Busan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 5)

The 2024 racing season gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

The New Year kicks off with a full field of three-year-old maidens with ten of the twelve racing for the first time. Both the two with prior experience did well, coming home in 3rd place in their respective debuts and they will be the top picks. (4) FLEX DAY settled midfield on her debut on October 29th, settling midfield and running on well in a fair time. She has had ten weeks off so comes in fresh again and looks the one to beat. (10) BLACK JILJU raced on pace on her debut on December 1st. Her time was slower than that of Flex Day and she has the challenge of a wide draw here, but she is the man danger. As for the first-time starters, (9) MIRACLE MARINE won a trial in December leading all the way and shapes as the most likely to make and immediate impact. (12) BLAZING MAN and (7) NAEPYEON others who hinted at ability in the mornings.

Selections(4) Flex Day (10) Black Jilju (9) Miracle Marine (12) Blazing Man
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

(10) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG will be a short price favourite here. He ran 3rd on debut back in August and then didn’t return until December 10th when he repeated the trick over this distance and with three of today’s rivals behind him. He may need some early luck from the wide gate, but he won’t need to improve much to win this. (9) SHACKLE ZONE comes in having run a much-improved 2nd over this distance on December 1st. The time wasn’t quick, but he finished off well and can be given another chance here. (3) OAK RIDGE and (8) MACH MAN came home 4th and 5th respectively behind Kwaehan Yeongung in that December 10th race and both can be considered to match or better that here. (4) MORPHEUS among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Kwaehan Yeongung (9) Shackle Zone (3) Oak Ridge (8) Mach Man
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start4, 8, 10, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (8) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA has a pair of 4th places and a 3rd from three starts so far, most recently over this distance on December 8th when coming from well off the pace. She has proven capable to race on the speed as well and she is the one to beat here. (10) QUEEN’S FLETAR comes into contention following a strong 2nd place at this distance on December 8th. In doing so she recorded the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, and she has proven herself to have a strong finish. That makes her second pick here. (7) HEUIMANG FLYING was 3rd behind Queen’s Flatter in that race, having led for part of the way around. That continued a consistent start to her career, and she should be there or thereabouts again today. (2) LIGHT BROWN and (6) SMART SMILE the others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) Daejiuiyeojeonsa (10) Queen’s Fletar (7) Heuimang Flying (2) Light Brown
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

(10) ROAD STAR was a winner over 1200M at class 6 level in November before running 3rd behind Baekduui Kkum in a Listed race for juvenile fillies at the start of December at big odds. She has run consistent times; she has been versatile in her running style and the slight step up to 1300M can suit here. (4) HANEUL EUTTEUM ran out a winner on debut over 1200M on December 1st, settling handy and running on. He comes up in class and slightly in distance here but draws well and a repeat isn’t impossible. (7) GUKDAE HERO is up in class following a win at start number four in a quick race on a very wet track over this distance. He doesn’t get a weight drop, but a repeat of that effort will put him in the mix again. (11) BLUE CAPTAIN and (1) TWO TWO LIME others in the minor money frame.

Selections(10) Road Star (4) Haneul Eutteum (7) Gukdae Hero (11) Blue Captain
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

(5) LEMON PIE was a winner back on debut and has since run well for a pair of 4th places and a runner-up finish in three goes at this level. She draws well to get a nice run to the lead here and she is very much the one to beat. (1) YONGBI STAR comes up in class having scored her maiden win at start number six over this distance on December 3rd, when slowly away but quickly on pace and proving too strong. The win had been coming and she can measure up in this company. (2) DOCTOR KONGDOLI can mix his form, but he has loads of experience at this level and looks nicely in under a light weight and in a good gate. (4) CHAS PALPAL and (6) MOST RAPID among others in the hunt.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 31)

The final race meetings of the year take place on Sunday at Seoul and Busan. There are 11 races in the capital from 10:35 to 18:00, and 6 on the South Coast from 11:50 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

