Busan

KRA Cup Classic Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 15)

The KRA Cup Classic headlines Sunday’s racing. The big race is the 8th on an 11-race card at Seoul that runs from 11.35 to 18.00. See here for full preview. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11.50 to 16:35. Here are all the previews:

Winner’s Man (Pic: KRA)

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

A small field of juvenile maidens and (8) LEGENDSUN will be hot favourite to score. He’s finished 4th and 3rd in his two starts to date, both over this trip and both times leading almost the entire way. He should get to the front again and will take some beating. (7) PERFECT TIARA raced twice in the summer and acquitted herself well, running 3rd and 4th, both over 1000M. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks off but looked well in a trial in early September. She can be a danger here. (5) NAEGILUI WINNER ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in July almost managing to lead the entire way. He only beat two home on his latest stat at this distance on September 16th but it was a quick race, and he won’t need to be much better to be much closer here. First time starter (3) MY KHAN, along with (6) CHEONMA BULPAE are others who may figure.

Selections(8) Legendsun (7) Perfect Tiara (5) Naegilui Winner (3) My Khan
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

More juvenile maidens and another probably hot favourite. (1) GEUMSE ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in August before being a close 4th over the same trip on September 16th. He led both races and from the inside gate, should do the same here and while he comes up in trip, this time he should win. (4) NICE TAEYANG will be second-favourite. That’s based on a much-improved 3rd place at start number three over 1000M on September 10th when he finished off very smartly. The step up in distance should suit and he can go close. (3) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG has already tackled this distance and did well coming 3rd in a decent time two starts back. He’ll be in this. (7) HERO CHAMP and (6) MISS FINAL the other placing chances.

Selections(1) Geumse (4) Nice Taeyang (3) Seongsil Yeongung (7) Hero Champ
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (11) SAHARAMOND, who came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 17th. He should have derived benefit from that run and with some natural improvement, shapes as the one to beat. (3) CHOEGANG TIME similarly debuted over 1000M on September 2nd and performed well, finishing 4th of eleven. He too came from off the pace and may appreciate the step up in trip here. A couple of the debut-makers won their trials. They include (4) PASALUBONG, who sat handy in his heat before running on well and recording a good time, as well as (8) RAON TAP PLAY, who did similar, albeit in a slightly slower time. Both can go well first up. (10) DRONE KILLER among a couple of other debut makers who caught the eye in trials.

Selections(11) Saharamond (3) Choegang Time (4) Pasalubong (8) Raon Tap Play
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

A small field of juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast. (5) BUGYEONG LION will be the warm favourite. The only one in the field to have raced three times already, he has two placings to his name including a last start 2nd over this distance on September 15th when leading until the shadow of the post. He should be just a bit too far ahead of these in terms of development and he should win. (1) ROAD TO TOP was an improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M in August, running on well. The step up in trip should suit and he can be a danger. (6) SPRIT FIGHTER has raced fairly in his two appearances so far. In this company expect him to be on pace or handy and to be in this a long way. (2) CHRYSOL SIERRA and (8) GEUMA PRECEDE are others in the frame.

Selections(5) Bugyeong Lion (1) Road To Top (6) Sprit Fighter (2) Chrysol Sierra
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4:  Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) TRAUM KING got his maiden win at start number two over 1200M in early August before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on September 2nd, racing handy throughout and posting a good time. He draws nicely to be prominent again, and this time he can win. The main danger is (6) FLYING CARAVANE. A winner on debut over 1000M in July, he followed up with a very close 3rd place over 1200M at this class on September 3rd. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but the additional half furlong can suit, and he has every chance. (2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG is yet to win but comes up in class following too many near-misses. She is nicely weighted and while she doesn’t necessarily look a winning chance, she can place. (7) DREAM PLAY and (11) MEOTJIN GANGHO others in the frame. 

Selections(3) Traum King (6) Flying Caravane (2) Haengbok Yeowang (7) Dream Play
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) SSING GA will be favourite, coming in off a narrow loss when 2nd over this distance on September 8th. She draws well to get to the lead again and she may prove hard to get past. (5) SKY MORNING raced once last year and then twice this spring, all without distinction. She hasn’t run since May, but she did look very well when practically making all in a trial last Saturday, stopping the clock in a good time. If she can bring that form to the races – and so long as she didn’t leave her race in that trial – she can be in the mix here. (6) KICK’N RUSH is a nineteen-race maiden and while her recent form is unspectacular, this is the kind of race she can pick up a cheque in. (8) MACH TURBO and solitary debut-maker (7) EUNSEONG YEOWANG are others to consider for the minors.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 13)

It’s KRA Cup Classic weekend. The big race, set to include Korea Cup 3rd place-getter Winner’s Man and big rival Tuhonui Banseok, will take place over the 2000M at Seoul on Sunday. Before that, the weekend’s action gets under way with a 9-race Friday card at Busan running from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden juvenile fillies here with six of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (6) BROWN FALCON overcame a slow start to run on for 5th in a decent time on debut over 1000M on September 15th. She should have come on for the run and the step up in trip can suit. (10) HUIMANG CANDY similarly started slowly on debut on September 1st before running on well for 5th place in a good time. She too can benefit from the run and can get closer this time. Of the first-time starters, (7) LOLLY was a close 2nd in her trial having raced handy throughout. (4) DOCTOR ERICA also hinted at ability, crossing the line 4th out of ten and can go well first up. (12) B.K. ZENA is the only one in the field to have raced twice already and the only one to have tackled this distance. She can improve here.

