Busan

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 16)

Sunday sees daytime racing (albeit with a start and finish time one hour later than usual) at both Seoul and Busan. There are 10 races in Seoul from 11:35 to 19:00 while there are 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. Three of those who do have prior experience debuted together on June 3rd and (1) THE PLAYER came out the best of them running 3rd over 1000M having led for much of the way. The time wasn’t quick, but he showed enough to suggest that he has a win in him sooner rather than later, Moon Se-young climbs on, and he will be a warm favourite. (7) SMART CAT also ran 3rd on his debut which came over 1000M on June 17th when settling back and running on. He too should have derived benefit from that experience and can be considered for improvement here. Among the first-time starters, (6) PURGE KING is the pick. He showed brightly across two trials, improving in the second of them when he settled handy. With some more natural improvement, he can put in a big showing first-up. (5) BAEKDU DAEMUL was 5th behind The Player on debut and can aim to improve while (9) GEOSEN BANGYEOK ran fairly in his first race on June 24th and is another who can expect to have benefitted from the experience.

Selections(1) The Player (7) Smart Cat (6) Purge King (5) Baekdu Daemul
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

(1) STEALTH PARK showed good improvement when 3rd at start number two on May 28th, settling back in the pack and finishing strongly over this distance in a fair time. Third-up he should be peaking and from the inside gate, he is the one to beat. (10) LUCKY HONEY took a few goes to figure things out but she enters having shown good results from her latest three with two 4th places and most recently a close 2nd at this distance. The time wasn’t quick and it was back in April so she comes in following fourteen weeks out, but she can go close. (11) PURPLE WINK has hinted at ability across his three appearances to date. He can settle back and has a strong finish on him so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can challenge late on here. (9) PATHOS and (2) BANDO HUIMANG others in the frame.

Selections(1) Stealth Park (10) Lucky Honey (11) Purple Wink (9) Pathos
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

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

(6) BOB AND JOY ran fairly on debut, racing just behind the speed and finishing 5th of eleven in a fair time over this distance on June 25th. She should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, she looks to be the one to beat here. (1) CHOEGANG WEEK ran a much-improved 2nd at start number four on June 18th. She was well beaten by a good winner but draws nicely here and can maintain her momentum. (10) ROAD TO MAGIC won an April trial in a quick time before finishing midfield on debut over this distance on June 2nd. He raced on pace that day and in the trial so the wide draw is perhaps not ideal here but with a touch of luck at the start, he can be a danger. (11) ACE RUN and (9) DOCTOR WICKY others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Bob And Joy (1) Choegang Week (10) Road To Magic (11) Ace Run
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) HANGANG HERO enters off a good 2nd place at class and distance on June 17th when settling midfield and then running on well. She was sent off at big odds but that was her second runner-up finish in her last three stats and while she is a seventeen-race maiden, today could be her day. (3) ICE CREAM has taken a few goes to get to grips with this level but she seems on the right trajectory, having led for much of the way around in a similar race to this on June 11th, ultimately finishing 4th. She draws well to be on pace again and should be in this a long way. (9) SOARA MEME us up in class and marginally in trip following a maiden win at 1200M on June 4th. She can measure up here. (7) GLOBAL CHANGA and (2) ZIRCON others to consider for the minors.

Selections(6) Hangang Hero (3) Ice Cream (9) Soara Meme (7) Global Changa
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

Weak maiden here. (7) SAMBA STEP has picked up across her latest couple of outings with a 5th place most recently over 1200M on June 16th when racing handy throughout. She comes up to 1300M for the first time, she should be on pace, and she has as good a chance as any here. (9) MOST RAPID has been anything but rapid in four starts so far but is potentially getting better having beaten a couple of these on his way to 6th in a better maiden than this back in April. He comes in fresh and with an apprentice taking 3kg off his back. (10) LUCKY BAND has a 3rd place to his name and while a mile didn’t suit last time, this looks a more suitable assignment. (2) EVERY KING IJI and (5) STORMY DAY other possibles.

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Busan Friday – Twilight Racing Begins: Race-By-Race Preview (July 14)

A short season of twilight racing begins this weekend. Things get underway at Busan on Friday with 7 races from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Eleven previously unraced juveniles in the opener so we head to the trial videos (1) BLACK SPRING won his trial, racing in midfield from gate eight and then producing a strong effort in the closing stages to pull away under only minimal urging. The time wasn’t quick, but it was on a very dry track, and it wouldn’t surprise to see him win here. (2) CONTROLLER posted the fastest time in trials when running 2nd in a June heat, settling handy and then running on without the jockey needing to use his stick. He draws well and a repeat performance will see him in the mix first-up here. That fastest time will probably mean he starts the betting favourite locally. (6) HANGANG CLASS was an on-pace 3rd in his heat, and along with (3) YONGBI CHEONWANG and (10) BEST PRIME, can go well.

Selections(1) Black Spring (2) Controller (6) Hangang Class (3) Yongbi Cheonwang
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) DOCTOR KANE here. After a good trial, she debuted in an all-filly juvenile event on June 9th and sat behind the early speed before running on 2nd. She was eight-lengths behind the odds-on favourite winner, but five-lengths clear of the rest and with some natural improvement, she will be hard to beat. (3) COLUMBIA CHAMP debuted in that same race, initially settling back before working home well for 4th place. She has plenty to make up on Doctor Kane, but she too should have derived benefit from that run and can be a contender at this slightly extended trip. (5) MAGIC ELEVEN has a 3rd place to her name and among those who have tackled this distance before, by far the quickest time. Seo Seung-un climbs on and she should be close. (9) THE ONE and (4) HOTFLEX others who can enter the placing calculations.

