Busan

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 5)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55. And at Busan with 7 races from 11.25 to 16.55. The nation’s top sprinter, Vincero Cavallo, will step out for the first time since his defeat in May’s SROA Chairman’s Sprint in Seoul’s concluding feature race. Here are the previews:

Can Vincero Cavallo bounce back? (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has finished 4th on no fewer than six occasions across her twelve starts but she comes in off her best to date when 2nd on a filly maiden over 1400M on May 3rd. She’s had nine weeks off since and from a good draw, she can go one better today. (8) MR.CREDIT has a couple of 3rd places to his name and has also beaten a couple of these in his latest couple and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (1) COSMO JJIN ran 2nd three starts back at 1200M and was 3rd on her first try at this distance on May 10th when settling midfield and running on. She should be there or thereabouts again. (4) VALKYRIE and (6) P N S ME are the other place chances.

Selections(5) Wonderful Tune Up (8) Mr.Credit (1) Cosmo JJin (4) Valkyrie
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

Not a strong maiden. (9) DONGJIN BIRYUONG ran fairly on debut for 5th of eleven in a slowly run race over 1200M on June 6th. He previously finished 2nd in a trial and having derived benefit from that first effort, he has as good a chance as any here. (8) ROAD TO PERFECT has been consistent with five of her six starts to date ending up in 4th or 5th. She likes to settle back and run on and she should be aiming to go much closer today. (6) LAVITA showed on pace last time before knocking up quickly but going on the 3rd and 4th she managed in her two previous outings, she can be given another chance. (5) SEONGSIL WINNER and (2) CHEONMA NUBI others in line for the minors.

Selections(9) Dongjin Biryuong (8) Road To Perfect (6) Lavita (5) Seongsil Winner
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

(10) SPEED BUMP looks like she is finally figuring things out with a close 2nd place over 1200M on June 5th when racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win. (6) DUBAI CANDY has mixed her form across his seven appearances so far but on her best, demonstrated when 3rd at 1300M in April, she is a chance here. (8) FANTASTIC ONE was a much-improved 4th at start number three behind Speed Bump in that June 5th race when coming from well off the pace. Debut-makers (1) FANTASTIC CHEETAH and (2) DAEGIL HWANHO have to be given a chance given the strength – or lack thereof – of opposition.

Selections(10) Speed Bump (6) Dubai Candy (8) Fantastic One (1) Fantastic Cheetah
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(4) MEGA WIND has made progress across five starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1300M on June 14th when settling back and running on. In this company, and from a good gate, he should be on pace, and he has every chance of going all the way. (1) THE SUPER RUNNER hasn’t quite been super just yet but he does come in off his best so far when 2nd at this distance on May 10th, leading for much of the way. He too should be up with the speed and can be in this a long way again. (5) POWERFUL ARCTIC drops back in trip following a 2nd place over 1700M on May 23rd and she shouldn’t be far away. (2) WONDERFUL CATHY and (6) PNS GUNS others in the frame.

Selections(4) Mega Wind (1) The Super Runner (5) Powerful Arctic (2) Wonderful Cathy
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) JADE PALACE ran twice in early summer last year and then once in November when he managed to pick up a win over 1200M. He has had several setbacks since then but has been in regular work since May and he looked well when 2nd in a June trial. We know he can run well first-up and he is the one to beat here. (9) CHOEGANG LOUIS is yet to win in sixteen but enters off his best result at this class when 3rd at this distance on June 7th, showing handy throughout. He continues under a light weight and can aim to match or even better that here. (2) ROAD TO FIGHTER was 2nd at this class three outings ago. He can get a bit far back in his races but is a place chance here. (8) TRIPLE J and (3) PURE MARINE perhaps the best of a limited rest.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 3)

July’s racing gets underway with an 8-race Friday card at Busan running from 11:15 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(8) V-LINE won his trial in a quick time showing on pace throughout. He’s the only one in the field to have crossed the line first in a heat and with the quickest time among them too, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (3) MORNING ARIA ran 3rd in her trial, showing handy and running on. She draws nicely here and is a chance first-up. Not a lot to choose between the rest. (1) FOR THE VICTORY was fair in his heat but the trainer and jockey combination will put plenty on alert. (6) WORLD LION MAN and (5) POWERFUL WARRIOR are among others who have hinted at ability in the mornings.

