Busan

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

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:30). Here are the previews:

Raon The Point (centre) won the Busan Ilbo Sprint in March and goes in Seoul’s Sunday feature (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden fillies in the opener. (8) KYLIE has been slowly figuring things out and comes in off her best finish to date when 3rd over this distance on June 30th. She races on pace or handy and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (7) FLYING LION has three 5th places to her name which is enough to put her in contention in this company. One of those was her most recent outing on June 15th when she raced a little more forward than usual and with CC climbing up, she should be aiming for a best finish so far here. So too should (2) HAKSAN DAESE. She has also finished no better than 5th but she draws nicely here and should have the beating of most. (10) CHALLANHAN NALGAE and the debut-maker (11) GANDAGO are perhaps the best of the rest of an uninspiring bunch.

Selections(8) Kylie (7) Flying Lion (2) Haksan Daese (10) Challanhan Nalgae
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 11

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

(7) DAEMYEONGJANG ran 2nd two starts back over 1200M before following up with a 4th place at this distance on June 22nd when going right back and running on. He has a runner-up finish to his name over this trip as well and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do, has every chance here. (5) GREEN CONCORD has been making progress lately and enters off two 4th places and most recently a 3rd over this distance on June 15th when coming from off the pace in a filly only maiden. She will probably settle back again here and will be challenging late. (6) MR. POWER used up plenty of energy to get on pace from a wide draw on his latest outing on June 16th before weakening but two starts back he came from off the pace for a smart 3rd and that’s enough to put him in contention here. (1) JURING SKY and (11) MODERN DANCE others in the frame.

Selections(7) Daemyeongjang (5) Green Concord (6) Mr. Power (1) Juring Sky
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

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

(10) BABEL DREAMY has six top-five finishes from her seven starts so far and enters here having run 3rd and 4th in her latest two, both over a mile and with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before and comes from off the pace so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she’ll be a warm favourite. (3) MUNMAK USANG and (1) SEONGSILCHAMPION came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other over 1400M on June 21st, both coming from off the pace and running on well and both may be ready for another crack at a mile. (9) SUPER KANEL is a twenty-four-race maiden, but his recent form reads relatively well, and this is the kind of company in which he can pick up some minor prize money. (7) ILNYEOM SINHWA is the other placing chance.

Selections(10) Babel Dreamy (3) Munmak Usang (1) Seongsilchampion (9) Super Kanel
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 11

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

(10) EAST QUALITY has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on his first try at this distance on June 15th when racing handy. He has the challenge of a wide draw, but should prove equal to it, and can win here. (11) BREEDO GIRL has had a wind op since her disappointing run when favourite on her third start back in April. She previously ran 2nd over this distance and while she may need this, she can be considered. (2) SINUI UNMYEONG raced on pace last time out over this distance on June 22nd, ultimately finishing 4th. He draws nicely to get forward again and can be in this a long way. (3) YONGBICHEON ran 5th behind East Quality last time out and along with (6) WHIZ LOVER is another to consider for the minors.

Selections(10) East Quality (11) Breedo Girl (2) Sinui Unmyeong (3) Yongbicheon
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (9) ARI DRAGON was a winner on debut over 1200M on June 28th when settling handy and running through the line well. She comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be a problem, Munro climbs on, and she can go two for two. (10) DAESEUNGNIJA is yet to score in ten tries but has plenty of near misses including last time out on June 21st when she led for most of the way around only to be ultimately passed by a good winner late on. She doesn’t need to lead, so the wide draw shouldn’t be a concern and while she comes up 2kg in the weights, she is the clear second favourite. (1) DAEHO NARA enters off a front-running 2nd place over 1400M at this class on June 23rd and from a great draw can be in the mix again. (3) MASTER ROAD and (6) AWESOME SUNRISE among plenty of others with placing claims.

