Busan

Mayor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 24)

The Stayer Series concludes at Busan this Sunday with Clean One making his return to face off against Success Baekpa, Speed Young, Global Hit et.al. in the final leg of the Stayer Series, the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2). There are 7 races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55 and 10 at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Success Baekpa and Global Hit reoppose on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) GOLD ID didn’t do much on debut in March and ended back in a trial on April 16th where she cruised away to cross the line 1st in a quick time. It is worth mentioning that she had trialed well before her debut too, but she is worth another chance here. (8) JISAN COMING SOON went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them when on pace throughout. If he brings that form to the races, he can be a danger first-up. (4) PIEONARI ran a fair 5th on debut over this distance on May 2nd, racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and he can improve here. (6) CHRYSOL HEELS and (10) PNS LEAF other potential improvers.

Selections(7) Gold ID (8) Jisan Coming Soon (4) Pieonari (6) Chrysol Heels
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

After a good trial, (6) NAEGILUIWONDERFUL was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on April 25th and after a slow start, rallied for 4th place. He should have come on for that run and with a better break has every chance today. (5) COWBOY QUEEN was 5th on debut and followed up with a 2nd and most recently a 3rd place in two subsequent outings, both at 1200M. She stays under a light weight with an apprentice claim, she draws well and she can be a big danger. (9) PASA ACE was an improved 3rd at start four over 1300M on April 26th, settling midfield and running on. He too keeps the same apprentice claim and can go close. (10) LOVING PURPLE and (1) SMART GRAND others in the minor money frame.

Selections(6) Naegiluiwonderful (5) Cowboy Queen (9) Pasa Ace (10) Loving Purple
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

(6) PERFECT POINT has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on April 19th when on pace throughout. He’ll be on pace again, Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and today can be the day. (11) O.K. BABY was a very close 2nd at start number two over this distance on May 1st when he very nearly led all the way. Without an apprentice claim he is up 3kg in the weights and he has to contend with the widest gate, but he can be in the mix again. There are five debut makers and (9) PACHOUI KKUM looked good when winning a trial in a quick time on April 23rd, showing handy throughout. If she brings that form to the races, she is a big chance first up. (4) FLASH COCO and (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN are others with experience who can improve.

Selections(6) Perfect Point (11) O.K. Baby (9) Pachoui Kkum (4) Flash Coco
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 11

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

(2) MEGA WIND has made progress across three starts so far with his latest being his best when 4th over 1300M on May 2nd when racing on pace. He draws well to lead again, the slight step up in trip shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win. (10) DUSON LIFE registered a 3rd place two outings back over 1300M and while he could only manage 5th on his latest at this distance on April 19th, he can be given another chance here. Duson Life will need to overturn the form on (6) GRAY PHANTOM, who ran 4th in that April 19th race, coning from well off the pace. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and light and she can match or better that today. (1) M J VET, who comes out of a 2nd place in a very limited race, and solitary debut-maker (9) BREEDO EPIC, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Mega Wind (10) Duson Life (6) Gray Phantom (1) M J Vet
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

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

After finishing 5th on debut, (2) MAEUMMEOGEUNDAERO was an on-pace 3rd at start number two over 1300M on April 17th. Third-up he can be peaking, he draws well and the slight step up in trip shouldn’t stop him from breaking through. (1) GAON PERFECT was 3rd on debut over 1300M on March 20th before running 4th in that April 17th race, laying out for part of the race. He has four-lengths to find on Maeummeogeundaero but shapes as a big danger. (5) TEAHO beat three of today’s rivals when a much-improved 3rd as the longest shot on the bard on April 24th. He gets the same apprentice allowance today and warrants more respect. (3) WORLD BOLD MAN and (4) SKY BOY others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Maeummeogeundaero (1) Gaon Perfect (5) Teaho (3) World Bold Man
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

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

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Tuhonui Banseok, two-time winner of the Busan Mayor’s Cup, will retire after this Sunday’s race (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) P.D SPECIAL ran 5th twice last autumn and then returned on April 26th to run a close 2nd at 1200M, showing on pace throughout. She should strip fitter for that run, she gets the same apprentice claim, and she can go one better. (2) POWERFUL RUBY has been knocking on the door with a 4th and a 5th among her finishes to date. In this company she too should be on the speed and with Seo Seung-un staying on, she must rate as a chance. (10) WONDERFUL LALA was an improved 4th at start three over 1200M on April 19th and she can build on that here. (1) RIVER RUN and (7) CHAMPUI HYANGGI are others who can be in the mix.

