Busan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Korea Cup and Korea Sprint weekend! The biggest races of the Korean season will be run at Seoul on Sunday and we will have a full preview over the next couple of days. In the meantime, the weekend’s action kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Both Seoul (11 races from 10:35) and Busan (6 races from 11:50 to 16:35) host Sunday cards. Here are the previews:

Speed Young was last year’s Champion Juvenile (Pic: KRA)

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

A small field of juvenile maidens with all but one having raced before. (5) ORAEDAHAMKKE ran 4th on debut in June before improving to a close 2nd on August 6th when racing handy throughout. Both of those races were over 1000M and the step up can suit and he looks the one to beat. (7) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG and (6) LEGENDSUN came home 3rd and 4th respectively with little between them when they raced one another at this distance on August 5th. For Seongsil Yeongung it was an improved performance at start number two while Legendsun was making his debut. Both look set for further improvement and can go close here. The solitary debut maker (1) MAGIC PLEASURE won his trial and while it was a very slow time, he did what he needed to. He can go well first up. (2) SINUI UNMYEONG another who can improve from his debut.

Selections(5) Oraedahamkke (7) Seongsil Yeongung (6) Legendsun (1) Magic Pleasure
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

(8) BUTTER K has made steady progress across four starts so far, including a close 3rd place at this distance last time out on August 6th. In the process, he recorded the fastest time of any of these for the distance, and today can be his day. (2) PURPLE SHINHWA was behind Butter K in that race on August 6th, but he does have a runner-up finish to his name over this distance. He goes best on pace so he draws very nicely, and Moon Se-young’s presence will encourage plenty. (5) ONE SPEAR ran a fair 3rd over this distance on August 20th. He tends to get quite far back in his races, but he should be competitive here. The form drops off precipitously after those three with (4) GEOMOON and (7) CATS WOMAN perhaps the most likely of the rest to improve.

Selections(8) Butter K (2) Purple Shinhwa (5) One Spear (4) Geomoon
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

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

Tricky maiden. (11) SSING SSING SSING enters having posted the fastest time among these for the distance when 4th on August 5th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. Third-up this preparation, he should be peaking fitness wise, and he can win. He does draw a touch wide though and that may open the door for (8) LUCKY HONEY. She was 5th in that August 5th race but that followed a 2nd and a 3rd in her previous two. She is another who will probably be a shorter price than she should be because of Moon Se-young being aboard, but she should go close. (1) WONPYEONG LIST was an improved 2nd at start number three on August 6th when racing on the pace for the first time. From a good draw, expect similar tactics today and she should be a big chance. (9) LAFEYETTE and (3) K N START the latter for whom it is a fresh start nine months after his debut, are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(11) Ssing Ssing Ssing (8) Lucky Honey (1) Wonpyeong List (9) Lafeyette
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (8) PURE DANCE gets the nod following an encouraging debut on July 30th when after a slightly sluggish start, she ran on pleasingly for 5th over 1000M. Like all those here racing for the second time, she should have derived benefit from the experience and the extended trip should be in her favour. (10) MY MELODY also ran 5th on her debut at 1000M on July 23rd, in her case having jumped well and settled on the speed. She faces the challenge of the wide draw here but should be showing some development. (3) TODAY QUEEN was an improved 2nd at start number three over 1200M on July 29th. She raced on pace that day and will be expected to do similar here with another place a strong possibility. (4) B.K. ZENA and (7) PERFECT ACTION others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Pure Dance (10) My Melody (3) Today Queen (4) B.K. Zena
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

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

(3) SIDAEUI MYEONGJAK remains a maiden following seven attempts, but he looks set to be a hot favourite here. He got promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes in June and July and then ran a close 3rd on his first try at class 5 on August 6th when always racing handily over this distance. He draws well here and should prove too good. (2) FLYING CARAVANE comes up in class following a maiden win on debut over 1000M on July 23rd when settling midfield and running on. He comes down in the weights and can be measuring up in this company. (8) DALMAJI was 3rd at this class over 1300M on July 1st. The same apprentice claims 4kg once more and he can be competitive. (5) MR QUALITY and (6) WONDERFUL JOY others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(3) Sidaeui Myeongjak (2) Flying Caravane (8) Dalmaji (5) Mr Quality
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

