Busan

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 6)

After a week off, racing returns to the peninsula on Friday as the 2023 season gets underway at Busan. As there are just two weeks until another weekend off, there are lots of races and every one of them has a big field. Friday sees 10 races at Busan from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The 2023 Korean racing season kicks off with a series of maidens with the opener for three-year-olds. Following a fast trial, (10) ROCK AND ROLL was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on November 20th. He was on pace throughout and while he could only manage 3rd, the time was good and with some natural improvement for the run, he could be hard to beat here. (5) POWER RIDE was slowly away on debut over 1200M on November 27th and loped along at the back resenting the kickback at one stage tailing the field by a full six-lengths. Once he found his rhythm, he did work home well though and with a better start and additional half furlong to play with, big improvement here is possible at a probable each-way price. (7) STORMY DAY ran a good 4th on debut and while he couldn’t follow-up on his second appearance, that alone is enough to put him in the place frame here. (6) CHOICE ROAD and (9) NINE FORCE ONE others to take into consideration.

Selections(10) Rock And Roll (5) Power Ride (7) Stormy Day (6) Choice Road
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 10  

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies here and (8) GOHEUNG CLASS will be a warm favourite, having improved significantly at start number two over 1000M on December 9th when she almost made all, ultimately running a close 2nd. The step up in trip shouldn’t be a problem and she is the one to beat. There are three first-time starters and two of them looks to have very solid claims first-up. (11) GOLDEN WAVE doesn’t draw the best showed decent speed in her trial and with a touch of luck at the start to find a handy position, can go close. (1) DOCTOR TIFFANY put in a similar run in her trial and with no concerns about the draw from the inside gate, she too can put in a bold showing on debut. (2) U PING rana creditable 2nd place over 1000M on debut on December 2nd, beating plenty of today’s rivals when overcoming a wide draw to get on pace. She gets much luckier with the barrier this time and should have come on for the run. (9) DAEHO NARA, 3rd in that December race, another in the frame.

Selections(8) Goheung Class (11) Golden Wave (1) Doctor Tiffany (2) U Ping
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Two standouts here, one a first timer and one with two starts in the bank already. Without much conviction, we’ll side with experience in the shape of (1) ROAD TO DREAM. After running 2nd on debut, he ran a good 3rd second-up behind a winner who has gone on to win again at class 5 and a runner-up who has since got his own maiden victory. That form should stand up here, the additional furlong can suit, and he could win. The debut maker who shapes as the main danger and possible favourite is (6) WISE KING. He went through two trials running on pace in both and stopping the clock in a fast time in the second of them. He won’t need to improve much to go very close here. It’s hard to look past the pair of them for the quinella and indeed past (2) FAST FURY to complete the trio. He draws well to be on pace here and going on his 2nd two starts back in a fast time at this trip, he should have the beating of most here. (12) SOUTHERN JOY and the very experienced (not necessarily a good thing at this level) (4) WONDERFUL SMARTY are the other logical money hopes.

Selections(1) Road To Dream (6) Wise King (2) Fast Fury (12) Southern Joy
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 0

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s about time that (11) HWANGU FIGHTER broke through. He has raced five times finishing between 2nd and 4th on each occasion. His latest was his best when on November 25th he ran out a very close 2nd over 1200M having settled to the front of midfield and then run on. Any kind of top three finish will see him in class 5 next time and the step up to 1400M may be just what he needs to do it with a win. The main danger is probably (2) B. K. HUNTER.  He enters off a solid 3rd place over 1300M in November when settling right at the back of the field and then running on well. The 1400M can suit and he should be close. (4) WISE BOY has mixed his form to date, but he comes into a good gate today, has Franco climbing aboard, and he is another who can appreciate the slight step it up to 1400M. (1) QUEEN ROMANCE and (10) ECTON POWER are among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(11) Hwangu Fighter (2) B.K. Hunter (4) Wise Boy (1) Queen Romance
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

Having finished up his juvenile season with 3rd place in the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy before running a creditable 6th of fourteen in the G2 Breeders’ Cup, it will be hard to go past (6) WORLD LEGEND here. His maiden win over 1200M was a dominant one and he has already proven he can compete at today’s distance. He’ll be going higher than this level. (1) BRAVO HAMYANG is yet to win but has five top-four finishes from seven starts. He was drawn wide over a mile in his latest outing and didn’t feature but back in trip, down in weight and into a better gate, he can be competitive here. (7) BUDDY BUDDY ran 5th behind World Legend in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy. This is his first start since and just his fourth in total, and he can be in the mix today. (4) ADELE STELLA and the ultra-consistent but still yet to win (3) TITAN K are others to be considered.