Selections(1) Doctor Kane (3) Columbia Champ (5) Magic Eleven (9) The One
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(9) HAMA has been getting closer across her five starts so far culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on June 16th when racing behind the leaders and running on well. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and she can make her breakthrough here. (3) B. K. HUNTER returned from five months out to run 3rd over 1300M on June 23rd. He should strip fitter for that run and can go close again. (7) KELLY QUEEN came home 4th when sent off at big odds over this distance on June 30th. She returns quickly here and, in this company, should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) HAEUNDAE JEONSEOL and (5) CHOICE ROAD will need their respective latest starts overlooked but, in this field, can be competitive.

Selections(9) Hama (3) B. K. Hunter (7) Kelly Queen (8) Haeundae Jeonseol
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

(4) SUCCESS SHOW ME comes up in class having notched his maiden win at start number two on June 18th when he was on pace throughout and crossed the line a cool ten-lengths to the good. He is up in distance as well but that shouldn’t be a problem and he can win again here. (7) VERLUC took a couple of goes to figure things out, but he too comes up in class following a 2nd place in May and then an all the way four-length score over 1300M on June 16th. He’ll be challenging Success Show Me for the early lead and he can be in this a long way. (2) NAMYANG BOLT beat a couple of these on his way to 5th place over 1300M on his first try at this class on June 18th. He holds a win at this trip and from a good gate can be a danger here. (10) WAITING FOR YOU and (1) MORNING MUSE among others in the hunt.

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Owners’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (July 9)

The Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) takes centre stage this Sunday when a full field of sixteen face off on the south coast. The big race is race 6 of seven on the card which runs from 11:25 to 17:00. At Seoul there is a 10-race card from 10:35 to 18:00.

Daehan Jilju is the probable favourite for the Busan Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden juvenile fillies only with six of the eleven racing for the first time. The only one of the remaining five to have raced twice is the favourite and that’s (6) GEOLJAK ONE. She debuted in 4th place in a quick race on a wet track on May 28th and then followed it up with a 2nd place, going down very narrowly, on June 10th having raced close to the pace both times. It should be third-time lucky here. (1) PERFECT TIARA debuted in that June 10th race having shown little in trials but ran a good 3rd, coming from the middle of the pace. She has three-lengths to make up on Geoljak One but should have come on for the experience. (5) ECLIPSE BERRY debuted in the May 28th race and overcame the widest gate to run 6th. She too should be going closer this time. As for the first timers, (7) HAMPYEONG JANGMI and (10) SEIRENE were perhaps the best in trials.

Selections(6) Geoljak One (1) Perfect Tiara (5) Eclipse Berry (7) Hampyeong Jangmi
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

(11) KING GO TAEYANG has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on June 11th, albeit well beaten by the winner. He has the challenge of the wide gate here but the step up to 1300M can suit and he is the one to beat. (1) MENI SHARK showed signs of figuring things out when stepped up to this distance on June 11th and running a best to fate 4th. Her time that day was quicker than any of the others who have tackled this distance have managed and from a good gate, she can go closer today. (6) GOLDEN SNIPER also comes in off a best to date finish when 2nd on June 4th at this trip. He can sit behind the early speed here and can be in the finish. (4) BRAVO HANSEN and (5) SAEROUN BITKKAL among others who can dispute the minors.

Selections(11) King Go Taeyang (1) Meni Shark (6) Golden Sniper (4) Bravo Hansen
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

(1) RAON THE AGAIN will be one of the banker favourites of the day. After a quick trial, she ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on June 2nd having settled back and run on strongly to only go down narrowly. She draws well, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she won’t need to improve very much to win this. (6) KALJABI is the obvious second pick. After running 4th on debut, he led for much of the way around second-up on May 28th, again over 1200M, ultimately coming home in 2nd. He should lead again here and can hold off the favourite for a long time. It would be a big surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but the final place is up for grabs. (8) CHEONGMAUI JILJU ran an improved 4th last time out at 1200M and can maintain her positive momentum again here. (3) ILCHUL GOLD and (2) UNMATCHED are others who can compete.

Selections(1) Raon The Again (6) Kaljabi (8) Cheongmaui Jilju (3) Ilchul Gold
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) LONDON MYEONGGA had seemingly lost his way a little but came back into form with a strong 3rd over this class and distance on June 4th when on pace throughout. He draws well here to be on or close to the pace again and has every chance. (5) GLORY K remains winless but enters with recent form reading well with two 3rd place finishes from her latest three, most recently when leading most of the way around over 1400M on June 10th. She is under a very light weight, she draws well to lead again, and it would be no surprise if she made the breakthrough here. (4) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG comes up in class after three consecutive 3rd place finishes, the most recent two over this distance. His times have been competitive enough and he comes down significantly in the weights. (7) LEGEND K and (9) KKANGDORI others to consider.