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

Competitive maiden. We’ll take a chance on (3) DOCTOR LEO. He debuted at 1300M on August 11th and having settled back, he ran on promisingly for 2nd. The time wasn’t quick, but he looks to have plenty of potential for development; he should strip fitter for the run and the experience, and he can go one better. (12) FLYING DIA unseated her jockey as the gates opened on a scheduled start on August 18th and made her own way home. That would have been her first race since March when 2nd at 1300M and she was well-fancied having performed well in a trial. She will be well-fancied here too. (8) FIRE MAGIC started to run on far too late on debut over 1200M on July 29th. He should be better for the experience and the additional trip can suit. (4) MOST RAPID and (9) HANEUL BULPAE among other placing chances.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 1)

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

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with ten of the twelve racing for the first time. The two that have raced already didn’t exactly pull up trees on their respective debuts, so we’ll go for the first timers. (4) TEAM PERFECT is the pick having run an on-pace 2nd in her trial, stopping the clock in a good time. If she brings that form to the races, she has every chance first-up here. (5) DAESUNG FLY won her trial in fine fashion running on pace and finishing well in a good time. Just like Team Perfect, if she brings that to the races, she won’t be far away. (12) GEUMA REJOICE ran 2nd in her trial in a fair time. The way she came from off the pace suggests the wide draw won’t be a problem and she is from a top stable. (10) CHRYSOL HERO has raced once and can improve while the amusingly named (11) WORLD THUNDER MAN is another debut maker who can put in a bold showing.

Selections(4) Team Perfect (5) Daesung Fly (12) Geuma Rejoice (10) Chrysol Hero
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 9

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

A competitive maiden. (2) BRAVE CAPTAIN has progressed across five starts so far, and enters off back-to-back 2nd places, most recently over this distance on July 30th when settling midfield before improving to sit behind the speed and run on well. She draws well here, and today can be her day. (5) SPRIT FIGHTER races for just the second time. He raced handy throughout his debut over 1000M on August 11th, ultimately finishing in 4th place. He should have derived benefit from that run, the additional trip can suit, and he should be showing some improvement here. (1) HAERANG ISEUL has finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far, most recently in 3rd over this distance on July 2nd. She draws very nicely to be on pace here and should be close once more. (6) THE ONE and (8) HAEUNDAE STAR are others in the frame.

Selections(2) Brave Captain (5) Sprit Fighter (1) Haerang Iseul (6) The One
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

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

Tricky maiden. Jockey Lee Sung-jae has been in good form of late and he could pick up another win here in the shape of (5) WONDERFUL ONE. He has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, racing handy both times and stopping the clock in good fashion. He won’t need to improve much to win here. The boldly named (11) NUMBERONEPICK did precisely nothing on debut being slowly away and continuing to be slow throughout. He has though been back to trial since then (it may not appear in all race cards, so beware), and looked much better, overcoming gate twelve to get on pace and ran very close in a good time. If he can translate that form to the races, then he is right in this. (3) MACH TURBO showed significant improvement when 3rd at start number three over this distance on July 29th and can maintain that momentum here. (7) JEONGMUN LEGEND needs a line drawn though his latest and along with (5) GREAT BOY, is another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Wonderful One (11) Numberonepick (3) Mach Turbo (7) Jeongmun Legend
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

Two standouts here. The Bart Rice and Seo Seung-un connection is enough to make us side with (3) JEONGMUN SPECTER. He remains a maiden after five starts but has four top-four finishes and while he last raced in April, he looked very well when winning a trial in a quick time on a good-rated track on August 19th. So long as he didn’t leave his race there – and he has had almost two weeks to recover – he looks a big chance here. The main danger is (4) CHARON TODAY. She comes up in class following a maiden win at start number two over this distance on July 29th. That was her first run since her nondescript debut last October and she should strip fitter for it. Expect her to be on pace and in this a long way. (9) HWARANG SKY has outperformed her odds in her latest two and under a light weight, warrants respect here. (8) DONGNAM WINNER and (7) DALEHOLRINGWANGDAE others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(3) Jeongmun Specter (4) Charon Today (9) Hwarang Sky (8) Dongnam Winner
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6
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Rookie Stakes Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-by-Race Preview (August 27)