Selections(8) V Line (3) Morning Aria (1) For The Victory (6) World Lion Man
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 0

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

(5) NOBLE WIND was 4th in his first two starts before running an improved 3rd over 1200M on June 12th when handy throughout and narrowly missing out in 2nd. Seo Seung-un stays on and in this field, today should be the day. (1) FLASH TO ME has only been ordinary in his latest three, all of which were contested over the mile. His best result to date has come at 1400M so the steep cut back in trip can suit. (6) WORLD EAGLE CAT has a 2nd place on her resume. She’s been back to trial since her latest race outing and having completed it in a quick time at the end of May, she can be a danger. (4) HIGH TENSION and second-up (3) CHAMPUI JEONSEOL, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Noble Wind (1) Flash To Me (6) World Eagle Cat (4) High Tension
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

(8) BREEDO SHOOTER was a late starter and then took a couple of goes to figure things out but comes in having run 3rd in both his latest two at 1300M and 1200M, racing both handy and coming from midfield. In this company he can be on pace and today can be his day. (2) HUIMANG SPEED has similarly picked up in his latest two, with a 2nd over 1300M and a 4th at 1400M. He raced on pace in both and from a good draw, he can be in this a long way. (7) SUPER HIT has a 3rd place on her record, and while she was away slowly last time out he ran on for a fair 5th and with a better beginning, she can be closer today. (3) DIA KINGDOM and (9) BEOLMAUI GEOIN others firmly in the hunt.

Selections(8) Breedo Shooter (2) Huimang Speed (7) Super Hit (3) Dia Kingdom
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

Small but competitive field. (2) CHAMP SONNY is in ultra consistent form with two wins and two runner-up finishes from his latest four, the last three at this class and last two at this distance. An apprentice stops his weight going up and that along with a good draw, can see him home on top today. He gets a big weight swing on (5) TIGER MONSTER who beat his as the pair finished 1st and 2nd at this class over a mile on June 5th. Tiger Monster too has been very consistent and the step up to 1800M for the first time can suit. (1) BARBELL MOMO is a two-time winner at this distance already, most recently his latest on June 7th when he led from gate to wire. He comes up 3.5kg in weight but warrants respect here. (6) RICH ONE and (8) STRIKE ZONE among others who should be competitive.

Selections(2) Champ Sonny (5) Tiger Monster (1) Barbell Momo (6) Rich One
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 2 , 5, 8

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

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Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 28)

It’s Owners’ Cup day at Busan with Roshe looking to maintain his unbeaten record in the G3 feature over a mile. 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:

Hangang Class won the 2025 Owners’ Cup in track record fashion (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (2) MAHO went through two trials, running 2nd in a slow time in the first of them but then winning the second with an on pace effort (62.3 seconds on May 21st for those whose racecards don’t show it as it was a voluntary trial). From a great draw, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (6) KKUMUI YEONSOK trialed up alongside some experienced horses and didn’t look out of pace as he ran a close 4th in a decent time, and he shapes as the main danger. (11) SAUDI SOCKS and (5) LUCKYRINGMAN are the pair with experience having debuted together over 1000M on May 31st finishing 5th and 6th respectively and they can both have come on for the run. (8) SPEARS is another first-time starter who hinted at ability in two trials.

Selections(2) Maho (6) Kkumui Yeonsok (11) Saudi Socks (5) Luckyringman
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

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

Decent maiden win four of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (5) ROAD TO CHAMPION, who after a good trial, ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on May 30th, leading and only being caught late by the favourite. He should have come on for that run, he can lead again, and this time he can go one better. (4) VICAR DELLA raced handy throughout for 3rd on debut over this distance on May 16th. She too can have come on and can be even closer here. Of the first timers, (6) INTO THE GALAXY showed fairly for 2nd place in a trial just last week. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up. (11) NURI YEOWANG and (9) RAPID STORM, the latter disappointing on debut but previously a trial winner, are the others who will have some backing.

Selections(5) Road To Champion (4) Vicar Della (6) Into The Galaxy (11) Nuri Yeowang
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

Fillies only here. After winning a trial, (4) PACHOUI KKUM was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on May 24th and while she raced close to the pace, she ultimately had to settle for 2nd. She should have come on for that, she draws better today, and she will be expected to come out on top here. (5) MAEWU has made progress in her latest couple, most recently when 4th at this distance on May 22nd. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and low, and she can be a danger here. (8) PILSEUNG WINNER is similarly looking as though she is figuring things out and enters off a close 2nd at this distance on May 31st when on pace. Seo Seung-un is on for the first time and she will have plenty if backers. There are a couple of debut makers and (1) SUPER CROWN performed fairly in two trials. (3) LOOKS GOOD another of the experienced ones who can improve.