Selections(3) London Myeongga (5) Glory K (4) Challanhan Pokpung (7) Legend K
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

Competitive maiden. (11) ACE A MOCA has improved across three starts so far, most recently an on-pace 3rd over this distance on June 16th. She may need a touch of luck at the start from the widest gate here but she as good a chance as any. (9) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL comes in off a much-improved 3rd on May 19th when settling handy and running on. In this company she can be on the pace and while in the absence of an apprentice claim she comes up in weight, Choi Si-dae climbs aboard and she shouldn’t be far away. (4) HERO J has only raced twice and was an improved 3rd in the second of them when she came from well off the pace. She draws better today and comes into contention. (5) YONG GUN and (8) WONDERFUL ONE are others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Ace A Moca (9) Yongsan Keunbyeul (4) Hero J (5) Yong Gun
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

(8) SUNGAN TOUCH had a slightly disappointing day at the office when well supported over 1300M on June 3rd but finishing 6th of ten. He was going very well at this distance prior to that though with a 2nd and a 3rd at this class, and he will be a warm favourite to score here. (2) FIRST USER remains a maiden but comes up in class after two runner-up finishes at class 6. She likes to run on pace so she is drawn very nicely and the 2kg drop in carried weight can help her be competitive here. (3) JAEWOO SIDAE comes in having run 3rd at a big price at class and distance on June 16th when slowly away but running on really well. She will warrant more respect this time around. (7) LONDON QUEEN and the up in class (5) SEOUL SPURT among others to consider.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 7)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with a 7-race program from 12:30 to 18:00. Jockey You Hyun-myung is back following a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury while Lim Sung-sil has transitioned from the weighing room to the trainer’s room and he sends out his first runner in the concluding race. Here are the previews:

Jockey You Hyun-myung is back in action (Pic: KRA)

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

Eleven previously unraced juveniles in the opener. (2) SINCHEON FIRST made all to win his trial on June 10th stopping the clock in a fair time on a dry track. That’s enough to make him favourite here from a good gate. (11) CORNER ONE was 2nd in that same June 10th trial, just half a length in arrears having settled just behind the pace. He is done fewer favours by the draw, but a repeat of that effort should put him in the frame. (3) SKY JILJU is another trial winner, coming from midfield to cross the line in front back in May and he shapes as the clear third favourite here. Another heat-winner is (6) NUMBERONEPICK who was a little slowly away on June 3rd but then went quickly to the lead and ran on. He may not be the number one pick, but he can put in a bold showing first up. (8) PERFECT ACTION among others who could go well.

Selections(2) Sincheon First (11) Corner One (3) Sky Jilju (6) Numberonepick
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 11

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

(5) DOCTOR KINGDOM will be a warm favourite here having run 2nd on debut on May 26th when settling behind the speed and running on over 1000M. He should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he may take some beating. (3) LEMON BULPAE offered little in two appearances in December and February. After a spell he returned to trial on June 17th and blitzed his heat crossing the line six-lengths to the good in a quick time. He will be expected to be close here. (9) UNJU GLOBAL has mixed her form so far, but she does have a 2nd and a 4th to her name at this distance as well as the fastest time among these and she looks promising at a probable each-way price. (10) BORIS MARINE and (1) FIRST MENI others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Doctor Kingdom (3) Lemon Bulpae (9) Unju Global (10) Boris Marine
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

Competitive race. (4) HAENGBOKHAN GIL enters with his recent form reading well with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over today’s trip when he has been ridden much further forward than in previous starts. He draws well to do similar today and with an apprentice claiming 3kg, he comes down in he weights. Today can be his day. (1) POWER RIDE didn’t do much in three starts across the turn of the year but after almost four months off, he returned to action with a much-improved 2nd over this distance on June 9th when on pace throughout. He should have derived benefit from that run and can be a danger here. (2) SOLEDAD comes in off a best finish of 2nd over this distance on June 2nd and from a much better draw can go close again. (10) RUN TO KING and (6) WONDERFUL IMPACT are the other placing contenders.

Selections(4) Haengbokhan Gil (1) Power Ride (2) Soledad (10) Run To King
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 11

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

(7) HONOR LORD got his maiden win over 1200M at class 6 level two starts back before leading on his first try at this class on June 16th over 1400M, ultimately being passed in the closing stages and finishing 3rd. He only comes up slightly in the weights but the drop back in trip can be in his favour and he can lead all the way this time. (11) BABEL HEART ran 4th in that that June 16th race, her best finish at this level. She has more than two lengths to make up on Honor Lord but comes in nicely weighted and she has a good finish on her so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. (3) FIRST STAR is very experienced, and this is the kind of race where she can pick up some prize money, as she did when 2nd over 1200M last time out coming from off the pace. (8) PILGRIM and (1) SANGSANGGEUISANG others in the hunt.

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Mayor’s Cup Sunday: Busan & Seoul Race-By-Race Preview (July 2)

Winner’s Man will seek to go back-to-back in the feature race of the weekend, the Busan Mayor’s Cup on Sunday afternoon. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00 and 10 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews.

Winner’s Man seeks to defend the Busan Mayor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with four of the eight racing for the first time but a couple of the ones with experience showed well on their respective debuts and they will head the market. (3) MORNING BOLD did little in his trial but ran a solid 2nd on debut at this distance in a good time on June 3rd having been close to the pace throughout. From a good draw, he can be on the speed again and has every chance. (5) SMART CLAIR was 4th on debut in that same June 3rd race, settling back and running on. He too should have derived benefit from the experience and can get closer. Among the first timers, (1) LALA K posted a decent time in his trial and has the benefit of the inside gate. (6) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG won the second of his two trials and while the time wasn’t especially fast, that is enough to make him a first-up contender. (7) MIRACLE HANGANG another who hinted at ability in his heat and can be considered.