This year’s juveniles get their first opportunities to run for serious prizes on Sunday as both Seoul and Busan hold their “Rookie Stakes” races, the lead in to the Juvenile Series this autumn. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:40 to 17:00. Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong will also be in action in Busan’s Class 1 finale. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with three of the ten racing for the first time. There’s no clear favourite so we’ll go with (4) GREAT STORM at what could be a decent price. He overcame gate eleven to run a decent 4th on debut over 1000M on July 23rd, when settling just behind the speed and running on. The time wasn’t especially quick but the step up in trip can suit and he has as good a chance as any. (5) HWASANGWIHWAN won a May trail and then following an indifferent debut was an improved 5th of eleven over this distance on July 16th racing on pace. He looks nicely in here and should be a danger. (1) EUNPA SARANG was a fair 5th in debut in July and should have come on for the run. (7) YEOWANG SOCKS and first-time starter (2) WONDERFUL JET others in the frame.

Selections(4) Great Storm (5) Hwasangwihwan (1) Eunpa Sarang (7) Yeowang Socks
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

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

The stable has zero wins from 135 starters so far in 2023 but that really should change here with (4) NAOL SIDAE. He comes in off a much-improved 2nd place at start number two on June 10th when settling midfield and running on in a good time. He draws nicely and today should be his day. Should the unthinkable happen and the losing streak continue, it’s most likely to be at the hands of (2) JANGHEUNG CLASS. He enters having run 4th on July 22nd despite losing a lot of ground around the turn when resenting kickback and racing ungenerously. He’s been back to trial since then and with a more mature performance here, he can be a danger. (5) TESTA BLUE was a touch disappointing last time out but based on his 2nd place over this distance in early July is worth another chance here. Debut-maker (8) TOJONG GLORY along with (7) NEW POINT are other possibles for minor money.

Selections(4) Naol Sidae (2) Jangheung Class (5) Testa Blue (8) Tojong Glory
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the South Coast with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) HIT SOCKS debuted on July 30th over 1000M and beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to a strong 2nd in a quick time coming from off the pace. The way he finished off suggests that the additional furlong can only be in his favour, and he can win this. (3) OVER ENERGY debuted in the same race overcoming a wide draw to run on for 3rd, just half a length behind Hit Socks. He too should have come on for the run and can go close again. (11) GLOBAL TAEYANG was a quick 2nd over 1000M on her debut on July 21st. She showed a really good turn of foot late on and she is another who the extra trip should suit. (5) GEUMA PRECEDE and (9) ROAD STAR, who debuted together on July 23rd, are among others to consider.

Selections(4) Hit Socks (3) Over Energy (11) Global Taeyang (5) Geuma Precede
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 9

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

This is a competitive maiden. (7) SMART SOCKS just about gets the verdict having steadily gotten closer in her latest few culminating in 2nd place at this distance in a good time on August 5th when leading for most of the way around and she can go one better today. (10) BEAT RACER has been similarly knocking on the door in recent efforts which include a runner-up finish two starts back at this distance. Moon Se-young is engaged again, and the pair are sure to have plenty of backers. (12) NAOL JEONGSANG debuted on Christmas Day last year, running a decent 4th but then wasn’t seen again until a month ago. He should strip fitter for that comeback run and can be a factor here. (3) FLYING ZEST and (9) SMART CLAIR look to be the logical other placing hopes.

Selections(7) Smart Socks (10) Beat Racer (12) Naol Jeongsang (3) Flying Zest
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 11

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

Competitive race with two standouts.  Humbly named (7) THE BEST EVER enters off a smart runner-up finish at what was his fourth career start on July 30th when racing handy throughout. He is one of only two in the race to have tackled this distance before and he can use that experience to his advantage here. (2) CORNER ONE shapes as the danger. He’s finished 5th in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. He has finished off his races very smartly and the additional furlong should be exactly what he needs to get closer. (9) HOTFLEX raced twice last autumn without distinction but returned in July following nine months off and ran a good 2nd over 1200M. He should have derived benefit from that run and can be competitive here. (11) GRAY BOSS and (3) ANOTHER ONE are other ones to keep safe.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 25)

It’s back to daytime schedules from this week. Racing gets underway on Friday at Busan with 7 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Twelve unraced juveniles. (9) LAST DRAGON will be favourite having run 2nd in a trial in a quick time. He was on pace throughout and will be expected to lead and go all the way here. (8) DIA GRIT went through two trials, just scraping through the first in May but winning the second on July 22nd when she settled just behind the early leaders and ran on pleasingly. Like the other fillies, she gets a nice weight allowance here and can go well first-up. (2) STRIDING MAN wen through three trials and by the third of them in July, looked to be getting the hang of things, sitting handy and running on for 4th in a good time. From a nice draw he can do similar here. (7) STRIKE ZONE beat a couple of today’s rivals when winning a trial on July 15th. The time wasn’t quick, but he showed enough to suggest he has some ability. (4) HANEULPYEONGJEONG another who did well in trials.   

