Busan

Sports Chosun Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 7)

Sunday sees racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00), and at Busan (6 races from 11:50 to 16:35). It is a rare Sunday without any Graded races but there is a Trophy race at Seoul in the shape of the Listed Sports Chosun Trophy. Saturday’s rain should have long since stopped but the track will still be very wet. Here are the previews:

Tiz Barows could be the one to beat in the Sports Chosun (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens. (6) BEST CLONE will be favoured having shown promise across five prior starts culminating in a runner-up finish on April 9th when on pace throughout over this distance. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here and will take some beating at what will probably be a prohibitively short price.  (8) SEUNGNI GONGJU ran 4th behind Best Clone in that April 9th race. That was a big improvement from her debut and if she continues to make progress, she can get closer today. (7) GLORY AND HONOR hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but has got a little closer in her latest two, with a 3rd place last time out. She should be joining Best Clone at the head of the race early and can match or better that 3rd here. (3) HAYAN TAEYANG and (5) DAONDI others in the money hunt.

Selections(6) Best Clone (8) Seungni Gongju (7) Glory And Honor (3) Hayan Taeyang
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

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

The second division of the three-year-old maiden. (3) GHANA DREAM has raced twice, improving significantly in the second of them on April 1st when running on from midfield to finish runner-up at this distance. She can settle behind the speed here and can go one better this time. (6) NEW POINT is the main danger. She ran a solid 5th of eleven on debut in a quicker time than Gana Dream did. She doesn’t benefit from an apprentice claim this time, but Antonio’s services should compensate for that, and with some natural improvement, she will be right in this. There are a couple of Debut-makers and (2) NURI TAEYANG qualified well at the second time of asking in a fair time and a close finish on April 14th. She did her best work late and the 1200M first-up may suit. (4) VISION POWER and (1) MOONHAK EDEN other potential improvers.

Selections(3) Ghana Dream (6) New Point (2) Nuri Taeyang (4) Vision Power
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

(1) WONPYEONG CHUKJE will be a hot favourite to score here. He has been working towards a win in recent starts, culminating in an on-pace runner-up finish over this distance on April 1st in a time quicker than any of the others here have clocked. He draws well, he should be on pace, and he should have too much. (5) SAEROUN BITKKAL has picked up in his latest couple and enters off a career-best 3rd over this trip on April 8th. This is no harder and he can be competitive again. (4) DALMAJI also hinted at improvement on his latest on April 15th when coming from midfield to run on for 4th. He comes up slightly in the weights but draws well and may be ridden a little further forward a little earlier today. (6) MAGIC MOCCASIN and (2) EURO GANGJA among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(1) Wonpyeong Chukje (5) Saeroun Bitkkal (4) Dalmaji (6) Magic Moccasin
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Weak maiden to kick off the south coast action. (4) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG didn’t exactly pull up trees on debut over this distance on March 24th, but he ran well enough for 6th of twelve in a time a full second faster than any of the others have achieved for the 1200M and that’s enough to make him the pick here. (2) WORLD BEST CAT showed improvement when 5th at start number two over this distance on April 7th. She has raced on pace in both her starts so far and from a good gate, she can do the same here. There is two debut-makers and (7) LUCKY BAND put in a fair trial three weeks ago. He couldn’t ask for a softer race to debut in and can be considered for a money finish first-up, probably racing on the speed. (8) HAPPY BRIANNA and (5) NAMYANG DORI may improve.

Selections(4) Yeonggwanguihamsung (2) World Best Cat (7) Lucky Band (8) Happy Brianna
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

(8) CLAIR BEST has seven top-five finishes from nine starts and enters off a smart 3rd place at this class over 1200M on April 1st. He comes up 1.5kg in the weights but could well be on the speed here and can potentially go all the way. (3) HUIMANG OREUM too comes in off a last start 3rd, in her case over this distance and defying odds of in excess of 30/1. She carries the same weight, draws well, and will warrant more respect here. (9) YONGCHEON JISANG is another last start 3rd. He was a winner at this level over 1200M two starts back, and while he carries 3kg more than when he won, he can settle back and be a danger late on. (2) KKANGDORI and the up in class last start winner (7) ACE TIARA are among others to keep safe.

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

May’s racing kicks off with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday from 11:55 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(3) HWANGWU JANGSA won a pair of trials before running 3rd on debut over this distance on April 9th, sitting handy and finishing off well having overcome a wide gate. He draws better here, should have come on for the run, and is the one to beat. (7) HAPPY TAEYANG has the fastest time for the distance among these, recorded two starts back when 2nd. She weakened a little over 1300M last time out but back down in trip and kindlier drawn, she is a danger. (5) ARION QUEEN has shown steady progress across four starts so far including a last start 3rd place at this distance. She should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) NEOGA CHOEGO and first-time starter (6) HERO J are among others to consider.

Selections(3) Hwangwu Jangsa (7) Happy Taeyang (5) Arion Queen (8) Neoga Choego
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

It’s hard to go too far past (4) SPECIALIST here. He enters off a 2nd and two 4th place finishes from his latest three, two of them at this distance and from a good draw can sit on pace or handy and should prove too strong. (7) ADELE HORANGI has only missed the top-five once in nine prior starts. He tends to sit back and can leave himself too much to do but he has the fastest time of any of these for the distance, and he should be going close. (3) ROCKS has mixed his form but going on his 3rd place at this distance two starts back, he should be right in this from a good draw. (1) PINHOLE EYE and (8) SPECIAL FACT are others who in this company can aim for a place.