Selections(4) Pachoui Kkum (5) Maewu (8) Pilseung Winner (1) Super Crown
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

(1) CRUSH GIRL was 4th on debut and followed up with 2nd place over 1300M on May 17th. Both times she has come from off the pace, so the slight step up again can suit and third-up she can be peaking. (8) JECHUK SANJIRO has finished in the top five in all of his four starts so far and he enters off his best to date when 2nd in a slow run race over this trip on May 31st. He can sit just behind the speed here and challenge late. (5) SEMYEONG PEAK was ordinary in her first two, but she has been consistently close in six subsequent efforts, most recently when 3rd over 1700M on May 23rd. She was 4th on her previous try at this trip and should be there or thereabouts again. (10) BEST A ONE and (7) DYNAMIC FORCE others firmly in the frame.

Selections(1) Crush Girl (8) Jechuk Sanjiro (5) Semyeong Peak (10) Best A One
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

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

(2) STEALTH KINGMAN was 2nd on debut over 1300M in April and then won at the same distance at start number two on May 31st, both times racing on pace. He is up in class but is down in weight, nicely drawn, and he can win again. (6) BORYEONGUIKWAESOK is never going to be beloved by racecallers, but she won her only start to date all the way back last September over 1000M. She performed fairly enough in a late May trial and under a light weight, she could pick up from where she left off. (8) WHITE OIL beat four of today’s rivals when coming home an in excess of 20/1 winner at this class and distance on May 31st. He is up 3kg in weight but warrants more respect today. (11) HEUIMANG TAYO and (4) WORLD BOLD MAN others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Stealth Kingman (6) Boryeonguikwaeseok (8) White Oil (11) Heuimang Tayo
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 11

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 26)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race meeting from 11/35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time and while we tend to side with experience in these races, there are a couple of newcomers worth taking a chance on. (2) VICTORY TIME was very quick in his trial, showing on pace and finishing a close 2nd. From a good draw, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (3) HERO HIT won her trial leading all the way. Her time wasn’t as quick as Victory Time’s but the track has been racing very fast in June so it was just as good an effort. If you prefer experience, then (4) RUBY GONGJU is the one. She ran a fair 5th of nine over this distance on debut on May 29th and should have come on for it. (7) OASIS ANGEL and (6) SERAPH are other first-timers who will attract some interest.

Selections(2) Victory Time (3) Hero Hit (4) Ruby Gongju (7) Oasis Angel
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

(8) CHAMPUI HEUIMANG has made progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1400M on May 29th when he settled midfield and ran on. He was further forward than he was on his previous try at a mile in April when 4th and with similar tactics, he can win this. (6) OASIS TIME debuted over this trip on June 7th and ran a fair 4th of eleven, doing his best work late. He should have come on for that run and the sole juvenile in the field can be closer today. (5) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL has finished between 3rd and 5th in all eight starts so far with his two 3rd places coming over this trip, including beating Champui Heuimang and he should be in the mix again. (2) SO FAST and (3) RICH SKY others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Champui Heuimang (6) Oasis Time (5) Dolgyeok Special (2) So Fast
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

(9) FLEX KHAN ran once last year for 4th place and then didn’t reappear until April. He has a 3rd and most recently a 2nd place from his two starts back with the latter coming on his first try at this distance on May 29th when beating a few of today’s rivals. Third up he can be peaking, and he can go one better. (7) BEST TIGER didn’t do much on debut but was an improved 4th at start number two over 1300M on May 31st when ridden further forward. Expect similar tactics here and under an apprentice claim, he can be a threat. (8) STRONG WINNER has hinted at ability with three finishes in 4th or 5th place from five starts. He tends to get too far back but if he can be a bit handier earlier today, he should at least place. (2) I AM HAPPY and (6) HAENGBOK TREE others in the frame.

Selections(9) Flex Khan (7) Best Tiger (8) Strong Winner (2) I Am Happy
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Competitive race. (1) SHIN STAR ONE broke through at each-way odds at start number three on May 29th when coming from off the pace over 1400M. He is up in class and up in trip, but while he doesn’t get much of a weight break, there can be more to come. Probable favourite though is (4) YEOUN. Her sole win came on debut, but she has held her form in four tries at this class including two runner-up finishes over 1400M, most recently on May 22nd. She comes up to the mile for the first time, but it can suit, and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time suggests that today can be the day. (9) KING BLACK is up in class following his maiden win at this distance on May 10th and can measure up. (6) WORLD GOAT and (7) CARAT KING among plenty of other place chances.