Selections(3) Morning Bold (5) Smart Clair (1) Lala K (6) Seongsil Yeongung
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

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

A standard maiden but it’s very open, mainly because nothing comes in with consistent form. With that in mind, we’ll take a chance on the one that’s done the least wrong so far, the only debut-maker, (8) WINNER JERIN. He was on pace in his trial, crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. Kim Yong-geun rides, and if he can bring that form to the races, he shouldn’t be far away. (6) MADE STAR was an improved 4th at start number four on June 11th, having started slowly and coming from a long way back. If he can give himself more of a chance with a better start, then he can be finishing strongly here. (7) MAGIC K enters after a 4th place over this distance on June 4th when handy throughout. She can sit behind the speed again and press late. (3) SINUI YEOIN and (1) WONDERFUL DEPUTY others in contention for the minors.

Selections(8) Winner Jerin (6) Made Star (7) Magic K (3) Sinui Yeoin
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

(5) TAURUS KING raced in November and then again in early February without troubling the judges. That earned him a gelding, and he has looked much better since returning, first when 2nd in a quick trial in May and then on June 11th when finishing 3rd on his comeback race over 1200M. He should strip fitter here and won’t need to improve much to win. (11) MAGIC SWEETIE achieved a 3rd place over this distance two starts back before running fairly at 1300M last time out. She may need a touch of luck from the outside gate, but she has enough early speed to find a forward early position and she can be a danger. (3) BRAVE CAPTAIN has two 4th places from three starts so far, most recently on May 26th when he led for part of the way around. He’ll be on pace here and can be in contention a long way. (6) ANY SINGS and (10) HAERANG YOUNGUNG perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Taurus King (11) Magic Sweetie (3) Brave Captain (6) Any Sings
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 11

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

Fillies only here and another very competitive maiden although this time it is because quite a few look ready to win. One of those is (9) SEUNGNI GONGJU. After an indifferent debut, she has a 4th and back-to-back 3rd places in three attempts, most recently over 1300M on June 3rd. Despite drawing a touch wide, she can be on pace here and has as good a chance as any. (8) MUNHAK EAGLE was an improved 2nd at just her second start on May 13th, coming from off the pace and running on well. It was a fair time, and she can settle handy and threaten late again here. (4) NAOL SKY and (5) NEW POINT came home 3rd and 7th when they raced each other at this distance on June 4th. For Naol Sky it was a second consecutive 3rd place finish while for New Point it was something of a disappointment following a runner-up finish at her previous start in May. Both can be competitive here. (2) MENI CHARM another in the frame.

Selections(9) Seungni Gongju (8) Munhak Eagle (4) Naol Sky (5) New Point
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

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

Another tough race. (5) UNJU OREUM is perhaps the one to beat. She has four top-four finishes from six starts so far and has the fastest time among these for the distance. She should be on the pace from the start and has every chance. (6) HAERANG ISEUL has a 2nd and a 4th from her two starts to date, both at 1200M. She has the quickest start among this field and from a central gate can challenge Unju Oreum for the lead and can be in this a long way. (9) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG has picked up in his latest two efforts, running 2nd and 3rd, both over this distance in fair times. Without the benefit of an apprentice claim, he is up in the weights, but he can be competitive again. (1) GLOBAL WEEK and (4) CHEONSU SIDAE are among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Unju Oreum (6) Haerang Iseul (9) Success Yeonggwang (1) Global Week
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

(7) HANGANG CROWN was a winner on debut in a double-quick time over 1000M on May 28th (a day when the track was very fast), racing on pace early and taking things up turning into the straight. She is up in class and in distance here but comes in under a light weight and while she is the only juvenile in the race, she can beat her elders here. (8) YESULIYA has led both his latest two, ultimately coming home 2nd and 3rd, both at this distance. He carries his fair share of weight here but should be on pace again and can be in things a long way once more. (4) FIJI BLADE got promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes from her first two starts. She weakened when tried at 1300M for her first attempt at this class but slightly back in trip, can be given another chance today. (2) RAON HOLIDAY and (5) CHANCELLOR others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 30)

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with a 7-race card from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens in the opener. Having won a trial, (3) MAGARITA was sent off as favourite on debut on June 2nd when she raced on the pace and ultimately went down to a narrow defeat. Her time was more than a second quicker than any of the others here have managed for this distance and she won’t need to be much better to win here. (11) BAEDARI DOLPUNG was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over this distance on May 12th. The wide draw may not help here but a similar performance will put her in the finish again. (6) CAPTAIN COMMANDO raced twice across the turn of the year and hinted at ability. He races for the first time since January and looked well when trialling up in May. (5) ACE RUN and (2) HAPPY BRIANNA are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Magarita (11) Baedari Dolpung (6) Captain Commando (5) Ace Run
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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

A competitive maiden. (9) GEUMA HUGE HIT has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place in a good time over 1200M on May 26th. She comes up to this trip for the first time but the way she has finished off her races suggests that it can suit, and she can win here. (10) I’M KING IJI has been there or thereabouts in most of his starts so far. He draws wide again which is less than ideal, but he should be in the hunt here. (7) FANTASTIC TIME enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes, both at 1200M. Seo Seung-un climbs on here and the step up to 1400M can be in her favour. (11) VELOCIRAPTOR and (8) CHEONMA DOKJU, the latter coming in after a much-improved 4th at this trip ahead of I’m King Iji earlier this month, are others to look out for.