The second division of the juvenile maiden that made up yesterday’s race 1 and nine of the twelve race for the first time. The experience should have the advantage though. After a good trial, (6) CROWN HAMSEONG was sent off as favourite over this distance on November 25th when she raced handy before running on for a close 2nd. She should have derived benefit from the experience, and she will be expected to go one better here. (7) GANGHAN NURI was similarly 2nd on debut. In his case it came over 1000M back on October 7th. He has had twelve weeks off since so comes in fresh and showed enough promise to merit consideration here. Completing the set of experienced ones, (11) YEONGGWANGUI WORLD showed on pace before finishing 6th on debut on November 19th. He can get closer here. As for the debut makers, (12) RAON PARANOMA and (4) DONGJIN BULPAE looked the best in trials.

Selections(6) Crown Hamseong (7) Ganghan Nuri (11) Yeonggwangui World (12) Raon Paranoma
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

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

More maidens. (2) EDENUI DONGJJOK gets the verdict by virtue of his 3rd place at start number two over this distance on December 3rd when handy throughout. He overcame gate twelve that day so with a much better draw today, he is the one to beat. (5) GENERAL POWER debuted back in June and then didn’t reappear until running an improved 5th over 1200M on November 26th, beating a couple of today’s rivals when coming from well off the pace. He should strip fitter for the run and can go closer here. (8) EUNPA JOY was also an improved 5th at his latest start and can be considered for more improvement here. (1) CHEONGUCHAT and (4) NONSTOP YEOLCHA are other contenders to challenge for the places.

Selections(2) Edenui Dongjjok (5) General Power (8) Eunpa Joy (1) Cheonguchat
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

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

(9) HAKSAN MACHO shapes as the warm favourite here. He come sin having run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two appearances over 1200M and 1300M. He has the fastest time of any of these over the distance and can sit behind the early speed and prove too strong late on.  (8) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has hinted at ability across three starts so far, with his best being a 3rd place over 1200M in October when coming from off the pace. Moon Se-young climbs aboard today and that itself ensures plenty of backers. (2) SHOUT KURO has made steady improvement and was most recently a close 4th place over this distance on November 26th. He can get a bit far back in his races, but if he is withing striking distance at the top of the straight, he can pass plenty. (11) WONPYEONG GANGJA and (5) BAEDARI HYANGGI others in the frame.

Selections(9) Haksan Macho (8) Galsaek Dojeonja (2) Shout Kuro (11) Wonpyeong Gangja
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

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

Maidens in the opener at Busan and it’s hard to go past (2) GUKDAE STAR. After a somewhat plain debut, he ran a good 4th at start number two over this distance on November 24th when settling in midfield and running home strongly ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He won’t need to improve much to win this. (11) RAON STROKE has a 6th and a 5th in two starts so far, both at 1200M. Both times she has been a long way back before running on and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) BIG WILD ran 8th on debut behind Gukdae Star. He had previously been quick in a trial and should have benefited from his first-up experience. Debut maker (9) FUERTE along with (10) JOJOBA are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Gukdae Star (11) Raon Stroke (8) Big Wild (9) Fuerte
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

Competitive race. (10) BLACK BELT is up in class having broken through at start number three over 1200M on November 26th. His style has been to go right back and run on and the step up to 1400M can suit. (7) DALMAJI has put together some consistent results at this class, most recently a strong 2nd place over 1300M on November 11th when on pace throughout. In this company he can employ similar tactics today and can go one better (3) MIRAE TOWER got his maiden win at start number five on November 19th over 1400M when leading all the way around. The win had been coming and while he is up in class here and doesn’t get any weight relief, he draws nicely and has every chance of measuring up at this level. (2) REAL PACK is yet to win in twenty-eight attempts, but he’s been close on several occasions and comes in with recent form reading well and along with (4) NEMO SPIRIT is a place chance here.