Selections(5) P.D Special (2) Powerful Ruby (10) Wonderful Lala (1) River Run
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 11

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

(6) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL has a 5th, three 4th places, and then two 3rd places from her six starts so far, with her latest three all having been over a mile. She likes to settle back and run on and while in the absence of an apprentice claim, she is up in weight today, she has as good a chance as any. If she does find one (or two) too quick again, it could be (2) FLASH TO ME. Her best is a 3rd place at 1400M three outings back and while she has disappointed compared to her odds in her latest two, she is drawn well and worth another chance here. (9) WORLD GOAT was 5th behind Dolgyeok Special on April 26th, and he can potentially get closer today. (8) NICE POWER and (11) THANKYOUFORTHETIME others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Dolgyeok Special (2) Flash To Me (9) World Goat (8) Nice Power
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (1) GOLD POCKET ran 2nd on debut over 1300M in March before getting her maiden win at start number two on April 17th, running on strongly from a handy position. She comes up in class here as well as slightly in trip, but neither should be a problem and she can win again. (11) YEOUN got her maiden win back in debut and has run fairly for 4th, 2nd and 5th in three subsequent outings at this class. The latter was her latest when she was a beaten favourite on April 17th when she used up a lot of energy early. She can be given another chance here. (6) GLOBAL HEROINE has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two at this class and while a non-winner of twenty, this is the kind of race she can place in. Up in class pair of (8) SEUNGNI YEYAK and (4) THEMIS other chances.

Selections(1) Gold Pocket (11) Yeoun (6) Global Heroine (8) Seungni Yeyak
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) HEY BRO got an easy lead from a wide draw over a mile last time out on April 17th and was able to convert it into his second win from five starts. He comes up in trip as well as 2.5kg in weight, but he can lead again and he can win again. (10) TAMNA BRAVO is winless in eight but ran a fair 4th when stepped up to this class and distance on April 26th and under the same light weight, he can be competitive again. (4) CAPTAIN DRAGON was 4th at this class over a mile on May 5th and could be ready for another crack at the extended trip here. (3) BREEDO QUEEN STAR is yet to win but her racing style suggests that the step up in trip can suit, while the veteran (5) THEIA comes in off a last start 3rd at class and distance and can aim for a repeat.

Selections(8) Hey Bro (10) Tamna Bravo (4) Captain Dragon (3) Breedo Queen Star
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 10

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

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SROA Chairman’s Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 17)

It’s “Owners’ Day” in Seoul this Sunday and in the feature race Vincero Cavallo will bid to complete back-to-back clean sweeps of the the Sprint Series. The SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) is race 8 with a local post time of 16:30. There are 10 Sunday races in Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

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

(2) GOLDEN WARRIOR has started to figure things out across her latest couple with a 5th and most recently a close 3rd place on April 18th at this distance when, as has been her habit, she was slow away before running on well. So long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can win here. (6) CRUSH GIRL also came from a long way back to run a fair 4th on debut over 1200M. She should have derived benefit from that run, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she is a chance here. (4) NINE SPEAR enters off a 3rd place over 1200M on April 18th and can be in the finish again. (5) B.K. VIVACE and (9) DANAEUN RUBY are others who can be considered on a place line.

Selections(2) Golden Warrior (6) Crush Girl (4) Nine Spear (5) B.K. Vivace
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

(7) BEST FREEDOM has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both times coming from just behind the speed over 1400M. There’s not much early speed in this race so he shapes as the potential leader here and he can win. (4) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI has eight top five finishes including each of his latest four, all over this distance.  He likes to settle back and run on, and he can be challenging late here. (8) SUNGANUI FIGHTER has mixed his form across his five appearances so far but if we go on his 2nd place at this distance at the start of March when he was on the speed, he has to be given a chance here. (6) THE SUN COMING is back in trip and comes out of a trial and along with (1) CHEONDUNGUI JILJU is another in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Best Freedom (4) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (8) Sunganui Fighter (6) The Sun Coming
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