Selections(9) Last Dragon (8) Dia Grit (2) Striding Man (7) Strike Zone
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 10

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

(2) AJANTA came from off the pace to run 5th in a decent time over 1000M on debut on July 21st. She should have come on for that run, the additional furlong can suit, and she has winning claims here. The main danger is (1) KING FIGHTER. He’s raced twice before, improving in the second of them on July 30th when leading for much of the way around over today’s trip and ultimately coming home a close 4th. From a good draw, he should be on pace again and once more in it a long way. (7) AMBITIOUS GIRL debuted in the same race as Ajanta, coming home in 5th place, just half a length behind the selection. She too should have derived benefit from the experience and can make more progress. Debut-maker (10) DOCTOR LICA trialled up well and along with (8) DREAM WAY is another to consider.

Selections(2) Ajanta (1) King Fighter (7) Ambitious Girl (10) Doctor Lica
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) DREAM RUN will be a warm favourite. Her recent form has been consistent, and he has shown aptitude for a mile with a 2nd and a 3rd in her latest two, most recently on July 30th when close to the pace throughout and beating a few of today’s rivals. A similar run here should see her win. (4) WITH STAR also beat a few of these when 3rd over 1400M on July 30th. That continued a pattern of improvement and while she was beaten by Dream Run two starts back, she should go close. (12) DOCTOR WICKY has mixed his form so far but the step up in trip can suit. Despite the wide draw he can be expected to be on the pace, and he may make for some interest at an each-way price. (11) RUN TO KING and (7) STORMY DAY are among others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Dream Run (4) With Star (12) Doctor Wicky (11) Run To King
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 12

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

(11) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT is yet to score in sixteen attempts but has no fewer than six top-three finishes. He comes in off a 3rd and a 4th in his latest two, both at this distance and both in decent times. He has a strong finish so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem, and today can be his day. (1) MOTHER MOUNTAIN has won before at class 6 level, and she looks to be working back towards another win. She comes in off a smart 2nd place at class and distance on July 29th when she overcame the widest gate to sit behind the speed. She comes into a much better gate here and under a light weight, she can win. (6) BLUE CAPTAIN enters with recent form reading very pleasingly, with two 3rds and a 4th from his latest three. He can sit behind the speed here and should be involved at the business end. (4) TWO TWO LIME and (9) ILGANG DAERO among others to consider.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 20)

There are Sunday daytime cards at Seoul (10 races from 11:35 to 19:00) and Busan (7 races 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 although all but one has raced at least once before. (11) THE PLAYER has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M both times leading almost until the end. He draws a touch wider than ideal but should have enough about him early to get to the front, and it can be third time lucky here. It’s clear what type of distance the Raon group believe (2) RAON THE SPRINTER will excel at. Indeed, he showed plenty of speed on debut when 3rd over 1000M. He should have come on for that run and from a good gate can challenge for the lead and be in this a long way. (4) JANGGUN GARAM has raced twice, improving at start number two when 2nd over 1000M. He ran through the line well both times and the slight step up in trip can suit. (10) SMART CAT and (8) WONDERFUL PAGO among other sin the hunt.

Selections(11) The Player (2) Raon The Sprinter (4) Janggun Garam (10) Smart Cat
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 11

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

(1) STEALTH PARK may have run ordinarily on two of three occasions but sandwiched in the middle was a very solid 3rd place at this distance when he settled back and then ran on in a time quicker than any of the others here have achieved. He draws well, Moon Se-young stays up, and he could win this modest affair. (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG enters off a strong 2nd place at this distance when running on strongly. That was back in May so he has had almost three months off since, and coming in fresh, he can be a danger. (5) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN has, like Stealth Park, mixed his form so far with a 2nd and a 6th, both over 1200M. He can be expected to be on pace here and should go close. (9) HAENGBOK YEOWANG and (6) VET CAPTAIN other potential improvers.