Selections(4) Specialist (7) Adele Horangi (3) Rocks (1) Pinhole Eye
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

(5) WONDERFUL APPEAL got her maiden win at start number six over this distance on April 9th when sitting handy throughout and then finishing off well in a quick time. She comes up in class but carries a light weight and from a good gate, she can measure up in this company. (1) MONEY CASE comes back in trip following a couple of spins around a mile which included a runner-up finish two starts back. He can be on pace here and should benefit from the shorter distance. (2) GOHEUNG CLASS will need a line drawn through her latest when she was slowly away from a wide draw and finished well back over 1400M. She comes into a better gate today and with a better start, should be much closer. (7) DOCTOR KONGDOLI and (8) TAEWANG SINGI others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(5) Wonderful Appeal (1) Money Case (2) Goheung Class (7) Doctor Kongdoli
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

(1) GOLDEN WAVE is yet to finish any worse than 3rd in four career starts. Her win came at this distance in a quick time back in February at class 6 level when she led all the way, and she has more than held her own in two subsequent starts at this class. From a great draw, she should be on pace and can lead gate to wire once more. The main danger is in the adjoining gate. (2) HANEUL JEWANG overcame the widest draw to win at class and distance in March and then followed up with a decent 4th, again drawn wide on April 2nd. He carries 3kg more than when he won but that is balanced by coming into a batter barrier, and he can go close again. (6) SKY JEJUHYANG is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has plenty of near misses and Seo Seung-un climbing on will attract interest. (5) ROSE FIGHTER and (3) DAMYANGUISIN are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Golden Wave (2) Haneul Jewang (6) Sky Jejuhyang (5) Rose Fighter
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

(11) WORLD CLASS CAT remains a maiden after six attempts, but she has finished in the top-three in her latest five and looks to have as good a chance as any here. She has a strong finish on her so doesn’t need to lead and the step up to 1400M for the first time can be exactly what she needs. (1) ROAD TO GLORY got his maiden win with an all the way score over this distance on March 31st. He comes up in class but draws very well and he can be competitive in this company. (2) PEGACORN is also up in class. He is still a maiden, but he has five top-four finishes to his name at the lower level including a runner-up at this distance. He comes down in weight, draws well, and should be in the mix again. (9) VEREUDA and (6) SKY MOUNTAIN others in the placing frame.

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday: Busan & Seoul Race-By-Race Preview (April 30)

The 2023 Triple Crown gets underway on Sunday when a full field of sixteen line up for the KRA Cup Mile at Busan. See here for a full preview of the big race. The Cup Mile is the last of 6 races at Busan which run from 11:00 to 15:45. There is also an 11 race meeting at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Something Lost won the Sports Seoul Classic Trial (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (7) YEOLJEONG ARGO was a much-improved 2nd at start number four over this distance on April 1st. She led almost the entire way around, ultimately going down narrowly but in a time as quick as any have managed in this field. A similar run can see her win this. The main danger is (10) MY THUNDER. She ran an on-pace 3rd on debut at this trip on March 25th and while the draw is slightly wider than ideal, she should have enough early speed to get to a prominent position. (8) TUHON TEUKGEUP has hinted at ability across two starts so far and has a time for the distance equal to that of Yeoljeong Argo. That is enough to bring her firmly into placing contention in this company. (3) AKKAENGI and debut-maker (2) SARYEONI BULLET are others with minor money hopes.

Selections(7) Yeoljeong Argo (10) My Thunder (8) Tuhon Teukgeup (3) Akkaengi
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 10

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

Three-year-old maidens and seven of the twelve are racing for the very first time. We’ll take a chance on a couple of those debutantes, firstly (3) ROSE BLADE. He ran on well in his trial to stop the clock in a decent time and while the heat was perhaps a little fast due to the presence of a class 1 horse (Domination), if he brings that form to the races, he can go well first-up. (7) HAENGBOK CHUKJE went even quicker in her trial when crossing the line 2nd having sat handy throughout. That was back in February so it has taken her a while to get race-ready, but she could be worth the wait here. (9) SUCCESS SHOW ME was a little slower in his trial, but he beat a couple of these in the process and that’s enough to have him in the frame here. Turning to the experienced ones, (2) CHEONGMAUI JILJU and (10) HAERANG JANGGUN are the most likely to improve.

Selections(3) Rose Blade (7) Haengbok Chukje (9) Success Show Me (2) Cheongmaui Jilju
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies with two of the ten racing for the first time. (2) PHOENIX CLASS is the one to beat having followed up a positive trial with a good 2nd place on debut over 1200M on February 25th when on pace throughout. She should have come on for that run, she draws well here, and she can lead all the way this time.  (1) MENI CHARM was a much-improved 2nd at start number four on April 2nd when ridden on pace for the first time. She was well-beaten by a good winner but can put in a bold showing again today. Those two look head and shoulders above the rest although (5) BARAMUI HYANGGI does have a 3rd place to her name and that alone is enough the give her at least a placing chance in this company. Debut-maker (10) BOREUM DALBIT went through two trials in fair times and couldn’t wish for a softer race to debut in. (4) RUBY AGAIN another in the minor hunt.

Selections(2) Phoenix Class (1) Meni Charm (5) Baramui Hyanggi (10) Boreum Dalbit
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

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

(11) HEARTBREAKER has two 3rd places from his four starts so far including his most recent on April 9th when sitting handy all the way over 1300M. He comes up in trip and what with there being an absence of early speed in this race, the wide draw shouldn’t stop him from finding a good position. He has as good a chance as any. The rise in trip may suit (3) VELOCIRAPTOR. She’s worked through the line well in her latest two appearances, finishing 3rd both times at 1200M. From a good gate, Jeon Jin-gu can pick his spot and finish well. (7) TTANBONG QUEEN significantly improved when tried at 1400M on March 24th, securing her best finish to date in 2nd in a good time. She too may benefit from a further raise in journey today. (4) HAENGBOKAN GIL and (5) STAR DRAGON among others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Heartbreaker (3) Velociraptor (7) Ttanbong Queen (4) Haengbokhan Gil
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

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

(1) SAVANA CHARLIE will be the favourite here. He has run 4th in both his latest two at 1300M and 1400M, coming from off the pace both times. This is not an especially intimidating field and similar efforts to those two should see him win. The main danger is (8) ZEROBAEK FIVE. She may be yet to finish in the top-two in thirteen attempts, but she has picked up minor money finishes in comparable company before, including last time when an on-pace 5th. She is one-paced but that should be enough to see her on the board here. (10) HERO QUEEN does have at least a 3rd place finish to her name. In this company, she should be passing plenty late on if not already on pace. (9) RED TAEPUNG and (4) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER are others who can be considered for the minors.

