Busan

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 3)

Sunday racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and at Busan with 6 from 11:25 to 16:05. There are no Listed or Graded races, but plenty of action to get stuck into nonetheless. Here are the previews:

Thomas Gillespie’s Wonderful Lear won last week’s Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy (Pic: KRA)

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

A weak maiden to start with. (7) GOLDEN BALL has picked up in her latest two, registering back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1200M and 1300M, coming form off the pace both times. So long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she has as much chance as any here. (2) EXCELLENT TAN is the other logical winning chance. He enters off a much-improved 3rd place finish over this distance on February 3rd when settling midfield and running on well. He draws better today, and he also has the fastest time among these for the distance and will probably start as the betting favourite. (10) JEWELRY FASHION did nothing on January 28th but that was her first appearance since a solid 3rd on debut all the way back last May. She should strip fitter today. (5) SPALTA will at least be on pace and along with (1) SARYEONI FOR HONOR is a potential improver.

Selections(7) Golden Ball (2) Excellent Tan (10) Jewelry Fashion (5) Spalta
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (7) WONDERFUL PASS will be the hot favourite. After an ordinary debut, she has recorded two 4th places from her latest two, both at 1200M and in contrasting styles. In this company she should be on pace and stepping up to 1300M for the first time, she can win. (8) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL is yet to finish in the top-two but has no fewer than eight top-five finishes from thirteen starts. She has shown some aptitude for this distance and should be aiming for a career best finish here. The form falls off significantly after those two. (2) FLYING LION was an improved 5th last time out at 1200M coming from well off the pace and a similar run should see her closer today. (5) CAPTAIN TIME and (10) SARYEONI NIKE others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Wonderful Pass (8) Gangcheol Yeogeol (2) Flying Lion (5) Captain Time
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(5) SKY GRIT didn’t do much on debut early last summer but returned in December and has finished 4th twice, both at this distance and both times racing on pace. Franco gets on today and she should be on pace again and looks like the one to beat. (10) OAK RIDGE looks to be on the right trajectory too, having beaten a couple of these last time out on February 2nd when 4th at this distance. He is drawn a touch wider than ideal but should be able to get across and sit handy and can go closer. (6) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG was 6th in that February 2nd race having led for part of the way. He had previously beaten Oak Ridge and with Seo Seung-un aboard today, will have plenty of backers. (8) BLACK FALCON and (11) DANCING BOY among others in the minor money frame. 

Selections(5) Sky Grit (10) Oak Ridge (6) Kwaehan Yeongung (8) Black Falcon
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start5, 6, 10, 11

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

(5) MOMO K got his maiden win at start number three on December 23rd, making all over 1300M, before then running 4th on his first try at this level, again over 1300M, on January 27th, this time starting slow and settling back before running on. In this company, he should be on pace, and has every chance of going all the way again. (9) BELOTERO comes up in class following a maiden win over 1300M on February 3rd when settling handy and running on to score narrowly. That win had been coming and she is down in the weights here with every chance of measuring up. (1) ONE SPEAR is the only one in the field to have won at this distance already and while he can mix his form and carries his fair share of weight, he draws very nicely here and shouldn’t be dismissed. (11) SHOOTING REVERSE and (3) JANGHEUNG CLASS are the other placing contenders.

Selections(5) Momo K (9) Belotero (1) One Spear (11) Shooting Reverse
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

(1) AWESOME SUNRISE has been knocking at the door and comes in after a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both over 1400M. She is somewhat one-paced but that pace could well be enough here, and the additional furlong may suit her in shaking off the rest. (7) CLOUD LOVE is yet to finish in the top-three in seventeen attempts but that should really change here. He enters following back-to-back 4th places over a mile and will probably only need to run his usual race to get on the board here. (5) FUERTE ran 6th behind Cloud Love on January 26th having run 4th on debut a month earlier. There is plenty of scope for more development here and she can be considered. (8) HEUIMANG FLYING and (4) TOKYO K other potentials for the minors.

Selections(1) Awesome Sunrise (7) Cloud Love (5) Fuerte (8) Heuimang Flying
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

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

One of the most competitive races of the day. (10) UJU JEONJAENG won at start number two last April and then didn’t reappear until December when he finished down the field over 1200M. He stepped up to this distance on January 27th and ran a much-improved 2nd, coming from off the pace. Third up today, he should be peaking fitness-wise, and he can win. (7) HWASANGWIHWAN remains a maiden after eight attempts, but has four top-three finishes, including a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. He likes to run on pace, and he should be in this a long way. (2) AUSTIN LEADER comes in off a smart 4th place at class and distance on January 28th when coming from well off the pace. He carries less weight and comes into a better gate and can go close. (3) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA and (4) MANDAERO others in the frame.