Selections(6) Brown Falcon (10) Huimang Candy (7) Lolly (4) Doctor Erica
Next Best12, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 12

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

A small but competitive field. (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND gets the tentative nod with a 2nd and a 3rd among his latest three starts with the placings coming at this distance. He has posted some good times and from a nice draw he can sit handy and could prove too strong. (4) CHARMING BEST improved at his latest outing on September 15th when running on from midfield for 4th in a good time. In this company, he can be on pace and should be in this a long way. (6) PERFECT ACTION similarly improved last time out at start number three, overcoming a slow start to run on for 2nd place over this distance.  She was a full eleven-lengths behind a good winner but should have a say in the finish here. (5) ALICE MARINE and (3) SEOBU TWIST, the latter coming back six months after her debut and trialling up well, are others to consider.

Selections(2) Jeongmun Legend (4) Charming Best (6) Perfect Action (5) Alice Marine
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) GREAT BOY has a 5th and a 4th in two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M, both times settling well back and finishing strongly. The further step up in trip can suit and it can be third-time lucky for the colt, who is out of a mare who won both the Korean Derby and Korean Oaks. The main danger is (2) ACE RUN. He enters off his equal best performance to date when 3rd over 1300M on September 15th. He will settle behind the speed here and can be running on late. (6) MOST RAPID has a 3rd place to his name and that’s enough to put him in contention for at least the minors here. (1) CONCORD PARK and (7) WONDERFUL IMPACT are the others with outside chances of a place.

Selections(5) Great Boy (2) Ace Run (6) Most Rapid (1) Concord Park
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) POCKET MILLION will be one of the shorter priced favourites of the day. She’s steadily improved across three very positive starts so far, culminating in a close 2nd place over this distance on September 17th when she led for much of the way around. She will be expected to lead again here, and this time, she can go all the way. (6) CAPTAIN CHARLIE has got a bit far back in all his races so far, but he did run on pleasingly enough for 4th last time out over 1200M. Coming back up to 1300M may suit today. (3) FANTASTIC DREAM will need to be forgiven his latest effort when he was never involved from the widest gate. He gets a better draw today and going on his 2nd lace two starts back, warrants consideration. (2) CHOICE ROAD and (1) CHOEGANG WEEK others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(5) Pocket Million (6) Captain Charlie (3) Fantastic Dream (2) Choice Road
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

This isn’t a strong race for the level and that means tat the up in class (11) MADE HEEMANG has every chance of going back-to-back. He scored his maiden win at start number three over 1200M on September 10th when racing handy. He may need a touch of luck from the widest gate but there isn’t much to fear in this field. (7) RICH COWBOY was the longest shot on the board when beating a couple of these on her way to 2nd place at this class and distance on September 15th when coming from well off the pace. She warrants a little more respect this time. (5) DONGNAM WINNER has been a little wobbly in his latest two, but he is a winner over this trip and is worth another chance in this company (4) MASARANGGIL and (9) SKY SHOT are others in the hunt.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 8)

The viral superstar Lala K returns to the track as the Juvenile Series kicks off with the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon (live on the KRBC International YouTube channel). Busan also hosts its opening leg of the Juvenile Series with the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes. See here fore a preview of both races. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00, Here is the race-by-race:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all but one having raced before. (4) HERE I AM will start the hot favourite having improved to 2nd place in a quick time at start number two on September 3rd when racing handy throughout. He draws well here and should prove too strong. (10) HWASANGWIHWA similarly improved last time out at what for him was start three in which he raced around in 2nd position all the way. The time was good, and a repeat will put him in the finish again. (9) SMART CLAIR has run fairly across three starts so far. She has been a touch one-paced but if he can settle midfield, he should pass a few late to take some money. (7) BAEDARI HYANGGI and (5) SMART CAT others in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Here I Am (10) Hwasangwihwa (9) Smart Clair (7) Baedari Hyanggi
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Two standouts here. (10) GRAND SILVER gets the nod with steady improvement in recent outings culminating in a runner-up finish at this distance on September 10th when handy all the way. He won’t need to improve much here to win this. (1) HEUIMANGUI CHANGA came from off the pace to run an improved 3rd over 1300M on September 17th. He has looked like he may appreciate a touch further and today he gets the chance to show it and is the main danger. (7) HEY MAMA beat Grand Silver two starts back and then beat three of the others who go here when repeating that finish on September 2nd over this distance. She’ll be on pace here and should be there or thereabouts again. (11) GEOMOON and (2) SANGIM DAEPYO among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Grand Silver (1) Heuimangui Changa (7) Hey Mama (11) Geomoon
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast with all but two having raced before and it’s a tricky puzzle. As a result, we’ll take a chance on the solitary first timer. That’s (2) WORLD DRAGON who looked good when making all to cross the line first by a big margin in a decent time in a late-August trial. He draws nicely to lead on debut and can put in a bold first up showing. (7) BLACK SPRING ran 2nd in a quick time over 1000M on debut in July before finishing last in the Rookie Stakes on August 27th. His time wasn’t bad though and coming back into more amenable company, he can be given another chance. (3) BEOLMAUI MONSTER came from off the pace to run 2nd over 1000M on debut on September 1st. He was well beaten by a good winner, but he should have benefitted from the experience and the extra furlong can suit. (9) STRIDING MAN and (5) MACH MAN among plenty of others with the possibility of improvement.