Selections(1) Savana Charlie (8) Zerobaek Five (10) Hero Queen (9) Red Taepung
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) YEONGGWANGUI ACE comes in having run 3rd to Betelgeuse in the Busan Classic Trial over this distance on March 19th, just over four-lengths behind the KRA Cup Mile favourite. He skips the Cup Mile and comes here instead and from a good draw and under a light weight, he is the one to beat. The main danger will break from the adjoining gate. (5) GRAND SUN returned from eleven months out to win over 1300M at class 5 level in February before running 2nd in a double-quick time over this class and distance on March 24th, starting slowly and settling back before running on. Third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness-wise, and he has strong claims. (1) K.AI enters off a good 4th place over 1200M on March 19th and from a much better gate can match or better that here. (2) B.K. NEW MOON is up 3kg in weight following a rather unexpected class and distance win at the end of March but shouldn’t be dismissed. (3) MAN OF THE STAR among others in the frame.

Selections(4) Yeonggwangui Ace (5) Grand Sun (1) K.Ai (2) B.K. New Moon
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

(1) COMPLETE FORCE gets the nod here. He comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both over class and distance and both times overcoming wider gates to get to a forward position. He does come up in weight here but that’s balanced by a better draw, and he is the one to beat. (7) BARAMUI GEOM returned from five months out to run 3rd at class and distance on April 2nd, racing handy and briefly hitting the lead in the straight. He should strip fitter for that run and should go close here. (5) NEVER AGAIN comes up in class following a maiden win at 1200M on March 26th when coming from off the pace. He’s going to need to go quicker in this company, but he comes down in weights and still has scope for improvement. (10) SECRET PLAY and (9) DANDI among others in the money frame.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 28)

This weekend sees the first leg of the 2023 Triple Crown with the KRA Cup Mile at Busan on Sunday. The south coast is where the action kicks off with 8 races on Friday from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Captain Yankee won the KRA Cup Mile in 2022 (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (6) ZETTA DREAM looks the one to beat following a runner-up finish on debut over 1200M on a wet track on March 24th when briefly leading in the straight. He stopped the clock in a good time, he should have come on for the run and from a central draw can be aiming to lead from gate to wire. The main danger is (11) THE PURE MAN. After a good trial he ran a close 2nd on debut over 1200M on March 31st, overcoming a slow start and then running on. That run suggests the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he should go close. (4) HERE THE QUEEN has mixed her form across three starts so far but she has a runner-up finish in a quick time to her name over this distance and comes in having overcome gate eleven to run 3rd over 1400M on March 24th. Any top-three finish will see her at class 5 level next time and a win isn’t impossible. (2) DYNAMIC WINNER and (8) QUEEN OF JOY other possible placers.

Selections(6) Zetta Dream (11) The Pure Man (4) Here The Queen (2) Dynamic Winner
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

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

(6) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG will be one of the shortest-priced favourites of the weekend. After winning a trial, he’s run 3rd in both starts so far at 1200M and 1300M and in decent times. He settled back and midfield and can do similar here and should be hard to hold out in the closing stages. The clear second favourite will be (1) UNJU OREUM. She has a 2nd to her name at 1200M and come sin off back-to-back 4th places in decent times at 1200M and 1300M. She draws much better than she has done in any of her four appearances so far so may well be ridden more forward. (7) SHINE MONSTER went right back before running on for a valiant 4th at this distance on March 31st. That was a big uptick in form but puts her in the minor money frame here. So too (2) SEONGSIL CHEONHA, who ran 2nd two starts back at 1200M and from a good draw, can be on pace and in this a long way. (8) NINE FORCE ONE another with hopes of the minors.

Selections(6) Seungniuiyeongung (1) Unju Oreum (7) Shine Monster (2) Seongsil Cheonha
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

Tricky one. We’ll go with the filly (5) SKY SEUNG, who has only raced once and that was all the way back last July when 4th at this distance. She looked well in a trial two weeks ago and once again can put in a bold showing first-up. (7) DOCTOR CUCKOO has three 4th place finishes from his latest four appearances including last time out over this distance when on pace. He has the fastest time among these for this trip and shapes as the main danger. (9) MOVIE MORE ran a much-improved 2nd last time out when on the speed in an all-filly affair over this distance on April 7th. That was just her fourth start, it was a good time, and she may well have more improvement. (3) ECTON POWER and (4) GOLDEN CAMP probably don’t have much improvement in them but in this company are capable of money finishes.

Selections(5) Sky Seung (7) Doctor Cuckoo (9) Movie More (3) Ecton Power
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 10

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

This is a good race for the level with plenty entering with recent form reading well. (2) GOLD ROSE just about gets the nod following a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both at this class and over 1300M and most recently this distance on March 31st. She has been on pace in both of those and is well drawn to lead again. She may prove hard to pass. (3) CUTE GUY weakened late on when tried over 1400M on his latest on March 26th. He is third-up today having returned in February from eight months out, and this lightly raced five-year-old could be peaking fitness-wise. (6) B.K. GALLOP got his maiden win over this distance two starts back before running 4th on her first try at this class on April 16th having raced on pace. She remains under a light weight, draws slightly better, and she can be dangerous. The up in class pair of (1) QUEENS LANDING and, to a lesser extent, (11) AQUA MAGIC, are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Gold Rose (3) Cute Guy (6) B.K. Gallop (1) Queens Landing
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

(7) FANTASTIC CHAMP comes up in class having run 2nd on debut all the way back last May and then finally returning to action ten months later on March 26th and winning over 1200M with a front-running effort. H comes sown in the weights, draws the same gate and neither the class rise nor the slight rise in trip should trouble him. He can win again. Also up in class is (12) SINHAE MANGCHI. He was 3rd in his first two starts before getting his maiden win over this distance on April 2nd when leading all the way. The draw here will mean that he should be available at an each-way price, and he could surprise. (1) DIA BOSS ran 2nd on his first start at this class over 1400M on April 2nd when beating three of these and having led for much of the way. He’ll be on pace again and the slight drop back in trip should suit. (11) SPECIAL WIND and (6) MENI GLORY others to consider.

