Busan flies solo for the last day of racing in July. There are 15 races from 11:35 to 19:00:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all eleven racing for the very first time so we must head for the trial videos. They won’t detain us for very long because (4) FANTASTIC FIELD was by far the star performer, leading all the way in his heat to cross the line as many lengths to the good as he pleased in a quick time. He will be a short-price favourite and if he brings anything like that form to the races, he will win. (9) HIT SOCKS finished off his trial very nicely, making up excellent ground late on. It wasn’t a quick heat, but he showed plenty of promise. (11) OVER ENERGY trialled on a very wet track and ran on well under only a small amount of encouragement and looks to have promise. (7) BURUI JEWANG was sked to do a little more in his heat but ran well, leading for much of the way. He should be on pace here and can be competitive. (8) PURE DANCE went quite wide in his trial but ran on pleasingly at the business end and is another who can make an immediate impact.

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

(9) KALJABI has raced three times so far, finishing in the top four on each occasion. While he has drawn a touch wide here, with a bit of luck at the start, he can get on pace, and he will take some beating. (3) ACE A MOCA has a 3^rd place to her name at this distance and she is set to be one of the main dangers. She had to contend with gate eleven last time out but should have an easier run of it today. (8) CORNER ONE debuted over 1000M on July 7^th, settling right back and running on strongly with a very quick final furlong before running out of track. The additional distance today can suit. (1) CONCORD PARK and (7) GLORY CROWN others to consider. A final note, the solitary debut maker (2) SINGAPORE PARTY doesn’t make it into the top line of numbers, but she went through a second voluntary trial after qualifying and posted a much better performance and time (1:03.5) from a wide gate. This may not appear in all race cards.

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

(1) DOCTOR BROWN is one for one having scored in debut in a quick race over 1000M on July 7^th when he settled just behind the leaders early before proving too strong. He comes up in both class and in distance here, but neither should be a problem and from a great draw, he can be on pace and can maintain his 100% record. (9) HELLO SUNSHINE looks the standout second pick. He made all to win over this distance in April before coming close to repeating the trick on his first try at this class over 1300M in May only to be caught late on. He has had ten weeks off since then so comes in fresh and back slightly in trip, he warrants consideration. Back in trip may also be the key for (6) ABERLOUR. He finished midfield on his latest at 1400M but the start before when 3^rd at this class and distance suggests he can be competitive here (8) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT and (4) E-CASH among plenty of others with placing chances.

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

Tricky race. (5) NICE DAY defied odds of nearly 50/1 to win at class and distance on June 9^th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. That was his first try at this class but his form going in had been good and the win perhaps wasn’t as much a surprise as the odds suggest. He draws a better gate here and the engagement of an apprentice jockey means he carries even less weight. A repeat isn’t impossible. (7) HANGANG SAVER was a class and distance winner in a super quick time in March before having a hard time in a valuable trophy race in May. He bounced back with a 4^th place on June 18^th, and he should be on pace and in the mix here. (1) HANEUL JEWANG was 3^rd behind Nice Day in that June 9^th race and has since run 3^rd over 1400M. He carries a light weight and should be close. The wildcard is (9) SPECIAL ROAD, who has four top-three finishes from five starts. She comes up in class from her last race in March, but she looked very well when winning a trial just last weekend. If she didn’t leave her race there, she has a chance. (8) BLUE CARSON is another to keep safe.

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) CAPTAIN COMMANDO has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating in 2^nd place over 1200M on June 30^th. He was well beaten by a good winner but that was his first race back since January and he should strip fitter for the run. He can settle behind the early pace, and he can potentially go one better here. (7) CAPTIN DIA may be due an edit of the spelling of his name, but he showed potential on debut on June 23^rd when settling back but running on strongly for 2^nd place over 1000M. The additional furlong and a half should suit him and with some natural improvement, he can be a danger. Keeping with the “Captain” theme, (8) BRAVE CAPTAIN comes in off a solid 3^rd place over 1200M last time out on July 2^nd, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. In this company he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (3) PIMI and (10) RICH COWBOY both come in off places at this distance and are among plenty of others who can aim for at least the minors.

