Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time.  (1) LAND BANK is going to be a hot favourite. He led for much of the way around on debut over this distance on March 3^rd, ultimately finishing 4^th. He comes into a much better gate today, which should see him get a much easier run to the front, and with any kind of natural improvement from his debut, he will be hard to hold out. The rest of the exposed form doesn’t exactly stand out so we’ll turn to the first timers to find the dangers. (8) GLOBAL WEEK won his trial, settling handy and running through the line in a quick time. If the Hansen colt can bring that form to the races, he should be at least placing here. (5) THE PURE MAN also showed well in his heat, settling midfield and running on for 3^rd and is another who won’t need to improve much to be competitive first-up. Returning to the experience, (7) HAPPY BRIANNA and (3) NEOGA CHOEGO probably have the most potential to improve.  

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

Competitive maiden. We’ll take a chance on (9) PEGACORN, who has four top-four finishes from six starts so far and comes back in trip following a spin around a mile a month ago that ended in 4^th place when on the pace throughout. Seo Seung-un climbs aboard here and today can be his day. (2) GLOBAL SARANG comes into the equation following a much improved 2^nd place over 1200M on March 3^rd. He’s been finishing off his races well and the additional half furlong may well suit. (1) HAPPY BLUE fills out the obvious top-three, having beaten three of today’s rivals on his way to a best to date 3^rd over 1400M on March 5^th when settling handy. He comes into a better gate today and should be close again. (4) ECTON POWER and (7) DREAM RUN among others in at least the placing frame.

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

(5) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE got his maiden win at start number three over 1200M on March 5^th when leading gate to wire and stopping the clock in a good time. He comes up in class here and slightly in trip too, but neither should be an issue and with a good draw, he can lead again and can go all the way again. (4) WORLD CLASS CAT remains a maiden after five attempts but has had plenty of near misses including on her latest when 3^rd at this class and distance.  She can sit handy here and has the strongest finish of any. (8) GOOD MAGIC got her first win on her second start in February before running a good 2^nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on March 5^th. She remains very nicely weighted and should be joining Dubai Wonjeongdae on the speed and be competitive all the way around. (3) SUCCESS TIME and (9) VEREUDA, both up in class after last start wins are among plenty of others to keep safe.

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

Plenty in with a shout here. Without much conviction, we’ll go with (4) GOLD ROSE, who was a winner on debut all the way back last July but has been working towards another having most recently run 3^rd at this class over 1300M having led until the final furlong. She comes slightly back in trip here, she draws well, and she has as good a chance as any. (2) UNJU MACH is up in class following a win over this distance on March 3^rd. The time wasn’t fast but her won going away and under a light weight and from a good gate, he should measure up in this company. (1) MILK DAY is very experienced and can be a touch frustrating but the drop in trip compared to his recent outings may be in his favour and he could surprise at a probable each-way price. (7) BUILD UP and (8) TWO TWO LIME among others in the hunt.

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Moon Se-young is in town to ride Eoma Eoma in Sunday’s G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint and his presence is probably enough to make (3) HALLOWEEN PARTY the favourite here. He could only manage 5^th when sent oof at a short price at class and distance on March 5^th, but he did beat a couple of today’s rivals and from a good gate, Moon can lift him over the line on top today. (6) HANGANG SAVER comes up in class having prevailed over this distance on February 24^th when settling midfield and running on. He hasn’t missed the top-four since his debut and he comes down nicely in the weights to the extent that he should be competitive at this level. (8) KENDRICK has seemingly lost his way of late, but he has been back to trial since his most recent race and duly arrived from off the pace to cross the line in front in a fast time. If he is back to his old self, he has winning chances here. (9) YASAENGHWA and (4) INDY CHOICE are others to consider.