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Christmas Day Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 25)

Every restaurant booked out in Seoul for Christmas? Plenty of space at the racecourse! Both thoroughbred tracks are in action as usual on Christmas Day with 11 races at Seoul and 6 in Busan. With racing taking a break next weekend, it’s the final meetings of 2022. Here are the previews:

Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy winner Raon Giant is in action in the concluding race of the year at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with ten of them fillies and all twelve racing for the very first time. Based on trials (11) CHILSAN DAEGYO will be a warm favourite. She made all in her heat, stopping the clock in a fast time and while she draws a touch wider than ideal, any improvement on that, will make her hard to beat. Another trial winner is (7) MUNHAK CENTRAL and she will be second favourite. She too led from gate to wire and while her time wasn’t as fast as that of Chilsan Daegyo (in a different heat on the same day), if she brings that form to the races, she can go well first up. (10) BARAMUI HYANGGI registered a time in her trial that while not on the fast side, suggested some potential and she will probably be the next in the market. (4) CHOEGANG NICE and (3) GREEN SHIELD others who can stamp their authority on debut.

Selections(11) Chilsan Daegyo (7) Munhak Central (10) Baramui Hyanggi (4) Choegang Nice
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Juvenile fillies but a rare race at class 4 level which gives the imports (imported horses must begin at class 4) a rare chance to compete. Four of these raced one another in a very similar event on October 30th and the winner that day was the appropriately named (3) RACE WINNER, who settled handy early and proved too strong. The weight conditions are the same, the gate if anything is better, and she can win again. (4) MIGHTY Q was 2nd in that October 30th race sitting on the heels of Race Winner until the closing stages. She has four lengths to overturn on that day’s winner but can get closer here.  (7) MEDICI WOLF has beaten a few of these across two starts so far and can accordingly be backed to do similar. Most significantly her latest outing saw her run 3rd in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy and a similar run will put her firmly in the mix. (2) BS POWER and (9) LOTUSMIREU others who can go close in a competitive race.

Selections(3) Race Winner (4) Mighty Q (7) Medici Wolf (2) BS Power
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with two standouts. (4) BADEN BADEN was an on-pace 2nd on debut over 1000M on November 26th. She was well-beaten by the standout winner Phoenix Serve but it was an encouraging first outing nonetheless and from a good gate and under a light weight, she can be on pace here and has every chance. Her rival for favourite status is (9) BULGOM MADRE. After winning a trial in October, she debuted on December 12th and having sat in midfield in the early stages of the 1000M test, she ran on strong to just go down by a neck, traveling significantly quicker than the winner. The additional furlong should suit, and she has every chance.  There are four first time starters. Among them (7) NAOL JEONGSANG trialled pleasingly enough, running 2nd in a fair – if unspectacular – time. This is a nice race to debut in and he has a chance. Another debut-maker, (6) SMARTY FIGHTER, along with the second-up (2) LUCKY BOUNCE are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Baden Baden (9) Bulgom Madre (7) Naol Jeongsang (6) Smarty Fighter
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with only two of the twelve having previous racing experience. They are going to be the two leading contenders in the market though as they both raced well. (4) BLUE MORE will be hot favourite. He was an on-pace 2nd on debut over this distance on November 27th, well beaten by a good winner but well clear of the rest. He draws well and with some natural improvement may take some beating. (12) BACKTOTHELEGEND also debuted over this distance in a different race on November 27th. He settled midfield and ran on for 3rd in a good time and is set to be the main danger here. As for the first-timer starters, a few did enough in trials to suggest they can compete for places. (9) KING OF THE YEAR was on pace in his heat and stopped the clock in a good time while (3) EVERY KING IJI and (7) SMILE KING also did enough to suggest they should be kept safe.