Selections(10) Uju Jeonjaeng (7) Hwasangwihwan (2) Austin Leader (3) Seoul Choegangja
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

(2) DRAGON FIRE comes up in class having won at start number two on January 28th when settling right back and coming from off the pace. He comes down in the weights, he draws well, and the additional half-furlong can suit. (1) FANTASTIC HUMOR is similarly up in class following a maiden win, in his case at start number three on January 21st when racing on pace and stopping the clock in a fast time over 1300M. He too is down in weight, draws well and can measure up at this level. (3) HOTFLEX is yet to win in eight attempts but has a runner-up finish on his record over this distance and can be a threat. (10) ANOTHER ONE and (9) ASTIN MARINE among other placing hopes.

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Holiday Friday Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 1)

March 1st is a public holiday in Korea and the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan with an 8-race card from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Quite an open maiden to start this holiday Friday with. (5) SUPREME QUEEN has shown progress across three starts so far with her latest being an on-pace 2nd over this distance. She comes into a better gate, she has the best start among these, and she can go one better today. (7) GLOBAL SPURT was an improved 2nd when sent up to this distance for the first time on February 18th, racing much further forward than in his prior efforts. That was Seo Seung-un’s first time riding him and he remains aboard here with similar tactics likely, making for a big chance. (4) GOOD KING MAN has a 2nd and a 4th among four starts so far and should be running on here. (1) WIN WIN and (2) STAR PARK the other leading candidates.

Selections(5) Supreme Queen (7) Global Spurt (4) Good King Man (1) Win Win
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

(3) MACH MAN comes in off a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, coming from midfield on both occasions and last time out beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company and from this gate, he can be on the pace and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, today could be the day. (9) TAEPUNGUI CHUKJE has a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two at 1200M and 1300M. he likes to settle in midfield and run on and the additional half furlong can suit. (11) MORPHEUS also has a 2nd place to his name, recorded two starts back at 1200M. He had a hard time on his latest, being slowly away before running on for 5th. He has the challenge again of the widest gate but with a better start, can be a danger. (10) WORLD WINNERS MAN and (5) STORMY DAY are the other logical placing chances.

Selections(3) Mach Man (9) Taepungui Chukje (11) Morpheus (10) World Winners Man
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here and we’ll have a short-priced favourite. That’s (11) AMAZING BOSS who, after an ordinary debut, was a much-improved 2nd over this distance at start number two on February 2nd. She came from well off the pace that day so the wide draw shouldn’t pose too many issues and, returning from a lengthy holiday, Franco Da Silva can make a swift return to the winner’s circle. With an apprentice claim, (7) GEUMA REJOICE may prove to be the testing material. She did nothing in her opening two races when a long way back but significantly improved at start number three when 3rd. She has had almost four months off since then so comes in fresh and that little weight break may be key. (4) LASER GRIT has raced fairly in her two starts so far and can aim to build on her last start 5th and should be working home well. (5) BLACK JILJU and (3) GOLDMASK other potential improvers.

Selections(11) Amazing Boss (7) Geuma Rejoice (4) Laser Grit (5) Black Jilju
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

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

Like plenty of these (8) SANGIM BOLT remains a maiden, but he comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and 1300M, racing on pace both times. He is down 3kg in the weights and there is no reason why he can’t get on pace again here and potentially go all the way. (5) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE need s alone drawn through his latest when sent up to tackle a mile. This is a far more suitable assignment and prior to that he had demonstrated plenty of ability. (4) MAGIC SWEETIE ran a close 4th in an all-filly race at this class and distance on February 2nd when settling midfield and running on. She remains under a light weight and from a good gate can go close again. (7) GOHEUNG CLASS and (2) MAGIC ELEVEN among others in the hunt.

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Classic Trials Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 25)

Seoul and Busan host their Classic trials on Sunday with both the Listed Sports Seoul Trophy in the capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy on the South Coast. There are 11 races in Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Hangang Class was champion juvenile last year and starts his 3yo campaign in Busan’s Classic trial (Pic: KRA)

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

Not the worst maiden to start with and (9) CUPID MIR will be favourite. He has made steady progress across three starts so far with his latest on January 20th being his best when an on-pace 3rd over 1300M. He should be on or close to the speed here and he can win. (12) RAON THE CLIPPER did nothing on debut last summer but was then put away for a few months. He trialled well in December and then ran a much-improved 3rd on his return over this distance on January 28th. He should strip fitter for that and can be a danger here. (3) MONEY TOUCH has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest two and should be challenging late on here. (8) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG and (4) MARU STAR others who have hinted at ability and shouldn’t be far away.