Selections(9) Geuma Huge Hit (10) I’m King Iji (7) Fantastic Time (11) Velociraptor
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

Good maiden with all but one of these coming in having finished 5th or better in their respective latest outings. Without much confidence, we’ll go with (1) ROSE BLADE. He hasn’t shown a huge amount of speed over his two starts so far, but he has finished 3rd and 4th over 1200M, finishing off well both times. He draws nicely here and the step up in trip can be in his favour. (9) SUCCESS BATTLE has shown big improvement in her latest two, coming home 3rd and 2nd at 1200M and 1400M. She raced on pace last time out but came from midfield at the start before and she can keep her positive run going here. (5) PIMI will surely be on the pace. She comes in off a significantly improved 3rd when stepped up to this distance on June 4th and can follow-up in this company. (2) HANEUL HAETSAL and (3) GLOBAL SARANG others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Rose Blade (9) Success Battle (5) Pimi (2) Haneul Haetsal
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

Another competitive race. (11) SEONGSIL CHEONHA was a winner over this distance two starts back at class 6 level before running a good 3rd on his first try at this class on June 4th when leading part of the way around. He comes up 1.5kg in the weights and has the challenge of the outside gate but he has every chance of winning here. (3) DAHAMKKEDALLIJA had a hard time when stepped up to a mile for his first race at this level in May. At the start before though he made all over this trip to win and back down in distance and well-drawn, he warrants another chance. (6) FANTASTIC WOMAN was slowly away last time before rallying for 5th over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and under a light weight, she can be in the finish. (5) NEOGA CHOEGO and the up in class last start winner (9) DAEHO NARA are the other logical contenders.

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KNN Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 25)

The Spring and Summer portion of the Queens’ Tour wraps up on Sunday at Busan when Raon The Spurt will be hot favourite for the KNN Cup. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05 while at Seoul there are 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Raon The Spurt (KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens here. (6) LAFAYETTE ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on May 27th, racing handily throughout. He should have come on for the run and the additional 1300M can see him home here. (2) JEWELRY FASHION similarly ran 3rd on her debut back on May 13th. The time was slightly slower, but she too showed promise, running through the line well, and she can be considered for improvement here too. (7) PHOENIX CLASS ran well for 2nd on debut in February before weakening having led for much of the way at start number two in April. She has had eight weeks off since and can be given another chance today. (3) BUTTER K and (4) SESANG APEURO are others to be considered.

Selections(6) Lafayette (2) Jewelry Fashion (7) Phoenix Class (3) Butter K
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

The form is not especially convincing in this maiden to (5) SIDAEUI MYEONGJAK’s last start 5th of ten in a decent time over 1200M when racing on pace, is enough to put him on top here.  He also has a 4th place to his name and won’t need to improve very much to win this. (8) BRAVO HANSEN beat a couple of these on her way to an improved 5th place at 1200M on May 27th when settling midfield. She can do similar here and should be getting closer. (1) HEART SIGNAL was 6th in that race, an improvement over here opening two efforts. She has tended to get quite far back in her races but for the first time she draws a good gate here and can improve. (6) NAOL TANK and (11) GEOMOON others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(5) Sidaeui Myeongjak (8) Bravo Hansen (1) Heart Signal (6) Naol Tank
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

Maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time and those first-timers look set to dispute the honours. (5) GANGSEO BULPAE ran out a good trial winner on April 29th running on pace throughout. She is from Busan’s top stable and first up in this company, she won’t need to improve much on the trial to win. (9) ACE FIGHTING also looked very well in her trial when she was 2nd. The quick time was due to the winner, the Class 1 Hunch, but it was encouraging nevertheless, and if she brings that form to the races, she won’t be far away. Nor will (2) BINNANEUNGIL, who improved significantly in the second of two trials and draws very nicely first-up here. (10) BUGYEONG LION also went through two trials, crossing the line 2nd and 1st and posting good times. He draws wide here but should be a factor. As for those with prior experience, (6) THUNDER GONGJU looks the best.

Selections(5) Gangseo Bulpae (9) Ace Fighting (2) Binnaneungil (10) Bugyeong Lion
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

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

Not the strongest of maidens so we’ll take a chance on (3) RAON JUMP. She has raced encouragingly across her latest three with a 4th and pair of 5th place finishes, all at this distance and all in fair times. She has the fastest time among these for the distance, as well as the best finish and so long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can win. (6) PURPLE WINK has a 4th and a 6th in his two outings so far, at 1200M and 1300M and also has a trial win to his name. Expect him to be on pace here and he looks to be the main danger. The form drops off after those two, so we’ll give a chance to solitary debut-maker (2) COMPLETE STEP. She performed fairly in her trial from a wide draw and couldn’t hope for a softer race to step out in. (9) AUSTIN LEADER and (1) DANGCHAN NANGBO other possible contenders for the minor money.