Selections(2) World Dragon (7) Black Spring (3) Beolmaui Monster (9) Striding Man
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Having won a trial, (4) BRAVO PLAY was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on August 19th. He raced handy throughout, briefly touching the front in the straight but ultimately finished a close 3rd. He should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, he looks the one to beat here. Both (5) GEOLJAK ONE and (2) MAGIC STRONG had poor days at the office when they came home 8th and 9th respectively when racing one another over this distance on August 27th. Both had shown ability prior, especially Geoljak One, who has a 2nd and a 3rd among four starts and the pair look to be the biggest dangers here. (6) STORM GUY did nothing on debut but has since been back to trial and looked well so could improve. (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI another in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Bravo Play (5) Geoljak One (2) Magic Strong (6) Storm Guy
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) GOOD DADDY was unfancied on debut over 1200M and having come out of the widest gate, it looked as though that pessimism was justified as he sat at the back of the twelve-runner field and did little. Then came the closing stages where he made up excellent ground and finished 5th. He should improve for the run and the early step up to a mile could be very much in his favour in this very weak maiden. (4) COLONEL FLYING ran 2nd in August and then beat plenty of these when 3rd over 1400M on September 10th. We’ll need to draw a line through his latest on September 24th, but his prior form was superior to the rest here and he can be given another chance. He’s not alone in needing forgiveness for his most recent outing. (2) SINHAN GAMBLE was well back in the same race but his 5th at the start before is enough to make him a money chance here. Likewise (7) ROCKS and (8) TOMYRIS have had minor money finishes and could repeat.

Selections(3) Good Daddy (4) Colonel Flying (2) Sinhan Gamble (7) Rocks
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (4) V QUEEN enters with recent form reading well with a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently at class and distance on September 10th when she settled right back and ran on well. She draws nicely here, she remains lightly weighted, and she has as good a chance as any. She has though won just one from thirty-three. (1) MR QUALITY may be yet to win at all, but he has proved competitive at this class in his latest two. He likes to get on pace and from a good draw he can lead and be in this a long way. (6) FINE DAY is another maiden but comes up in class here after too many near-misses at class 6. She comes down in weight and should be prominent here. (2) GEOSEN CHAMP and (8) BEST SUNSHINE among other placing chances.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 6)

After a one-week hiatus, racing returns this weekend with 4-day program beginning on Friday and concluding with a rare Monday meeting at Seoul for the Hangeul Day holiday. The action starts at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Racing returns with twelve juveniles all racing for the first time so we must head to the trial videos. (8) UNJU TOP posted the fastest time, finishing 2nd in his heat when on pace and asked for an effort before being allowed to coast in the final stages. A similar effort will see him in the mix. (5) OUR DESTINY is the only trial winner. He was ridden hard to get to the lead and he remained there throughout, stopping the clock in a good time. Expect him to be on the speed here and he has every chance of going all the way. (12) SEKWANG CHOEGANG came from off the pace to finish 2nd in her hear in a fair time. That run suggests the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can challenge here. (11) I AM LEGEND and (2) GOOD KING MAN others who caught the eye in their respective heats and who can be considered for bold showings.

Selections(8) Unju Top (5) Our Destiny (12) Sekwang Choegang (11) I Am Legend
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. Having won her trial, (9) TEAM PERFECT was sent off as favourite over 1000M on debut on September 1st. She raced close to the pace throughout but had to settle for 3rd place behind a good winner. She should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, can win here. (11) ACE GOOD JOB was a much-improved 2nd at start number six on September 8th when coming off the pace and running a close 2nd in a good time. A similar performance here can see her in the finish. (1) MAGIC ELEVEN has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She draws nicely to sit on or close to the speed and can go close again. The presence of Seo Seung-un aboard (6) RED JASPER will tempt plenty and she has shown improvement over a stop start career to date. (4) B. K. WARRIOR another in the frame to get better.

Selections(9) Team Perfect (11) Ace Good Job (1) Magic Eleven (6) Red Jasper
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A very modest maiden so it’s probably worth giving another chance to (3) KING FIGHTER. He’s been on pace in each of his three starts to date and was sent off as favourite last time out, leading again before ultimately ending in 5th. An apprentice brings his weight down and well-drawn to lead again, he has as good a chance as any here. (6) GLORY CROWN was overmatched in the Rookie Stakes last time out but comes into much shallower waters here and can go close. His debut 3rd place over 1000M in a decent time suggests he has some ability.  (4) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH comes in off back-to-back 4th places at 1300M. He’s the only one in the field to have a runner-up finish to his name and he should be there or thereabouts again. (8) DREAM BIGGER and (5) WONDERFUL ONE are others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) King Fighter (6) Glory Crown (4) Yeonggwanguitouch (8) Dream Bigger
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(8) HANEUL BULPAE enters off a 2nd place over this distance on September 3rd when he led until the middle of the home straight, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He comes in under the same weight, Seo Seung-un remains aboard, and he will be favoured to go one better here. (9) HAEUNDAE STAR similarly comes in with form in his favour having beaten three of these when 3rd at 1300M on September 1st. That was his first start in ten-months; he should strip fitter for the run, and he is the main danger here. (3) PINHOLE EYE ran a solid 3rd over a mile last time out. He has had just over three months off since then so comes in fresh and can be a place chance. (5) DOCTOR LEO and (7) WIN STING others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(8) Haneul Bulpae (9) Haeundae Star (3) Pinhole Eye (5) Doctor Leo
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

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

(7) MOTHER ROAD was a smart winner over the minimum distance on debut in July despite racing wide an ungenerously before showing a real turn of foot late on. She than ran 5th in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August. She skips the first leg of the Juvenile Series on Sunday in order to go here and she should be favourite. (2) GLOBAL TAEYANG ran 2nd to Mother Road on debut, beaten five-lengths, but then got a maiden win of her own at start number two on August 27th when sweeping home from a wide draw and from off the pace over 1200M. She comes up in class here, but the additional furlong can suit, and she comes into a better gate. The additional trip may also be a good for (1) FOR THE GOODTIME. A winner on debut, he came from well back to run 4th on his first try at this class over 1200M in July. He races for the first time since but warrants consideration. (9) PEGACORN and (8) CORNER ONE the other logical placing chances.