Selections(4) Blue More (12) Backtothelegend (9) King Of The Year (3) Every King Iji
Next Best 
Fast Start 

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile fillies and on the final day of a season which have seen the Raon Organisation dominate, the appropriately named (3) RAON EMPIRE will be hotly favoured to win. She was favourite on debut over 1000M on November 13th but while she overcame gate ten to get to an eventual handy position, she could only manage 3rd. She should have come on for that run and from a much better gate, will be hard to beat. Second favourite will be (9) HERO QUEEN She has gone right back on both starts so far but rallied very well at her latest to run 3rd over this distance eon November 26th. The wide draw won’t be a problem and she will be challenging late. (12) ANYANG POKKYEOKGI was an improved 3rd in a quick time at start number two over 1000M on November 12th and may appreciate the step up in trip here. (10) AMAN BAROWS and (11) TAURUS QUEEN join the ranks of those drawn wide to be in the hunt.

Selections(3) Raon Empire (9) Hero Queen (12) Anyang Pokkyeogi (10) Aman Barows
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Juvenile fillies with five of the eleven racing for the first time. Both (1) GANGSEO GIANT and (2) ALPHA THOR come out of the Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Trophy where Alpha Thor was the best of them in 5th to Gangseo Giant’s 8th. Coming back in trip, they look set to battle out the honours here with Gangseo Giant sightly favoured to overturn the form. (3) CARPE BABEL debuted in the Do Min Ilbo Trophy, which was always going to be a tough ask first-up and from a wide gate she wasn’t a factor. She had previously won a trial in good order and it’s fair to give her a fresh start today. Among the first-time starters, (7) JOY JUNMA and (10) MACH BULLET perhaps have the best chance of making an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Gangseo Giant (2) Alpha Thor (3) Carpe Babel (7) Joy Junma
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

More maidens and it’s hard to look past (10) POWERFUL HWASEONG. That’s based on two of his latest three outings when 3rd and 2nd over this distance in times that were both faster than anything else here has achieved. He has a decent finish on him and doesn’t need to lead so the wide draw is of little concern, and at start number five, he looks ready to win. The main danger is (6) DONGBANG SAGI. She enters off an improved 2nd place over 1300M on November 27th when on pace throughout and beaten only by a good favourite. She’ll be on the speed again here and can be in this a long way. (4) CAMINO has only raced once, finishing midfield over 1300M on November 20th. He should strip fitter for that experience and can go closer today. (12) ULTRA GALAXY and (2) WINNER DRAGON are among others in the frame.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 23)

It’s the final racing weekend of the year and the action gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 9 race from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with all the twelve runners making their racecourse debuts. Plenty showed promise in their trials. (8) OK DREAM is the marginal top pick. She showed on pace in her heat, crossing the line 3rd and stopping the clock in a good time. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (10) FANTASTIC DAY was similarly on the speed in his trial at the end of November before being passed by a couple of experienced horses late on. That showing provided cause for optimism and she will be vying for favourite status here. (1) DAY BY DAY is another who led her trial, ultimately only passed by a two-time winner. She draws very well here to get on pace again and should be in this a long way. (2) WONDERFUL PHONE improved significantly in the second of two trials and along with (12) JUST BE HAPPY is another in the hunt.

Selections(8) OK Dream (10) Fantastic Day (1) Day By Day (2) Wonderful Phone
Next Best12, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A maiden for juvenile maiden fillies with two of the twelve racing for the first time. There are two standouts and they are the only ones who have two starts behind them already. (9) WORLD CLASS CAT ran fairly on debut but then beat three of these on her way to 2nd place at start number two on November 25th when drawn widest and running on strongly. The gate therefore shouldn’t be an issue and she will be a danger here. The other contender is (1) WONDERFUL TOP. She too improved on her second appearance, finishing 3rd over this distance on November 25th when settling back and running on. She comes into a much better gate this time and has strong claims. The exposed form drops off after those two so it might be worth taking a chance on one of the first-timers. (5) MOVIE MORE trialed up competently enough and benefits here from a nice draw and an apprentice claim. (2) DALEHOLRINGWANGDAE and (12) TTANBONG QUEEN among others in the frame.