Selections(10) Black Belt (7) Dalmaji (3) Mirae Tower (2) Real Pack
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(11) UNJU TOP has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far at 1000M and 1300M, running on well both times. She has proven to have a smart finish on her, so the widest gate shouldn’t be too problematic, and while she may need a bit of luck at the start, she can prove too strong. This isn’t a strong race so (4) SONGDO GALMAEGI may be worth a chance at a probable even-money price. He did nothing in two starts at the beginning of this year but after ten months off, he looked well when trialling up. He draws nicely. (1) ROAD TO PARTY can also be given another chance following an indifferent debut. He had previously trialled well and from the inside gat e can get an easier early run here. (5) WORLD WINNERS MAN and debut-maker (3) UNJU CHEONHA are others to consider for the minors.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 29)

The final weekend of the year gets underway with a 9-race Friday card at Busan from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan.

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. We’ll go with one of the first timers and (2) BANG BANG BANG, who beta a couple of today’s rivals in her trail when she settled steadily and ran on well, crossing the line only in 5th place but in a quick time. The 1200M should suit first up and if she brings the trial form to the races, she has a chance. (7) HAEUNDAE SUNSHINE raced just the once, all the way back in August registering a midfield finish over the 1000M. She looked well in a trial two weeks ago and can get closer this time around. (5) GOOD KING MAN weakened badly at start number three earlier this month over 1400M but going on his November outing when 2nd at this distance, he has to be in the frame. (6) CHAS QUEEN is another debut maker who hinted at ability in trials. (10) FANTASTIC HUMOR did little on debut but can improve.

Selections(2) Bang Bang Bang (7) Haeundae Sunshine (5) Good King Man (6) Chas Queen
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Millin

The second division of the juvenile maiden, this time with seven of the eleven making their racing debuts. Among the four with prior experience is the probably short price favourite, (10) DRAGON PUNCH. After a good trial, she overcame gate eleven to run a good 3rd on debut over this distance on November 26th. Racing handy throughout. She should strip fitter for the run and can win this. Second in the market will be (4) NONSTOP DUTY. She has raced four times so far, with three 4th places among them. She has posted good times along the way at both this trip and at 1300M, and similar run today should see her improving on those 4ths. (8) GLOBAL SPURT won a November trial and while he did nothing on debut on December 1st, he can be forgiven that and given another chance here. Among the debut makers, (9) RIVERSTONE and (6) FLYING THE LUCKY potentially have the best chance of an immediate impact.

Selections(10) Dragon Punch (4) Nonstop Duty (8) Global Spurt (9) Riverstone
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) GREEN CHIEF has shown steady progress across four starts so far, culminating with a 2nd place over this distance on December 8th when handy throughout. She draws nicely here to sit behind the speed again and she can prove too strong. (7) SHINING MORNING comes in off a 4th place at start number three over this distance on December 1st when she led for much of the way. From an adequate draw, she can be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (6) SAENAE HIT has run fairly for 5th and 6th place finishes in two starts so far, both over this distance. She has raced handy both times and should be doing similar today with designs on an improved finish. There are a couple of first-time starters and (1) RAID HIT came through her trial well, racing on pace. She draws well and can put in a bold first-up showing here. (2) META PRINCESS another in the hunt.

Selections(3) Green Chief (7) Shining Morning (6) Saenae Hit (1) Raid Hit
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

More maidens and it’s hard to go past (3) SINCHEON FIRST. He has four to-four finished from five starts and has been getting closer recently. He enters off a strong runner-up finish over this 1300M on December 3rd.  He likes to race on pace and the step up to 1400M for the first time can suit. (4) WIND MAGIC returned from nine months off to run 4th over 1200M at the end of November. Before her layoff, she had a couple of 3rd place finishes to her name, and she can strip fitter here. (2) ROAD TO TOP has a best of 2nd from his four starts so far, coming at 1200M. He does have experience of trying this distance already and from a good draw, he can be a danger today. (10) SAVAGE GIRL and (8) STORMY DAY are others in the frame.