Selections(1) Shin Star One (4) Yeoun (9) King Black (6) World Goat
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

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Stakes-less Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 21)

For the first time since February, there is no Listed or Graded action at either Seoul or Busan. There is still plenty to get stuck into though with 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17:55 and 7 from Busan between 11.25 and 16:55. Here are the previews:

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

Ten fillies and one colt in this maiden. (8) DREAM DIA looked set to breakthrough when sent off as favourite over 1400M but ultimately ended up in 3rd place having been handy throughout. That was her second consecutive time as the beaten favourite, but in this company, she warrants one more chance. (11) SPICY JERRY was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M in June 6th from a similarly wide gate to today. She should have come on for that run, and she can get closer today. The solitary colt, (1) PERFECT GAME, was disappointing from a wide gate when well supported last time out, but going on his 3rd place two outings back, has to be considered again. (9) CHARON EDGE and (10) EVER LOVELY are place chances.

Selections(8) Dream Dia (11) Spicy Jerry (1) Perfect Game (9) Charon Edge
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI has drawn a blank in sixteen starts, but he is getting closer with his best results coming in his latest four with two 4th places sandwiched between a 2nd and a 3rd, the latter when beating a couple of today’s rivals over 1400M on May 17th. He wasn’t close in a previous try at this distance but could very well be ready for another go. It’s not an intimidating field. (9) THE SUN COMING has five finishes between 3rd and 5th and while he was behind Hwarangsan Jeonggi last time out, he shapes as a rival. (8) MAX MAN returned from five months out on May 16th and having run a fair 5th over 1400M, can strip fitter today. (10) SPICE BAND and (5) CLUB MAN are the other main chances.

Selections(11) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (9) The Sun Coming (8) Max Man (10) Spice Band
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

Since returning from six months out, (3) P.D SPECIAL has recorded a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts back, most recently beating a few of today’s rivals in a front-running effort over 1300M on May 22nd. Third up, he can be peaking, he draws well to be on pace again, and he can win here. There is just one debut maker, but (10) GEUMA STUNNING ran well for an on pace 3rd in a trial in a quick time, and despite the wide draw, this is a nice race to debut in. (1) DIMENSION has had a stop-start career so far with just two starts last autumn but registering a 2nd place in the second of them over this distance in December. He hasn’t raced since and didn’t offer too many clues in a May trial but from the inside gate he should be a chance here. (7) DUBAI DREAM and (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN, the other chances.

Selections(3) P.D Special (10) Geuma Stunning (1) Dimension (7) Dubai Dream
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) EVERY TIME raced three times in late summer and autumn last year, finishing 2nd in all three of them up to this class and 1400M. He hasn’t been in action since the end of October, but he looked very well when blitzing a trial on May 28th from on pace in a quick time, and if he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (5) SUNGLASS hasn’t quite lived up to the promise shown in her impressive debut win and she wasn’t great over 1300M last time out. Down in trip and down in weight and with Luis on for the first time, she can go close. (8) AESUNI beat Sunglass as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at this class and distance two starts back. She’ll be on pace and should be in this a long way. (6) HAEMAJI and (2) SILLAUI FIGHTER, perhaps the best or an ordinary rest.

Selections(7) Every Time (5) Sunglass (8) Aesuni (6) Haemaji
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

(4) IT’S LIT overcame a slow start to run 2nd on debut over 1200M on May 15th, well beaten by a good winner. He should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and he can go one better today. (8) GAON PERFECT has shown progress across three starts so far with his latest his best when 2nd on his first try at this distance on May 24th, running on from midfield. In this company he can be a little further forward a little earlier, and he is a big danger. (5) SUNDAY QUEEN has also got better over three outings. She comes back in trip following a 4th place over a mile on May 22nd and can continue to get closer. (1) WORLD TREE and (7) CHAMPUI YEONGGWANG others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) It’s Lit (8) Gaon Perfect (5) Sunday Queen (1) World Tree
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (6) SUPER TTANGKONG, who was 4th on debut and then a comfortable winner at start two over 1200M on February 1st, leading all the way. She hasn’t raced since, but she looked very well when 2nd in a trial on June 4th, leading again, and she can be given every chance first up. (9) THE SUN MONSTER is yet to win but got promoted to this class with back-to-back 2nd places over 1200M in March and then ran 3rd over 1300M on April 25th. She comes in fresh after eight weeks off and is the danger. (1) SAMJEONG LADY is two starts into a comeback following three months out and was 3rd over this class and distance on May 30th. She should strip even fitter here and be close. (10) AFLEET RUN and (5) MUHAN ARGO others in line for the minors.