Selections(1) Stealth Park (4) Bulgeun Pokpung (5) Naegilui Captain (9) Haengbok Yeowang
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

Maiden fillies here. (6) WORLD FIRST CAT beat a couple of these with a front-running showing on debut on July 21st that ultimately ended in 3rd place. Like all here, she should have come on for that first experience and could well lead all the way here. (1) DAMOA debuted on June 23rd over 1000M, settling behind the speed before running on well for 4th. From the inside gate she can drop in behind the lead again and they extended trip can suit with Franco climbing aboard only to her benefit too. (9) WHITE FALCON has races twice already with a 3rd and a 4th to her name, the latter behind World First Cat. She has been doing her best work late so the step up in distance may well be to her benefit. (8) POCKET MILLION and (5) QUEEN AND SERVE others with the potential to improve.

Selections(6) World First Cat (1) Damoa (9) White Falcon (8) Pocket Million
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

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

(11) ZETTA MASTER is the pick here. He comes in having run 2nd over this distance on July 23rd when getting forward to sit handy from a wide gate, He draws a touch wider than ideal again but should have enough about him to get a forward position and third-up this preparation, he may be peaking fitness wise. (5) SAVANA CHARLIE is the maiden danger. He came home in 3rd place in that July 23rd race having settled back and run on well. Although yet to break the top-two, he has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than eight occasions and he should be aiming to crack the quinella here. (7) ONE SPEAR has been slow away in his latest couple, but he does have a runner-up finish to his name as recently as July 1st and that’s enough to p him in the placing mix in this company. (1) SAEROUN BITKKAL and (10) GREEN BULPAE others in the minor money hunt. 

Selections(11) Zetta Master (5) Savana Charlie (7) One Spear (1) Saeroun Bitkkal
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 11

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

(10) YONG GUN gets the nod here. He enters off a career-to-date best of 2nd over 1300M on July 29th when racing on pace throughout. He comes up to 1400M for the first time but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and he should be able to find a forward position again. (8) SUCCESS FLYING has raced just once, all the way back in January. He re-appeared, freshly gelded, in July and won a trial in a quick time, practically making all. He can be considered first-up here. (1) SHINE MONSTER enters off a runner-up finish over this distance on July 14th when coming from off the pace. She was well-beaten by a good winner, but a similar performance will see her in the money here. (11) TOO CUTE GIRL and (2) LUCKY BAND among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(10) Yong Gun (8) Success Flying (1) Shine Monster (11) Too Cute Girl
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start4, 8, 10, 11

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

(3) PURPLE WORLD comes up in class having followed up a 2nd place on debut with a win over 1200M on July 1st when he made all and won by as many as he pleased. He also comes up in distance slightly, but the manner of that victory suggests there is more to come, and he can win again here. (5) GANGPUNGMA is similarly up in class following a maiden win at start number two over 1200M on July 22nd when coming from off the pace. The margin of victory was slightly less eye-catching than that of Purple World, but he did what he needed to do well enough, and he can measure up here. (1) CHEONGGYE GISANG finally draws a good gate for the first time in a long time. That should allow him to get a much easier run to the front than in recent starts and he can improve. (2) LADY TAEPUNG and (7) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK among others to consider.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 18)

It’s the final weekend of twilight/evening racing and the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with a 7-race program from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. We’ll side with the experience, in particular, (1) DOCTOR RICH. He led for much of the way around on debut over 1000M on July 7th, ultimately coming home in 2nd place in a quick time. He should have come on for that run, he can be on pace again, and this time can go all the way. (4) CONTROLLER ran a solid 3rd on his debut on July 14th, settling handy and running on over the 1000M in a good time. He too should improve and the step up in trip can suit. As for the first timers, (10) FLYING KHAN produced the pick of the trial performances, while (5) ARION KING and (2) SUCCESS BAEKPA also posted good times and can go well first-up.