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Jeju Governor’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 24)

The Queens’ Tour is back for the opening leg of its Fall & Winter series as the Jeju Governor’s Cup comes to Seoul on Sunday afternoon. The race will pick the three-year-old Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong against older fillies and mares, including Raon First and Raon The Spurt. See here for a full preview of the big race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong will return to the scene of her Triple Tiara final leg win (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with four of the ten racing for the first time. We’ll side with the only one who has raced twice before, (6) GOLDEN DRAGON. Having run 6th on debut, he was an improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on August 19th, when settling midfield and running on. He won’t need to improve much to win this. (8) CHADOL DIA was a close 2nd when racing on pace on her August debut over 1000M. She should be on the speed again here and strip fitter for the run. Among the first timers, the clear pick is (2) MEGA DRAGON. He first trialled in April but didn’t make it to the races, but he looked very good in another hear on September 8th, settling back and then working through the line well in a good time. The 1200M should suit first-up and a bold showing is likely. (1) VICAR NAREUMA hinted at ability in his trial and along with (3) EUNPA PARTNER, rates as a place chance.

Selections(6) Golden Dragon (8) Chadol Dia (2) Mega Dragon (1) Vicar Nareuma
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens and (1) USEUNG CONCORD will be a warm favourite here. After a positive trial, he ran 3rd on debut on August 26th, having raced handy throughout. He should strip fitter for that, and the additional furlong can suit. (2) SEIRENE has raced twice, improving to 2nd in the latest of them on August 20th when settling back and running on. The time wasn’t quick, but she should have benefitted from the 1200M experience, and she shapes as the main danger. (11) BLOOD MOUNTAIN and (4) THUNDER YEOGEOL both ran 6th on their respective debuts, the former behind Useung Concord. Both can get closer today. There are three debut makers among whom (9) STAR TREK looks best placed to make an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Useung Concord (2) Seirene (11) Blood Mountain (4) Thunder Yeogeol
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

August’s Rookie Stakes was too much too soon for (6) CHEONHAENGCHAT, but he returns to shallower waters today with solid claims. That’s based on his runner-up finish two starts back over this distance when close to the pace throughout and a similar performance in this company can see him home on top. (2) SEOUL DOLPUNG looks the main danger. After an indifferent debut, he has run 3rd and 4th in two subsequent appearances at this distance and at 1000M both times settling back and running on. He can continue to make progress here. Solitary debut-maker (8) GROUPER looked well in a trial back in June. It’s three months later but in this modest company he has to be given a chance first-up. (9) YONGBICHEON beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place at this distance on August 26th and can go close again. (12) MENI WIN another in the hunt.  

Selections(6) Cheonhaengchat (2) Seoul Dolpung (8) Grouper (9) Yongbicheon
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 11, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (8) WORLD FIRST CAT ran 3rd on debut over 1000M in July and then 2nd on her first try at this distance on August 20th when settling midfield and running on and only going down by a narrow margin. She should be on or close to the pace today and she can exit class 3 with a win. (9) GANGSEO BULPAE was sent off as favourite on debut having won a trial and while she was beaten into 2nd place, she ran well, leading for much of the way around. She should have derived benefit from that experience and is the main danger here. Those two in either order will fill out most quinellas. (7) TOMYRIS put in an improved performance over 1400M last time out and looks the best of the rest, while (3) THE BIG SHOT and (4) SANGIM STAR are other potential improvers.

Selections(8) World First Cat (9) Gangseo Bulpae (7) Tomyris (3) The Big Shot
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(7) GEOMUI JEONSEOL enters off a solid 3rd place at this distance on August 27th when ridden handy throughout. In the process he recorded the quickest time any of these have managed for the distance and in this modest company, he can make his breakthrough. (10) HAPPY PLAY beat a couple of these, including Geomui Jeonseol, on her way to 3rd place over this distance last time out. That was all the way back in June so she comes in following a thirteen-week layoff, but she can be a danger. (8) POWER ETCHED registered his best finish to date when 2nd at 1400M on September 2nd and a repeat of that performance would put him very much in the mix today. (3) SWITCH SONG and (6) QUEEN TOP the best of a limited rest.