Selections(9) World Class Cat (1) Wonderful Top (5) Movie More (2) Daleholringwangdae
Next Best12, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(9) MY LULLABY will be a warm favourite here. She was well back on debut but a much-improved 2nd over 1200M on December 9th. She makes a quick return here and while she’s drawn a touch wider than ideal, she looks to be the one to beat. (3) USEUNGMUPAE has also raced twice, improving second-up when 4th over 1200M in a fair time. He was working home well and can be dangerous here. (11) VEREUDA has also demonstrated some late speed in both her starts to date. The wide draw shouldn’t be much of an impediment and the slight step up in trip may be to her benefit. (1) COOL RUNNING and (7) SKY SHOT are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(9) My Lullaby (3) Useungmupae (11) Vereuda (1) Cool Running
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

(4) JEONGMUN COBIT made all to win at start number three over 1200M on November 6th before very nearly repeating the trick on his first try at this class and distance on November 25th, ultimately coming home 2nd. He only comes up 1.5kg in the weights, he draws very nicely, and he has every chance of going all the way here. This is a competitive field though. (12) K.AI led all the way to get his maiden win over 1200M at this class on November 11th. He overcame gate eleven that day so the wide draw isn’t an issue and an apprentice claim means he carries even less weight today. (3) BURUICHUKJE is still a maiden but comes up in class having run 2nd in both starts so far. She settled back and run on both times and she should be competitive in this company. (11) WORLD FLOWER and (7) TEUKGEUP CAMP are among plenty of others in the placing hunt.

Selections(4) Jeongmun Cobit (12) K.Ai (3) Buruichukje (11) World Flower
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 12

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

(2) ALEC KING IJI ran out a gate to wire winner on debut at the end of October over this distance. He comes up in class here but draws well to get to the lead again and has every chance of maintaining his 100% record. (6) WORLD FIVE similarly made all on her debut 1000M on November 25th. It was in all-filly company and she perhaps has a bit more to find compared with the favourite but she can measure up in this company. (12) RELEASE EDITION has mixed his form across six appearances to date but comes in off a good 3rd at class and distance on November 25th and can be dangerous here. (5) PATRIOT also has a class and distance 2nd to his name and while slightly disappointing last time out, can be given another chance here. (9) HANGANG SAVER, up in class following a good win on his second start, is another in the frame.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 18)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:15 to 16:40). The program at both tracks includes a number of trophy races for big prize money as part of the Retired Racehorse Benefit day. These are essentially just normal races at between class 5 and class 3 level (as noted below in the comments). Here are the previews:

Race 5 at Busan marks Winner’s Man’s Korea Cup and Grand Prix victories (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener and there are plenty of promising ones among them. Stepping up to 1200M for the first time, (9) MAESTRA gets the nod. She was 3rd in both her previous starts, both at 1300M, first by leading and then by settling back and running on. Moon Se-young continues aboard and today can be her day. (11) NAOL HAENGBOK ran 2nd in a fast time on a wet track over 1000M on debut on November 13th settling handy and running on. She draws a touch wide for comfort here, but the trip can suit, and she can challenge. (1) TOUCH CHARM is the big winner from the draw. She was a strong 3rd on debut over 1000M on November 26th and is another who can appreciate the additional furlong. Plenty of others in the hunt including (7) DASI TAEEONADO and the first-time starter and trial winner (4) WONDERFUL SLEW.

Selections(9) Maestra (11) Naol Haengbok (1) Touch Charm (7) Dasi Taeeonado
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 11, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(3) CHOEGANG MIRAE debuted without distinction back in April and then didn’t return until the end of October, only beating two home over 1300M. He had won a trial just the week before in a quick time demonstrating that he has some speed and was an improved 5th when tried at this distance on December 3rd. He draws much better here and third-up this could be his day. (4) TWO ACE has a runner-up finish to his name over this distance two starts back when coming from off the pace and followed up with a 4th at his most recent outing. An apprentice takes 3kg off his back and he should be going close. (8) MIRACLE K beat a couple of these on her way to 4th at this distance on November 20th having led for much of the way around and that’s enough to bring her into contention here. (12) DAESEUNG GAON and (9) GOLD KAISER among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(3) Choegang Mirae (4) Two Ace (8) Miracle K (12) Daeseung Gaon
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