Selections(3) Raon Jump (6) Purple Wink (2) Complete Step (9) Austin Leader
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

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

(8) UNJU BONNEUNG has finished no worse than 4th in three starts to date with his best being a 2nd in an admittedly slow-run race over 1300M in April. He has finished off his races well and the step up to a mile may suit. He can win. (6) SUCCESS FRONT is the main danger. He went right back on his latest appearances, over 1200M on May 28th, before running on strongly for 3rd place. He too should find the mile can suit. (4) SHINE MONSTER is yet to finish any better than 4th in nine attempts but she has managed that position on each of her latest three appearances, running on well all three times. She has raced once before at this distance, without distinction, but she may well be ready for another crack. (11) DREAM RUN and (10) LUCKY BAND others in the frame.

Selections(8) Unju Bonneung (6) Success Front (4) Shine Monster (11) Dream Run
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

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

(10) ARGO TAP will be a warm favourite. Yet to make the breakthrough after nine attempts, he does though have no fewer than eight top-five finishes including a last start 3rd place at class and distance on June 3rd. He draws a touch wide here but can be expected to be on or close to the pace and he is the one to beat. (3) SSEULMO is another maiden but comes up in class having got his act together in his three latest, with a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes, all at this distance in consistently fair times. He draws well and comes down a full 5kg in the weights with an apprentice claim, and he can measure up. (1) HWANGGEUMKKOT won well at this distance two starts back before finishing a solid 4th on her first try at this class on May 21st. She should be in the mix again. (4) BULPAE BLADE and the up in class (5) GROW are others to keep safe.

Selections(10) Argo Tap (3) Sseulmo (1) Hwanggeumkkot (4) Bulpae Blade
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 10, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (3) JEONGMUN COBIT gets the nod having beaten three of these on his way to a close 2nd place at class and distance on May 29th when handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in the weights, draws well, and Franco climbs aboard. (9) GOLD ROSE was 3rd in that race having led for much of the way around. She was the best fancied that day among those who return here and with an apprentice taking her weight down, she can be given another chance here. (4) SUCCESSFUL was exactly that at the fourth time of asking, settling handy and then running on to win well. He is up in class here but slightly down in the weights and can measure up. (5) GEUMA UNO is still a maiden but has eight top-five finishes and will be close again here. Up in class last start winner (11) WAITING FOR YOU is another who can go close.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 23)

The main even this weekend is the KNN Cup, the final round of the Queens’ Tour spring and summer series. That’s at Busan on Sunday afternoon but the action kicks off on the south coast on Friday when there is a 7-race card from 12:30 to 18:00:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Eleven previously unraced juveniles step out for the first time here so it’s to the trial videos. One of two fillies in the race, (1) AUTUMN BREEZE goes on top. She ran on pace in her heat on June 3rd, crossing the line 2nd, well back behind five-time winner Raon The Power but well ahead of the rest. The time was fair, she draws nicely here, and she has as much chance as any first up. (10) BACCHUS actually went a bit quicker in the second of his two trials albeit on a wet and fast track. That additional experience can be in his favour, and he can be the main danger with the wide draw not set to be an issue. (11) GREAT WINNER raced on pace in his heat so the outside gate may not be quite as ideal for him, but he showed enough in that trial to warrant consideration. (8) DREAM WAY and (9) CAPTAI N DIA were others who trialled well and can enter the calculations. As ever, watch the market for clues.

Selections(1) Autumn Breeze (10) Bacchus (11) Great Winner (8) Dream Way
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

(1) CHAS PALPAL has got his act together in his latest two, registering a 2nd and a 3rd, both over 1200M and both times coming from off the pace having drawn wide. He comes back up to 56kg today but that’s balanced somewhat by him coming into a much better gate, and he is the one to beat here. The logical danger is (6) CAPTAIN CHARLIE. After a good trial, he ran a solid 5th of eleven in a fair time over this distance on April 23rd. It’s taken him nine weeks to return but he should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement can go closer here. (8) B. K. HUNTER has the fastest time among those who have tackled the 1300M before. He races for the first time since January, but he looked well when 3rd in a quick trial last week and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can be competitive. (7) EVERY KING IJI and (5) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK among other placing chances.

Selections(1) Chas Palpal (6) Captain Charlie (8) B. K. Hunter (7) Every King Iji
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

This is a very tricky race. Without much confidence we’ll side with (5) DONGNAM WINNER on the perhaps spurious grounds that she has only raced four times and can still have plenty of scope for more development. Those four include a win at this distance at class 6 level on March and a fair 6th of eleven last time out at this class over 1200M. She can settle on pace or handy here and can be in this a long way. (3) GLOBAL CHOEGO overcame big odds to run 2nd at class and distance on June 4th, beating three of these in the process. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and will warrant more respect here. (1) DOCTOR PANGPANG remains a maiden, but he has a 4th and a 5th from his two starts at this level. He is nicely weighted and draws very well to get on pace and it isn’t impossible that today can be his day. (9) SEOGWI CHUKJE and (10) NALA among plenty of others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(5) Dongnam Winner (3) Global Choego (1) Doctor Pangpang (9) Seogwi Chukje
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) FAST GUN was a winner at this class over 1400M on May 21st when racing handy throughout. He is yet to finish any worse than 3rd in five attempts and while he comes up in the weights to the tune of 3.5kg, and up to the mile for the first time, he can sit behind the speed here and can prove too strong again. (3) CUTE GUY is the main danger. He has only missed the top-four on one occasion and was a good winner at class 5 level two starts back over 1200M. He likes to run on pace and the distance is a question mark, but he should be equal to the challenge. (10) COOL RUNNING was a good winner at class 5 over 1300M on May 28th. He comes up in trip here but down in the weights and his recent running style suggests this can suit. (6) WONDERFUL APPEAL and (7) INFINITY POWER among others who can challenge at least for places.