Selections(9) Cupid Mir (12) Raon The Clipper (3) Money Touch (8) Geumak Myeongjang
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

(4) YONGAM SESANG was 2nd on debut all the way back in May of last year but didn’t re-appear again until this January 20th when he ran an on-pace 3rd over this distance. He was favourite that day but evidently needed the run and with some natural improvement, he will be the one to beat here. That will require him to overturn the form on (12) RAON THE SPRINTER. He too returned from a layoff in that January 20th race, in his case of five-months since an underwhelming debut. He won his December trial and then was a smart 2nd on his return, two-and-a-half lengths clear of Yongam Sesang. He has the challenge of the widest gate today, but he should be close. With a 2nd and a 4th over 1300M from his latest to, (10) STUNNING MONEY looks to be the logical third pick while (1) YEJIMONG and (2) CROQUIS are others who may warrant support on a place line.

Selections(4) Yongam Sesang (12) Raon The Sprinter (10) Stunning Money (1) Yejimong
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 12

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

It took (2) GWANGYAEUIHAMSEONG a couple of goes to figure things out but on the evidence of his latest two, he is getting there. He has recorded a 3rd and a 4th over 1300M both in fast times and running through the line well. He has by far the fastest final furlong average time and the slight step up in trip can suit. (11) BIG WILD is getting there too. She has recorded back-to-back 3rd places over this distance and while the times weren’t quick, they were in much slower conditions than those experienced by the favourite. She has the challenge of a wild draw but should be a danger. (4) WONDERFUL FEVER will also be disputing favourite status. After running 3rd on debut, he was 2nd over this distance on January 26th, settling midfield and running on. Again, his times haven’t been quick, but he will be competitive here. (12) LUCKY HIT and (5) CHRYSOL HERO other place chances.

Selections(2) Gwangyaeuihamseong (11) Big Wild (4) Wonderful Fever (12) Lucky Hit
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

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

(1) DAEMUL SOCKS comes in off a best to date 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on February 4th. He draws very nicely to be on the speed again and he can go one better this time.  (9) NARAOLA enters following a 5th and a 4th from his latest two, most recently beating a couple of these on January 28th on his way to posting the quickest (it’s all relative) time that any in this field has achieved for the 1400M. In this company, he should be able to get on to the pace from the start and will be in this a long way. (10) SHOUT KURO was away slowly and never a factor behind Naraola on January 28th. Prior to that though he had been in good form with a smart 3rd place over 1300M and he can be given another chance here. (4) SHARKTEN and (2) NEXTLEVEL among other minor money chances.

Selections(1) Daemul Socks (9) Naraola (10) Shout Kuro (4) Sharkten
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 23)

It’s Classic trials weekend in Korea with both Seoul and Busan hosting their respective lead up races for the Triple Crown on Sunday afternoon. Before that, the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Japanese rider Ueda Masashi, who rode at Seoul between 2020 and 2022, has returned and takes his first rides on the south coast.

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

A maiden with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (11) RUBY STONE was a trial winner in December before running 3rd on debut in an all-filly maiden over this distance on January 28th when she led for much of the way. She has the challenge of a wide gate here, but she should have come on for that run and has as good a chance as any. (2) TROPHY WARE was an improved 2nd at start number two on January 21st when settling midfield and running on. The time was significantly quicker than anything else here has registered and from a great draw, she is a big danger. (1) ONES HEYDAY has progressed across three outings so far, most recently 3rd at this distance on January 26th. She likes to settle back and run on and can be pressing late. (12) SEOGWI STAR and (6) LET THEM ALL COME, the latter having knocked up fast on debut having showed on pace, others to consider.

Selections(11) Ruby Stone (2) Trophy Ware (1) Ones Heyday (12) Seogwi Star
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 11, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-olds only in this maiden and it’s hard to look past (6) CHEONHA SARANG. He ran 3rd on debut over 1200M before an on-pace 2nd when stepped up to 1400M at start number two on February 2nd. The step up in trip again can suit and he should have too much for this lot, which will be reflected in a prohibitive price. (2) BABEL DREAMY has run on well for 4th and 5th in two appearances so far at 1200M and 1300M. She has recorded fast final furlongs and should relish a bit more distance to get stuck into. (8) STEALTH MODE was a fair 6th of twelve behind Cheonha Sarang earlier this month and can get closer in this company. (9) LEMON DRAGON and (11) UNJU LEGEND others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Cheonha Sarang (2) Babel Dreamy (8) Stealth Mode (9) Lemon Dragon
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10

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

(11) MAX THE CAT has been getting closer across four starts culminating in a 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on January 26th flashing home from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can go one better here. (4) YEONGGWANGUICLASS was 5th in that January 26th race, also coming from a long way back. He already has two 3rd places to his name at this distance and should be in the mix again today. (8) WONDERFUL KAYLAN enters off a to-date best of 2nd place over 1400M then racing handily. He comes up to the mile for the first time and it can suit. (12) NANGMAN DAERO and (9) SEOBU CAPTAN are other potential improvers.