Selections(9) Ari Dragon (10) Daeseungnija (1) Daeho Nara (3) Master Road
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

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

(7) AMAZING ROCK obliged when favourite to get her maiden win over 1700M on June 29th, leading all the way around. She comes up in class but down in the weights, and she can win again. She probably won’t be favourite though. That’s likely to be her fellow three-year-old filly (9) MYUNGJINBULLPAI who comes out of a spin around in the final leg of the Triple Tiara. That didn’t go well but it was at 2000M, and she comes back to a distance at which she has the fastest time among these and a level at which she has placed three times. She’ll be firmly in the mix. (3) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL was winner at this class over 1300M two starts back. She followed it up with a 3rd place at the same distance a month ago and is in the placing frame again here. (8) P N S CAR and (5) RAIN STAR others to consider.

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

It’s been a wet week in Korea as the monsoon season is in full flow and that could continue across the racing weekend. The action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:10 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener, with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (6) ARION TAEYANG is the only one in the field to have raced twice, running 4th on debut over 1000M at the end of May before finishing a very close 2nd at start number two on June 28th, racing on pace and finishing in a quick time. Third-up she can have the edge fitness-wise on these and she can go one better.  (5) JULGEOUN DONGHANG didn’t have the smoothest of trips on debut over 1000M on June 21st, but she overcame it to run on well for 3rd. She should have benefitted from the experience and the step up in trip can suit. (10) MORE AND MORE debuted in the June 21st race, running 4th just over a length behind Julgeoun Donghang. Franco climbs up and she too can improve. Among the debut makers, (2) SWORD WING and (9) SHACKLE SUN look to have the best chance of an immediate impact.

Selections(6) Arion Taeyang (5) Julgeoun Donghang (10) More And More (2) Sword Wing
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 11

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

Maidens (of any age) with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (8) WATER DRAGON looked green in his trial, but he still won it with dismissive ease in a decent time with minimal urging. If he brings that form to the races, he can win. (3) BACK TO THE LADY has raced twice, finishing 4th on debut on June 16th and then improving to 2nd at start number two on July 5th, both at this distance and in the latter, racing on pace. She makes a quick return here and from a good draw it can be a winning one. (6) RUN TO QUEEN enters off a smart 3rd place in a good time over this distance on June 28th when racing handy. She also has a 2nd to her name and will probably be the betting favourite. Among the debut-makers, (7) DONGNAM GANGTAJA won a trial last November but never made it to the races. He has been in consistent work since April and returned to trial again in July, running 2nd in a decent time. Seo Seung-un being engaged suggests hopes are high first-up. (5) WHO IS NEXT another first-timer to look out for.

Selections(8) Water Dragon (3) Back To The Lady (6) Run To Queen (7) Dongnam Gangtaja
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

Fillies only here. (11) RAON THE LEGEND has made progress across three starts so far with her latest being her best when 3rd over 1300M on June 26th. The slight step up in trip can be in her favour, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can win this. (8) WE LIKE MONEY was a very close 2nd two starts back over 1300M before running 5th on her first try at this distance on June 21st. She has a smart finish on her and can be a danger late on here. (2) NEW LEADER was an improved 4th at start number three over 1200M on July 5th when coming from midfield. She makes a quick return here and from a good gate and with Munro up, she can get closer again. (9) GOLDEN NICE has a 3rd and a couple of 4th places to her name and should appreciate the step up in trip. (10) LUCKY HIT, who beat Raon The Legend when 2nd last time out, is another to consider.

Selections(11) Raon The Legend (8) We Like Money (2) New Leader (9) Golden Nice
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

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

Strong race for the level with no fewer than four up in class following last start maiden wins. Not among them is (10) WONDERFUL BIDDER, who was a winner on debut over 1200M in May before running 3rd when favourite for his first try at this class and distance on June 21st. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem as he has demonstrated he has a strong finish, and he can win here. That will mean overturning the form on (7) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG, who ran 2nd in that June 21st race having settled behind the speed and then run on. That continued a consistent run of form, and he can be in the finish again. (2) KING DRAGON may be the best of those up in class having won at start number two over 1200M back in April. He hasn’t raced since but looks nicely in here from a good gate and with Franco up. (3) BIG MUSICAL STAR and (4) CHEONHA SARANG among others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Wonderful Bidder (7) Gwangyaeuihamsung (2) King Dragon (3) Big Musical Star
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 10, 11