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Luna Stakes Sunday – Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 23)

The Triple Tiara – or filly Triple Crown – begins at Busan on Sunday with the running of the Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas). See here for a full preview of the race. The Luna is the last race of 6 on a Busan card that runs from 11:00 to 15:45. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Doctor Oscar is a contender in the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (1) HONOR ROSE will be favourite having run 3rd on debut in a good time over 1200M on March 18th when handy throughout. She draws well here, she has the same weight, and with some natural improvement from that run, she can win. All that applies too to (2) MINT PLAY. She ran on from midfield for 3rd on her debut on March 19th over 1200M and she will be a danger. There is one debut-maker and (8) NAOL ROONEY is not without a chance. The Cross Traffic filly improved across three trials and those multiple efforts should stand er in good stead. At her latest trial she overcame gate eleven to sit midfield then handy and ran on well and in limited company, she can put in a bold first-up effort. (5) JANGHEUNG CLASS and (7) SEONGSIL INDONG other placing chances.

Selections(1) Honor Rose (2) Mint Play (8) Naol Rooney (5) Jangheung Class
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

Three-year-old maidens and (4) LAND BANK is the one to beat. He has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over 1200M and both times having led from the gate almost until the line. He draws well, he should lead again, and it can be third-time lucky. There is one first-time starter. (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE posted a fast time in his trial, albeit aided by the presence of a class 1 horse (Domination) to pull them along. This is hardly the most intimidating of races to debut in and he can be considered first-up. (3) HAERANG THE ONE comes back slightly in trip following a 4th and two 5th placed finishes over 1300M both from behind and on pace. She should be competitive here too. (8) FABULOUS BEATER ran out of steam late on debut but should stirp fitter for the experience and can improve here. (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND another in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Land Bank (10) Captain Charlie (3) Haerang The One (8) Fabulous Beater
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 11

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

Three-year-old maidens. (1) WONPYEONG KINGDOM ran 3rd on debut at relatively big odds having got away to good start and then led until the closing stages over 1300M. He draws well again the slight step back in trip can suit, and with some natural improvement, he can win. (10) FIJI BLADE also put in a creditable showing on debut, in her case over this distance on March 11th. It wasn’t a quick race, but she too should have come on for the run and while she draws a touch wide, she can be a danger. (5) WORLD FASHION has more experience and has improved across his three outings to date and was 4th behind Wonpyeong Kingdom in the latest of those on March 26th. He has got a bit far back in his races so far but has a strong finish and will be running on here. (2) GEOLJAK TOUR and trial winning debut-maker (7) SEOUL LION among others in the frame.

Selections(1) Wonpyeong Kingdom (10) Fiji Blade (5) World Fashion (2) Geoljak Tour
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 10

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

Three-year-old maidens and (4) JEONGMUN SPECTER may take some beating. He comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from is latest two, both at 1200M. He has the fastest time at the distance by a wide margin and from a good draw, he should be on pace here and will be hard to get past. (1) SEONGSIL STAR came back to this distance and ran a much-improved 2nd on February 17th and after nine weeks off, he can be competitive again from the inside gate. (8) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT has three top-five finishes from four starts so far and while her times have not been quick, she can challenge for the lead here and can be in this a long way. (3) GEUMA HUGE HIT did nothing on debut last November but was put away after that and looked much better when sent back to trial in March. Franco climbs on and she should show improvement. (5) DREAM RUN another potentially on the right trajectory.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 21)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and such is the paucity of the exposed form, we’ll side with first-timers. (3) OK DREAM went through two trials stopping the clock in quick times in both, having been on pace. That combined with the good draw and Franco on her back is enough to make her the top pick.  (2) GOLDEN STELLA was also on pace in her heat, crossing the line 2nd in a good time. She too draws well and can put in a bold showing on debut here. Of those with experience, (5) U PING has been well backed in all of her starts so far and got a 2nd and a 3rd in her first two outings. If she can get a good start, she could be a winning chance here. (11) WIND VICTORY is treated less kindly by the draw than the other two debut-makers, but she improved over the course of two trials and with some natural improvement from those, can also show well in this company. (9) HANEUL HAETSAL the best of the rest.

Selections(3) OK Dream (2) Golden Stella (5) U Ping (11) Wind Victory
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

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

Quite a good maiden with a few of them looking ready to win. (2) GLOBAL SARANG has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two in fair times at this distance and 1300M. He sat on pace in his latest start and from a good gate can do similar here and he has a big chance. (9) VICTOR BASIUM has entered these selections on many occasions and remains yet to finish in the top-two. He has though been between 3rd and 5th no fewer than eight times. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be on pace and while we write that every time about him and he will probably once more find at least one too quick, but he should be there or thereabouts. (6) WONDERFUL SMARTY comes in off a fair 4th at the distance on April 2nd. He can sit behind the speed here and run on again. (8) JANGSAN DEFI and (10) NAMYANG BOLT among others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Global Sarang (9) Victor Basium (6) Wonderful Smarty (8) Jangsan Defi
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 11

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

(6) BABEL HEART has shown significant improvement in his latest two, running 3rd on both times, most recently at this distance on March 26th. He tends to be a slow starter and settles right back before running on, but he has done that well recently and has a chance to go one, or even two, better today. (8) WORLD POINT was 2nd to Babel Heart’s 3rd when they raced one another in a slow race on February 24th. He comes up to this distance for the first time and it may well suit. (4) SOLEDAD has finished 4th or 5th in five of six starts so far including her latest on March 26th behind Babel Heart. There is an absence of early speed in this race so from a good draw, she may well be the pacesetter and can be in this a long way. (9) ACE RUN and (5) FIGHT FAMILY others who could enter the calculations.

Selections(6) Babel Heart (8) World Point (4) Soledad (9) Ace Run
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

(8) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M in a quick time before running 4th on his first try at this class and distance in a quick race on March 31st when he led for much of the way.  He should be on pace again and it can be his day. (7) BLACK VOLT comes up in class distance following his maiden win over 1200M on March 19th when settling back and running on to score narrowly. He has raced well at this distance already and should measure up in this company. (6) WONDERFUL OCEAN remains a maiden after ten attempts but enters in good form off back-to-back 3rd places both at this class at 1300M and 1400M. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and under a light weight she can be in the mix again. (5) RUBY STORM and (2) NOBLE COWBOY among others in the frame.