Selections(6) Super Ttangkong (9) The Sun Monster (1) Samjeong Lady (10) Afleet Run
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 10

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

(7) SKY WIN WIN won back-to-back races in April and May over this distance at class 4 level and then ran 3rd on his first try at this class on May 22nd alongside plenty of others who return here. He likes to race on pace so today’s draw is better, and he can win. He will need to overturn the form on (8) HONORED KHAN, who was 2nd in that May 22nd race. That continued an excellent run of form for the five-year-old having won at this class and distance on May 1st, and while he continues to come up in the weights, he can be in the finish again. (6) FLYING THE KHAN is up in class after a close on pace win over this distance on May 10th and he can measure up in this company. (1) UNJU CHALLENGE and (2) CRAZY ARMY others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Sky Win Win (8) Honored Khan (6) Flying The Khan (1) Unju Challenge
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

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

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

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

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A

Juvenile maidens here with all but one racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (10) TIPPING POINT, who after a good trial, ran 2nd on debut over this trip on May 29th, showing on pace throughout. She’ll be on pace again and she may just a bit further on in her development than the first-timers. The only other filly is (7) DUBAI HEART. She ran 3rd in her trial behind two experienced racehorses. They may have dragged the time up to be a bit quicker than other trials, but she didn’t look out of place, and she can go well first-up. It took (6) YONGBI CHEONMA two goes to qualify but he was much improved in the second of them and can continue to make progress on debut. (8) OASIS ROSE and (5) FLAME others who could make an immediate impact.

Selections(10) Tipping Point (7) Dubai Heart (6) Yongbi Cheonma (8) Oasis Rose
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 10

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

(1) GOLD ROGER looks to be figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1400M and showing on pace both times. He can lead again here, and he can stay the additional furlong to claim his maiden win.  (5) THANKYOUFORTHETIME enters off her best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on May 22nd when coming from well off the pace. She can finish strongly again here and can be a danger. (2) SPACE GOLD had a poor day at the office when well backed over 1400M last time out but at the start before ran a fair 4th at that same distance and he can be given another chance over the extended trip today. (4) DOCTOR QUE SERA and (3) HANGANG BRAVO are other place chances.

Selections(1) Gold Roger (5) Thankyouforthetime (2) Space Gold (4) Doctor Que Sera
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

(8) SAENAE HILL has picked up significantly in her latest two, running 3rd and 2nd at 1200M and 1300M, that latter being her best to date, despite laying out in the early stages to the extent that she got sent back to trial. She came through the heat in good fashion, and she can go one better today. (1) YEOSU LOOK AT STAR also come sin off a best to date effort when 3rd over 1400M on May 17th. She’ll be on pace and she can be in this. (9) YEONGGWANGUIROOKIE was a fair 5th of eleven over this distance on debut on May 15th and having come on for the run, she can go better here. Debut-maker (7) GLORYS DAY along with (3) NAGAN CHUEOK others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Saenae Hill (1) Yeosu Look At Star (9) Yeonggwanguirookie (7) Glorys Day
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Competitive race. (2) BREEDO MIRACLE was an on pace winner at this distance on May 15th, her fourth success over the 1200M. She comes up in class, but she is down 3.5kg in weight and from a good draw, she can win again. (3) PACHAMAMA has run 3rd in each of her last four starts, all at this class and distance. Before that, she was a winner in January and with twelve top four finishes from fourteen starts, she will surely be in the finish again. (6) SPEED TOP beat Pachamama and a couple of others who return here on April 24th, overcoming a slow start to come from well off the pace. He has his fair share of weight here, but it would be no surprise if he won again. (9) BARAM DAERO and (5) JEOLDAE BOSS among plenty of others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Breedo Miracle (3) Pachamama (6) Speed Top (9) Baram Daero
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

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Triple Tiara Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 14)

The Triple Tiara reaches its conclusion at Seoul on Sunday with the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), race 8 in Seoul. There is no Tiara sweep on the line but still plenty of intrigue among the field of ten fillies. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

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

(8) GEUMBIT YEONGUNG has run 4th in both starts so far over this distance, most recently as favourite on April 11th when he got a long way back before running on. He enters fresh after nine weeks off and with a good apprentice claiming 2kg, he can win. (1) DONGBAEK was an improved 3rd at this distance on May 10th, coming from off the pace. She comes into a much better gate today so can sit a bit further forward and can be a danger. (7) MISS CHRISTIE similarly draws better than she did at her latest and with a 4kg claim today, she can be much closer. (5) JEONGMUN KINGDOM and debut-maker (10) SAVERS are others who can be in the hunt.