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

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (9) JEONGMUN SPECTER ran well on debut for 4^th last August but didn’t reappear until January when he very much needed his run. He improved to 2^nd from a wide draw on February 12^th over this distance and third-up here, he should be peaking and can win. A few of the first timers look promising. (7) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG led his heat, crossing the line in 2^nd in a good time. He’ll be on pace here and Seo Seung-un being engaged is sure to make him well-supported. (8) ZETTA DREAM went through a very quick trial alongside some experienced racehorses and held his own well. If he can bring that form to the races, he can go close. So too (6) HWANGU DAEJANGGUN led every step of the way in a March 4^th trial, crossing the line plenty to the good. He gets the benefit of an apprentice claim and is another who can make a bold showing first up. Returning to the experience, (1) CHOICE ROAD is probably the best of the rest.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens and it’s hard to go past (2) ROAD TO GLORY. After a runner-up finish over 1200M in January, he came from off the pace to run 4^th over 1300M on February 24^th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He seems to be needing further and he gets an additional half furlong to play with here and he could be hard to hold out. (11) HERE THE QUEEN was slow out last time out and scarcely featured over 1300M. She was sent off as favourite that day on the back of a strong runner-up performance back in January. Park Jae-i climbs aboard today, and she can be given another chance. (1) HAENGBOKHAN GIL has hinted that he might be figuring things out in his latest two, including a last start 5^th over a mile just two weeks ago. He gets a great draw here which should allow Song Kyeong-yun to pick his spot, and he has as good a finish on him than any here. (3) STORMY DAY and (6) KELLY QUEEN among others with placing hopes.

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

Tricky race. (10) SKY SHOT enters off back-to-back 3^rd place finishes at 1200M and 1300M, both times beating some of today’s rivals. He drew wide in both of those so gate ten isn’t a concern, and today can be his day. He will vie for favourite status with (5) ADELE HORANGI. He has only missed to top-five once from seven starts and his best finish, a 2^nd place, came at this distance. He generally settles midfield and runs on and should be in the finish again here. (1) SEOGWI FLASH enters off a 3^rd and a 4^th from her latest two, most recently at this distance on March 3^rd. She draws a much better gate today so may well be on what little speed there is here, and she can be in this a long way. (7) VICTOR BASIUM races for the first time since last November. In a race of absolutely no early speed he may get an easy lead and while after is absence he has to be taken somewhat on trust; he should go close. (6) ETTEUMI another in the frame.

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

Fillies and mares only and (5) PAN STAR gets the nod here. She made all for her maiden win over this trip two starts back before trying to repeat over 1400M on her first try at this level on March 3^rd. She comes down slightly in the weights, comes back in trip and will be aiming to lead gate to wire. (10) META QUEEN comes up in class following an on-pace win over 1200M back on January 29^th. She comes up in class and slightly in trip here and while she may need a touch of luck at the start from the wide draw, she can measure up. (11) FAST FURY is done even fewer favours by the draw. Having got her maiden win over 1200M back in February, she ran a solid 4^th on her first try at this class on March 5^th, racing handy throughout. She remains nicely weighted and like Meta Queen, with a bit of early luck, she shouldn’t be far away.  (3) GAMDONG ENERGY and (7) MY SONG among others to keep safe.

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It’s about time (8) NICHOLAS G. won He got promoted to this class after two runner-up finishes and ran 2^nd for the third time on February 24^th when on pace throughout over 1400M. He comes up to the mile for the first time and there is no reason why it can’t suit. He’ll be on pace and today can be his day. (5) KING BOSS is a consistent type with recent form reading well. He draws much better than he did when 5^th at class and distance on March 5^th and should be going closer here. (7) GREAT ONE comes back up to this trip after recent work at 1400M. He has the second fastest time of any of these for the mile and he can improve on his latest efforts here. (6) NOBLE COWBOY and (4) ARTHUR KING IJI among others who can be kept safe on a place line.

