd on March 10th, racing close throughout and beating a few of today’s rivals. He draws well to be on pace here and today can be his day. (12) WORLD WINNERS MAN has been knocking on the door over his five appearances to date with his best being a 3rd at 1200M. He has been doing his best work late so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and the step up to 1600M can suit. (9) FUERTE stepped up to this trip at start number two on March 3rd and came form off the pace to run 2nd. She was ell beaten by a good winner but won’t need to improve much to be close again. (6) BLISS MARINE and (3) SEOBU CAPTAIN others to consider.
Selections
(1) Ilnyeom Sinhwa (12) World Winners Man (9) Fuerte (6) Bliss Marine
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Plenty of winning chances here. (4) SEUNGNI PARTY got her maiden in at this distance in January and has since run twice at this level for 3rd and 4th place finishes, most recently at 1400M on March 15th when leading for much of the way. The drop back in trip can suit and she should be leading again here and can go all the way. (9) SANGIM BOLT remains a maiden but got promoted to this class following back-to-back runner-up finishes. He showed on the speed on his first try at this class on March 1st ultimately finishing in 4th place ahead of a couple of today’s rivals and can be competitive again. (11) BREEDO WIZARD and (12) LAND BANK are similarly maidens, but both have already placed at this class and can be dangers. (1) MADE HEEMANG is the other logical place chance.
Selections
(4) Seungni Party (9) Sangim Bolt (11) Breedo Wizard (12) Land Bank
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 9, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
March wraps up with the first leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies in the shape of the Listed Luna Stakes over a mile at Busan. There are 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05 while in Seoul there are 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Baekduui Kkkum is among the fillies going for the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time and one of those four can go on top. (1) BLACK SPECTER took two goes to qualify but did so in style on February 22nd, settling handy and running on to cross the line in front in a decent time. He draws nicely and if he can bring that form to the races, he can win. The exposed form isn’t impressive with only (9) EUNPA PARTNER having pocketed any prize money. That came at his latest start on February 24th when a much-improved 3rd over 1200M. A repeat of that performance will see him closer in this company. It is very to make a case for any of the others. (2) SONE SONJABGO has raced just once, finishing 7th behind Eunpa Partner. She should have come on for that run and can improve. (11) SEMYEONG GHOST and (8) GEUMSEONG YEOJE could be other improvers but without much confidence.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) EUNPA JOY looks the one to beat here. That’s based on his last start effort when 2nd over 1300M having settled midfield and finished off well. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can go one better today. (4) STUNNING MONEY has finished in the top-five on five of six occasions with a 2nd and a 3rd in the mix over 1300M. He has been doing his best work late in his races so for him too, the additional half furlong can help, and he should be there or thereabouts again. (2) P N S NALA was 5th behind Eunpa Partner last time out but it was only his second start and he showed improvement from his first. He draws nicely again to be on pace, and he should get closer. (11) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE and (7) MARUBYEOL among other placing chances.
Selections
(1) Eunpa Joy (4) Stunning Money (2) P N S Nala (11) Heunghaeng Bulpae
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
2, 6, 9, 11
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) BEOLGYO FRANCHE has shown slow but steady improvement across four starts so far with his 5th place on March 3rd over this distance being his best. He also looked sharp when winning a trial prior to that and in this company, he shapes as the winner. (11) BURUI TONGCHI ran 3rd on debut last October but hasn’t raced since. He didn’t offer many clues when trialling up at the start of this month but if he can deliver a similar first-up run here, he won’t be far away. (10) DRIVING FORCE offered little in two outings around the turn of the year. She went back to trial at the end of February and looked much more competent running on pace and finishing in a good time. Expect improvement here. (1) GOLDMASK and (3) SWEET BEOMHAN others to consider for the minors.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) GEUMAK DIA is yet to win, having been promoted to this class with back-to-back 2nd places in his opening two runs. He has run fairly in two starts at this class, both over 1300M, finishing 5th and 6th with the margins not having been huge. The slight step back in trip can be in his favour and he has as good a chance as any here. (4) ARCH CLASS got his maiden win at this distance last September and has been gradually getting closer at this level, culminating in 2nd place last time out on February 18th. He draws well to be on the speed here and he has potential winning claims. (6) VELVETY returned from three months out to run fairly over 1400M on March 10th. She comes down in the weights and should strip fitter this time. (2) GANA POWER and (10) GEUMBIT GANGHO others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Geumak Dia (4) Arch Class (6) Velvety (2) Gana Power
Next Best
10, 9
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(12) BLACK FALCON has a 2nd and a 3rd among his last three starts most recently coming from well off the pace over 1200M. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem as he has a strong finish on him, and today can be his day. (1) WORLD MAID CAT was disappointing on his second outing last month but if we go on his January debut when he came from off the pace to run 2nd, he is worth another chance here and Moon Se-young climbs on. (2) ALICE MARINE was a significantly improved 2nd on March 1st racing handy and running on over this distance. She draws nicely again and can match or better that here. (8) HAERANG YOUNGUNG and (10) WE LIKE MONEY are others to consider for the places.