After three consecutive runner-up finishes, it’s about time (11) PURGE DAY won. He has finished 2nd from the front, as he did two starts back at class level, and he has finished 2nd settling back after a slow start and running on, as he did on his first try at this class on October 29th. That latter performance was fast and suggests the wide draw won’t be an issue as he steps up to this distance for the first time. (7) MENI ACE comes up in class and in distance following a maiden win over 1200M on November 12th when for the first time he was on or close to the pace throughout. He carries a light weight, can sit handy here and can run on to challenge again. (10) TOHO SKY comes in having finished a respectable midfield in Listed Nonghyup Chairman’s Cup for juveniles a month ago. He had previously run out a winner in a good time at 1200M and should go close in this company. (2) BICHUICA and (9) WONDERFUL INDY are among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(11) Purge Day (7) Meni Ace (10) Toho Sky (2) Bichuica
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 10, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies open proceedings on the south coast with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (2) SPECIAL ROAD is the favourite, having run 2nd on debut on November 25th over 1000M, having previously run a similarly quick time in a trial. She draws well, carries a very light weight and the additional furlong can suit. The biggest threat looks to be one of the first-time starters. (1) ACE HORANGI won her trial in double quick time, leading all the way. She draws the same inside gate for her first race start and won’t need to improve much on the trial to go very close. (5) MY MANTRA ran on pleasingly enough for 5th place in a good time on debut at 1000M on November 11th and with some natural improvement can go closer today. Debut-makers (11) NEXT MARINE and (6) AMAZING MOVE are others capable of putting in bold showings first-up.

Selections(2) Special Road (1) Ace Horangi (5) My Mantra (11) Next Marine
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1600M) Allowance / KRW 150 Million

(9) MACH STAR is favoured here. A maiden winner at start number two over 1200M at class 6 level on October 23rd, she than ran a good 2nd over that same distance on her first try at this level on November 19th. She has shown herself able to come from off the pace so the big step up in trip may be to her advantage and she is the one to beat. Plenty of others come in with recent form reading well. Chief among those is (8) LUCKY POWER, who was an also-ran in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in October but ran on well for 2nd over 1300M at this class on November 6th. He is another who can appreciate the additional trip and can be considered. (1) NUT PLAY started his career well but his latest two have seen him first get a long way back from a wide gate and then have a hard time in the Listed Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy. From the inside draw and against more amenable company, he will have fewer excuses here. (4) HWARANG TODAY and (7) ROSE GOLD are among others to consider.

Selections(9) Mach Star (8) Lucky Power (1) Nut Play (4) Hwarang Today
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

An extremely ordinary maiden which sees (8) SPECIAL JOHN, who has raced thirteen times and is yet to finish in the top-two, as the favourite. He has been getting better of late though, with two 3rd places and a 4th from his latest three and in the process set a time for this distance almost a full second faster than anything else here that has tackled the 1200M has managed. He won’t get a better chance than today to make the breakthrough. (2) MORNING MUSE comes back in trip and shapes as the logical danger having been on pace and then faded in her latest outings at further. She is up in the weights but that’s balanced by a good gate. The form, such that is, falls off after that with (7) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK and (6) SPEED MAST the only others to have respectable showings among their most recent appearances which is enough to bring them into play here. (10) VELOCIRAPTOR did at least run on at start two over 1000M last time so may go better at this trip but is hardly convincing.

Selections(8) Special John (2) Morning Muse (7) Widaehan Seontaek (6) Speed Mast
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1700M) Allowance (Rating 1-35) / KRW 150 Million