Selections(11) Max The Cat (4) Yeonggwanguiclass (8) Wonderful Kaylan (12) Nangnam Daero
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

Eleven imported maidens with four of them racing for the first time. Most of the ones with prior racing experience raced against each other on January 12th at this distance with the best of them being (1) WOLFS KING MAN, who settled handy and ran on for 2nd place. He had been sent off as favourite on what was his debut having impressed in trials and he will be a short-priced favourite to go one better. (2) CONNECT MARINE ran 3rd in that race, coming from well off the pace. He has three-lengths to find on Wolf’s King Man but can have the beating of the rest. The only one to have raced twice already is (10) WINNABLE EDITION. He has been fancied in both having won a trial and he did improve in the second of them to finish 5th of eleven. He comes up in the weights but can continue to get closer. (6) AKARAKA was 5th on debut in the January 12th race and can improve. (5) CHOEGOUI KKUM looks the best of the debut-makers.

Selections(1) Wolfs King Man (2) Connect Marine (10) Winnable Edition (6) Akaraka
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 10
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Segye Ilbo Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 18)

The 2024 Stakes program gets underway on Sunday as the long road to the Korea Sprint starts with the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Daehan Jilju (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

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

(8) STUNNING FLATTER didn’t catch the eye in trials but instead saved it for races, running a good 3rd on debut on January 7th over this distance, settling back and running on. He should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, he is the one to beat here. (12) STAR CHANGER has made progress across four starts so far and enters off a close 3rd place in a slow race over this distance on January 14th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can get closer this time. (4) SOLAIRE has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both at 1300M. He has the best finish on him among these and can be a danger late. (10) BLUE RACER and debut-maker (3) MR. TROT others who may feature.

Selections(8) Stunning Flatter (12) Star Changer (4) Solaire (10) Blue Racer
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 12

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

(4) CHEONMA BULPAE comes in having beaten a couple of these on his way to a to date best finish of 3rd over this distance on January 21st when racing handy throughout. He is under the same weight today and comes out of the same gate and with Breux climbing up, he can make the breakthrough. (5) FLYING KING has been getting steadily better across four starts, culminating in 3rd place last time over 1300M. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time today and should be on pace and in this a long way. (1) BLOOD MOUNTAIN was 4th behind Cheonma Bulpae in that January 21st race, coming from off the pace. That was his best finish so far and he should be there or thereabouts again. (6) CRAZE CHANG and (12) TONNERRE others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(4) Cheonma Bulpae (5) Flying King (1) Blood Mountain (6) Craze Chang
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 12

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

Three first-time starters in this field and we’ll take a chance on one of them (1) THE GREY MAN ran 2nd in a quick trial two weeks ago, running on pace. He draws nicely to be on pace and the apprentice engaged means both a light weight and probably a slightly better price than otherwise. (9) WORLD MAID CAT will probably jump as the favourite. She came from well off the pace to run 2nd over this distance on debut on January 12th with a couple of today’s opponents behind her. She should have come on for that run and can be a big danger late on here. (6) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE ran 4th behind World Maid Cat in that race having led for much of the way. She should be on pace, and she too should show some natural improvement. (4) MR.KEYMAN and (12) MASTER ROAD are others who have hinted at ability and can be considered.

Selections(1) The Grey Man (9) World Maid Cat (6) Yeonggwangui Rose (4) Mr.Keyman
Next Best12, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 12

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

Weak maiden here. (4) ASSI JANGGUN has a 2nd place to her name over 1200M in a decent time back in December when coming from off the pace. She wasn’t completely horrible when 6th on her return on January 14th and won’t need much improvement to win this. (5) YEONGWON POTEN overcame a wide draw and a slow start to run on for a midfield finish on debut on January 6th. With a bit more experience, a better draw and hopefully, a better start, she can get much closer here. (3) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has a 3rd place to his name over the distance and while he has been ordinary in two subsequent starts, that’s enough to put him in contention in this company. (2) AWESOME BRAIN did nothing on debut on New Year’s Eve but has since been back to trial and looked better. (6) FEDERAL PRESS another who may improve.

Selections(4) Assi Janggun (5) Yeongwon Poten (3) Galsaek Dojeonja (2) Awesome Brain
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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