Selections(7) Geomui Jeonseol (10) Happy Play (8) Power Etched (3) Switch Song
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) THE BEST EVER comes in after a 2nd and a 3rd in his latest two, both at 1400M. He comes up to the mile for the first time, he draws well, and he can come out on top today. (11) GRAY BOSS ran 4th to The Best Ever’s 3rd when they raced each other at 1400M on August 27th coming out of the same wide gate that he draws today. He settled right back but showed a nice turn of foot at the end – he has by far the fastest final furlong average time of all of these – and the additional furlong here could well be in his favour. (1) COLONEL FLYING enters in consistent form with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two. He is another with a strong finish who should be challenging late. (4) SHINE MONSTER and (9) I’M KING IJI among others with at least placing chances.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 22)

Next week will see the annual Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) break so that means this week there are a lot of races. The action begins at Busan on Friday with a 10-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. The three that have raced once before all showed ability though and they’re going on top. (3) GEUMA DISTINCTION is the pick having showed well in trials and then finished 3rd on debut over 1000M on August 13th, settling midfield and stopping the clock in a quick time despite being a long way behind a good winner. The additional furlong can suit, and he’ll take some beating. (11) STRIKE ZONE similarly came from off the pace and ran 4th on debut in a quick time over 1000M. He too should appreciate the step up in trip and while he has the challenge of a wide draw, can be a danger. (6) NONSTOP DUTY debuted at this trip and warrants consideration after a solid 4th place in a decent time. Of he debut-makers, (10) RUNNING TREE is the pick having led for much of the way in his trial and finishing 2nd in a fast time. (7) GUKDAE HERO another who caught the eye in his heat.

Selections(3) Geuma Distinction (11) Strike Zone (6) Nonstop Duty (10) Running Tree
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 10

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

A regular maiden with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (1) RISE THE THRONE has raced twice, improving to 2nd at his latest on August 27th when handy throughout over this trip. He draws nicely to be on pace again and he could go all the way. (11) HWANGGEUMSEONG won a trial and then finished an on-pace 2nd on debut over 1000M on August 13th (beating Geuma Distinction from race 1). The only concern is the wide draw, but he shapes as a possible favourite here. (2) PURE DANCE has a 5th and a 4th from two starts so far and can continue on the right trajectory here from a better gate. (8) STORMING MAGIC and (6) DIA GRIT look potentially the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Rise The Throne (11) Hwanggeumseong (2) Pure Dance (8) Storming Magic
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 11

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

Another standard maiden and while they may need some luck at the start, the two drawn widest could be disputing it. (12) FANTASTIC DREAM was a much-improved 2nd at start number two on September 1st over 1200M. The wide daw shouldn’t be an issue, and the additional half furlong can be in his favour. (11) SUCCESS FLYING debuted in January, finishing midfield but didn’t race again until August 20th. Newly gelded, he showed on pace over 1400M only weakening to 5th late on. He should strip fitter for the run and can go close here. (6) BATTLE CRY ran a fair 6th of twelve on debut with the margins not huge and he can be considered for improvement. (8) DOCTOR LICA and (2) YONGBI STAR among plenty of others with minor money chances.

Selections(12) Fantastic Dream (11) Success Flying (6) Battle Cry (8) Doctor Lica
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start3, 8, 11, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) CHARON TODAY did nothing on debut last year but returned nine months later to make all at class 6 level in July over 1200M. She stayed at that distance for her first go at this level and ran 2nd to Jeongmun Specter on September 1st. She doesn’t face anything like that calibre of opposition today and she should win. (11) DAMOA was a gutsy winner at start two on August 20th coming from behind the speed to score in a good time at 1200M. She is up in class here and has the challenge of the widest gate, but she has a nice light weight, and she can measure up at what will probably be an each-way price. (9) WAITING FOR YOU has just the one win in fourteen starts but it was at this class, and she rarely runs a bad race. She should be in the mix again. (4) ROAD TO THUNDER and (1) SAMBA STEP others in the placing hunt.

Selections(6) Charon Today (11) Damoa (9) Waiting For You (4) Road To Thunder
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to go past (5) HANGANG CLASS here. So, we won’t. The favourite was a winner on debut over 1000M in July before running a good 4th on his first try at this class and distance on August 27th when close to the pace throughout. That day’s time was significantly quicker than anything else here has recorded for the distance and from a good draw, he will take some beating. (11) NUMBERONEPICK was a good winner at start number two over this distance on September 1st. He overcame the same gate eleven that day and he should measure up at this class. (4) BEOMHAN GOLD is yet to win in three attempts but comes up in class after back-to-back runner-up finishes, both behind decent winners. He’ll be on or close to the speed here and isn’t to be dismissed. (6) AMUR and (2) MAGIC SWEETIE others to keep safe.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 17)

There are Sunday cards at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6) races from 11:50 to 16:35). The highlight is the Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy at Seoul over 1800M, which features several of the capital’s better three-year-olds taking on older horses. Here are the previews:

It’s unlikely any of the Ilgan Sports Trophy contenders will complete the 1800M as quick as Crown Pride did last week (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with seven of the ten racing for the first time. We’ll put experience on top though and (4) GEOLJAK SKY, who debuted on August 12th, running 4th of eleven over 1000M (that race’s winner, Blue Lemon is scheduled to have been in action on Saturday). She should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, is the one to beat. (2) RAON TIMOTH won his trial in good order settling handy and going clear, beating a couple of today’s rivals in a fair time. He’ll probably start as favourite. (9) SAHARAMOND trialled up 2nd behind Raon Timoth, two-and-a-half lengths in arrears but showed enough to suggest he can go well first-up. (3) MIGHTY CAP was just a neck behind in 4th and she too can be considered. Returning to the experienced ones, (5) ILINX has raced twice, improving in his second outing, and can continue to make progress here.