Selections(8) Dubai Wonjeongdae (7) Black Volt (6) Wonderful Ocean (5) Ruby Storm
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(3) PAN STAR came close to making all over 1300M on March 24th, just being overhauled in the closing stages and finishing 2nd. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but draws well, Seo Seung-un stays aboard, and he slight drop back in trip could see him home on top this time. (4) SPECIAL HERO enters with recent form reading well. On her latest on April 2nd, she sat handy before running on for 3rd in a fast race at class and distance she looks nicely in again here. (6) SEOGWI CHUKJE has picked up significantly in her latest two recording back-to-back 2nd places, both times at each-way prices. She continues under a very light weight here and can be competitive again. (10) GREAT BLUE and (5) GAMDONG ENERGY among others with at least placing claims.

Selections(3) Pan Star (4) Special Hero (6) Seogwi Chukje (10) Great Blue
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(10) SEUNGNIMAGIC KING won his first two starts to get rapidly promoted to this level and has a 2nd and a 4th from three attempts at this class, both over 1400M. He draws a touch wider than ideal but the drop back in trip can suit and he can return to winning ways. The main danger is (12) BLUE ICON. He has only finished out of the top three on one occasion and comes inhere having beaten a few of today’s rivals on his way to a close 2nd in a fast race over class and distance on March 19th. He is tactically versatile so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. (4) GOLDEN was slowly away last time out and finished well back but his form prior to that was good and from a good gate, he can be given another chance today. (11) DOCTOR TIFFANY and (5) HALLOWEEN PARTY others to consider.

Selections(10) Seungnimagic King (12) Blue Icon (4) Golden (11) Doctor Tiffany
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Competitive race but (6) CAPTAIN GOLD gets the nod. He was a winner over this distance two starts back at class 4 level before running 2nd on his first try at this level on March 10th, again over the 1400M, when on pace throughout. He should be on the speed again and can win here. (9) MAN OF THE YEAR returned from almost a year out to lead every step of the way over 1200M on March 3rd. He comes up in class and in distance here, but the manner of that win suggests there is plenty more to come and he can be a big factor here. (7) SONHADOR also returned to action last start after a lengthy absence. In her case she ran a strong 2nd over 1200M and should strip fitter for that run. (10) SANGSEUNG BOY and (12) MENIFEE SONG among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(6) Captain Gold (9) Man Of The Year (7) Sonhador (10) Sangseung Boy
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start3, 9, 10, 11

Busan Race 8: Class 1 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 110 Million

Small but competitive class 1 field to conclude. (3) SO MUCH GO is the one to beat, having won at class and distance on March 26th with three of today’s rivals behind him. He likes to settle back and run on and under the same weight today, he looks a winning chance again. (1) CRAZY CONTI was 5th in that March 26th race when racing on pace. He comes into a good gate today and can get closer. (5) KING OF GLORY returned to form last time out at the end of February when beating (an admittedly out of sorts) Winner’s Man on his way to 2nd place at class and distance. The same apprentice jockey takes the edge off the weight again and he can be a danger. (8) PRO CONSUL and (7) MACH TITAN other placing hopes.

Selections(3) So Much Go (1) Crazy Conti (5) King Of Glory (8) Pro Consul
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 14)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. Seo Seung-un and Park Jae-i, respectively 1st and 4th in the 2023 Busan Jockey Premiership, are both absent as they are in Seoul to ride in Sunday’s Herald Business Cup. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens. (7) SANSANGGEUISANG has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a narrow 2nd, beaten only a nose, when on pace over this distance on March 19th. He’ll be on pace again and this time can go one better. (9) EVERY KING IJI was an improved 2nd at start number two over this trip back at the start of February. He settled back and ran home well that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and while he’s had ten weeks off since then, he can be a danger. (1) HAVE A GOOD YEAR also improved second-up when 4th at this distance on March 10th. He draws very well again to challenge for the lead and should be in this a long way. He’ll be joined up front by (4) ARION QUEEN, who has run 4th in both her latest two, both times on pace and she can match or better that here. (6) CHOEGANG CHONGAL another potential improver.

Selections(7) Sangsanggeuisang (9) Every King Iji (1) Have A Good Year (4) Arion Queen
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

(3) VELOCIRAPTOR has hinted at ability across her seven outings and comes in following her best finish to date when 3rd over this distance o March 26th when she was bumped at the start causing her to be slowly away and settled right back, before shifting out wide and running on strongly in the straight. She can build on that here and with a better start, has strong claims here. (5) QUEEN ROMANCE was 4th in that same March 26th race racing handily throughout. She was just half a length behind Velociraptor and while she does come up in the weights in the absence of an apprentice claim, Franco climbs on and she can be a danger. (8) E-CASH has the fastest time among these for the distance and looks nicely in here with a 3kg claim. She can be running on late. (7) GOLDEN CAMP and (4) CHOICE ROAD are others with minor money hopes.

Selections(3) Velociraptor (5) Queen Romance (8) E-Cash (7) Golden Camp
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

This is a weak maiden. (1) TWOTWO FLYING has five top-five finish from eight starts including a 2nd place over 1200M in a good time in February. She finished well back on his latest appearance on March 12th but comes into a better gate and comes down in the weights. There isn’t much early speed so she could get an easy run from the inside. Four of these raced one another over this distance on March 19th with (4) KICK’N RUSH having finished the best of them in 2nd having settled in midfield and then run on. That was her best performance to date and is enough to put her in the mix here. (7) ROCKS ran 3rd in that race, half a length behind Kick’N Rush. For her too that marked a best finish to date and while she comes up in the weights without an apprentice claim, she can challenge again. (5) PURPLE STAR returned from almost a year out to run 5th in that race and should strip fitter for the run. (3) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG another in the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Twotwo Flying (4) Kick’N Rush (7) Rocks (5) Purple Star
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

Good race for the level featuring five last-start winners, four of whom are up in class as a result. We’ll side with one who wasn’t a last start winner though. (3) FAST GUN got his maiden win over this distance in January before running 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on March 12th. He comes up 3kg in the weights but that’s balanced a bit by a good draw, and he can win here. (2) SAEKDAL FIGHTER has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1200M on March 17th when uncharacteristically coming from well off the pace. He too comes up in the weights but should be competitive here. (12) K GOLD BAR is one of those last start winners having led for most of the way around before scoring by eight-lengths over 1400M on March 17th. The draw does him no favours here, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come. (7) DONGNAM WINNER and (9) NAKDONG JEONSA among plenty of others in the frame.