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

The only juvenile in the race, (1) OASIS RED got his maiden win at start number two on June 28th, leading for most of the way around over a mile. He comes up in class and up to two turns, but his trainer has a track record of successfully sending youngsters around 1800M very early, and he can win again here. (4) YEONGGWANGUICLASS remains a maiden after thirteen attempts but has plenty of near-misses with six to-three finishes. That includes his latest three, all at this class and distance and beating a few of today’s rivals, and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, he should be finishing strongly here. (7) THEIA is a winner of just one from twenty but has been getting progressively closer in her latest few and she should be there or thereabouts again. Up in class pair of (11) GOAT KING IJI (beaten by Oasis Red last time) and (10) SUNCHEON YEOWANG may offer some each-way value.

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

Sunday sees 17 races across the country with 9 at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00 and 8 at Busan from 10:35 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

World Dragon (purple cup) was 2nd in the Derby – he runs Sunday at Busan (Pic: KRA)

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

It’s juvenile maiden fillies only in the opener. (9) ECHO CHAMP is among six of the nine coming racing for the first time. She was the best of these in trials, racing on pace and running home 4th in a quick time. If she can bring that form to the races, she can win. She is the first by her sire, Champ Line, who was also trained by Thomas Gillespie, to make the track. (4) OWNER CHAMP also impressed in her heat, coming from off the pace to run 2nd in a good time. She draws nicely and can be a danger. The three with prior experience all debuted in the same race on June 21st over this distance and it was (1) DOCTOR MEGA who came out the best of them, racing handy and finishing 5th. (3) FANTASTIC HIT was 7th in that race but had previously shown well in trials and can improve. (2) GREEN SHARPEY the best of the other first-timers.

Selections(9) Echo Champ (4) Owner Champ (1) Doctor Mega (3) Fantastic Hit
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

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

Competitive maiden. (1) JEONGSEONG VICE has a runner-up finish to his name and comes in off a close 3rd place over this distance on June 2nd when on pace throughout. He draws well here, Johan remains aboard, and he can make it ninth-time lucky. (2) HANGANG PERFECT was well fancied on debut over 1000M having previously shown well in a trial, but he got quite a long way back and only ran on for 6th. He should have derived benefit from the experience and the step up in trip can be in his favour. (3) CRAZY SHAH completes the top line of favourites with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M. She can be on pace here and in things a long way. The form drops off after those although (11) GROUPER also has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record and along with (10) GOLDEN JACKPOT, who looks the better of the two first-timers, can be considered for the minors.

Selections(1) Jeongseong Vice (2) Hangang Perfect (3) Crazy Shah (11) Grouper
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

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

(5) DREAMING BOY ran 3rd on debut over 1200M in May but put in a disappointing effort second up at 1300M on June 7th when awkwardly away and colliding with the adjacent horse and then seemingly getting caught in kickback. We’ll draw a line through that and with Munro climbing on, give him another chance. (7) UNJU GUY was a solid 2nd on debut over 1200M on June 16th, settling right back and working home well. He didn’t get anywhere near the very good-looking winner, but he should have come on for the run and the extended trip should surely suit and he will probably start the betting favourite. (6) PURUEN YEOLJEONG has perked up considerably in her latest two and may be a racehorse after all. She was on pace last time and in this company, should be again. (2) NEOM CITY and (4) SIMON STAR among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Dreaming Boy (7) Unju Guy (6) Puruen Yeoljeong (2) Neom City
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(1) COING made most of the running on debut over 1200M on June 16th only to be passed late but holding on for 2nd. He should have derived benefit from that experience and from a good draw, he can lead again, and this time go one better. (6) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE has finished no worse than 5th in any of his eight starts so far and beat three of today’s rivals on his way to a best so far runner-up finish over this distance on June 9th when settling midfield and running on. He shapes as the main danger here. Those two will make up everybody’s quinella such does the form drop off after them. (4) HERO CHAMP does have a couple of 3rd places on his record which despite recent form being poor, is enough to make him a money chance here. (2) SCALE KING and (7) GEUMSEONG YEOJE other minor contenders.