It’s Classic trials weekend with with Sunday seeing the Sports Seoul Trophy in the capital while Busan plays host to the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy. Before that though, the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race program from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (7) B.K. GALLOP shapes as the probable favourite having steadily improved across three starts so far with a 3^rd and a 2^nd from her latest two. Those weren’t quick races, but she has shown on pace each time and with an apprentice jockey aboard, she carries the lightest weight. She should be on pace again and can go all the way. A couple of the first timers look useful. (8) HAERANG ISEUL ran 3^rd in her trial having settled handy and she stopped the clock in a fair time. If she brings that form to the races, she can go well first-up. (9) HANEUL HAETSAL comes out of the same February 18^th trial. She too showed prominently and crossed the line 3^rd, a length and three-quarters in arrears of Haerang Iseul. She too can go well. Returning to experience, (4) ARION QUEEN improved when 4^th at start number two and can continue to make progress here. (10) GEMIJIN another seemingly on the right trajectory.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens here. After a quick trial, (7) LEMON DOKKI was sent off as favourite on debut over 1300M on February 19^th. He was slowest away and settled at the back, before running on strongly for 2^nd place, getting to within a length of the winner. He should have derived benefit from that run and with some natural improvement looks to be the one to beat here. (3) MORNING FLOW also comes out of that February 19^th race over the same distance. He led for much of that race before being overhaled in the closing stages, finishing 3^rd, just a neck behind Lemon Dokki. That was his third start and his second 3^rd place finish and from a good draw, he can be on pace and in this a long way once more. (8) SPECIALIST has shown progress across his three starts to date, culminating in a good 2^nd place at this distance on February 24^th when he overcame the widest gate and only went down by half a length. He can het an easier run here and should be close. (11) RAON STRONG and (9) POWER PLANE others who have shown ability.

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

Maidens. (10) K GOLD BAR comes in having beaten three of today’s rivals with an on pace run over a mile on February 26^th. That wasn’t his first good result and while he draws a touch wide here, he should be able to work forward to be on or close to the speed and may well prove too good. The main danger looks to be (6) WISE BOY. He very nearly led from gate to wire over this distance on January 6^th, ultimately being overhauled late on. That marked a change in tactics as previously he had been settled back, so a repeat looks likely here and he can be close again coming back off a ten-week layoff. (7) WONDERFUL IMPACT could be an improver at a probably each-way price. She has a 5^th and a 7^th from her two starts so far but she was on pace over a mile last time out and with the benefit of an apprentice claim, is down significantly in the weights. (2) STAR DRAGON and (1) SAVAGE GIRL among others who can enter the calculations.

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

(12) MULTI HIT led every step of the way to record his maiden win over 1200M on February 12^th, crossing the line five-lengths in front of his nearest rival with a further six-lengths back to the 3^rd placegetter. He is up in class here and the draw doesn’t do him any favours, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come and he won’t need to improve much to win again.  (11) THEIA also comes up in class following a maiden win at her latest outing in ana ll-filly race over this distance on February 26^th. The time wasn’t quick but she scored by a full four-lengths and there is no reason why she can’t measure up. She beat B.K. Gallop who is the probable favourite in race 1 on today’s card so that may provide a guide as to how strong that race actually was. (9) CHEONGMA POWER returned from nine months out to run a solid class and distance 3^rd on February 3^rd. She should strip fitter for that run and can be firmly in the frame here. (8) BLUE SKY and the up in class (2) SAEKDAL FIGHTER, the latter ideally drawn and weighted, are others to keep safe.

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

A small field tackles the two turns here and (4) WONDERFUL CHANCE will be a warm favourite. He is up in both class and in distance having scored over a mile on February 26^th when settling handy before striking the front turning for home and running on strongly. The set weight scale here does him no favours but he appears to have plenty more scope for further development and the additional furlong can suit. (6) WONDERFUL FILE enters off a useful 4^th place over a mile last time out on February 24^th, albeit well back behind a good winner. She draws much better than she did on her only previous try at this distance when 5^th behind a couple of today’s rivals, and she can be in the mix here. (9) DALLILAEYO remains winless but has only missed out on the top-five on one occasion. He comes up in class and in distance following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1300M, but he has previously run well at a mile and the extended trop can suit. (2) ROCK AND ROLL and (3) CENTUM THOR are others in the hunt.