(1) POWERFUL BATTLE comes in off a much-improved narrow 2nd place to Powerful Thunder, who went on to win again on Friday (albeit after the favourite unseated his rider). Drawing the same inside gate he can be on pace again and this time he will be a short price to go one better.   There is one debut-maker. (5) FANTASTIC CITY is a half-brother to seven-time winner Baekduui Kkum and looked competent enough in the second of two trials, settling midfield and running on pleasingly enough. This is a nice race to start off in. (8) NOBLE WIND was 4th on debut over 1200M on April 26th and with some natural improvement, can build on that here. (2) SAENAE HILL and (9) HIGH TENSION others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(1) Powerful Battle (5) Fantastic City (8) Noble Wind (2) Saenae Hill
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (1) VINCENT KATHY obliged on debut on April 12th with an all the way score over 1200M. She is up in class here and doesn’t get a weight break but from the inside gate she can lead again and win again. (11) X TEN got her maiden win three starts back over 1300M and has a 5th and a 3rd in two subsequent outings at this level. Seo Seung-un, in town for the big race later, is an interesting booking, and she will be close. (6) GANGHAN GAMMA was 3rd in that April 12th race, settling back early before being ridden up to behind the speed. She is yet to win in four attempts but that was her third consecutive placing, and she can measure up in this company. (9) CHEONG WOL and (7) MIGHTY CAP among others firmly in the hunt.

Selections(1) Vincent Kathy (11) X Ten (6) Ganghan Gamma (9) Cheong Wol
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 11

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

(4) HWARYEOHAN SUNGAN enters off a very close 2nd place over a mile on April 19th. He also has a 3rd place at this distance and with Nam Jong-hyeok’s 2kg claim, he can make his breakthrough today. (8) SPACE GOLD has made progress across three outings so far with his best being his latest on March 1st when 4th over this distance. His times haven’t been quick, but he looks to have the potential for more and in this company, he can continue to get closer. (7) HANGANG BRAVO similarly comes in following is best to date when 4th over 1200M at the end of February. He comes in fresh following eleven weeks off and against this opposition should be aiming for better. (1) LIKE DRAGON and (2) GREAT POWER other minor money chances.

Selections(4) Hwaryeohan Sungan (8) Space Gold (7) Hangang Bravo (1) Like Dragon
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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

(4) AESUNI got her maiden win in convincing fashion on March 1st, leading all the way. She came close to repeating the trick on April 11th on her first try at this class, ultimately coming home 2nd. She does come up 3.5kg in weight here, but that’s balanced by a good draw and she can win here. The one she’ll need to beat is (7) GEUMJEOKSAN. She got her win at start two over this distance last November and has held her own in three outings since at this class at 1300M and 1400M. She is another who likes to be on pace and cutting back in trip, she is a big danger. (9) PANGPANG DAERO and (10) MUNHAK FIGHTER came home 4th and 5th respectively when they raced each other at this class and distance on April 18th. They both come up 2.5kg in weight, but it shouldn’t stop either from being competitive here. Up in class last start winner (5) HAKSAN TAEPUNG can measure up.

Selections(4) Aesuni (7) Geumjeoksan (9) Pangpang Daero (10) Munhak Fighter
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 15)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (1) CHAMPUI SARANG went through two trials racing fairly in the first and improving significantly in the second of them (which was voluntary so may not be in all racecards – be aware) when from the widest gate she crossed the line 2nd in a time of 62.6 seconds. If he brings that form to the races, he can win. (5) YEONGGWANGUIROOKIE went through two trials, showing plenty of speed in both. She should be nice and fit for this and can be a danger. Among those with experience, (7) NAGAN CHUEOK is the best. After an inauspicious debut, he was a much-improved 3rd at start two over this distance on April 19th when close to the speed throughout. (4) I’M THE ONE and (8) I AM QUEEN others who have hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Champui Sarang (5) Yeonggwanguirookie (7) Nagan Chueok (4) I’m The One
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) DOCTOR HUNTER got his maiden win at start two over 1200M at the end of March before running 4th at 1300M on his first try at this class on April 26th when close to the pace throughout. He can be on the speed again here and can go one better. (6) WIND SWORD has placed three times in four starts at this class, all at this distance, since getting his maiden win back in January. His most recent was his second consecutive 3rd place on April 17th when he settled a bit handier than in recent outings. Expect similar tactics today and he should be in the finish again. (3) ONE WAY ROAD was the 20/1 winner of that April 17th race and warrants more respect today. The veteran (4) TAEYANG EUTTEUM, along with (8) CALM FAST are other place chances.

Selections(5) Doctor Hunter (6) Wind Sword (3) One Way Road (4) Taeyang Eutteum
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(1) INDIE TIGER won a trial and was then a smart winner on debut over 1200M on April 19th, racing on pace and stopping the clock in a quick time and scoring to the tune of six-lengths. He comes up in both class and in distance but has every chance of measuring up. So too does (6) BROWN CHOCO, who is also one for one. He settled midfield on debut over 1300M on April 12th before running on well for a three-quarter-length victory over Oasis Gijeok with the 3rd placegetter five-lengths back. The slight step up in trip can suit.  After a bit of a wobble in January, (7) SUCCESS COW has come back into form with a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two and he is a sild place chance in this company. (9) BURUI SINJEON and (4) HIGH GOLD BAR others who are better than their respective latest efforts suggest.