Selections(1) Coing (6) Heunghaeng Bulpae (4) Hero Champ (2) Scale King
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

This is a really nice-looking race for the level. (3) LEMON BULPAE has placed at this class and distance and has finished 4th in two starts back since returning from a four-month layoff. He carries his fair share of weight, but he draws nicely, he has the fastest time among these for the distance, and third-up, he can be peaking fitness-wise. (4) MORPHEUS was slightly disappointing last time out in early May but was later found to be slightly lame and to have cast a plate. He has won at a mile and placed at this class at 1200M and is a big danger. So too is (9) WONDERFUL FEVER. He is yet to win in five attempts but has never finished worse than 5th and placed twice at this distance at class 6 level. (2) QUEEN’S FLETAR and the up in class (6) POMPEII among plenty of others who can be in the mix.

Selections(3) Lemon Bulpae (4) Morpheus (9) Wonderful Fever (2) Queen’s Fletar
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

Decent race but it’s hard to go far past (1) BUGANGJILJU. He got his maiden win at start number two in March before stepping up to this class and distance on June 15th and almost leading from gate to wire, ultimately getting passed late on by a good winner. He comes up in the weights but that’s balanced by a good gate, and he can go all the way this time. Neither (5) EUREKA nor (9) DREAM SKY win out of turn, but both are ultra-experienced at this level, and both enter with their recent form reading well. The latter gets a nice weight drop with an apprentice climbing on, putting her back below the mark she won at over 1200M three starts back, and both can be competitive here.  (4) GANGHAN NURI and (7) SMART WORLD among others in the pacing frame.

Selections(1) Bugangjilju (5) Eureka (9) Dream Sky (4) Ganghan Nuri
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Eleven previously unraced juveniles debut here so we head for the trial videos. (10) BIG OWNER went through two trials (the second may not appear in all racecards because it was a voluntary trial) and in the second of them overcame a wide draw to race on pace in his heat and crossed the line 1st in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he will be dangerous. (1) NINETY PLUS came through the same trial, which was on June 22nd. He settled back but ran through the line well also in a good time. He draws nicely and can be considered. (5) EMPEROR qualified at the second time of asking and did it in fine front-running style. (7) LEMON TREE and (9) BEOLMAUI ANGEL among others who caught the eye among what looks a promising set of youngsters.

Selections(10) Big Owner (1) Ninety Plus (5) Emperor (7) Lemon Tree
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

Maidens with three of the eight racing for the first time. (8) CHEONHA GEONGANG did nothing in three starts across the turn of the year. She was spelled for four months, returning to training in early June and easily won a trial on June 29th leading most of the way and positing a quick time. She won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (5) HWANHUIUI MOON debuted without distinction last October and then had surgery to remove bone chips. For good measure he was gelded before returning to training and he looked very well when 2nd in a good time in a June trial. He can be on pace and can go well first-up.  (4) CHRIS MORE returned from almost five months out to run an improved 5th on June 21st. He should strip fitter here and can be closer. (1) GOTOTHEVALHALLA and debut-maker (6) DORAON SAMSON others in the mix.

Selections(8) Cheonha Geongang (5) Hwanhuiui Moon (4) Chris More (1) Gotothevalhalla
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

Having run 5th on debut last November, (3) BEOLMAUI ACE didn’t race again until June 2nd, but he looked in very good order, running 2nd over 1200M, coming from off the pace. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can go one better second-up today. (7) MISS CROW has got a long way back in both her outings to date but she ran on well for 4th place at start number two over 1200M on June 21st. She is another for who the step up in trip can be a benefit and third up she can be peaking fitness-wise. (10) FAT BOY has made good progress across his latest couple of outings (which came eight months after his first), with a solid 4th place at 1200M on June 28th when racing on pace. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but should be in the mix. (4) WHITE OIL and (8) FLYING ICE other place chances.