Selections(3) Fast Gun (2) Saekdal Fighter (12) K Gold Bar (7) Dongnam Winner
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 12

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

Competitive race. (8) FAST FURY enters with recent form reading well. She got her solitary win at class 6 level three starts back over 1200M and has followed up with two solid runs for 4th at this level. While she draws a touch wide, she has good early speed so should find her way to the front, and she can win here. (4) MULTI HIT made all to secure his first win at the fourth time of asking back in February. He finished midfield on his first try at this class on March 17th, but he was less than three-lengths away from the winner in a tight finish and had to contend with the widest gate. From a better draw today, he should be closer. (2) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT dead-heated for 3rd place in that March 17th race (the margins really were small that day) coming from off the pace and can be working home strongly again. (7) TWO TWO LIME and (6) MILK DAY among other potentials.

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Donga Ilbo Trophy Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 9)

The first of six Queens’ Tour races across the year will take place at Seoul on Sunday as Raon First heads the field in the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 interspersed with 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Raon First in the clear in last year’s Donga (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (7) BEST CLONE will be the warm favourite. Since returning from four months out in January, he has run 5th and 4th in two starts back at 1300M and 1200M, racing on pace both times and stopping the clock faster than any of the others here over this distance. He should be on the speed again today and can go all the way. There is one first-time starter and (2) KING GO TAEYANG will have his backers. He went through a couple of trials, first last August and then last month and while his times weren’t fast, he wasn’t asked to do very much. Moon Se-young will attract plenty to him and from a good draw and against limited opposition, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) HWANGGEUMKKOT improved to 4ht at start number two over this distance on March 5th, coming from well off the pace. She can continue to improve here. (1) THIS WEEKEND and (3) BIG BLED others with the potential to get better.

Selections(7) Best Clone (2) King Go Taeyang (6) Hwanggeumkkot (1) This Weekend
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(9) SPECIALIST has been on an encouraging trajectory, including a very narrow defeat two starts back over 1300M in February when overcoming the widest gate to race handy. He followed up with a fair 4th, again at this trip on March 17th. He comes back slightly in trip, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and today can be his day. There is one first-time starter and (10) HWANGU JANGSA is a two-time trial winner in February and March, leading all the way in the most recent and chalking up a quick time. If he can bring that form to the races, he’ll be in this. (7) SUCCESSFUL is optimistically named but has hinted he may be able to live up to it with a 3rd and a 5th in two appearances to date. He can be on pace here and should be going close. (5) HELLO SUNSHINE raced once last October but won a trial last month. Granted there were only four-runners in the heat, but it was a fast one and he draws well here. (6) SEONGSIL CHEONHA, much improved in his latest outing, is another to keep safe.

Selections(9) Specialist (10) Hwangu Jangsa (7) Successful (5) Hello Sunshine
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

Three-year-old maidens. (4) MENI POCKET will start the odds-on favourite locally, based on her last start 2nd at the end of January when on pace throughout.  She’s had a couple of months off since then so comes in fresh and from a good draw will take some beating. (7) CHOEGANG NICE has the fastest time among these for the distance. While that is still not especially quick, it was recorded when she ran 3rd coming from off the pace two starts back and she should be running on strong again. (8) LUCKY HONEY has improved with back-to-back 4th places from her latest two, both over this distance and in fair times. She can also be a danger here. (2) AGAPANTHUS and the first-time starter (9) PURPLE SHINHWA are others who can be considered for the places in what isn’t a very strong race.

Selections(4) Meni Pocket (7) Choegang Nice (8) Lucky Honey (2) Agapanthus
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

Competitive race but we’ll side with Peter Wolsley’s (2) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH. That’s on the strength of his latest start on March 17th, when th e Tourist colt settled midfield before improving to handy and then running on for 2nd place over 1400M. He carries the same weight, draws well, and can go one better this time. (7) B.K. NUMA has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both over this distance. She went through a trial last week in which she ran a good 2nd in a good time and so long as she didn’t leaver her race there, she can go close today. (4) DAEHO NARA beat B.K. Numa as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd over this distance in an all-filly race on March 12th. She draws better today and can be a danger. (5) POWER SOUND and (11) WONDERFUL APPEAL among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Yeonggwanguitouch (7) B.K. Numa (4) Daeho Nara (5) Power Sound
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

(4) SARYEONI TYCHE is the one to beat here. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in three prior appearances and enters off a 2nd place last time out in an all-filly race over 1300M on February 26th. From a good draw, she may well be ridden on the pace here and could well have too much. (6) CHROMITE’s two 3rd places both came over 1000M, but he hasn’t run badly in his two tries at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs aboard this time and he can go close. (5) CUPID CHAMP will need her latest appearance forgiven when she was slowly away from a wide draw, but prior to that was going well with a 2nd and a 3rd among her first three runs.  She can be on the speed here from a better gate and can be in this a long way. (2) CHRYSOL SMILE and (10) STAR K others who can be considered for at least the places.

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway with a Good Friday card at Busan consisting of 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (9) UNJU OREUM looks the one to beat. She has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two at this distance and 1300M, both times from wide draws. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the 1200M before and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, she can win. (5) MASTER ROAD was a solid 3rd of twelve in a very tight three-way finish over this distance on debut on March 3rd, racing on pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She should have come on for the experience and with some natural improvement can be a danger here.  (6) MORO has been sent out at any old odds on all her four starts so far but she was much improved 2nd on her latest appearance on March 10th, coming from off the pace. A repeat of that effort will see her in the mix here. There are a couple of first-time starters and both (10) NARAE and (3) MAGIC ELEVEN hinted at ability in trials and can go well first-up. As ever, watch the market for clues.