Selections(1) Indie Tiger (6) Brown Choco (7) Success Cow (9) Burui Sinjeon
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6


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

(4) POWERFUL THUNDER had been working towards a maiden win, and it arrived over 1300M on April 17th when he led all the way around, getting the better of Powerful Battle by a head with the pair eight-lengths clear of 3rd. He is up in class and slightly in trip, but he is down in weight and can win again. (1) OASIS HAPPY stepped up to a mile on April 26th and registered his maiden win at start four with three-length victory. He is up in class but is down 3kg in weight and can be on pace and in this a long way. (6) CARAT KING is yet to win in eleven, but he was promoted to this class after a few too many near-misses and proved that he can measure up with 3rd place over 1300M on April 10th when settling midfield and running on. He stays under a light weight and should be in the finish again. (7) HEUIMANG GUNJU and (2) VICTORY STORY others firmly in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Powerful Thunder (1) Oasis Happy (6) Carat King (7) Heuimang Gunju
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 10)

Sunday is the Korean Oaks at Busan. The second leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara series is race 6 on the 7-race card with a local post time of 16:05. Busan’s program runs from 11:25 to 17:00. There are also 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Fantastic Value won the Oaks last year (Pic: KRA)

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

(8) WORLD VICS has two 3rd places and a 5th from three starts so far, racing on pace each time, most recently on March 29th. She’ll be on pace here and this time, she has every chance of going one better.  (5) CHAOS also has two 3rd place finishes, in her case in consecutive races, most recently when favourite on March 15th over this distance when she led for much of the way around. Jang Chu-youl gets off and on to World Vics, but CC is a more than adequate replacement and she too has winning claims. (4) POWER MAGIC has a 4th and a 5th in two starts so far, most recently behind World Vics on March 29th.  He draws well to be handy and should be in the finish again. (9) YEONDONG STAR and (11) DONGBAEK other place chances.

Selections(8) World Vics (5) Chaos (4) Power Magic (9) Yeondong Star
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

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

(4) SUPERTRAMP has made steady progress across three starts so far with his best being his latest when 4th at 1300M on April 11th when slow away and running on.  While that was the second time he has taken the long way home, he is nicely drawn and can give a little bit more here. (2) SMART MINK has raced fourteen times and has never finished any better than 5th. She did that last time though on April 11th over this distance when coming from a wide draw and beating a couple of today’s rivals. This is one of the shallower fields she has been in so should be aiming for a best to date result. (5) COSMO JJIN has a 2nd place to her name two starts back over 1200M and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. It’s hard to make a case for any of the others, with perhaps (3) RISING WIND – who was 3rd back in January – and (7) VICAR DRAGON, the best of a limited rest.

Selections(4) Supertramp (2) Smart Mink (5) Cosmo Jjin (3) Rising Wind
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) KING BLACK arrested a run of four consecutive 4th place finishes with a strong 2nd place at this distance on April 5th when handy throughout. He comes into a better gate today and he will be favoured to go one better. (7) WORLD TREE was 3rh in that April 5th race, having led for much of the way throughout. After a 4th place at his previous start, that confirmed that he is figuring things out and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time, means a few will fancy him to overturn the form on the favourite. (6) JEONGMUN SKIP has five top five finishes from seven starts and enters off a good 3rd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on April 19th. Like the other two, he races best on pace and can be in this a long way. (1) LOOKS GOOD and (3) SKYNEX the next bests.

Selections(4) King Black (7) World Tree (6) Jeongmun Skip (1) Looks Good
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(8) SUPERDAY got his maiden win over 1300M in February and has held his form in two starts at this class with a 4th and most recently a 2nd place, again at 1300M, on April 5th when as usual, he raced handy to the speed. He comes up to 1400M for the first time, but it can suit and he will be a short price to score. (10) TOUR FELIX is yet to win in six attempts but comes up in class here following three placings, most recently a 3rd on his first try at this distance on April 4th. The class rise means a 4.5kg weight drop and that should be enough to make him competitive in this company. (9) SEUNGNI BAROWS had a hard time from an even wider gate last time out but going on his runner-up finish at this class and distance two starts back, warrants another chance here. (6) STUNNING STEP and the down in class (2) HERO JEONSA others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Superday (10) Tour Felix (9) Seungni Barows (6) Stunning Step
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