Selections(8) Geumbit Yeongung (1) Dongbaek (7) Miss Christie (5) Jeongmun Kingdom
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

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

(1) ILGEUP BISUL returned from eight months off to run a fair 5th over this distance on May 16th, settling back and passing a couple late. Before the layoff she had a 3rd place to her name and stripping fitter today, she has as good a chance as any. (9) ECLIPSE SUNNY ran a solid 3rd on debut in March but was lackluster on her second appearance and was later found to have bled. She was stood down the obligatory month and came through a May trial without issue so is well worth another chance here. (8) MEGA WIND hasn’t been far away across his four outings to date and can be around the placings here. (7) NAEGEROWAJWO and (4) DIABIT among other chances.

Selections(1) Ilgeup Bisul (9) Eclipse Sunny (8) Mega Wind (7) Naegerowajwo
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

(8) BABEL FOLGORE has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on May 10th when on pace and beaten by a good winner. She stretches out to 1400M for the first time but in this small field, she should be on the speed again, and she can win. (6) DIA KINGDOM has a 3rd and a 2nd among three outings to date. He has been a huge price on all three occasions but can start to be taken a bit more seriously here. (1) OASIS HWANHUI ran 2nd at start number two all the way back last October. He hasn’t raced since but he looked well in a May trial and can be a danger first up. (3) RED KING and (2) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN others in the frame.

Selections(8) Babel Folgore (6) Dia Kingdom (1) Oasis Hwanhui (3) Red King
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) FLYING SMART has been a beaten favourite in all three of her races so far, getting a long way back and registering a 2nd, a 4th and a 3rd. If she can get out of gates a bit smarter and find a better position she can be given another chance as once out of kickback, she looks to have a bit of pace. If she finds problems again then (3) CLAIR FREEDOM is a decent alternative. She made it to the speed from the widest gate over this distance on May 24th and ran on for 2nd ahead of a couple of today’s rivals and from a much better draw, she won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (5) DELTA DAECHEON looks to be figuring things out with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both over 1300M and the slight step up in trip today can suit (9) ÉCLAIR WIND and (6) BLACK SUN – who beat Flying Smart when 2nd in April – others to look out for.

Selections(1) Flying Smart (3) Clair Freedom (5) Delta Daecheon (9) Éclair Wind
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 11

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

Small but competitive field. (8) DOCTOR HUNTER has won two of his last three, most recently at this class and distance on May 15th racing, as he always does, handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He is up 2.5kg in weight but looks to have more potential and can win. (1) BORYEONG ONE ROAD enters off a very smart 2nd place in a quick race over this class and distance on May 3rd. That was her second consecutive runner-up finish and from the inside gate and under a light weight, she is a big danger. (3) TAEYANG EUTTEUM was 3rd behind Doctor Hunter two outings back and was then 4th from the widest hate on May 31st and she should be there or thereabouts today. (5) DALBITWIE and (6) CALM FAST are others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(8) Doctor Hunter (1) Boryeong One Road (3) Taeyang Eutteum (5) Dalbitwie
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

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

Friday’s racing is at Busan 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

Small field in the opener. (7) GWANGSEON DAERO has run 4th in both starts so far, both at 1400M, and both times coming from well off the pace. She can be peaking fitness, wise here, Seo Seung-un stays on, and she has as good a chance as any. (6) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL has raced seven times, finishing between 3rd and 5th on every occasion with two 3rd places at a mile her joint best. She can settle behind the speed and be a danger late here. (5) SKYNEX ran 2nd on debut over 1200M in March and has run fairly for 7th and 5th in two starts since. Last time out she raced on pace and will probably do the same here with every chance of being in the finish. (1) QUEEN PERFECT and (2) TAESAN SHINHWA other place chances.

Selections(7) Gwangseon Daero (6) Dolgyeok Special (5) Skynex (1) Queen Perfect
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

(4) NOBLE WIND has run 4th in both starts so far, at this distance and over 1300M, showing close to the speed both times. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, he can be on pace again, and he can make it third time lucky. (1) CHAMPAGNE WINNER didn’t do much in two outings last year but returned from over six months out to run 4th over this distance on May 10th, showing handy throughout. She should strip fitter for that run and can challenge here. (3) SEOGWI GREAT only beat one home on debut in February and was so slow, she got sent back to trial. She was much better on her return on May 15th when 3rd over this distance and she too can be fitter here. (8) OASIS KINGDOM and debut-maker (7) AFLEET CAPTAIN others who can be involved.