Selections(3) Beolmaui Ace (7) Miss Crow (10) Fat Boy (4) White Oil
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

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

(7) GLORY GANGSEO was a winner on debut over 1200M back on April 12th, settling midfield before improving and pulling away from the field in the closing stages. He’s had thirteen weeks off since and is up in class and slightly in trip, but he can win again. (3) CAPTAIN EVERYTHING has been working towards a second win, most recently scoring a runner-up finish over this distance in a quick race on June 23rd. He comes up slightly in the weights, but he draws nicely, Franco remains aboard, and he is a danger. (5) BREEDO PELL was well backed for his first try at this class over 1400M on June 7th but having led, weakened. He was later found to have a respiratory issue but with a clean bill of health and back at the distance he won over in May, he can be given another chance here. (8) GRAY BOSS and (4) TAURUS KING among others in the frame.

Selections(7) Glory Gangseo (3) Captain Everything (5) Breedo Pell (8) Gray Boss
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

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

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (8 races from 11:25 to 18:00) and Busan (9 races from 10:35 to 17:30). Here are the previews:

Gangpungma won the Sports Chosun Trophy and returns in Sunday’s Seoul feature (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) QUEEN OF DRAGON will be the hot favourite. Having put in two good trials she was well supported on debut over 1200M on April 19th and finished 2nd to the favourite, King Dragon. She has had eleven weeks off since then but should have come on for the run and from a good draw and against modest opposition, can win. (8) HAERANG JINJU has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both times racing handy. She shapes as a potential danger here. (5) GUKDAE MIRACLE has raced twice, finishing 3rd on both occasions in similar all-filly fields and should be there or thereabouts again. (9) SPECIAL MATE and (4) GREEN BULLDOZER others who can improve.

Selections(2) Queen Of Dragon (8) Haerang Jinju (5) Gukdae Miracle (9) Special Mate
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

(10) SEOBU CAPTAIN has done most of his recent work over a mile including a last start 4th place on June 7th that suggests he is coming into some form. His solitary place was a 3rd over this distance, and he has as good a chance as any in this competitive affair. (4) B.K. MARON comes in off a best to date 4th place on May 31st over this distance when overcoming gate eleven to work home very well. He gets a better draw here, Franco climbs on, and he can be aiming to get closer this time. That may mean overturning the form on (8) AMAZING MOVE, who ran 2nd in that May 31st race when handy throughout. Tanaka remains aboard and he can be in the mix again. (6) OAK RIDGE mixes his form but going on his 2nd place at 1300M two starts back has to be a live contender here. (11) RAON STROKE another in the hunt.

Selections(10) Seobu Captain (4) B.K. Maron (8) Amazing Move (6) Oak Ridge
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Tricky opener in the capital with not a huge amount of form to go on. (4) SERGEANT LIGHT perhaps has the most upside after back-to-back 5th places from his first two starts, both over this distance and in fair times. Both races were in probably tougher company than this and from a good draw, he can sit behind the early leaders and can prove too strong. (2) MAGIC SOUND has three consecutive 5th places from her latest three and while up in the weights, she draws well and in this modest company can be going better. Continuing on the theme of finishing 5th, that’s where (5) CAPTAIN MUSIC was on his debut on April 13th, having raced handy over this distance. He has had twelve weeks off since but should have derived benefit from the experience and can be in the mix here. Without a huge among of confidence, (6) YUSUBUJAENGSEON and (7) ARCH ROCKET are other possibles in a race that something has to win.

Selections(4) Sergeant Light (2) Magic Sound (5) Captain Music (6) Yusubujaengseon
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

(1) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH has been working his way back towards a second win and enters off a runner-up finish in a quick time over 1300M on June 7th when coming from well off the pace. He previously has a 2nd place at this distance too and with Masa climbing up, he can go one better today. (9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG is up in class having secured his maiden win at start number eight at 1300M on June 7th when leading all the way around. That was his first start since February, and he can strip fitter for it. Down in the weights, he is firmly in the hunt. (11) GUKDAE STAR was 3rd behind Yeonggwanguitouch in that June 7th race and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, can go close again. (3) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE and (10) HANEUL HAETSAL others in the minor money frame.