(3) BABEL FOLGORE has a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M, both times racing on pace. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and drawing much better today, she can get an easier run to the front. (6) AEGIS CHEONMA ran a good 3rd on debut over this distance on April 10th, racing just behind the speed and beating a couple of today’s rivals in a good time. He should have come on for that run, and he will be disputing favourite status here. (10) GREAT LUCKY raced three times last year and was a much-improved 2nd in the last of those, all the way back in August. She ran well in an April trial and has every chance of a bold-showing first-up in this company. Among the three debut-makers, (1) KANGCHEOL YEONGMA was the best in trials and can be a minor money chance first up. (11) RANI, 6th on debut, can improve.

Selections(3) Babel Folgore (6) Aegis Cheonma (10) Great Lucky (1) Kangcheol Yeongma
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

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

It’s Korean Oaks weekend on the south coast and while the big race for fillies is on Sunday, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Competitive opener. (7) DOKKI TIGER is yet to finish in the top two but has four finishes between 3rd and 5th. She comes in following a 4th place over a mile on April 10th and she has as good a chance as any here. The danger is (2) GOLD ROGER. She raced fairly enough in her first two but was much improved at start three on March 29th when stepped up to this trip and running an on-pace 2nd. From a good draw she’ll be on pace again and she may well start as favourite. (8) SWEET POWER beat three of today’s rivals on his way to a significantly improved 2nd place at this distance on April 10th and with a bang in form apprentice claiming 2kg, he can be in the finish again. (4) WORLD THUNDER CAT and (1) NICE POWER are the other main place chances.

Selections(7) Dokki Tiger (2) Gold Roger (8) Sweet Power (4) World Thunder Cat
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

After six winners last weekend, apprentice Nam Jeong-hyeok has the veritable Midas Touch and his 2kg claim can see (6) DIA X home on top. A seventeen-start maiden, he has been knocking on the door recently, he has the fastest time among these for this distance, and he can win here. (11) QUEEN PERFECT also benefits from an apprentice claim. She has been getting closer across her five starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on March 22nd, and she can be a danger here with the wide draw not likely to be a problem. (5) DUBAI CANDY enters off a 3rd place last time out and she too looks to be figuring things out. (9) DALBITWIE and (4) WONDERFUL BAND others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Dia X (11) Queen Perfect (5) Dubai Candy (9) Dalbitwie
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) WONDERFUL FASHION ran 2nd on debut before getting his maiden win at start two over a mile on April 10th, beginning steadily before making his way rapidly forward. He comes up in both class and in distance, but he looks to have potential for more and down in weight, he can win here. (6) SOMANGUIGIL is a non-winner of twelve but has ten top five finishes and comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd at this class over a mile. He was 5th on his only previous try at this distance but he should be closer today. (8) NEOM CITY beat Somanguigil in that previous go around this distance and while she hasn’t held her form, this is the kind of race she can go close in. (9) K ROYAL and (7) BEOLGYO SARANG are others who should be in the placing hunt.

Selections(5) Wonderful Fashion (6) Somanguigil (8) Neom City (9) K Royal
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) GRAND CRU got his maiden win at 1300M three starts back and has run 3rd in two tries at this level over a mile and most recently at this distance on April 10th when racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He really should have the beating of these. Nothing else enters in any form. (2) MUHAN NAREUSHA needs a line drawn through his latest when well back over a mile, but he has placed twice over this distance and he was 4th in Busan’s Classic trial at the start of March so he warrants another chance here. (5) THEIA too missed the start last time and is worth another chance in this company. (7) MAGIC MIRROR and (9) DOROTHY QUEEN others who may be better than their respective latest starts suggest.

Selections(4) Grand Cru (2) Muhan Nareusha (5) Theia (7) Magic Mirror
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Korean Derby 2026: Preview & Form Comments

FUNNY WILD will head into the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as favourite to win and keep his bid to become the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to win the Triple Crown on course. In the same race one of the most significant jockeys in Korean racing history will be legged up for the last time. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Jigeum I Sungan was Moon Se-young’s first Derby winner (Pic: KRA)

The Choi Ki-hong trained FUNNY WILD won the KRA Cup Mile a month ago in Busan, racing handy throughout and then holding off late challengers. He has already won at the Derby distance of 1800M, but he has a wide draw, and the Bayern colt has plenty to do if he is to give jockey Seo Seung-un his first Derby win.