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Christmas Eve Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview

With there being an additional card at Seoul on Christmas Day, the usual Sunday roles are reversed and it is Busan where the lion’s share of the action will be. Busan hosts 10 races from 10:35 to 17:30 while at Seoul there are 7 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies. (8) GRAY QUEEN is the most experienced, with three starts behind her already and they include a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M. While not quick, her 1200M time was faster than any of the others with experience have achieved and she is the reluctant top pick here. The danger is a first-time starter. (5) GRAND CHASER looked good in a trial, settling handy and running on for a close 2nd to the experienced Mongttang in a quick time. All the trials were fast that day, but she showed enough to be considered first-up. (3) SKY GRIT led that same trial, ultimately crossing the line 3rd. She raced once without distinction in June but should be on the pace and a different prospect here. (6) GOLDEN NICE and (2) BORAM are other contenders.

Selections(8) Gray Queen (5) Grand Chaser (3) Sky Grit (6) Golden Nice
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 10

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

(6) UNJU TWO HEARTS will be hot favourite here. After an indifferent debut, she has registered three consecutive top-four finishes, racing on pace each time. She comes up marginally in trip but with Seo Seung-un climbing on, and against modest opposition, she shapes to be odds-on to score. (7) RED JASPER was an improved 3rd over 1200M on December 1st, overcoming gate ten to sit back and then run on. She has the best final furlong average time of any of these and from a better gate, if she can be a touch closer this time, she can be a danger. (8) MAJESTIC DANCER was an improved 3rd at start number two on November 17th, coming from off the pace. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and looks a solid place chance again. (4) FLYING AARON and (3) NANGNAM DAERO others who could sneak into the minors.

Selections(6) Unju Two Hearts (7) Red Jasper (8) Majestic Dancer (4) Flying Aaron
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 9

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

(2) SEOGWI PERFECT raced on pace on start number two over 1300M only to ultimately go down by the narrowest of margins in 2nd. That was a big improvement from his debut and while he comes up slightly in trip, he also comes into a much better gate, and he can go one better today. The main danger is (3) ARA NURI. She similarly has three top-four finishes from four starts so far and from a good gate can be ridden on pace to be in this a long way. (4) CLOUD LOVE has shown steady but noticeable improvement across his latest few attempts. He doesn’t look a winning chance here but can be matching or bettering his last start 4th. (5) TAP BOLT and (11) NEVER GIVE UP other potential improvers.

Selections(2) Seogwi Perfect (3) Ara Nuri (4) Cloud Love (5) Tap Bolt
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) LEMON DOKKI returned from nine months off to run a fair 6th of eleven over 1400M on December 3rd when settling back and running on. He should strip fitter for that run, the step up to a mile can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (3) AQUARIUS too may find an extended trip beneficial. She is yet to finish in the top-two in fourteen starts but enters with recent form reading well with a pair of 4th place finishes at 1400M. She can settle behind the speed and run on here. (5) HERE THE QUEEN returned from eight months out to run 6th of nine over 1300M on December 8th. She has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name from before the layoff and like Lemon Dokki, should be fitter for her run earlier this month. (10) CHEONSU SIDAE and (9) ASTIN MARINE are others to keep safe.

Selections(2) Lemon Dokki (3) Aquarius (5) Here The Queen (10) Cheonsu Sidae
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

Juvenile maiden fillies open proceedings in the capital. (1) SEOCHEON LION will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. She is yet to finish any worse than 5th and comes in off her best to date when an on-pace 2nd over this distance on November 18th with a couple of today’s rivals a long way back. She draws nicely and won’t need to improve much – if at all – to win this. (6) CHEONHAENGCHAT has five top-five finishes from seven attempts and the second fastest time among these for the distance. In this company she should be on the speed and can be a factor for a long time. (11) SANSAMEUN HAMYANG was a much-improved 2nd at this distance on November 18th. She had a similarly wide gate to today, and she can be competitive again. (5) HOMYEONG QUEEN and (8) ROYAL BEST the other logical place chances.