Selections(1) Doctor Rich (4) Controller (10) Flying Khan (5) Arion King
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

Competitive maiden with two standouts. (7) DOCTOR KANE ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in June before following up with a 3rd place at this distance on July 14th when leading for much of the way and beating plenty of today’s rivals. She has been back to trial since then and with a more mature performance, she can be the one to beat today. The main danger is (1) BORIS MARINE. He too has raced twice, improving to a close runner-up finish at start number two on July 7th. He can settle back and run on here and should pose a danger in the closing stages. (3) JJARITHANISUNGAN debuted all the way back last December, racing fairly, but hasn’t been seen since. He came back to trial in June and showed some ability so can be given a chance first up here. (10) HAERANG YOUNGUNG and (2) MAGIC ELEVEN others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Doctor Kane (1) Boris Marine (3) Jjarithanisungan (10) Haerang Youngung
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

(4) BEOMHAN GOLD shapes as a warm favourite here. After debuting in February, he didn’t reappear until July 23rd when he was a very close 2nd over this distance, having led for much of the way. He should strip fitter for that run and from a good gate he can lead again and has every chance of making all. (2) VELOCIRAPTOR is yet to finish in the top-two in thirteen attempts, but she has had planet of near misses including a useful 5th last time over this distance. She tends to get a bit far back in her races, but she does finish strongly, and she can run into at least the placings here. (3) FLYING DIA races for the first time since a good 2nd over this distance in March when leading for much of the way. She looked well in a trial at the end of July and can be a danger first-up here. (5) LEMON BULPAE and (10) CHOICE ROAD others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Beomhan Gold (2) Velociraptor (3) Flying Dia (5) Lemon Bulpae
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(1) PISTOL STAR found himself a little overmatched when sent up to Seoul for a spin around in the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Crown on July 22nd. At the start before though he was a good winner over this distance at class 4 level and under a light weight and from a good gate, he can return to winning ways here. (8) MAN OF THE MAN comes up in trip having run a good 2nd over a mile at this level on July 16th. Tactically versatile, he is lightly raced and should still have some improvement in him. (7) EUNSEONG WINNER was one of plenty here who raced one another at class and distance on July 7th. She ran 4th that day having got a long way back and can be expected to be a bit closer today. (2) ALL CROWN and (4) HWANGU FIHGTER others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Pistol Star (8) Man Of The Man (7) Eunseong Winner (2) All Crown
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

(7) SUCCESS MOCCA raced four times around the turn of the year and showed ability, winning over this distance at class 6 level. He returns to action here for the first time since March and looked very well when winning a July trial. He should be on pace here and can go all the way. Another one returning from an absence is (10) FAST FURY. She registered three consecutive 4th place finishes at this level up until April and she too looked very well when winning a trial in double quick time in late July. She races best on pace so may need a touch of early luck from a wide draw, but she has every chance of going close. (6) ACE A MOCA comes up in class following a smart win over this distance on July 30th. She comes down slightly in the weights and can measure up in this company. (8) TITAN K and (4) UNJU GLOBAL others in the frame.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 13)

There are daytime cards at both Seoul (10 races from 11:35 to 19:00) and Busan (7 races from 12:40 to 18:00). Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with a debut maker, and it wasn’t so much the time but the way (5) SPEED ONE completed his heat that puts him on top. Coming out of gate nine he sat handy and then ran on under a hold getting better with every stride. If he can show that kind of maturity at the races and when asked for an effort, he can win. (6) KNIGHT CHARM was asked for more in his trial in dreadful conditions in July. He responded nicely and ran on to cross the line with plenty in hand. He too can be considered first-up. Experience can count for plenty though. (9) MIRAE TOWER came from off the pace to run on for 4th over this distance on July 15th. He should have come on for that and with a better start can get closer today. (1) NICE TAEYANG and (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI the other pair who can improve on their respective debuts.

Selections(5) Speed One (6) Knight Charm (9) Mirae Tower (1) Nice Taeyang
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

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

(4) MOON DUST looks to be finally getting things together with a pair of 3rd place finishes from her latest two, both at this distance and both times racing on pace. She draws nicely to get an easy early run here and she will be the one the need to beat. It’s not a strong race and that means we can give the solitary newcomer, (6) DAERYUN BULPAE, a chance. He trialled up a few times as a juvenile but never came anywhere close to qualifying before being put away for several months. He came back into training in June and looked much more assured when running 3rd in a fair time in a July trial. Don’t rule out a bold showing first-up. (8) FINE DAY has a 3rd and a 4th among her five efforts so far and should be in the mix here. (7) JEONGSANG HIT and (10) BINNANEUN GEUMSEONG among others who can compete for the money in this modest contest.