With Seoul taking its summer weekend off, there is a rare Saturday card at Busan. It’s a twilight schedule with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00:

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

Maidens in the opener with all but two having raced at least once before. (6) DREAM WAY was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on June 23^rd and rana fair 3^rd after starting slowly and settling back before running on. He should have benefited from that experience, the additional furlong can suit, and he looks to be the one to beat here. (2) CHARON TODAY ran once last October without distinction and hasn’t raced since. She looked very well when making all in a trial two weeks ago, stopping the clock in a quick time, and that will be enough to give her plenty of backers first-up here. (3) YONGBI STAR ran fairly for 5^th on debut having raced right at the back most of the way around. The experience and the step up in trip should be beneficial. (9) GRAY BOSS and (5) TODAY QUEEN others to consider for improvement. 

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

(3) TAURUS KING didn’t do much in two initial starts across the turn of the year, but he returned after four months off in June, gelded and looking much more like a racehorse. He has finished 2^nd and 3^rd in his two starts back, both at 1200M and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking and can win. (11) ILGANG DAERO put in some positive efforts during his juvenile campaign with his best being an on-pace 2^nd at this distance. He returns to action for the first time since last October but while he will need this, he trialled well, and he warrants consideration first-up. (4) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, most recently when 4^th over 1300M on June 30^th. He comes up to this trip for the first time and it can suit. (6) ANY SINGS and (8) BLUE CAVIAR are others in the hunt.

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

(9) DOCTOR KINGDOM has run 2^nd and 3^rd in two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M, both times sitting behind the speed and running on. The slight step up in trip can help and he looks to have scope for plenty more improvement. In this company he may be a little further forward than in those two previous outings, and he can win. (3) ANOTHER ONE showed significant improvement at start number five on July 9^th when coming from off the pace to run 2^nd at this distance with three of today’s field behind him. A repeat of that effort will put him in the finish again. (2) HERO J also beat a couple of these when a close 2^nd at 1200M on July 9^th. That was his third start, all at 1200M, and he has shown progress each time. He draws well, and the slightly extended trip can be in his favour. (6) VELOCIRAPTOR and (5) YONG GUN others in at least the placing frame.

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

A very tricky race with plenty having chances. (3) SUCCESS BATTLE is still a maiden but comes up in class here following a 3^rd place and then two runner-up finishes. She posted a good time over this distance last time out, she carries a light weight, and having finally drawn a good gate, she can get on pace here and can win. (4) COLUMBIA CHAMP is up in class having registered her maiden win at the second time of asking over 1200M on July 14^th racing in pace throughout. She too draws nicely here to get to the front early and she should measure up at this level. (10) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG is another up in class despite being winless. He really looks to have figured things out in his latest three though, all at this distance, and while he draws wider than ideal, with a touch of luck at the start he can get a forward position and be in this a long way. (2) BEAUTY HILL and (7) LET IT GO have both placed at this class and can potentially do so again.

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

Another very competitive race. (3) BACKTOTHELEGEND was an also-ran in the KRA Cup Mile but returned to shallower waters and ran 2^nd at class and distance on June 16^th when slowly away but quickly up to a handy position. He stays down in the weights, he draws well, and he can have benefitted from that experience of racing around two turns. (10) CHAMP GO enters having won at class and distance on July 16^th when close to the pace throughout and then running on to win very pleasingly. He comes up 3kg in the weights, but a repeat is not to be dismissed. (8) HONEY DRAGON is a twenty-race maiden, but his recent form reads well with a 3^rd and a 2^nd from his latest two, both at this class and distance. He comes up 3kg in the weights, but he can be running on late and it’s not impossible that today can be his day. The up in class (7) WONDERFUL FILE along with (1) NAKDONG JEONSA are among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