Selections(4) Noble Wind (1) Champagne Winner (3) Seogwi Great (8) Oasis Kingdom
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) JOY OF QUEEN has raced five times for two 2nd places and most recently a 3rd place at this class and distance on May 10th when leading for much of the way. She can lead again and this time can come out on top. (4) ROAD TO NUMBER ONE was a winner on debut over this distance at the end of February and while she was only ordinary on her first try at this class in April, she was an improved 5th on May 10th. Both times were over 1300M and both times she led so the slight drop back in trip can suit. (1) AEGIS CROWN won at start two last November and returns to action for the first time since January. He looked well when winning a trial at the end of May and can go well first up. (6) GLORY GANGSEO and (7) WORLD FIGHTER MAN have similarly trialed since their latest appearances and can be considered on a place line.

Selections(5) Joy Of Queen (4) Road To Number One (1) Aegis Crown (6) Glory Gangseo
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) D’LOVELY KING is yet to win in nine attempts, but he has been getting closer, most recently with a very close 2nd place at this class over 1400M on May 1st when closing strongly from off the pace. The step up to a mile can be what he needs to finally make the breakthrough. (5) GEUMA PANTHER enters off consecutive 4th place finishes at a mile, most recently on April 17th. He laid out ungenerously in the home straight to the extent that he was sent back to trial but if his manners are better today, then he can be in the mix. Veteran (6) ALICE MARINE enters off a 5th place at class and distance on May 17th, and this is the kind of race she can hit the placings in. (8) STRIKE ZONE and (4) UNIJOA others in the hunt.

Selections(9) D’Lovely King (5) Geuma Panther (6) Alice Marine (8) Strike Zone
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

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Korea Racing Report: June 5-7

AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY THE 26TH RUNNING OF THE MINISTER’S CUP PRODUCED A DRAMATIC FINISH WITH FUNNY WILD PRODUCING A VERY GAME PERFORMANCE TO SCORE BUT, ON THE UNDERCARD, THE MAIN HANDICAP WAS THE CONCLUDING CLASS 2 AND REMEMBER AGAIN ran out an easy five-length winner under CC Wong (writes Luke Humphreys).

Remember Again (Chrysolite) had failed at his first run at Class 2 level in April when using too much petrol in the run, but under a conservative ride by CC Wong, who was aboard for the first time, he pulled away to score. King Honor continued his recent good form with a 2nd place finish for him whilst The Player was a neck behind him in 3rd. The 1.9 favourite More Than Joke could only managed 6th.

Whilst Funny Wild was the star of the day the most well-known horse running on the day was LALA K (Hansen) and he recorded his first victory since his famous juvenile days when holding on to win Race 9 (1200M Class 3) by a head as the 2.6 favourite.

Lala K went viral on the internet when winning the 2023 Rookie Stakes coming from an incredibly long last and had only won once since in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy later that year. That changed on Sunday as he raced on pace and fell in to score, the total opposite of his famous Rookie Stakes victory. Haksan Dark Horse, attempting to replicate his course, distance, and grade victory from April, was narrowly denied whilst the Japanese bred Gwanaksan Rickey, 4.2 second choice, did his chances no good with a horrible start and was a never nearer 5th.

CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG (Shackleford) had been knocking on the door for a victory after chasing home some decent types in recent starts and he got his elusive first win in Race 3 (1200M Class 5) with a comfortable four-length score as the 2.0 favourite. Fifty minutes later in Race 4 (1300M Class 5) LOVERMAN (To Honor And Serve) took advantage of the leaders going too fast too soon with a last to first victory at much bigger odds of 22.0 completing a race-to-race double for jockey Jang Chu-youl and trainer Lee Gwan-ho. That race saw the 3.0 favourite Stepping Stone miss the start before being rousted up to take a forward role and was one of the first beaten finishing 9th of the eleven runners.

Jang Chu-youl completed a treble in Race 6 (1600M Class 4) on SLING STAR (To Honor And Serve) who was excellent in completing four victories in a row with a one-and-three quarter length score under the topweight of 58kg. Yongbi Hero was 2nd and is surely close to a win whilst the 3.2 favourite Mighty Choice was 3rd.

The victory of Sling Star completed a double on the day for trainer Kim Dong-kyun as STUNNING BOLT (Cowboy Cal) scored for him and Furkan Yuksel in Race 2 (1300M Class 6).