Selections
(12) Black Falcon (1) World Maid Cat (2) Alice Marine (8) Haerang Youngung
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (4) FIJI BLADE remains winless after ten attempts but has no fewer than eight top-five finishes. That includes her latest on February 24th when after settling at the back, she ran on for a close 3rd over 1200M. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights but that’s balanced by a much better gate, and she can make her breakthrough here. (7) DIANA and (6) TIZ MORNING both come up in class having registered their maiden wins on their respective third career starts, the former over 1200M and the later at this trip. They both like to race on pace, and both can measure up in this company. (2) ARCH RUNNER is another non-winner but has a 2nd and a 4th at this class and distance from her latest two and she should be close again. (1) LADY CODI another in the hunt.
For the next three-weeks, to try and coincide with the cherry blossom season, racing on Fridays and Saturdays moves to a late afternoon and evening schedule (Sundays will follow the normal daytime race times). It begins at Busan on Friday where there is an 8-race card from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews
Busan nights
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maiden fillies in the opener. (7) CHEONHAJIYU came from off the pace to run a good 2nd on debut over 1200M on February 22nd. She should have come on for that run, the additional half furlong can suit, and jockey Franco Da Silva can notch his 400th Korean winner here. Speaking of jockeys, “The Moon” is working Busan Friday! Seoul’s eight-time champion rider Moon Se-young is in town to ride in Sunday’s Luna Stakes and climbs up on (2) SUPREME QUEEN here. She has a 2nd place to her name at this distance two starts back and from a great draw, she should be on pace and in this a long way. (12) B.K. DOMINER enters off two 3rd place finishes, both at this distance. She drew wide in both of those and ran in well and should be a danger late again. (4) DREAMMA and (5) HYPER FORCE are others on the right trajectory.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) ONEULISUNGAN ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on January 21st, settling midfield and running on. He should have derived benefit from that experience, the step up in trip can suit, and he has every chance here. (1) BRUG KINGMAN race twice at the turn of the year, putting in a creditable 2nd and 4th at 1200M and 1400M, the latter rime leading into the closing stages. He comes in fresh following twelve weeks off and from the inside gate, he can go close. (9) BARADEON BADA was an on-pace 3rd over 1300M on February 16h. With not a huge amount of obvious early speed in this race, she should get an easy run towards the front again and can be competitive. (11) STORMY DAY and (4) GOOD KING MAN others with very solid placing claims.
Selections
(2) Oneulisungan (1) Brug Kingman (9) Baradeon Bada (11) Stormy Day
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 9, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) LEMON DRAGON was an improved 4th when stepped up to this distance for the first time on February 23rd, having settled midfield and run on well. That was just his third start so there can still be some more improvement to come and against this limited opposition, he can make the breakthrough. (1) CLOUD LOVE looks as though he is finally figuring it out and comes in off a best finish of 3rd – at start number eighteen – on March 3rd. That was over this distance, as were his two prior outings which both resulted in 4th place finishes. He is clearly in the form of his modest career and Seo Seung-un remains aboard. It’s not impossible. The form drops off after those two. Third favourite will be (2) NUNBUSINGIL. That’s based on his last start when only 6th but it was at this distance, and he beat a couple of today’s rivals. (10) CHEONGMAUI JILJU and (5) THE ONE may be potential improvers among an ordinary bunch.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
After running 3rd on debut, (5) RUBY STONE got her maiden win at the second time of asking on February 23rd, racing on pace throughout and winning comfortably in a good time over 1200M. She comes up in class here, but the manner of that win suggests that there can be more to come, and she will be a short-price favourite to win again. (8) GUKDAE HERO got his win in a quick race over 1300M back in December. He took a couple of goes to adjust to this class but ran a good 2nd over this distance on March 1st when settling midfield from a wide draw and running on. He comes up slightly in the weights but can aim for at least another runner-up finish here. (4) FLYING ACE got her maiden win over this trip in December and enters off a smart 3rd place over 1300M on March 3rd when she led for much of the way around. Moon Se-young climbs up and she draws nicely. (9) BRAVE CAPTAIN and (11) SANGIM STAR others in the hunt.