Selections(9) Unju Oreum (5) Master Road (6) Moro (10) Narae
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

(9) VICTOR BASIUM has finished between 3rd and 5th in seven of his eight starts to date, generally racing on pace before being caught and passed late on as happened on his latest over 1300M on March 24th. He makes a quick return here, dropping back in trip, and we’ll give him another chance to make the breakthrough. (8) DOCTOR CUCKOO can be given a pass for his latest on March 3rd when he used up plenty of energy from a wide gate to sit handy before weakening. The margins weren’t huge though and he came into that off the back of two solid 4th place finishes, also at this distance. He comes up in the weights, but that’s balanced by Choi Si-dae taking the reins, and he can go close. (4) ANY SINGS overcame gate eleven to get on pace and run a significantly improved 4th over 1300M at start number three on March 19th. That was the first time she had been ridden on pace and from a better gate today, can get an easier run.  (1) FLYING TOUCH and (11) WIN STING among others with placing hopes.

Selections(9) Victor Basium (8) Doctor Cuckoo (4) Any Sings (1) Flying Touch
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 9

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

(1) ALL OR NOTHING was an on-pace winner over 1000M on debut in December before overcoming gate eleven to sit handy and run on for 3rd over 1400M on his first try at this class back on January 29th. He’s had ten weeks off since then and he comes up very slightly in the weights, but from a good draw, he can be on pace and in this a long way. He’ll be a prohibitive favourite. (10) PILGRIM remains a maiden, but he’s been knocking on the door recently, including 2nd place at this class over 1200M on March 26th when running on strongly from a long way back. He makes a quick return here and Seo Seung-un’s presence will ensure support. (2) BAEDARI ICON was a big-priced 3rd over 1800M on March 17th. That was her joint-best finish in thirty-two attempts but while she makes a big drop back in trip, she is nicely weight, well drawn, and can aim to match that here. (3) DOCTOR KHALIFA and (8) MIGHTY STORM can mix their form but, in this company, shouldn’t be far away.

Selections(1) All Or Nothing (10) Pilgrim (2) Baedari Icon (3) Doctor Khalifa
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (4) MA GUN here. After two encouraging runs last summer, he didn’t reappear until March 5th, but when he did, he ran out a five-length winner in fine style over 1400M, stalking the leader early before taking things up a long way out and racing clear. He comes up in class and in distance and while the set weight scale here doesn’t really do him any favours, the draw does, and he should have too much. The main danger is probably (9) MONEY CASE. He was a beaten favourite on his most recent appearance on March 5th when 2nd at class and distance but despite the wide draw, he should be able to get forward again and can be close again. (3) HWANGOO MONEY got promoted to this level with three consecutive 3rd place finishes from his first three starts. The Goldencents colt more than measured up though when recording his best finish to date when stepped up to this class and distance on February 24th when he settled right back and ran on. There might not be an awful lot of speed for him to target here but he should be running into the money again. (12) TOP FRIEND and (1) YEOSU TORNADO others to keep safe.

Selections(4) Ma Gun (9) Money Case (3) Hwangoo Money (12) Top Friend
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million

A winner of two from four so far, (2) INDIE BULPAE comes rapidly up in class having won two of three since returning from a seven-month spell after his debut. The latest of those was a striking score over this distance on March 10th when he led every step of the way, and while the set weights here mean he carries even more than he did at the lower levels, he draws well and Mr. Afleet’s little brother can continue on his merry way here. The one with the best chance of beating him is (6) YEOSU FIGHTER. He rana very close 2nd over a mile on his first try at this class on March 10th and while he comes up to race around two turns for the first time, it should suit. He comes up 3kg in the weights but still has 3kg in hand on the favourite. (5) ADELE ALLIE’S is another who comes up in weight, but he enters in consistent form. A previous go at this distance didn’t end well but he’s worth another chance on a place line here. (10) DEMON SPY and (7) ANNIKA GIRL other minor money hopes.

Selections(2) Indie Bulpae (6) Yeosu Fighter (5) Adele Allie’s (10) Demon Spy
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million

Possibly the most open race on the card. We’ll side with the experience of (5) SINJIN GANGHO who it is fair to say doesn’t win out of turn but who also enters in good form with two 3rd places among his latest three outings. He lokes to settle back and run on and he is capable of fast times at this distance. He carries plenty of weight but has every chance of snapping his eleven-run fallow streak here. The danger is the up and comer. (8) BRAVO HAMYANG got his maiden win at start number nine when pretty much making all over a mile on March 5th and holding on in a tight three-way finish. He comes up in class here, and up to the two turns for the first time, but he remains nicely weighted and should be close. Nothing else in the field finished better than 8th in their respective latest outings so we’re having to offer a full amnesty for next best. (2) DOCTOR PERSIA ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and while it was at class 5 level, he looks nicely in here. (3) CHAMP GO and (11) HAVE A GOOD DAY are others who are potentially still better than recent form suggests.

Selections(5) Sinjin Gangho (8) Bravo Hamyang (2) Doctor Persia (3) Champ Go
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Two standouts here. We’ll side with Thomas Gillespie’s (4) FANTASTIC DAY, a winner of two from three so far including his latest over 1300M at class 5 level on March 3rd when he was really made to work for a narrow victory. He comes down significantly in the weights, comes into a nice gate and despite the step up in class and trip, he can win again. (10) AMAZING FOOT has probably earned favourite status. He made all to win at class and distance on March 10th, scoring by a full seven-lengths. He has a less favourable draw today and comes up a full 5kg in the weights, but a repeat can’t be ruled out.  (1) SPECIAL TOGETHER is up in class following a win over 1300M on March 12th when unusually, he was ridden on the speed. He comes down 5kg in the weights and from a good draw, he can be considered. (9) MAN OF THE MAN and (12) HAMAN BONGHWASAN among others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Fantastic Day (10) Amazing Foot (1) Special Together (9) Man Of The Man
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(11) CARPE BABEL’s win had been coming and it duly arrived at the fourth time of asking on February 19th when she led all the way around over this distance, crossing the line with nine-lengths in hand of the rest. She comes up in class here and draws a touch wider than ideal but she should still have too much for this lot. (2) GOLDEN also comes up in class. He is in the best form of his lengthy career and drawn well, in addition to being massively down in the weights, he can be competitive here. (12) SONHADOR returns to action for the first time since last August. She looked well in a fast trial a couple of weeks ago and under a light weight can go well first up here. (10) RAON THE FLASH was an all the way winner over 1400M on March 5th and is another up in class but down in weight and in the hunt. (9) D’LOVELY QUEEN another who can enter the calculations in this company.