Selections(1) Yeonggwanguitouch (9) Haerang Youngung (11) Gukdae Star (3) Wonderful Cherokee
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

(8) YEONGUNG JARYONG ran 4th on debut in May before following up with a 2nd place at start number two over 1200M on June 8th, racing handy throughout. Moon Se-young stays up, he should be on pace, and it can be third time lucky. (4) HANGANG CAPTAIN did nothing in his first two starts but reappeared in May after four months out looking a much better prospect, winning a trial before running 5th and 2nd in two starts back with the latter coming over this distance on June 16th. In this company and from this gate, he can be expected to be on or close to the speed, and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness-wise. (2) WONDERFUL TECHNO was a promising 3rd on debut at this distance on June 9th, coming from off the pace, and should have derived benefit from the experience. (10) POSEIDON BLUE and (3) RAON THE KLAMMER among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(8) Yeongung Jaryong (4) Hangang Captain (2) Wonderful Techno (10) Poseidon Blue
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. British jockey Alan Munro, who previously registered 140 winners in a four-year stint at Seoul, returns to Korean action with five rides. Here are the previews:

Baekduui Kkum returns (Pic: KRA)

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

Juveniles in the opener with seven of the nine racing for the first time. (9) DANGDAE STAR has raced twice before, improving to 2nd at start number two over 1300M on June 14th. He has led on both appearances, the drop back in trip can suit, and his experience can win out. (4) WONDERFUL GROOM ran a solid 3rd on debut at this distance on May 31st, racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that run and can get closer this time. Plenty of decent trial showings among the debutants. (8) LIME TREE won her heat in good fashion, while (1) IT’S OK and (7) MAKE IT BETTER both looked assured and stopped the clock in quick times.

Selections(9) Dangdae Star (4) Wonderful Groom (8) Lime Tree (1) It’s Ok
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

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

(4) YONGBI PAEWANG almost led from gate to wire on debut over 1000M on May 31st, ultimately coming home in 2nd place. He should have derived benefit from that experience and while up in trip here, he draws well to be on pace and has every chance of going one better. (9) BACK TO THE LADY debuted fairly over this distance on June 14th, settling midfield and running into 4th. She previously won a trial and with some natural improvement, she shapes as a big danger here. (11) NAEPYEON has a 4th place to his name as well as, by some margin, the fastest time any of these have recorded at the distance. The wide draw shouldn’t matter, and he can be a threat. (1) NEW LEADER has been well-backed on both starts and disappointed both times, but an improvement shouldn’t be ruled out. (3) LUCKY ROAD has been back to trial since she last ran and should be a different prospect this time around.

Selections(4) Yongbi Paewang (9) Back To The Lady (11) Naepyeon (1) New Leader
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

(1) BEOLGYO FRANCHE has been working towards a maiden win and comes in following a very close 2nd place over 1400M on May 17th when overcoming a wide draw to get on pace. He comes unto a much better gate and today can be his day. (8) MOTHER WONDERFUL has a 3rd place to her name and enters off a smart 4th place over 1300M on June 14th when handy throughout. If the favourite comes unstuck, she seems best placed to take advantage. (2) JET SUN ran a much-improved 2nd at start number six over this distance on May 31st. In doing so she recorded the fastest time of any of these at the distance and she can be in the frame again. (11) DONGBU CHOEGANG and (4) SUPER KANEL are the other placing chances.

Selections(1) Beolgyo Franche (8) Mother Wonderful (2) Jet Sun (11) Dongbu Choegang
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. (3) SEUNGNI GITBAL remains a maiden and comes up in class here following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1400M, racing on pace both times. She comes down in the weights, she draws nicely, and she has as good a chance as any. (9) ALICE MARINE is similarly a maiden, in her case following twelve attempts and her recent form reads well. She stepped up to this class for the first time on June 9th and ran a close 4th in a time faster than any of the others here have achieved or the distance and she won’t need to find much from that to win here. (10) TRICKSTER was a somewhat unexpected maiden winner over 1200M on June 14th but while she comes up in class, there is little to fear here, and she can measure up. (8) HYPER FORCE and (1) SEOGWI STAR among others to consider for the places.