HWANG GEUM EO JJANG was also on pace in the Cup Mile and stayed on for a narrow 2nd. He gets a much better draw this time and could get a much easier run. Not getting a good draw is LIVE STAR. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but beat himself at the start and never played a role. Draw a line through that and back at Seoul were he was so impressive when winning by half the length of the straight in February, and he can be given another chance.

Finishing rapidly in the Cup Mile were CHOCOLATE and CEONGHUNEUNJAYU and both will have backers to get closer over the extra furlong.

DOCTOR CHRIS didn’t’ go in the Cup Mile but is already a three-time winner over the 1800M and looks a very solid contender. Others who didn’t go attempt the first jewel include AIRFORCEONE and GLOBAL PRINCE.

Ten-time Seoul Champion jockey Moon Se-young has won the Derby twice, with Jigeum I Sungan in 2012 and Wonderful Fly in 2019, and the “Crown Prince” of Korean racing will bring down the curtain on his career in the saddle by partnering MUSKET CLEAVER. The Musket Man colt has won three from seven but will be an outsider to give Moon a golden send off.

As is traditional, General Admission at Seoul Racecourse on Korean Derby day is free. The big race is the 8th on the ten-race program with a local post time of 4:30pm.

1. DOCTOR CHRIS – Skipped the Cup Mile but has raced six times over 1800M already, winning three. That’s not unusual for his trainer with Derby prospects and he comes in having won his latest two, both at this distance. From the inside gate, he will be on pace, and he can go all the way.

2. HWANG GEUM EO JANG – A bit of an enigma. Beaten just a length in the KRA Cup Mile when he overcame a wide gate to race on a quick pace and stayed on when the leader didn’t. From a better draw, he should have a much easier run this time and the extended trip can be in his favour. He is a big chance.

3. GWANAKSAN SKY – The only perfect record in the race with three wins from three starts, he burnished his Derby credentials with an eye-catching all the way win over 1800M at class 4 level on April 4th. While this is undoubtedly more testing, he is beautifully drawn to lead, on that evidence he has to be a chance.

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Korean Derby Day Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 3)

It’s Korean Derby day and general admission is free to Seoul Racecourse. The big race is set for 4.30pm. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Final Boss was a fine Derby winner (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

(9) PARKA SHINE was a disappointing 7th of eleven when well backed over 1200M on March 1st getting away slowly and then always on the backfoot. Prior to that he looked as though he was figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd and he can be given another chance here with The Moon aboard on his final day. (4) HOT FEVER was an improved 2nd at 1200M on April 5th settling back and running on. He has the fastest time among these for the 1300M, and it would be no surprise if he started as favourite. (10) TAEGUK WANGJA enters off a smart 3rd place over this distance back at the end of January. He has had some issues since that kept him in the swimming pool rather than on the track, but he has been in regular work since April 10th and should be ready for this. Those three will fill out most quinellas, with (7) TWOTWO MAGIC and (5) SMART GRAND, perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(9) Parka Shine (4) Hot Fever (10) Taeguk Wangja (7) Twotwo Magic
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only in this maiden. (3) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has raced eleven times and has never finished any better than 4th, but she has done this on no fewer than six occasions. She settles back and runs on and in this company, unless she automatically stops when she has three left to pass, she really should go by them all and win. It’s hard to make a winning case for the others. (11) SINCHEON HEART ran 4th over this distance two starts back and has as good a chance as any of being in the finish. (1) THE SUN STORY improved to 6th at start number two on March 1st and can continue to improve. (4) DAREURI YEOWANG was 6th on debut on March 29th having got a long way back. Natural improvement and the extended trip can see her closer. (7) NURI QUEENS another minor money chance.

Selections(3) Wonderful Tune Up (11) Sincheon Heart (1) The Sun Story (4) Dareuri Yeowang
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 11

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

(3) POWER TIGER could not justify the odds-on favouritism on debut, but he gets an even better chance to here in a very winnable maiden. He may have let punters down at his first start but regardless that piece of form is the best on offer in this race by a long way and he can go one better for Masa Tanaka and Kim Hye-sun. (11) BREEDO SHOOTER has five-lengths to find with Power Tiger from April 3 but with a 3kg claim from Nam Jeong-hyeok he can make up some ground. (10) BRAVE RUN put together three consecutive 4th places prior to finishing down the track last time. (6) PILSEUNG WINNER produced the best effort of her career last start so that is a positive. (9) WONDERFUL WIND has been around the mark a few times whilst (1) GRAND HERO was 2nd in a trial but has only been 8th in two starts.