Selections(11) Carpe Babel (2) Golden (12) Sonhador (10) Raon The Flash
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 10, 11

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 2)

Sunday sees the first Group race of the season in the shape of the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint on the south coast. Eoma Eoma and Raon The Fighter will square off in a true heavyweight match-up. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. The Busan Ilbo is the final race of 6 at Busan on the card which runs from 11:00 to 15:40. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. With the weather forecast set for rain from Tuesday, it may be the last chance this year to visit one of the Seoul area’s cherry blossom festivals, which is open at the racecourse from 10am to 9pm.

Eoma Eoma defends his Busan Ilbo Sprint title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

A small field of three-year-old maidens contest the opener. (1) SMARTY FIGHTER is the pick with a best of 2nd from three starts so far with the other two both ending in 5th. His 2nd was at this distance in February when racing from handy throughout and from a good draw, he can win here. The main danger is (3) SSEULMO. He was a much-improved 3rd at this distance on March 5th when leading for much of the way around. He will be on pace again and he could well hold them all at bay. There are two first-timers and it may be worth considering them (7) HEART K and (5) MUNHAK EAGLE both posted fair times in their respective trials and if they bring that form to the races, they won’t be too far away here. (6) NEMO SPIRIT perhaps the most likely of the other experienced ones to improve.

Selections(1) Smarty Fighter (3) Sseulmo (7) Heart K (5) Munhak Eagle
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

Three-year-old maidens. After winning a trial, (2) SINHAE MANGCHI has been 3rd in both his starts so far, both over 1200M and both times racing handily. He comes into his best gate to date, comes up slightly in trip, and with some natural improvement third-up, today can be his day. (5) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG won a trial before finishing 3rd on debut back in December when settling back and running on over this distance. It’s been fifteen weeks since we’ve seen him but he’s been in regular work since the start of February and can put in a bold showing today. (1) JORDAN FIGHTING has a 4th and a 5th in two appearances so far. He had a hard time from the widest gate on his latest outing and can go better from the inside today. (4) POWER PLANE and (3) DOCTOR PANGPANG others in the hunt in a race of many chances.

Selections(2) Sinhae Mangchi (5) Seungniuiyeongung (1) Jordan Fighting (4) Power Plane
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

A maiden featuring seven fillies and one gelding. (7) BARAMSAL is the one they need to beat. While yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts, she has seven top-five finishes including two 3rd places among her latest three, most recently overcoming gate twelve to run close. She looks very nicely in here to settle a little closer than usual and today looks like her best chance. (1) EUNHYE GAMUN parted company with her jockey coming out of the gates on what was set to be her fist start in over a year on March 5th. She completed the course rather smartly without her partner and had previously trialled up well so is probably worth taking a chance on here. The only other one apart from Baramsal with a placing on her record is (6) TOUGH YEOJE. She tends to get a long way back but is another who benefit from this small field. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be aiming to get on the board. (5) MENI CHARM and (3) RAON JUMP other potential improvers in a weak race.

Selections(7) Baramsal (1) Eunhye Gamun (6) Tough Yeoje (5) Meni Charm
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

(5) QUEENS LANDING will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. She comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both over this distance and most recently on March 12th when she beat a couple of today’s rivals having settled midfield and finished well. In this company and from this gate she can be on or close to the speed and she should prove too good. (10) ACE A MOCA ran 6th on debut over this distance on February 17th when overcoming a wide gate to get to the lead before weakening late. She gets that widest barrier here, but with some natural improvement from that debut, she should be close. The form falls off after that. (4) WONDERFUL SMARTY beat Ace A Moca when 4th in that February 17th race. She was subsequently well beaten by Queens Landing on Mach 12th but can go better today. (9) SEOGYEONG DAERO and (2) UNJU GLOBAL others perhaps in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Queens Landing (10) Ace A Moca (4) Wonderful Smarty (9) Seogyeong Daero
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

It’s hard to go too far past (5) BEAT UP here. His win came at this distance last November on his return from nine months off and he followed it up with two 3rd place finishes from his first two attempts at this level, again both at the 1200M. He could only manage 6th when favourite at 1300M on February 25th but back down in trip and in this company, he will take some beating. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE comes up in class following an all the way score over this distance on February 26th. He comes down in the weights, draws well, and should measure up in this company. (6) SUPREME STAR remains a maiden but has never finished outside of the to-five in eight attempts including his first try at this class on March 5th. She carries a light weight and can maintain her consistent record here. (10) WONDERFUL TIZZY comes up in class and along with the returning (3) BARAMUI GEOM – also up in class – is in the hunt.

Selections(5) Beat Up (2) Lucky Bounce (6) Supreme Star (10) Wonderful Tizzy
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

(10) HANEUL JEWANG ran out a class and distance winner on March 5th when settling midfield from the widest gate and running on strongly. He comes up 3kg as a result, but Franco stays aboard, and we know the wide draw won’t be a problem. He can win again. (3) SPECIAL HERO was 4th in a decent time at class and distance on March 10th. She draws much better today and can match or better here under a light weight again. (7) SAVAHA comes up 2kg in the weights from his runner-up finish at class and distance on February 24th when he led for much of the way around. Expect him to be on the speed again and to be in this a long way. (6) PLAY THE INDY is up in class despite being a maiden but that makes him well weighted and he has run times that can be competitive in this company. (2) OK STAR another to keep safe.

Selections(10) Haneul Jewang (3) Special Hero (7) Savaha (6) Play The Indy
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(5) KING DIA went through several trials before finally arriving at the races, but it was worth the wait as he ran out a six-length winner, having led all the way around over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be an issue, and he can win again. It’s fair to say that (3) CUPID BISANG doesn’t win out of turn but he is ultra-consistent and has been in the top-four in each of his last five starts. He likes to be on pace or handy and he should be playing a role in the finish again. (7) HIGH GRAND is up in class having prevailed by three-lengths over this distance at start number six on February 25th. That win had been coming and he’ll be competitive among this lot. (8) RIVER TAEYANG and (1) GEUMSEONG SIDAE among others who can enter the calculations. 

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