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Triple Crown Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 7)

The Triple Crown series draws to a close on Sunday and while there isn’t a sweep on the line, or even a Derby winner in the field, the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) has drawn a full field of sixteen three-year-old colts and it should be a very tricky puzzle. There are 10 races at Seoul on Sunday between 10:35 and 17:55 as well as 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

My Dream Day thwarted a Triple Crown bid a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

Competitive opening maiden. (5) STUNNING SKET came from off the pace to run a strong 2nd on debut over 1200M on April 25th. He should have come on for the run, the additional half furlong can suit, and he can win. (1) STORM CRUSH was 5th on debut and then 2nd at start number two over this distance on April 11th. She too has been doing her best work late so can continue to improve at 1300M and she should be very fit. (10) BARAMGAEBI has two 3rd places and a 4th from three outings to date and while he needs to contend with the widest gate, he can be there or thereabouts again. (7) NINE SPEAR and (4) DUKE SOCKS are other place chances.

Selections(5) Stunning Sket (1) Storm Crush (10) Baramgaebi (7) Nine Spear
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 6, 7,10

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

Nine fillies and one colt in this maiden. (4) STUNNING BOLT has been around the mark in her recent outings with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both over this distance. She has generally settled back and run on but has raced on pace before and with little early speed in this race and from a good draw, she can be further forward than usual and she can win. Solitary colt (9) SONNY K ran a fair 4th on debut over 1200M. He was well back behind the placings but should have come on for the run and can improve here. (5) NIGHT CAPTAIN enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes in contrasting styles and can be matching or bettering those in this company. (10) AREUMDAUN BIT and (8) YEONGDONG STAR are others to consider on a place line.

Selections(4) Stunning Bolt (9) Sonny K (5) Night Captain (10) Areumdaun Bit
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

After a 3rd, a 4th and most recently a 2nd place when stepped up to this distance for the first time on April 26th, (1) WIN NOW could be ready to do just that. In his latest two, he has got a long way back from wide draws but should be further forward today and can be the one to beat. (6) OVER RAINBOW has mixed his form across five starts so far with his 3rd place over 1200M two outings back his best. His racing style suggests that the extended trip today can suit.  (9) GRAND HERO was much improved when a close 2nd over 1300M on May 3rd and can continue to make progress here. (2) NICE POWER is another one in the placing hunt while watch the market with debut-maker (8) OASIS TIME. His trial didn’t stand out but his stable is known for sending their juveniles around big distances very early and often pick up a few wins.

Selections(1) Win Now (6) Over Rainbow (9) Grand Hero (2) Nice Power
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG is yet to win but has never finished any worse than 5th and has four runner-up finishes, including his latest on May 2nd when beating three of today’s rivals when suffering a narrow reverse. He is up 2.5kg on that but in this company, today can be his day. (4) YEONGGWANGUI SKY returned from four months out in April and has since run 5th twice, most recently on May 9th when beating a couple who re-oppose today. An apprentice takes 3kg off his back and third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise. (2) GEOLJAK TIARA was 5th to Cheongsan Dolpung’s 2nd on May 2nd and from a good gate and under a very light weight, she can get closet today. (6) BLACK SPECTER and (3) DAEWONYONGMA others who are perhaps better than their respective latest outings suggest.

Selections(7) Cheongsan Dolpung (4) Yeonggwangui Sky (2) Geoljak Tiara (6) Black Specter
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(3) WIND SWORD enters off two 3rd places and a 5th from his last three outings, all at this class and distance and each time coming from off the pace. He doesn’t get an apprentice claim here but he beat a couple of today’s rivals last time and he can beat all of them today. The apprentice claim goes to (5) BLACK JILJU. He comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class and distance, most recently in a very quick time on May 3rd when racing on pace. On that form, she is a winning chance here. (4) MAGIC SWEETIE got a long way back before running on last time out. She was a class and distance winning in January and was 2nd in March and can be given another chance here. (2) B.K MAGIC and (8) SAMJEONG TODAY others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Wind Sword (5) Black Jilju (4) Magic Sweetie (2) B.K Magic
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

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

(10) STEPPING STONE won a trial and then won on debut on April 25th over 1200M, starting steadily but then quickly ridden up to be handy. He is up in class but down 3kg in weight, the additional half furlong can suit, and he can win again. (6) P N S NALA returned from seven months out to run a fair 5th over this distance on May 17th, showing on pace before weakening late. He should strip fitter for that run and can get closer today. (3) JOY CHEONHA is yet to win in fourteen but has seven top five finishes, including a last start 4th on May 2nd. He has placed twice over this distance and well-drawn and under a lightweight, he can be in the mix again. (2) WONDERFUL SPIRIT and (1) LUCKY SUNNY are the other main chances.

Selections(10) Stepping Stone (6) P N S Nala (3) Joy Cheonha (2) Wonderful Spirit
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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