Selections(4) Geoljak Sky (2) Raon Timoth (9) Sharamond (3) Mighty Cap
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

Maiden fillies and a couple of standouts. (4) HAENGBOK YEOWANG has raced eleven times without breaking through but enters with her recent form reading well including a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance. Her times haven’t been quick, but she might not need to be too quick here and from a good gate, can sit off the speed and then grind away in the straight. The main danger is (10) ARCH CLASS. She has raced just twice, improving to 2nd in the most recent on August 26th when handy throughout. She may have more potential for improvement than Haengbok Yeowang and while she has to contend with the wide draw, can go one better. (2) RAON SPIKE raced twice last year, finishing 3rd on debut. She returns here after forty-nine weeks out, but trialled fairly last month and this is a nice first-up assignment. (1) YEJIMONG and (9) MO CHUISLE others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Haengbok Yeowang (10) Arch Class (2) Raon Spike (1) Yejimong
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) HAENGUN BARAM has hinted at ability across five starts to date. Her best was a runner-up finished back in April, but she comes in following a useful 4th place at 1300M on August 27th when, as is her style, she went right back, before running on. The step up to 1400M can suit, and she has as good a chance as any here. (2) SAVANA CHARLIE is the main danger. He is yet to finish in the top-two but has been in the top-five on nine out of ten starts (including a remarkable seven 4th place finishes). From a good draw, he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) SAEROUN BITKKAL beat Savana Charlie as the pair ran 2nd and (where else?) 4th at this distance on August 20th. He can go close again. (6) FIRST CHOUX and (7) HEART SIGNAL others in the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Haengun Baram (2) Savana Charlie (8) Saeroun Bitkkal (6) First Choux
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(9) WITH STAR comes in having run 3rd and 4th in her latest two at 1400M and a mile, beating a few of these in the process. She can settle behind the speed here and should prove too strong at the business end of the race. (4) WISE BOY returns to action for the first time since March. He has a runner-up finish to his name over this distance and looked well when leading an August trial, ultimately finishing 2nd in a quick time. He will need this but can be close first-up. (8) FLYING AARON was 6th to With Star’s 4th when they raced one another at a mile on August 25th. Franco climbs on here and he can go closer. (3) LUCKY BRAND and (2) AQUARIUS are among plenty of others with minor money claims.

Selections(9) With Star (4) Wise Boy (8) Flying Aaron (3) Lucky Brand
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) THEME TANSAENG has steadily improved across six starts so far culminating in a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two over 1200M and 1400M. In those two, he has raced on or close to the pace and similar tactics can be expected here. He is the one to beat. (11) BANFF has shown promise across five starts so far with the best being a runner-up finish over 1200M in March. He has consistently posted good times at the shorter distance and has a smart finish on him so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can challenge late. (1) BRIGHT WINNER has two 4th places among four outings. She draws nicely here and will probably be on the early pace with prospects to stay in it a long way. (4) GREEN BULPAE and (10) GEOMOON among others with placing chances.

Selections(5) Theme Tansaeng (11) Banff (1) Bright Winner (4) Green Bulpae
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Fillies only in this maiden and it’s hard to go past (1) POCKET MILLION. She ran 4th on debut in July over 1000M and then followed up by beating some of these on her way to 3rd place over 1200M on August 20th. She raced on pace both times so draws very nicely to get the lead again and she will take some beating. (9) QUEEN AND SERVE will be the second pick for most. She ran 3rd at start number two before finishing 4th behind Pocket Million in that August 20th race. She was only a head in arrears so while she draws wide and Pocket Million appears to have more potential for immediate improvement, she can be taken seriously. (2) DAY BY DAY has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest couple and can go close. (4) YONGBI KHAN and (3) FIRST MENI the other minor money hopes.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 15)

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

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener and all twelve are racing for the very first time. A couple caught the eye in trials, principally (3) MOTO MOTO and (2) YEONGGWANGUIFIRST. They both posted the same quick time in their respective heats, and both ran close to the pace throughout. They draw nicely and it’s a toss up between the pair of them. We’ll side with the Power Blade colt Moto Moto for no specific reason. (6) BLACK FALCON went through two trials, finishing 3rd in both and posting useful times. The experience should stand him in good stead, and he can put in a bold showing first-up here. (7) BROWN FALCON and (9) OH JJANG are others who didn’t disgrace themselves in their trials, the latter winning his heat.

Selections(3) Moto Moto (2) Yeonggwanguifirst (6) Black Falcon (7) Brown Falcon
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) LOUD COLOR has nine top-five finishes from twelve starts so far and comes in with recent form reading the best of these with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1300M and 1400M. She is up 3kg on those performances, but she should be able to overcome that, and is likely to be on pace and to take some beating. (8) GREEN PAPAGO doesn’t exactly win out of turn, but she has plenty of experience at this level and comes back to a trip at which she has been consistent. She can settle midfield here and can run into some money at what should be an each-way price. (3) SOUTHERN SUPERONE has been well-backed on both starts so far and while he has finished 5th and 7th in them, they were at 1200M and both times he drew wide. The additional trip can suit, and he gets a much better gate this time around. (4) HAVE A GOOD DAY and (2) LOKI BLISS others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(6) Loud Color (8) Green Papago (3) Southern Superone (4) Have A Good Day
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Small but competitive field for this maiden. (6) FABULOUS BEATER has improved across five starts so far, culminating in a very close 2nd place over this distance on August 13th when he overcame gate eleven to sit midfield and then ran on well in a quick time. He carries the same weight but draws a better gate, and he could go one better. The main danger is (2) HEUIMANG GARAM. He has only raced once before and showed promise, running through the line well for 4th place in a quick time over 1000M. He should have derived plenty of benefit for the experience, the additional furlong can suit, and he should be a danger. Thos two will fill out almost everybody’s quinella but (9) U PING has hinted at ability across six starts so far and can be aiming for a place here. (3) ARION KING showed nothing on debut but previously trialled well and carries a light weight with an apprentice claim. (7) ARA NURI the best of the rest.