Selections(3) Power Tiger (11) Breedo Shooter (10) Brave Run (6) Pilseung Winner
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11

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

(8) BLISS STAR has chased home a couple of nice winners in his seven-start career, and they include Musket Cleaver and Concord Blue who we see in the Derby later. He is close to a win and is a chance of breaking through in this. However, he will have to contend with (11) KIA ORA who comes off a four-length maiden victory on March 22 when coming from midfield. Based on that win, she can make it back-to-back. (5) BROWN MAMMA won his maiden before winning at this level across the winter. For his second run at this level, he went up 3.5kg and was beaten as favourite. He carries the same weight here so that is a concern, but he has the ability. (3) CUPID K has been just behind the placegetters of late and rates over (7) MANGEUM CROWN, who makes his first run at this grade, and (10) ROYAL BEST.

Selections(8) Bliss Star (11) Kia Ora (5) Brown Mamma (3) Cupid K
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8, 10

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

(2) NEWWORLD TIARA has had the two starts for a five-length 4th on debut in March before halving the beaten margin when 3rd last month. She clearly goes on top as she brings the most consistent form, albeit from just two starts. (7) QUEEN THE GOLD ran the best race of her career last time when coming from midfield to run a one-and-a-half length 2nd. If she replicates that performance, she could go one better. (6) WONDERFUL PREACH has been just behind the placegetters in the majority of her seven starts and it is a similar story for (5) BREEDO CAPTAIN. (1) GREAT CHAMP and (4) THANKYOUFORTHETIME head the rest.

Selections(2) Newworld Tiara (7) Queen The Gold (6) Wonderful Preach (5) Breedo Captain
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(5) FLYING CONCORD returned from over nine months out to run 2nd at this class over 1200M on April 5th when leading for most of the way. He should have come on for that run, he draws well to lead again, and this time he can go all the way. (2) RAON SAPPHIRE is a winner of two from four, most recently at this class and distance on March 28th when coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she can be a danger again. (11) REFLECT was 4th behind Raon Sapphire in that race, continuing a consistent run of results at this level and he should be there or thereabouts again. Up in class last start winners (7) CLOVER ONE and (3) QUERENCIA, the former scoring on debut, both probably have a bit to find at this level but shouldn’t be ruled out.  

Selections(5) Flying Concord (2) Raon Sapphire (11) Reflect (7) Clover One
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

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

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

There is Holiday Friday racing at Busan with 8-races from 11:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(3) BYEOLBIT SONATA won a trial before finishing 4th on debut over this distance on April 3rd when leading early. He should have come on for that run, he draws well to lead again, and this time he can win. Enough was thought of (8) POWERFUL MENIFEE that aside from being bestowed with quite the name, he was also sent out on debut in the Rookie Stakes last August. He finished last and then went lame and has been in and out of work ever since without making it to the races. He trialed up in super fashion at the start of April, blitzing his heat in a quick time, and if he brings that form to the races, he’ll be close. (9) SIERRA GOLD showed well in his trial and can debut well under Franco. Another first-timer (6) ROAD FIGHTER, along with (2) ANY WIN, who improved last time out, are others in the frame.

Selections(3) Byeolbit Sonata (8) Powerful Menifee (9) Sierra Gold (6) Road Fighter
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

After some underwhelming trials, (6) GWANGSEON DAERO was sent out at big odds on debut on April 3rd but from a wide gate and settling back, she finished off very well to claim 4th place. Seo Seung-un climbs on and she will be much shorter this time around. (9) BIG SMILE has made steady progress across five starts to date with her best being her latest when 2nd over this distance on April 3rd. In this small field the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and an apprentice claim keeps her under a light weight. (3) HUIMANG LOGI has a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from her latest two and the slight step up in trip can suit. (5) MISS COCO and (4) FANTASTIC GREEN are others who can potentially improve in a race where there is no obvious early speed.

Selections(6) Gwangseon Daero (9) Big Smile (3) Huimang Logi (5) Miss Coco
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) VEGAS JEONTU almost made his breakthrough when favourite over this distance on March 27th when on pace throughout but ultimately going down 2nd to Baram Daero (who was 2nd at the same class last week). He draws the same gate today and this time should go one better. (6) SHACKLE LAUD returns to action for the first time since January. A two-time winner and five-time placer over this distance, she looked very well in a trial on April 9th, and she can be a danger first-up. (5) WIN WIN enters off three consecutive class and distance 3rd place finishes and he can be there or thereabouts again. (7) BRIGHT MARINE and if she can get a lead which won’t be easy from her gate, (9) DOCTOR KAREN, others to consider.

