Busan

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 16)

The short Lunar New Year break is over and racing returns to Koralea this weekend. The action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11.50 to 1800. Here are the previews:

Magic Hands: Masa Tanaka is back (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (1) RED JASPER has looked as though she is figuring things out at last with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, most recently at this distance on Christmas Eve when handy throughout and recording a time significantly quicker than any of the others here have managed. She draws nicely, You Hyun-myung is aboard, and today can be her day. The main danger is (6) CHIMING RUN. After a positive trial, she looked assured on debut on December 15th, running 2nd over 1200M when racing on pace. She has had a couple of months off since, but she should have come on for the experience and has every chance here. (3) BARADEON BADA has drawn wide and got a bit far back in both her two starts so far but she has hinted at ability and has a much better gate this time. (11) BORAM and (7) TWOTWO MONEYGUN the other placing chances.

Selections (1) Red Jasper (6) Chiming Run (3) Baradeon Bada (11) Boram
Next Best 7, 9
Fast Start 2, 4, 6, 12

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

Two standouts here. (3) LOLLY has shown steady improvement across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place when stepped up to a mile on January 14th, and closing from midfield with three of today’s rivals behind her. She should have derived benefit from that experience, and she can go one better today. She maintains a weight advantage over (8) LEMON DOKKI, who came home in 4th place in that January 14th race when ridden slightly further forward than in previous outings. He too looks to have further improvement in him and should go close here. Masa Tanaka returns to Busan this weekend and in (6) FLYING DIA, he rides a live chance. The filly has mixed her form across seven starts to date but comes in off a smart 3rd place over 1300M and the step up to a mile can suit. (1) ILNYEOM SINHWA and (5) CLOUD LOVE among others in the hunt.

Selections (3) Lolly (8) Lemon Dokki (6) Flying Dia (1) Ilnyeom Sinhwa
Next Best 5, 4
Fast Start 3, 4, 9, 10

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

(4) WILD SERVE ran a close 2nd on debut over 1200M on January 5th, settling midfield and running on well. She should have come on for that run, the step up to 1400M can suit, and with some natural improvement, she looks to be the one to beat. (7) POWER BANK wasn’t quite so impressive on his debut on January 14th, but he raced handy throughout and finished a fair 3rd. He too should have derived benefit from that and can be a danger here at what will probably be each-way odds. (1) DAESEUNGNIJA enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1300M. She has been doing her best work late and from a good draw, she can benefit from the slight step up in trip today. (6) SEOBU VISION and (11) GRAY BOSS others firmly in the hunt in a competitive maiden.

Selections (4) Wild Serve (7) Power Bank (1) Daeseungnija (6) Seobu Vision
Next Best 11, 2
Fast Start 1, 5, 7, 11

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

This is a competitive race. We’ll go with (4) OVER THE TRIPLE who, after getting a long way back on debut, was a front-running winner at start number two over this distance on January 12th. He comes up in class here but comes slightly down in the weights and draws a good gate. He can repeat. (10) SINCHEON FIRST was an emphatic winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back, before running a fair 3rd at 1300M on his first try at this class three weeks ago. He is another who likes to be on pace and while he has to contend with a wide draw, he should be in this a long way. (2) YEONYEIN ran 3rd on debut before winning at start number two over 1300M on January 19th when racing handy. His times haven’t been spectacular, but he carries a light weight here and can measure up in this company. (8) MONSTER DRAGON is up in class and distance having won on debut over 1200M and along with (12) WONDERFUL CUTIE – a maiden but placed at this class in both her latest two – is not without a chance here.

(more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 4)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:25 to 16:05). It’s the last racing in Korea until February 16th because of the Lunar New Year holiday next week. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (8) PINK GOLD is the pick and probable favourite. She showed on pace on debut over this distance on January 6th, ultimately coming home in 5th place. She should have come on for that run and this time can go all the way. (5) ROYAL PLUS has raced twice already, improving to 4th at the second time of asking. Her times have been slow but that seems to be a trend at the moment, and she shapes as the main danger. The exposed form drops off significantly after those two so it really is taking your pick as to who might improve. (7) HERO NARA wasn’t horrible on debut and along with (3) TAP DIA and (2) SEMYOUNG GHOST, the latter 6th on debut in a fair time, seem the most likely.