Competitive race here. (12) WONDERFUL JOY overcame the widest gate to sit handy and then run on to win at class 5 level (which is essentially what this is), with three of today’s rivals behind him over this distance on November 12th. The set weight scale means he only comes up 1kg and that, combined with the widest gate again, might not be enough to prevent him winning again. (2) SPO BLADE is turning into a useful type. He got his maiden win at class 6 level two starts back over 1200M before running 2nd at 1300M on his first try at class 5 on November 19th. He has proven tactically versatile at the shorter distances and can go well on his debut over two turns. (5) FEDERAL KING and (7) K N TIZWON came home 2nd and 4th respectively behind Wonderful Joy in that November 12th race and both can be looking to go close again. (4) GAMGOK SUNSHINE another who can enter the calculations.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 16)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (3) GEUMA DEFT blitzed a trial leading for most of it before crossing the line 2nd behind experienced winner Fashion Blade and stopping the clock in a very fast time. If he brings that form to the races, he’ll be a winner on debut here. (12) RUNNING POWER is the only one with experience. It’s good experience too as he was a very narrow 2nd over this distance on November 18th having raced handy throughout. The time was fast and while he has the challenge of a wide draw here, he can build on that. (7) FAST GUN trialled up alongside some experienced horses and while he couldn’t quit e match their times, he showed ability and can go well first up. (2) PIMI and (5) HAPPY BRIANNA are others who can considered for bold showings on debut.

Selections(3) Geuma Deft (12) Running Power (7) Fast Gun (2) Pimi
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More juvenile maidens although this time with just one racing for the first time. We’re happy to take a chance on him though. (2) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG won his trial with a front-running effort in a fair time. He draws nicely here to get on pace again, he’s from the top stable at the track, and he has every chance. (10) GOODY has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating with   2nd place finish on his latest on November 13th, when settling midfield before quickly racing up to join the leaders and then ran on. He has the fastest time by some margin among those who have tackled the distance before, and he is a big chance here. (11) META QUEEN ran midfield behind Goody on debut but returned on November 11th to run a solid 2nd over 1000M. With some more natural improvement today, she can go close again. (5) DOCTOR PANGPANG and (9) GLOBAL SKY among others in the frame.

Selections(2) Suengniuiyeongung (10) Goody (11) Meta Queen (5) Doctor Pangpang
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A very ordinary maiden here. (5) ARTHUR KING IJI has hinted at ability across three outings so far with his most recent, a 5th place when on pace over 1200M on November 27th, his best. He draws well here, the step up to seven furlongs can suit, and he has as good a chance as any. Also stepping up in trip is (12) DOCTOR SHARK. She comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at 1000M and 1200M and while she is done no favours by the draw, she has been finishing off her races well and the extended trip could be beneficial. (8) FLEX SHINHWA also has a couple of 3rd place finishes to his name and can be a placing chance again, while (11) CUQUENAN and (4) FIGHT FAMILY, who came home 4th and 6th respectively when racing one another on November 18th, are among others to consider.

Selections(5) Arthur King Iji (12) Doctor Shark (8) Flex Shinhwa (11) Cuquenan
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 11, 12

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

Having won an October trial, (2) SEUNGNIMAGIC KING was sent off as favourite on his debut on November 18th and he duly obliged, sitting on pace, and gradually wearing his rivals down for a narrow score in a fast time. He comes up in both class and distance here but draws nicely, is weighted well, and he can maintain his 100% record. (8) GRAPHENE RAP WORLD also comes up in class and trip. She ran 2nd on debut in October before getting her maiden win at start number two over 1000M on November 11th when making all. She carries a light weight again and should be measuring up in this company. (10) WONDERFUL VOW was a winner on debut before struggling in Listed company last time out. She returns to shallower waters here and can be given another chance. (6) MOTHER MOUNTAIN and (9) PUNGUN JOHWA are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Seungnimagic King (8) Graphene Rap World (10) Wonderful Vow (6) Mother Mountain
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 8, 10, 11

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

(10) HANSEN COD GIRL was an also ran in the Listed Gyeongnam Do Min Ilbo Trophy last month but her form prior to that was good with a win and two 3rd place finishes. The most recent of those 3rd places was over this class and distance on October 30th when she overcame an even wider gate to get on pace and she looks the one to beat here. (3) JEONGDEUN-RO enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes in all-filly races at this class and distance. She draws nicely here and can be in the placing hunt again. (6) DOCTOR KONGSUNI is yet to win in ten attempts but has no fewer than seven top-five finishes and from a fair draw can be on pace and in this a long way.  (7) HALLA BAEKDU and (4) GLOBAL CHOEGO are among others with at least placing claims.