Selections(6) Fabulous Beater (2) Heuimang Garam (9) U Ping (3) Arion King
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG looks the most likely here. He has picked up well in his latest two, running 2nd and 4th, both at 1200M and in contrasting styles, once from on pace and the other from behind. In this company, he can settle behind the early speed and the additional half furlong can see him home on top. The main danger is (4) BUGYEONG LION. He finished well back in a very quick race on August 27th, but he previously ran a strong 3rd on debut, both of them at this distance. He draws nicely here, and he won’t need to improve much to be in the finish. (6) BEST CHAMP too an age to get into gear on debut over 1000M but he finished off well enough to suggest that the additional trip here can suit. (7) WHITE FALCON and (5) ACE RUN others in the placing frame.

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Korea Cup & Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 10)

It’s Korea Cup and Korea Sprint Day. The big features are races 7 and 8 on a 10-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:50 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Eoma Eoma will attempt to defend the Korea Sprint (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the ten racing for the first time. The exposed form isn’t great, so we’ll side with first timers. (4) SPALTA was much improved in the second of two trials, crossing the line in front having led all the way. The time wasn’t quick, but he did what he needed to and if he brings that form to the races, he has an excellent chance first-up. It’s a similar story with (7) DANCING GANGJA, who failed to qualify first time around but led all the way at his second attempt. He too didn’t post a fast time but won’t need to improve much to be competitive here. (10) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has raced twice, finishing 7th on both occasions. They were both at 1000M and he can improve third-up here. (8) GEUMAK STAR and (1) LADY CODI others with potential to get better.

Selections(4) Spalta (7) Dancing Gangja (10) Hampyeong Jangmi (8) Geumak Star
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies. (8) SPECIAL FORCE will be a hot favourite, having only gone down narrowly on debut in a quick race over 1000M on August 12th when she was handy throughout. She previously made all in a trial and the step up in trip can suit. She is favoured to lead all the way this time. (6) ANYANG CHEONDUNG only really started to run on when the race was gone on debut over 1000M on August 13th. She should have come on for the run and may appreciate and extra furlong to get stuck into. (4) LOVE MUNMAK trialled up behind Special Force and then debuted behind Special Force, running 7th of eleven on August 12th. She began slowly but did find some late speed and with some more maturity and an additional furlong, she may go better. (5) HAPPY ICTUS and (3) WONDERFUL PAGO others who may improve.

Selections(8) Special Force (6) Anyang Cheondung (4) Love Munmak (5) Happy Ictus
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Wide open maiden. (3) COLITAS has mixed his form across six starts so far. He has a bit of a tendency to get too far back in his races, but he does run on. He draws well here and if Kim Yong-geun can have him in contention at the top of the straight, he has as much chance as any. (1) DINSI CHAMP and (8) EFFEL TAP came home 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced one another at this distance on August 12th. For Dinsi Champ that was a sharp improvement while Effel Tap is generally consistent, and both should be among the main chances here. (10) SHARP SUNSHINE is another who is unspectacular but consistent. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and can run into some money. (4) GRAND SILVER among others in the frame.

Selections(3) Colitas (1) Dinsi Champ (8) Effel Tap (10) Sharp Sunshine
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Two standouts in this maiden. (6) SKY JILJU will probably be favourite. He has raced twice so far, both at 1000M, improving in the second of them in terms of both time and finishing position. Both times he did his best work late suggesting that the step up in trip can suit. (5) MADE HEEMANG has also raced twice but in his case, over this distance. He too improved in the second of them, running 3rd and why Sky Jilju may have a little more potential for improvement at this stage, he can be a danger again. What form there is, drops off after this two but (4) LIGHT BROWN ran well enough on debut behind Sky Jilju over 1000M. She was slow away but ran on well and there could be some progress in the tank. (7) GREAT INDY and (9) DREAM BIGGER others who have hinted at ability.

Selections(6) Sky Jilju (5) Made Heemang (4) Light Brown (7) Great Indy
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

Competitive race. (8) FLYING LIGHT is a form-mixer but based on his latest, when a strong 2nd at class and distance on July 23rd having overcome gate ten to settle midfield and run on well, he must be given a very good chance here. He can sit behind the speed again and run on. (4) SILVER BOOSTER beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at this class over 1300M on August 12th. He comes up slightly in the weights, but draws well, and can be considered again. (10) GEUMSEONG SIDAE is yet to win in eleven starts but has finished in the top-four on no fewer than eight occasions including an on-pace 2nd over a mile last time out. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but with a little luck at the start can get to the front and should be in this a very long way. (1) STAR RUSH and (3) ARGO GONGJU among others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Flying Light (4) Silver Booster (10) Geumseong Sidae (1) Star Rush
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) COLONEL FLYING shapes as a warm favourite here. That’s based on his latest effort on August 20th when he came from well off the pace to run a very close 2nd at this distance, in the process recording a quicker time than any of the others here have done for the 1400M. He draws well and in this modest company, can win. (6) EONJENA YEONGUNG mixes his form, but he has also posted a quick time for the distance and with an apprentice claiming 3kg, he can go close today. (8) UNMATCHED was slow away last time before running 6th behind Colonel Flying. There is little in the way of early speed here so if she can get a better start, she may be able to get on pace and if she does, she has a chance. (9) BLUE CAVIAR and (4) MIRACULUM the best of a limited rest.