Selections(4) Moon Dust (6) Daeryun Bulpae (8) Fine Day (7) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

Juvenile maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) GEUMA DISTINCTION will be a warm favourite. The Kim Young-kwan trainee went through two trials, crossing the line 3rd in both, both in quick times. He can settle just off the pace here and if he brings the trial form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (5) SINCHEON FIRST won a June trial before racing on pace in debut on July 7th and ultimately running 4th in a good time over this distance. He should have benefited for the experience and can go closer here. Returning to the first-timers, (2) HWANGGEUMSEONG led every step of the way to win his trial in a good time on a wet track. He draws nicely, Seo Seung-un partners, and there is plenty to like about him. (1) CHRIS MORE and (7) LIGHT BROWN others who could put in a bold showing first-up.

Selections(9) Geuma Distinction (5) Sincheon First (2) Hwanggeumseong (1) Chris More
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

A weak but very tricky race to predict. We’ll take a chance on (2) GOLDEN SNIPER, who ran 2nd two starts back over this trip, settling handy and nearly getting there. He followed up with a 5th place on his latest appearance on July 9th when on pace throughout and from a good gate, today could be his day. (8) POWERFUL VISION ran an improved 5th at start number two over 1300M when on pace throughout. She can be expected to show at the front early again and should once more be in this a long way. (5) SHARP SUNSHINE has shown signs of figuring things out, finishing in the top four in each of her latest four appearances. Her times haven’t been quick, but she finishes off her races well and can grind out another decent placing here. (7) SINUI HAMSEONG and (4) BEST PLAN, others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(2) Golden Sniper (8) Powerful Vision (5) Sharp Sunshine (7) Sinui Hamseong
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

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

(9) WONDERFUL ONE has shown improvement across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over this distance on July 9th when handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. Without an apprentice claim today, he does come up 3kg in the weights, but that’s balanced by Franco climbing aboard, and he can win. (7) YONGSAN KEUNBYEOL was 4th in that July 9th race, continuing a positive start to his career. He has almost two-lengths to find on Wonderful One, but he gets a weight swing and should be challenging the favourite for the lead from the start. (1) WONDERFUL SMARTY is a thirty-six-race maiden but comes in following her first ever second-place finish over this distance on June 16th. She is another who doesn’t have an apprentice claim this time, but she has a good draw, and a repeat of that run will put her in the finish. (6) BLUE CAVIAR and (5) HANEUL BULPAE other placing chances.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 11)

Typhoon Khanun should be safely out of the way but wet tracks can be expected across the weekend. THe action gets underway at Busan on Friday with a twilight card of 7 races from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens. Since scraping through a qualifying heat in early June, (1) SEVEN DRAGON has subsequent been through two voluntary trials and has been very good. This is important because those heats won’t necessarily appear in all race cards. He made all to stop the clock in 61.9 seconds on June 24th, well clear of Controller, who went on to run 3rd on his own debut, and then overcame gate eleven to run 2nd in another trail on July 28th in a time of 60.9 seconds. From the Kim Young-kwon stable, he will be favourite to win first-up here. Only one of them has raced before. That’s (8) HWANG YO who was an on-pace 3rd over this distance in a similar race on July 7th. Experience can count for plenty in these types of contests, and he shapes as the main danger. (2) YEONGGWANGUI GLORY and (7) BEST CHAMP trialled up together finish g4th and 5th in fair times and both can be considered for a money finish first-up.  (5) SPRIT FIGHTER another who caught the eye.

Selections(1) Seven Dragon (8) Hwang Yo (2) Yeonggwangui Glory (7) Best Champ
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(3) MASTER YODA perhaps wasn’t ready in his first couple of starts but after a three-months off, he came back in March and has looked much improved with a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts back at 1200M and 1400M, racing on pace both times. He draws nicely here and comes back in trip, Seo Seung-un climbs on and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (8) UNJU TWO HEARTS might be worth a spin at an each-way price. She raced on pace on debut on July 9th before capitulating in the final furlong. She showed speed though and can be on the pace again here and with a bit more maturity, could be in this for longer. (6) CHEONSU SIDAE has hinted at ability across four outings with her best of 4th coming at this distance last time out. She can settle back and run into some money here. (4) DAY BY DAY and (1) CHEERFUL LIFE other possibles for the places.