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Grand Prix Stakes Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (December 11)

It’s Grand Prix Stakes Sunday with the traditional season finale bringing together sixteen of the country’s best horses at Seoul for the 2300M Group 1 test. See here for a full runner-by-runner guide. The Grand Prix is race 8 on the 11-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. There is also a 6-race card at Busan from 12:15 to 16:45. The Grand Prix is at 16:15. Here are all the previews:

Haengbok Wangja won last year’s Grand Prix. He returns to try to defend his title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with three of the small field of eight racing for the first time.  (8) RAON CITY GIRL has race twice and was an improved 3rd in the second of them over this distance on November 6th when handy throughout and finishing in a fast time. The small field means she should be able to get on pace again and she is the one to beat. The biggest danger looks to be one of the first timers. (1) EINSPANNER was an on-pace 2nd in her trial in a fair time and from a great draw can put in a bold showing first up. (2) BLUE ARCH has raced twice at this distance and just like Raon City Girl, she improved in the second of them, settling handy and running on for 4th. With some more improvement she can be in the mix here. (3) GEOMIBULU is a debut-maker who must be taken seriously having won her trial in November when settling midfield and running on. (7) GROW can improve on her midfield finish on debut.

Selections(8) Raon City Girl (1) Einspanner (2) Blue Arch (3) Geomibulu
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile filly maidens this time with four of the eight making their racing debuts. (7) ICE CREAM will be the hot favourite. She led for much of her debut at this distance on October 16th, ultimately finishing back in 4th but with close margins and a quick time. She should have derived benefit from the experience and if she runs to that level again, she should win. (1) NANGJU YEOGEOL has raced twice already, finishing 5th both times and stopping the clock in exactly the same time. A similar run will put her into the places here. Among the first-time starters, (2) BULGOM MADRE looks to be the pick. She came from off the pace to win her trial in a fair time and if she brings that form to the races, she can go close in this company. (4) GREEN SPECTER led for most of her trial, crossing the line 2nd. She draws well to be on pace and can be in this a long way on debut. (3) GOOD SIMON perhaps needs trying at further but can aim for minor money.

Selections(7) Ice Cream (1) Nangju Yeogeol (2) Bulgom Madre (4) Green Specter
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens again, this time open to colts as well as fillies. Four of the eight race for the first time. (8) GEOSEN CHAMP is the favourite. He ran an improved 4th at start number two over this distance on November 5th, beginning slowly and then settling right back before finishing strongly, well beaten by winner Farciarz but posting a more than respectable time. With some natural improvement, he may take some beating. (6) RICH GATE ran pleasingly enough for a midfield finish in a good time on debut on October 30th. He can have benefited for the run and can be in the mix here. (3) HALLSTATT and (4) SEUNGRIUI YEONGHON both put in fair efforts on their respective debuts and can build on them here with the latter likely to be on the early pace. The first-time staters didn’t exactly leap out of the trial highlights reels. (7) CHRYSOL SMILE is the first foal by 2016 Korea Cup winner Chrysolite to make the track.

Selections(8) Geosen Champ (6) Rich Gate (3) Hallstatt (4) Seungriui Yeonghon
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens get things underway on the south coast with two of the ten racing for the first time. (3) HANEUL SEUNGNI races for the third time, having run 3rd and 2nd in two previous outings, both at 1000M and both in good times. He draws nicely to lead here and can go all the way. (6) STAR FURY went through two October trials, improving significantly in the second of them (which as it was a voluntary trial, may not appear in all race cards). In that trial he crossed the line within two-lengths of Touch Star Man and Top Mate, experienced winners (the former a Classic winner) and he can be given a chance here. (1) STORMY DAY beat a couple of these on his way to a very creditable 4th place over this distance on debut on November 13th. He doesn’t have the benefit of an apprentice claim today, but that’s balanced somewhat by a better draw, and he can go close. (7) DALLILLAEYO was 5th in that race on November 13th when settling right back and running on. That was an improvement from his debut, and he can continue to make progress here. (4) REMEMBER ME another who can improve.