Selections(3) Colonel Flying (6) Eonjena Yeongung (8) Unmatched (9) Blue Caviar
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Tricky one. (7) BIG BLED may not have the most attractive of names for a racehorse (with the greatest respect to Slovenian lakeside resort towns) but she has shown ability. She was a good winner in a quick time at 1200M at class 6 level two starts back before finishing midfield on her first try at this level on July 23rd. She likes to sit on or close to the pace and she can win here. (4) BEST CLONE is yet to score in eight but has a 4th and a 2nd in two tries at this class, both at 1200M. She’ll be on the speed here and she steps up to 1300M looking set to be close again. (11) TANGJA has plenty of experience at this class and has been a model of consistency of late, positing quick times at this distance. While he has the challenge of the widest gate and he may once more find one or two too quick, he will be there or thereabouts again.  (1) V QUEEN and the up in class (5) SAEBYEOK ANGAE others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 8)

It’s Korea Cup and Korea Sprint weekend! The biggest races of the Korean season will be run at Seoul on Sunday and we will have a full preview over the next couple of days. In the meantime, the weekend’s action kicks off 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 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the nine racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and after two very good trials, (1) SEVEN DRAGON was sent off as hot favourite on debut over 1000M on August 11th. After being slightly slowly away, he was ridden up to rejoin the field before running on for a solid 3rd. He should have come on for that run, the additional furlong can suit, and with a better start this time, he is the one to beat. That will mean overturning the form on (6) HWANG YO, who was 2nd in that race. That was his second outing having been 3rd on debut, also in a good time, and the way he ran through the lines suggests he can be a big danger again. (2) BINNANEUNGIL came from a long way back to run 4th on debut at this distance on June 25th and with some natural improvement, can go closer here. Among the debut makers, (4) LEMON PIE is the pick while (7) THE BIG SHOT did nothing on debut but has subsequently been back to trial and looked much better.

Selections(1) Seven Dragon (6) Hwang Yo (2) Binnaneungil (4) Lemon Pie
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

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

An extremely modest maiden with none of the eleven having finished better than 7th in their respective latest starts. (8) WONDERFUL SMARTY goes around for the thirty-eighth time. She does have fifteen top-five finishes and two starts back registered a career best 2nd. It’s not impossible she could break through here. (3) SAVAGE GIRL hasn’t done much in six starts but she comes in fresh having last raced in April and she looked well when positing a quick time on an August trial. If she can bring that form to the races, she can go well first-up. (9) WORLD ROYAL CAT has been ordinary in her latest two, but she has a 3rd place to her name as recently as June and in this limited company, that’s enough to put her in the frame. (11) DAEJI MULGYEOL and (6) GREEN LEGEND other potential improvers.

Selections(8) Wonderful Smarty (3) Savage Girl (9) World Royal Cat (11) Daeji Mulgyeol
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 11

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

Another modest maiden, this one involving nine fillies and one colt. (3) VELOCIRAPTOR shapes as the one to beat. Yet to finish in the top two, she has run between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than eight occasions and has the fastest time among these for the distance by almost a full second. She likes to settle back and run on but in this company should be a little further forward than usual, and she should prove too strong. The solitary colt is (1) EVERY KING IJI. He has a 2nd and a 3rd among his eight appearances so far and has run fair times. He draws well and should be in this a long way. (5) RED JASPER hasn’t done much in three starts so far although she did post a good time at 1200M at the end of July. She has since been back to trial where she raced on pace and stopped the clock in a good time. That brings her into contention here. (9) SSING GA and (4) ILCHUL GOLD others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Velociraptor (1) Every King Iji (5) Red Jasper (9) Ssing Ga
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (6) OK DREAM was an all the way winner over this distance on debut in April before running 2nd, having raced handy throughout, on her first try at this class over 1300M on May 25th. She has had over three months off since then, so she comes in fresh, and she is the one to beat here. (5) BURNING PASSION comes in off back-to-back 3rd places, both at this class, over 1200M and 1300M. She likes to race on pace and should be challenging for the early lead again and can be in this a long way. (2) HWARANG SHINHWA got her maiden win three starts back and then proved she can compete at this level with a smart 2nd over this distance on July 30th when she led for much of the way around. She comes up 2kg in the weights but draws well and should be competitive again. (3) FIRST STAR and (8) TWO TWO LIME others in the hunt.

Selections(6) OK Dream (5) Burning Passion (2) Hwarang Shinhwa (3) First Star
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(10) FUSAICHI returned from over six months out to run a good 2nd at class and distance on August 20th when he settled a long way back before running on very strongly, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but he should strip fitter second-up, the wide draw won’t be an issue, and he can win. The big danger is (2) DOCTOR WICKY He comes up in class having got his maiden win when stepped up to this trip for the first time on August 25th and making all. He comes down slightly in the weights, he draws well, and he can measure up. (3) TOP FRIEND was 5th behind Fusaichi in that August 20th race and while he is yet to win, he has been consistent over this distance and can place again. (5) NALA and (6) NAMDO ILDEUNG among plenty of others with placing chances.  

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