Sunday sees the start of the Queens Tour Spring & Summer Series with the Donga Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-Listed) for fillies and mares at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 18.00, plus 6 at Busan from 11.25 to 16.05. Here are the previews:
Can Wonderful Slew defeat Jeulgeounyeojeong in the Donga Ilbo? (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Two standouts in this maiden and their form is almost identical. (4) BEST WHIZ has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on January 7th when racing on pace. He comes in fresh after eleven weeks out and from a good draw, should be on the speed again and can win. (10) SPINNING BOOM has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on February 3rd when racing handy throughout. The draw isn’t ideal, but he has a strong finish and should be a big danger. (5) LOVE O MINE ran 3rd on debut in an all-filly maiden at this trip on January 27th, settling back but running on well. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can go well again. (3) BEAUTYWONDERFUL along with debut-maker (7) SONGDANGMANGCHI are others in the hunt.
Selections
(4) Best Whiz (10) Spinning Boom (5) Love O Mine (3) Beautywonderful
Next Best
7, 9
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (1) RAON THE CLIPPER here. After an inauspicious debut last September, he didn’t race again until January when, freshly gelded, he proceeded to post a 3rd and a 2nd, most recently on February 25th over this distance when racing on pace. He draws very well here and third-up this preparation, it should be his day. It isn’t a strong set of opponents. (11) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG is the only other one for whom a winning case can be made and that’s based on his last start 4th over 1300M when coming from well back. CC in the saddle is a plus. (2) MONEY TOUCH does have a 3rd place to his name and that is enough to get him into the numbers here. (7) SINUI BLUE and (9) HAKSAN DAESE other possibles for the minors.
Selections
(1) Raon The Clipper (11) Beautiful Hwaseong (2) Money Touch (7) Sinui Blue
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(12) BUSAN TODAY sounds like the title of a provincial newspaper, and she could make the headlines here. There was six months between her first start and her second start, that latter one coming on February 18th over 1200M when she showed on pace before finishing in 4th. She should strip fitter here and can overcome the wide draw. The main danger is drawn only one gate inside. (11) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST was 2nd on debut over 1000M last September and then followed up with a pair of 4th places, both over 1300M. He doesn’t need to lead so the draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he has a strong finish. (5) DREAM TREE is the solitary debut-maker, and this is a nice race to start off in. She came from off the pace to run 5th in her trial in a fair time and the 1300M may suit first up. (2) OAK RIDGE and (7) PUREUN YEOLJEONG other minor chances.
Selections
(12) Busan Today (11) Yeonggwanguifirst (5) Dream Tree (2) Oak Ridge
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) THE GIANT comes in off a much-improved 2nd place at start number five over 1300M when for the first time, he led, and only got narrowly taken down in the final strides. From a good draw, expect similar tactics today and while he is slightly up in trip, he can go one better. (4) BREEDO KING STAR is the main danger. He debuted fairly but without distinction last June and then didn’t reappear again until February 24th. Newly gelded, he made a positive return, finishing 3rd over this trip and he should strip fitter here and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he was sent off as the betting favourite. (8) TRES VITE is yet to finish in the top-three in eighteen starts but he has picked up plenty of minor money – seven times in 4th or 5th – and in this company, he can aim for a to-date best. (2) LONDON GOLD and (7) JECHUK ILHO are the other placing chances.
Selections
(5) The Giant (4) Breedo King Star (8) Tres Vite (2) London Gold
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) MORPHEUS will be a strong favourite here. He has mixed his form a little across his five outings but comes in off a strong 4th place over 1400M when overcoming a wide draw to lead for much of the way. The step up to a mile can suit, he comes into a better gate, and he may take some beating. (1) NANGMAN DAERO too dealt well with a wide draw when 4th over this distance on February 23rd. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but that’s balanced by the inside this time and he can go close. (7) UNJU LEGEND came from off the pace to run 3rd at a mile, also on February 23rd. She makes just her fourth start here and looks to have scope for more progress. (6) LUCKY HIT and (2) BABEL DREAMY are others in the placing hunt.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(11) GIANT M took a couple of goes to figure things out but he got his maiden win at the fourth time of asking over this distance on March 2nd when making all. He come sup in class here and has the challenge of the outside gate, but he looks to have more progress in him, and he has a chance here. (4) ACRO MARINE was a winner two starts back at 1300M before running 2nd over that same trip on his first try at this level on February 24th. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights as well as coming up slightly in trip but he should be equal to both challenges. (1) STORM GUY will need a line drawn through his latest when favourite at class and distance on February 24th bit fading badly late. His previous form was good though and Moon Se-young stays loyal so we shall too. (5) HANGANG GLORY and (10) MUJANG among other placing hopes.
Horse Racing in Korea 