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

The first of four days of Christmas racing is on Friday with 8 races from 12:10 to 18:00. (There will be 7-race programs at Seoul on Saturday and Sunday with Busan also contributing 10 races on Sunday before Seoul hosts a standalone 12-race Christmas Day meeting on Monday). Here are Friday’s previews:

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

Jockey Choi Eun-gyeong had a field day last Friday and she can keep her good run going here with (5) GREAT MAN. After a nondescript debut in August, he had three months off and then looked much better when stepped up to this trip and running 4th on November 5th having led throughout. His time was much quicker than anything else here has managed and he should be on pace and can go all the way. (2) SEKWANG CHOEGANG has been slow away in both starts do far but has shown a good turn of foot. He draws nicely here and if he can be a bit closer a bit earlier, he can be a danger. (10) BREEDO WIZARD was well fancied on debut having trialled well and he put in a fair performance in 4th place over this distance on October 20th. He comes in here fresh and can build on that today. (8) FLYING ACE has been back to trial since his poor debut and could be a different prospect this time. (11) ARION KING another in the frame.

Selections(5) Great Man (2) Sekwang Choegang (10) Breedo Wizard (8) Flying Ace
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start5, 8, 10, 11

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

(5) BEAT DRAGON will be a short-priced favourite here. He ran 4th on debut over 1200M in October before being 2nd at 1400M on November 17th when settling back and running on well. Seo Seung-un climbs aboard and from a good gate he can settle behind the speed and go one better this time. (2) TAEPUNGUI CHUKJE comes in off best finish to date o f2nd over 1200M on November 19th when midfield and running on well. He comes up to the 1300M for the first time and it can suit. (1) YONGBI CHEONWANG enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance racing on pace both times. There isn’t much early speed in this race so from the inside gate, he should get an easy run to the lead, and he can be in this a long way. The form falls off significantly after those three, with (8) TWOTWO MONEYGUN and (7) SPRIT FIGHTER perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Beat Dragon (2) Taepungui Chukje (1) Yongbi Cheonwang (8) Twotwo Moneygun
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(1) WISE KING ran once, all the way back in January, and won very easily over 1200M. He has been through two trials, in October and in November, finishing 2n din both in quick times. He should therefore be match fit enough, he draws nicely, and he can win first-up here. (3) BEST CHAMP got his win at this distance back in September. He was back in the pack when slowly on his first try at this class in October but returned to form with a runner-up finish over 1200M on November 24th. The start is important for him and if he can be on or close to the pace, he has every chance here. (9) BEST LEADER comes up in class having scored her maiden win at start number five at this distance on November 19th when on pace throughout. Her time was good, and she can measure up in this company. (6) ACHIMUI HUIMANG will need to be taken on trust racing for the first time since August but along with (4) BURUI JEWAMG, is another to consider.

Selections(1) Wise King (3) Best Champ (9) Best Leader (6) Achimui Huimang
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

(7) AUTUMN BREEZE is the one to beat here. She made her breakthrough at start number five on November 17th when she made all over this distance, scoring aby a full ten-lengths and stopping the clock in a fast time. She comes up in class here, but that win had been coming and the manner of it suggests that she has plenty more in the tank. This isn’t an especially strong race for the level and that means (6) SANGIM STAR, a distance runner-up to Autumn Breeze in that November 17th race, could get closest again. She comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes at this distance and under a light weight, she has the potential for more improvement having only raced four times. (4) HAVE A GOOD YEAR is another up in class. He returned from five months off on November 19th to make all over this distance and from a good gate can be on pace and in this a long way. Among those with experience of this class already. (8) GLORY SONG and (1) BEST WIND are probably the best of a limited set.

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