The feature race this weekend is the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the 2023 Triple Crown at Seoul on Saturday evening. Before that though, racing gets under way with a 7-race twilight program at Busan on Friday running from 15:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile fillies with all but two racing for the first time. (8) WHITE FALCON ran 3^rd on debut on June 9^th, well beaten by a good winner, but running on solidly. She should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement, can be firmly in contention here. (10) MOTHER ROAD trialled up on a saturated track and acquitted herself well running a close 2^nd to an experienced horse in a quick time with just a bit of pushing. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and if she can bring that form to the races, she’ll go close. (5) AJANTA will have plenty of backers. She sat midfield in her trial before running on well for an unhurried 3^rd in a fair time and the jockey/trainer combination will ensure she starts at a short price. (3) AMBITIOUS GIRL and (2) WORLD FIRST CAT look to be the other debut-makers to follow.

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

(8) BACCHUS was well-backed on debut on June 23^rd, but he was slow out of the gates and took an age to get into stride before running on late. Accordingly, he was ordered back to trial, and he came through it in accomplished fashion, winning a heat and requalifying just a week later. If he behaves himself at the start this time, the additional trip can suit, and he can win. (1) JEONGMUN LEGEND was a much-improved 2^nd when almost leading all the way over 1200M on June 4^th. He too steps up to this trip for the first time but from the inside gate, he should be on pace again and he can be in this a long way. (6) MASTER YODA didn’t do much in his first two appearances in the early spring, but after being put away for three months, he returned to run a smart on-pace 2^nd over 1300M on June 23^rd. He should strip fitter for that run and can be in the mix here. (9) WIN STING and (2) MORO among plenty of others in the minor money hunt.

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

(2) STAR DRAGON got his maiden win over 1300M in May and then stepped up to this class and distance for the first time on June 25^th and ran a big 3^rd, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process when settling back and running on. An apprentice claim takes 3kg off his back, he draws well, and he can win. (6) HAENGBOKHAN GIL comes up in class having secured his maiden win at the tenth time of asking over 1400M on July 7^th. The win had been coming and while he tackles the two turns for the first time, there is no reason why that can’t suit. He doesn’t have the benefit of an apprentice claim this time but that’s balanced by Seo Seung-un climbing aboard and he shouldn’t be far away. (9) DOCTOR PERO has been ultra-consistent with a 2^nd, a 3^rd, and then back-to-back 4^th places in four starts since being promoted to this level. Those two placings were over this distance, and he should be a big player again. (3) CENTUM THOR and the up in class (5) GASOK JEIL among others in the frame.

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

This is a competitive race. (2) SKY SHOT is yet to win in nine attempts but has no fewer than seven top-four finishes with his best of 2^nd coming over this trip. He comes back in distance today and under a light weight and from a good gate, today could finally be the day. (11) JUST BE HAPPY comes up in class having scored her maiden win at 1200M on June 16^th. She has a good finish on her and while she draws a touch wide, she has the potential for more development. (6) GOLD ROSE is a front-runner who enters off a couple of positive results. She will be expected to lead here and can be in this a long way. (1) GOLDEN CAMP and the up in class (4) HWANGWU JANGSA  are among others who can have a say.

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) HWANGOO MONEY has never finished worse than 4^th but it took him until his most recent start on June 16^th to get his maiden win when he stalked the leader all the way before taking things up late over 1400M. He does come up in class here, but he is down slightly in the weights and could well be the one to beat. (6) MIRACLE ONE took six goes to get her maiden win but she evidently enjoyed it as she promptly followed up with another, both at 1200M. That brings her rapidly up in class, but she too is nicely weighted and from a good draw could very well be on or close to the speed this time, and she should measure up in this company. (8) CROWD ONE enters off a solid 3^rd place at this class over 1400M on June 25^th when ridden further forward than usual. She has a good finish on her, and similar tactics here should see her close. (7) RUBY STORM is up in class following a last start win at this distance. He comes in under a light weight with an apprentice claim and isn’t to be dismissed. (10) GOLDEN POINT another who can be competitive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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