Selections(3) Master Yoda (8) Unju Two Hearts (6) Cheonsu Sidae (4) Day By Day
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 11

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

(8) DOCTOR WICKY was an improved 2nd at this distance on July 16th, leading for much of the way around and comfortably defeating a couple of today’s rivals. He should be on pace again today and he should have too much. (5) BOB AND JOY finished 3rd in that July 16th race having been handy throughout. It was an improvement from his debut and while he has six lengths to make up on Doctor Wicky, with some more progress he can get closer today. (4) GANGSEO JEORYEONG ran 4th in that race. It was a big uptick on his previous efforts, but he is nicely drawn to sit just behind the speed, and he can continue his positive momentum here. (10) RICH COWBOY and (2) CHOEGANG CHONGAL both have 2nd places on their records already and are others who can enter the calculations. 

Selections(8) Doctor Wicky (5) Bob And Joy (4) Gangseo Jeoryeong (10) Rich Cowboy
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

Two standouts here. (2) THE ONE has shown signs in his latest two of figuring things out with a 3rd and a 4th, both at 1200M and both times settling back and running on. He draws well here, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he can win. The big danger is (10) ACHIMUI HUIMANG. Following an ordinary trial, she wasn’t especially well fancied on debut on July 9th, but she ran well overcoming a similarly wide gate to today to finish 4th in a decent time on a wet track over this distance. She was a long way behind an emphatic winner, but she should have derived benefit from the run, and she has a chance. (3) FIRST MENI has been knocking on the door of the places across her five starts so far. In this company she should be on pace and aiming for a career best to date finish. (1) CHOEGANG WEEK and (5) MIRACULUM others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) The One (10) Achimui Huimang (3) First Meni (1) Choegang Week
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) MA GUN won back-to-back races in March and April to get rapidly promoted to this class before running a creditable 4th when stepped up to this level and to this distance for the first time on July 9th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. That experience should be beneficial for him, and while he does have the challenge of the outside gate, he can win here. (6) WIND WINNER enters with recent form reading well and he has the fastest time of any of these for the distance. With Franco aboard, he can sit on or close to the speed and should be going close. (2) ARCTURUS has plenty of a ability and he signalled a return to form with a 2nd place at class and distance on July 16th running on pace and beating Wind Winner, among others. He draws well here and shouldn’t be dismissed. (10) GREAT ONE and (3) DAEHO NURI others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Ma Gun (6) Wind Winner (2) Arcturus (10) Great One
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A very tricky one. (11) WAITING FOR YOU stepped up to this trip for the first time on July 14th and used up plenty of effort to get forward from the widest gate before running a close 3rd. She looks to have more development in her and while she draws wide for the third consecutive time, today could be her day. She has half a length to make up on (7) NAMYANG BOLT, who was 2nd in that July 14th race, having settled midfield and run on. He has won at this distance at class 6 level and warrants respect here. (8) LADY VADER got her maiden win at start number two in early June before running 5th on her first try at this class on July 7th when on pace over 1200M. She steps up to this trip for the first time and is likely to be on the speed and in this a long way. (3) BABEL HEART enters having won at this class over 1300M a month ago and while up slightly in weight, a repeat isn’t impossible. (2) FIRST PARK among plenty of others in the money hunt.

Selections(11) Waiting For You (7) Namyang Bolt (8) Lady Vader (3) Babel Heart
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A difficult finale. (6) GOLDEN WAVE had a disappointing day at the office when well supported at class and distance on July 7th, racing handy but weakening. She has previously run very well at this distance though and with Franco up today, she can be given another chance. That will mean overturning the July 7th form on a couple of these including (11) SOUTHERN SUPERONE. The only juvenile in this field, he debuted in that race having won a June trial. Just like today he had to overcome the widest gate, but he acquitted himself well, settling back and then running on for a creditable 5th. He should benefit from the experience and can get closer here. (4) ROCKET SORI comes back in trip following a good 3rd place over a mile on July 14th. He has run well at this distance too and can be a danger. (8) BREAD HIT and (1) BLUE CARSON among plenty of others with placing hopes.

Selections(6) Golden Wave (11) Southern Superone (4) Rocket Sori (8) Bread Hit
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8