Selections(9) Fast Gun (3) Cute Guy (10) Cool Running (6) Wonderful Appeal
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Another tough puzzle to solve. (11) HWANGU DAEJANGGUN probably warrants favourite status, having won three of his four starts so far including his latest on May 28th at this class over 1200M. There are a couple of concerns. His only defeat came at this distance, and he was a long way back on a very wet track, and he comes up a full 5kg in the weights from his latest appearance, but he still looks to have scope for more development, and he can win here. There are plenty of dangers though. (8) RELEASE EDITION had a poor day at the office on his first try at this class on March 24th, but he has run well at this distance in the past and comes in here fresh with the in-form Da Silva climbing aboard. (5) FINAL SEVEN was an also-ran in Busan’s Classic Trial in March but enters off a solid 4th over a mile at this class and should be competitive in this company. (9) TAEYANG EUTTEUM and (7) SPECIAL WIND, both up in class but nicely weighted, are others in the frame.

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SROA Chairman’s Sprint Trophy Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 18)

Sunday see the third leg of the Sprint Series with the running of the SROA Chairman’s Sprint Trophy (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse. Winner of the opening two legs, Raon The Fighter won’t be present leaving the way open for last year’s Korea Sprint Champion Eoma Eoma to return to winning ways. See here for full preview. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

The SROA went to the wire last year, Black Musk the winner (Pic: KRA)

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

(3) SAEBYEOK BULBIT will be the one to beat in the opener She has run 4th three times out of four so far including last time out in a fair time at this distance when handy throughout. In this company she should be on pace, and she won’t need to improve too much to win this. (1) SAEROUN BITKKAL has a 3rd place to his name at this distance as recently as April and that’s enough to put him in contention in this company. He is one-paced but can settle back and pass plenty. (6) BEAT RACER has picked up in his latest couple, scoring the fastest time for this distance any of these have managed when 5th on his latest appearance on May 21st. He too can be considered as a result of that. (5) BEST SHUNSHINE and (2) CHONGAL COLONEL others with minor money chances.

Selections(3) Saebyeok Bulbit (1) Saeroun Bitkkal (6) Beat Race (5) Best Sunshine
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

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

(3) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER is yet to finish in the top two, but she comes in following her best to date when 3rd over 1300M on May 21st when handy throughout. She draws well here and won’t really need to improve much on that to win. The danger is (8) DAEJANGBYEOL. He ran a very good 3rd over 1200M in March and while he got sent back to trail after finishing well back in re-appearance in April, he looked very well when winning a heat just last weekend and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up. This is not a strong race so the solitary debut-maker can be given a chance. That’s (5) WONDERFUL SWEET, who ran fairly in a trial alongside some experienced horses. (1) SSING SSING SSING and (6) TOUGH YEOJE others with potential to improve.

Selections(3) Hampyeong Fighter (8) Daejangbyeol (5) Wonderful Sweet (1) Ssing Ssing Ssing
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(4) SUCCESS SHOW ME ran a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on April 30th when racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement, he can win here. He will be a short-priced favourite. (1) ROCKS has a 3rd and a couple of 4th places to her name. She tends to settle back and run on and under an apprentice claiming 3kg, she can be finishing strongly here. (2) BARBELL QUEEN has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before. That’s not exactly quick but it is enough to put her in the placing hunt in this company. (8) CHOEGANG WEEK and (7) WORLD ROYAL CAT could potentially improve in a race with unconvincing form.

Selections(4) Success Show Me (1) Rocks (2) Barbell Queen (8) Choegang Week
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

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

(10) GEOSEN CHAMP shapes as a warm favourite here.  He enters off his best finish so far when 3rd over this distance on June 3rd and while he comes up a couple of kilos in the weights, he can settle handy or midfield and should prove too strong against this very moderate opposition. (4) LEMON BLADE will be second-favourite simply by virtue of his 3rd place two starts back at this distance. True, he sandwiched that between two very ordinary outings but few others in this field have shown themselves capable of such a run and a repeat would put him right in this. (2) THUNDER GALLOPER has run slow times but does have a reasonably strong finish on him compared to the rest here and should pass plenty late on. (7) MUNHAK CENTRAL and (1) MOON DUST are other potentials for minor money.

Selections(10) Geosen Champ (4) Lemon Blade (2) Thunder Galloper (7) Munhak Central
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

(1) HAENGBOKHAN GIL enters following a best to date 2nd over this distance on May 19th when he led for most of the way around. He comes into a good gate here and looks have more development in him. He won’t need to improve much to win here. (8) POWER PLANE has put in some fair performances with a 3rd place at 1300M being his best back in February. In this small field he should be able to get on pace and can be in this a long way. (5) ECTON POWER has never finished inside the top-two in thirty attempts but has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than eleven occasions. This is very much the kind of race that he picks up a cheque in. (2) MORO and (3) KICK’N RUSH perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Haengbokhan Gil (8) Power Plane (5) Ecton Power (2) Moro
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

Wildly competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (10) SEONGSIL INDONG, who comes up in class following a maiden win over this distance on May 21st when settling just behind the speed and running on. She only comes down slightly in the weights but has only raced four times and can have more development in her. (6) J MOTION was a winner on debut over 1200M last December before running down the field on reappearance in January. He hasn’t raced since but has been through two trials in May and early June, running very well in both. If he brings that form back to the races he has solid claims first-up. (5) DREAM SKY is yet to win in ten attempts but has two solid 4th places at this class. She comes up slightly in trip and under a light weight, she can be running on strong. (8) BADAUI KKUM and (9) SMART BYEOL others in the frame.