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

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

A maiden for three-year-olds opens proceedings. There are three debut-makers and at least one of them looks interesting.  (5) JANGSAN LEMON is half-brother to a couple of good talents and having gained almost 20kg since a trio of trials last year, he was well held together when winning a February heat in a good time without being asked to do too much. He will be well backed on debut and has every chance. (3) EVERY KING IJI was much improved when 2^nd at start number two on February 23^rd and from a much better gate can back that up here. (12) JORDAN FIGHTING came from of the pace to run a good 4^th in a quick race on debut on February 12^th. The wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and with some natural improvement he should be right in this. First-timer (11) CHOEGANG WEEK was an on-pace 3^rd in her trial in a fast time on a wet track on February 11^th. She was asked for a little more effort than Jangsan Lemon was but if she brings that form to the races, a bold showing first-up is possible. (8) MOVIE MORE was inconvenienced coming out of the gates at this latest effort, but going on his showing on debut, should be competitive here.

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) BUDDY BUDDY didn’t disgrace himself when tried in Listed juvenile company last November and has since registered back-to-back 4^th places over 1400M and 1200M, beating a couple of these along the way. He draws well to get on the speed here and he should prove too good. (1) BUILD UP remains a maiden after nine attempts but has gone close on a few occasions. They include his latest when he overcame gate twelve to get handy to the leaders and ran on for 4^th ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He draws much better here so should get an easier run and can be in the finish again. (8) TITAN K is another maiden, but his recent form reads fairly and at his best he can be in the frame here. (4) OK STAR and (5) ADELE CHUKBAE others in the placing hunt. The latter was in abysmal form last year but comes in off five months out and looked good when trialling just last week.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) NAKDONG JEONSA offered little in two outings last autumn but looked a much better prospect when returning from three months out at the beginning of last month and running 2^nd over 1300M having settled midfield and run on well. He should strip fitter for the run, he comes up to the mile for the first time, and he can win here. (10) TOP FRIEND was ridden handy for the first time on his latest appearance, but it proved unsuccessful as he weakened. He had previous had good results having gone to the back of the field and then finishing off well for 4^th and 2^nd over 1200M and 1300M. The wide draw may actually be in his favour here and the additional trip can suit. (4) FLYING TOUCH is another who may appreciate the additional distance. Her times over the shorter courses have been nothing special but she has finished off her last two well, running 5^th on both occasions and she should be aiming to get in the money here. (6) SUNDAY MONEY and (5) DAEJI FLY are the other placing contenders.

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

Fillies and mares only here. (1) GOLDEN WAVE ran 2^nd on debut in January before getting her maiden win at start number two over this distance on February 10^th, making all. Both those were in all-filly company and it’s the same again today so despite being up in class, she should be using her good draw to get on pace and win again. (9) DIABLO QUEEN come sin off a very quick win at class and distance on February 10^th when on pace throughout. She was second up that day following almost ten months off and with an apprentice engaged here she barely comes up in weight. She looks the main danger to the favourite. (6) DOCTOR SHARK came from off the pace to get her first win, also on February 10^th. She is up in class but down in weight and she can measure up amongst this lot. (3) TWO TWO LIME and (5) BREAD HIT others to keep safe.