Selections(3) Seungni Gitbal (9) Alice Marine (10) Trickster (8) Hyper Force
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

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

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Owners’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 30)

The final Graded race of the first half of the year is the highlight of racing on Sunday with the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) being contested at Busan. There are 9 races at Busan from 10:35 to 17:30 and 8 at Seoul from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Tuhonui Banseok is among the Owners’ Cup contenders (Pic: KRA)

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

Unusually for a Sunday, we start at Busan and a maiden for fillies only opens proceedings. (4) NEOM CITY has shown steady progress across six starts to date, culmination in a runner-up finish over 1300M on May 26th in a very similar race to this. She can settle in midfield before running on to go one better this time. (10) DREAM TREE ran a fair 4th of twelve on debut over this distance back in March. She has had a further fourteen weeks off since, but she showed a nice late turn of foot that day and she can be a danger. (2) DAESUNG DOLPUNG enters off a to date best of 3rd at 1200M on June 16th. She makes a quick return here and from a nice draw should be in the mix. (8) GOLDMASK and (1) GREEN LEGEND are the other main contenders.

Selections(4) Neom City (10) Dream Tree (2) Daesung Dolpung (8) Goldmask
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 11

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

(7) CHARON TODAY will be a hot favourite here. A winner and two-time placer before a layoff, she returned from nine months away to run 5th over 1200M on June 14th when leading and running out of steam. She should strip fitter for that run, she should be on pace again, and this limited field may not be able to stop her. (8) MACH MAN will need a line drawn through his latest on May 25th but if we go on his class and distance 3rd two starts back then he is in placing contention here. (1) VALHALLA too was only ordinary on his most appearance in April. He was a good winner over 1200M in February and then proved competitive at this class in March when 5th over 1400M. CC climbs on and from the inside gate, he can be close. (11) TWO TWO LIME and (5) RAINBOW ROAD perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(7) Charon Today (8) Mach Man (1) Valhalla (11) Two Two Lime
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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

The capital opens with a maiden where five of the nine line up for the first time and one of those debut-makers, (3) DAESEONG STAR, will be the strong favourite. He came from off the pace to run 2nd in his trial in late May in a quick time. Moon Se-young is engaged and the two-year-old won’t need to find much on that trial to win this. Of the experience, (2) KYLIE is the best of a weak bunch. She hinted at figuring things out with an improved 5th place on June 1st over 1300M when racing on pace. She will be on speed here and can be close. It gets hard after that. (4) FLYING RED was much improved in a second trial and beat a couple of his fellow debut makers in the process, so that is enough for him to go into the numbers here. (5) GEUMSEONG POWER and (1) CANVASEN GO are experienced ones who may – and may is very much the operative word – improve.  

Selections(3) Daeseong Star (2) Kylie (4) Flying Red (5) Geumseong Power
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

Plenty of chances here. (11) COLUMBIA CHAMP come sin off a very close 2nd place over 1200M when coming off the pace from a similarly wide draw. She hasn’t gone well at the 1300M before, but she could be ready for another crack and third-up this preparation following four-months off, she can be peaking fitness-wise. (5) DRAGON PUNCH returns to action for the first time since February. She looked very well when 3rd in a quick trial last week and so long as she didn’t leave her race there, can go well first-up. (7) GONJOHARI got his maiden win at 1200M in April before finishing down the field on his first try at this class and distance on June 2nd. He comes into a better gate today and can be given another chance. (8) FANTASTIC DREAM and (3) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL among plenty of others in the money frame.

Selections(11) Columbia Champ (5) Dragon Punch (7) Gonjohari (8) Fantastic Dream
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

(4) LEGEND TAP is the one to beat. He enters off a 3rd place over this distance on June 15th when as is his style, he came from off the pace and ran on well. He draws nicely, Moon Se-young takes over in the saddle, and he will take some beating. (5) HIPPODROME has mixed his form across five starts so far but his last outing was a solid one when 4th over 1300M. He comes up to this distance for the first time and he shapes as the main danger. (11) GANGCHEOL JEONSA was an improved 4th at start number three over 1300M on May 19th and can continue to make progress in this company. (9) LONDON GOLD and (1) DAEMUL SOCKS other minor money chances.

Selections(4) Legend Tap (5) Hippodrome (11) Gangcheol Jeonsa (9) London Gold
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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