Selections(10) Seongsil Indong (6) J Motion (5) Dream Sky (8) Badaui Kkum
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) MULTI HIT will be favourite here. A very quick winner over 1200M in February, he then put in a couple of ordinary performances in his first two goes at this level before coming back into form with a 2nd place over 1200M on May 12th. He come sup slightly in the weights but in this company, he should be able to get to his favoured forward position, and he can win. (1) NAMYANG BOLT comes up in class having secured his maiden win at the sixth time of asking over 1400M on May 19th. His running style has tended to be to go back and finish well, but he comes down in the weights and from a good draw can be a danger. (6) GEUMA STARRY returned from six months out to get her second runner-up finish and accordingly be promoted to this class. She should strip fitter for that run, she carries a very light weight, and she can measure up. (4) JEOLDAE BOSS and (10) DAMYANGUISIN others in the hunt.

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

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 7 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(1) LAND BANK has a 4th a 3rd and then a 2nd from three prior outings, all at this distance at which he also has the fastest time of any of these. He has raced on pace on all three occasions so he draws very nicely here to get on pace, and he may take some beating. (3) HWANGWU JANGSA was a two-time trial winner and has carried that form into his races with a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts, both times racing on pace or handy, most recently over 1300M. He too is drawn nicely and should be close. The third standout is (6) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT, who has finished between 3rd and 5th in five of her six appearances. She has run fair if unspectacular times and should be in the placing mix again. The veteran non-winner (8) WONDERFUL SMARTY also finds herself in the kind of race where she can pick up some minor money while with the two debut-makers very unconvincing in trials, (2) DAEJI MULGYEOL is probably the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Land Bank (3) Hwangwu Jangsa (6) Gijeogui Geumbit (8) Wonderful Smarty
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

Maiden fillies here. (1) NARAE made an undistinguished debut when slowly away but was a much-improved 2nd on reappearance on May 12th when ridden much further forward. She draws well again and third-up can be peaking fitness wise. (5) MAGIC ELEVEN similarly will be well backed on the strength of her second outing when 3rd at this distance on May 5th. The time was quick, but the track was wet and fast. She raced on pace that day and will do so again here and has every chance. (4) JUST BE HAPPY is another who improved significantly at the second time of asking, which came a full five months after her first. She should have come on for that run and can be in the mix here. (9) FIRST MENI and (3) ACE A MOCA others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Narae (5) Magic Eleven (4) Just Be Happy (9) First Meni
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

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

Tricky maiden this. (3) JANGSAN LEMON ran like a lemon when favourite on debut in March but put in a much more mature performance at the second time of asking on May 7th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up here, he can win. The main danger and possibly even the betting favourite is (6) VERLUC. After debuting inauspiciously last September he didn’t race again until this April, newly gelded, and putting in a solid 6th of 11. He followed that up with a 2nd place over this distance on May 21st when he overcame gate eleven to get to the lead and with a much better barrier this time, as well as third-up looking set to be peaking fitness-wise, he has every chance of going one better. (5) HAMA was 4th in that race behind Verluc on May 21st. That continued a solid start to her career and with Seo Seung-un climbing aboard she can get closer. (7) YONG GUN and (8) KING ANYDAY others in the frame.

Selections(3) Jangsan Lemon (6) Verluc (5) Hama (7) Yong Gun
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(2) PLAY THE INDY shapes as favourite here. He remains a maiden but comes in following a desperately close 2nd on May 19th when on pace throughout. He draws nicely again, and a similar run can see him come out on top here. The main danger is (7) GOLDEN CAMP. It took her a long time to get her act together, but she got her maiden win two starts back at class 6 level and then ran a solid 2nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on June 2nd when settling midfield before being ridden to the front before a good winner took command in the closing stages. In this company she can sit handy early and run on again. (6) MARKAB ran 3rd behind Golden Camp in that June 2nd race having led early. He should be on pace again and can be a threat. (4) FASHION FORCE ONE and (9) HAMPYEONG MAN others in the minor money frame.

Selections(2) Play The Indy (7) Golden Camp (6) Markab (4) Fashion Force One
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

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

This is a good race for the level with plenty entering with recent form reading well. (1) PURPLE LINE went down narrowly last time out over this distance on May 19th when settling a long way back and running on. He was a winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back in a good time and can be ridden a bit further forward here. He has only raced five times and still has scope for more improvement. That can see him overturn the form on (8) WONDERFUL OCEAN, who won that May 19th race, taking things up a long way out. He comes up 2kg in the weights but warrants respect here.  (5) WORLD CLASS CAT is yet to win in seven attempts but has six top-three finishes and should be close again. The up in class (4) MASARANGGIL along with (10) HWANGOO MONEY are others in the placing frame.

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