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

(5) INDIE BULPAE returned seven months after an inauspicious debut to win well first-up over a mile in January. He then came up to this class on February 12^th and led for much of the way around over this distance before ultimately running 2^nd to Pistol Star, but beating three of today’s rivals in the process. He carries his fair share of weight here but he should prove to good and will start as hot favourite. The second favourite will be (7) DOCTOR PERO. He has similar form having won at class 6 level over a mile two starts back before coming from off the pace to run 2^nd on his first try at this class and distance on January 27^th. That was a much slower race than Indie Bulpae’s but he can be a danger. Next best is (9) ADELE STELLA. She is yet to finish in the top-two in eleven attempts but she has no fewer then eight finishes between 3^rd and 5^th including last time out at this class and distance. She may find a couple too quick again but shouldn’t be far away. (6) FIRST PARK and (3) RUNNING WARRIOR others in the frame.

March’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race program from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

March kicks off with a maiden for three-year-olds and a couple come in looking ready to win. (9) DALLILLAEYO has been knocking on the door across his five starts, culminating with 2^nd place on his latest over this distance on February 10^th when he settled right back and worked home strongly. He has as good a chance as any here and the unfashionable jockey booking may mean he is at bigger odds than he should. Disputing favourite status will be (8) DIA BOSS. He too comes in off a 2^nd place with a much-improved performance over this trip on January 29^th when racing on pace throughout. He doesn’t have the benefit of as big an apprentice claim this time but he should go close. (7) NEOGA CHOEGO was 3^rd on debut before running 7^th behind Dallillaeyo on his reappearance. He comes down 3kg in the weights with last week’s treble winning rider Gwon O-chan aboard and he can make further progress here. (10) PINHOLE EYE and (12) SEOGWI FLASH both come in off last start 3^rd place finishes and can aim for the places again.

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies. (12) MIRACLE ONE is set to be a warm favourite based on her last start 3^rd in a similar race over this distance on February 3^rd when she overcame the same wide draw to get to the speed and beat a few of today’s rivals in the process. She may need a touch of luck at the start once more but she should prove too good. There are three debut-makers and among them (3) MASTER ROAD looks to have a fair shout first-up. She was on pace in her trial, crossing the line 2^nd in a decent enough time and from a good draw, she can get to the lead again and be in this a long way. (11) SUCCESS TIME has a 4^th and a 3^rd in two starts so far, most recently at this distance. She came from off the pace last time so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can continue to make progress. (4) SOLEDAD and (10) FANTASTIC WOMAN others in the hunt.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

(5) SUCCESSFUL ran a solid 3^rd on debut over 1000M back on December 23^rd racing on pace throughout. It’s taken him a while to line up again but he looks very nicely in here, the additional furlong can suit and he is the one to beat. (11) DOCTOR CUCKOO has hinted at ability with back-to-back 4^th place finishes from his latest two outings. With an apprentice claim he comes down in the weights here and should be aiming for an even better finish today. The solitary debut-maker is (10) LAND BANK. He put in a fair performance in his trial and couldn’t hope for a softer race to debut in. The jockey/trainer combination ensures that he will get plenty of backing. (9) UNJU MACH has mixed her form so far but has two 4^th places and along with (3) WONDERFUL DIGGER, can enter the calculations here.

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

Fillies and mares only in this competitive race. We’ll side with (2) PAN STAR, who comes up in class following her maiden win over 1300M back in December when making all. That was a win had been coming as she had made progress across all her starts so far and while she has been away for twelve weeks, from a nice draw and under a light weight, she can potentially lead all the way again. (9) GOHEUNG CLASS remains a maiden but comes up in class following a pair of runner-up finishes as well as a 3^rd at class 5 level. She might have won last time were it not for a slow start and despite this ostensibly being harder, there isn’t much to fear here, and she can measure up at a distance that may suit. (6) SKY JEJUHYANG overcame the widest gate on February 10^th to run 4^th over 1300M. She draws better here, can be on pace, and can go close. (1) STATICE was an improbable winner of that February 10^th race. Lightning may not strike twice but she does warrant more respect today and along with (10) WONDERFUL ANDOVER, the latter better than her latest two suggest and who trialled up somewhat smartly in February, can enter the calculations.

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