Selections(8) Pink Gold (5) Royal Plus (7) Hero Nara (3) Tap Dia
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

(7) YEONGGWANGUI WORLD will be one of the shorter priced favourites of the day. After running 6th on debut in November, he overcame gate eleven to race handy and finish 3rd in a good time over 1200M on New Year’s Eve. He comes into a better gate today, the additional half furlong can suit, and he should have too much. (8) EUNPA JOY has shown progress in his latest couple with a 5th and 4th, both at 1200M. He has the fastest final furlong among the field, and he can be a danger late on here. (10) FLYING COMMAND has a 3rd place to her name and while it was recorded two starts back in restricted filly-only company, it is enough to put her in the placing frame here. (11) LONDON BISANG and (5) LONDON GOLD are others to consider for the minors.

Selections(7) Yeonggwangui World (8) Eunpa Joy (10) Flying Command (11) London Bisang
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 7, 10, 12

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

(5) SPRIT FIGHTER has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently over this distance on January 12th when racing handy and running on. He can sit just behind the speed here and has as good a chance as any. (11) MIRACLE MARINE won a December trial before finishing 3rd over 1200M on debut on January 5th. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement he will be in the mix. (8) AWESOME SUNRISE has three top-five finishes from five starts so far, including his latest over this distance on January 7th. That was a monumentally slow race, but she had previously gone quicker over this distance and that’s enough to put her in the frame here. (10) HEUIMANG FLYING and (7) HI LEGEND others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Sprit Fighter (11) Miracle Marine (8) Awesome Sunrise (10) Heuimang Flying
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 11

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

(2) BAEDARI HYANGGI comes in off a 5th and a 4th from her latest two, over 1200M and 1300M, both times coming from well off the pace. She draws nicely here and as such, she may be ridden a little further forward than in those races, and stepped up to 1400M for the first time, she can win. (4) WONDERFUL SPIRIT has raced just three times and enters off her best so far when 3rd at 1200M. She has been doing her best work late on each time and she should relish the additional furlong that she has to play with today. (8) JECHUK ILHO is a bit more experienced. He was 3rd on his latest start, which came over this distance on January 7th when settling midfield and a similar performance should put him in the mix again. (10) STUNNING SERVE and (3) DAEMUL SOCKS other placing chances.

Selections(2) Baedari Hyanggi (4) Wonderful Spirit (8) Jechuk Ilho (10) Stunning Serve
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating with a runner-up finish over this distance on January 5th when handy throughout. She draws very nicely here and today could be her day. She’ll be disputing favourite status with (7) NONSTOP DUTY. She too has improved, in her case over the course of five starts, and her times have been superior. Most recently, she ran 3rd over 1200M on December 29th when she was on pace throughout, and she is sure to be a danger here. (4) UNJU TOP has a 3rd place over this distance to her nae and then ran 5th from a wide gate over 1200M last time out on New Year’s Eve. From a better draw, she can go close. (1) CHEONHA GEONGANG and (9) BROWN FALCON among others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (7) Nonstop Duty (4) Unju Top (1) Cheonha Geongang
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

(4) PURGE KING has five top-five finishes from seven starts so far, with his win coming at 1300M at class 6 level. He enters off a 4th place at class and distance in a fair time on January 13th when he settled midfield and ran on and in this company, he looks to be the one to beat. (5) GANGHAN NURI comes up in class after two runner-up finishes. The most recent of those was in one of the slowest 1300M races in history, but on a quicker track he had shown speed on debut. He is down in the weights and there is no reason he can’t measure up in this company. (12) MYEONGSEONG CHUKJE was a winner on debut and has since registered a 6th and a 5th at this class, both at 1300M in fair times. He has better early speed than most of these so despite the wide draw, he may well be on pace and in this a long way. (8) HEART K was a winner at this distance on January 7th and comes up in class and he, along with (7) SEMYEONG LADY, who has won at this class and distance, are others in the hunt.

(more…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(more…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(more…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(more…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(more…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(more…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(more…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(more…)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(more…)