Selections(3) Vegas Jeontu (6) Shackle Laud (5) Win Win (7) Bright Marine
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

(1) PORT MORE got his maiden win over a mile three outings back and has a 6th and a 5th in two starts since at this class over 1800M and then again at a mile. He drops back to a trip at which he ran 2nd on his only previous try and from the inside gate, he can be on pace with every chance of going all the way. (4) D’LOVELY KING is yet to win, nor even match the three consecutive runner-up finishes that he began his career with, but he hasn’t raced badly of late, especially his 3rd place at this class three starts back. He can settle back and run on here and he may have more improvement in him. (11) SHINING ONE was a well beaten favourite on April 5th when further back than usual and seemingly resenting the kickback. He comes down 4.5kg in weight today, assisted by an apprentice claim and while drawn wide, he is worth another chance here as his form prior to last time was good. (7) GUKDAE HERO and (5) GLOBAL HIGH perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Port More (4) D’Lovely King (11) Shining One (7) Gukdae Hero
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 11

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

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Korea Racing Report: April 24-26

THE GIRLS TOOK CENTRE STAGE AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY WITH THE COUNTRY’S PREMIER RACE FOR OLDER FILLIES AND MARES BUT IN OTHER RACES THE MAIN RACE WAS THE VERY LAST AND THE CONSISTENT J S ROAD, after chasing home Geudaemaniddamyeon and Eclipse Berry at his previous two starts, recorded his first win since December 2024 getting the better of Wonpyeong Sket and More Than Joke in a close finish between the three popular picks.

J S Road (Twirling Candy, under a perfectly timed ride from gun apprentice Woo In-cheol grabbed the long-time leader and talented but stamina-challenged three-year-old filly Wonpyeong Sket in the dying strides to win by an extending half-length with More Than Joke a neck away in 3rd.

The victory of J S Road completed a training double on the day for Song Moon-gil, who also prepared the progressive URUS SABBIA (Overanalyze) to make it two wins from two in Race 3 (1400M Class 5). The victory was by five-lengths, but it could have been even further had he not been so green in the home straight the same as on his debut. He needs to improve his manners, but the ability is there.

Kim Yong-geun rode a race-to-race double on the card and that began when BREEDO CALEY (Revolutionary) led throughout to win Race 4 (1800M Class 5) by four-lengths after two 2nd places at his prior two starts. That race saw the 2.5 favourite Fighter finish a well beaten 8th after effectively being beaten from the halfway stage. Fifty minutes later Kim rode SLING STAR (To Honor And Serve) to land Race 5 (1700M Class 4) by one-length as the 1.9 favourite. Sling Star completed a hat-trick of victories and continues to progress.

Race 8 (1600M Class 3) saw the impressive MAEUM HANA (Gaon Champ) somehow start the 5.2 third elect but despite being written off by punters he made it four consecutive wins going up in grade by one level on each occasion. With Geudaemaniddamyeon, the country’s highest rated three-year-old at present, out for the remainder of the season and his future career in doubt, Maeum Hana may just be one to keep things ticking over in the classic ages ranks for the combination of CC Wong, Choi Yong-geon and Woo Tae-yul. The race saw Free The One and Best Pitch, 3rd and 4th in the Sports Seoul Trophy respectively, start the 2.3 and 4.4 popular picks but they were both bitter disappointments with Best Pitch always towards the rear finishing 8th whilst Free The One knocked right up and was last of the 10 runners to complete the course.

Maeum Hana was the second impressive winner of the day for Choi Yong-geon as NAOL AURORA (Musket Man) was a smart winner of Race 2 (1400M Class 6) leading throughout to score by six-lengths.

In Race 9 HANGANG PERFECT (Old Fashioned) landed a competitive 1800M Class 3 as the 6.8 fourth market choice accounting for the incredibly consistent Morning Wonder by a head. The 2.5 favourite Dragon Killer could only manage 7th after being unable to lead and therefore working hard in the run.

MEANWHILE DOWN AT BUSAN ON THE SAME DAY THE CLOSING CLASS 2 LOOKED A VERY COMPETITIVE HANDICAP BUT 1400M SPECIALIST BRUG KINGMAN made the race anything but as he roared away in the closing stages to land the spoils by five-lengths.

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