Selections(3) Haneul Seungni (6) Star Fury (1) Stormy Day (7) Dallillaeyo
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile filly maidens. (1) HANGANG JILJU looks ready to win. She improved at start number three when an on the pace 4th over 1000M and coming up in trip for the first time and from a good draw, may take some beating. (7) BAEDARI GONGJU has made steady progress across three outings so far, with her 4th place on what was her first try at this distance on November 13th, her best so far. She has tended to get a bit far back in her races but can run on and challenge here. (8) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL similarly demonstrated improvement at start number two. She has drawn wide every time so far, but in today’s smaller field, it may not be much of a hindrance. (4) CATS WOMAN and (6) RED TAEPUNG are others with claims on the minors

Selections(1) Hangang Jilju (7) Baedari Gongju (8) Gangcheol Yeogeol (4) Cats Woman
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Another maiden where it is hard to look past the favourite. (4) PAN STAR has steadily improved across three starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on November 18th when she came close to making all. The additional half furlong shouldn’t be an issue and she can go one better today. (6) HEARTBREAKER also improved at start number two on November 11th when sitting midfield and getting back well for 3rd over 1200M. He stretches out a little further in trip today and with some natural improvement, he can go close. (5) ADELE HORANGI has four top-five finishes from his five starts to date. His best was a second place in October over this distance when handy to the speed and he can be a danger here. (8) JEONGMUN CHITA and (7) BOOMY STAR the others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 9)

It’s Grand Prix Stakes weekend! The big ace is in Seoul on Sunday but the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9-races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Can Busan’s Korea Cup hero Winner’s Man win the Grand Prix Stakes at Seoul on Sunday? (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener and there are two standouts. (6) RUN FIRST settled back and ran on for 3rd on debut over this distance on November 4th. The time wasn’t hugely fast, but he should have come on for the experience and can win here. (1) GOHEUNG CLASS was quicker than Run First when 6th on debut over the same trip on November 11th. She was well back behind a good winner, but she too should have derived benefit from the run and from a better draw can be on pace with every chance. (7) BORA CHAMP debuted in the same race, coming home in 7th place having drawn the widest gate. From a kinder barrier and with a run in her, she can go closer this time. There are four debut makers and (3) MORNING FLOW and (5) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG look to have the most potential for an immediate impact.

Selections(6) Run First (1) Goheung Class (7) Bora Champ (3) Morning Flow
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with seven of the nine racing for the first time. Among them is probable warm favourite (5) ALL OR NOTHING. He sat handy during his trial running on for 3rd place in a decent time. He couldn’t pick a kinder race to debut in and he won’t need to improve much from the trial to win first up here. (8) SUNDAY MONEY is one of the two with prior experience. That was all the way back in July when a well-beaten 8th in a slow time. He had a few months off and after coming back into training, trialled promisingly enough three weeks ago. He can be a different prospect this time around. (4) DAHAMKKEDALLIJA showed on pace in his trial before falling back a little late on. In this company he can be competitive. (9) SKY MOUNTAIN wasn’t quick in her heat but was on pace and beat a couple of these home which is enough to put her in the numbers. (2) BLACK VOLT, the other experienced one, could improve.

Selections(5) All Or Nothing (8) Sunday Money (4) Dahamkkedallija (9) Sky Mountain
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies. (4) GOLDEN RACER has mixed her form across four outings so far but her two 4th places have been useful, and she has set a time over this distance more than half a second faster than anything else in this field has managed.  An apprentice keeps her carried weight very light and she shapes as the one to beat. (3) TWOTWO FLYING had a trying time on her first try at this distance on November 18th. Her previous form was promising though and from a better draw and an apprentice bringing her down 3kg in the weights, she is worth another chance here. There is one debut-maker. (9) WONDERFUL IMPACT ran on pleasingly enough in her trial in a fair time. There is nothing especially intimidating in this field and a bold first-up showing is possible. (5) GOLDEN CAMP and (6) GOLD CROWN are others who may not necessarily get the gold but can compete for the minors.

Selections(4) Golden Racer (3) Twotwo Flying (9) Wonderful Impact (5) Golden Camp
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

More maiden fillies (and one mare) here. There is one debut maker, and she is probably going to be the favourite. (6) GOLD CHEONSA is from the Kim Young-kwan stable, and she looked extremely competent when stalking the lead in her trial, before going past and crossing the line 1st in a fast time. If she brings that form to the races, she will be very hard to beat. (8) STORM AGAIN has five top-five finishes from seven starts, including a good 3rd over this distance two starts back in a good time. She likes to settle handy or midfield and can run and looks the most logical challenger to the favourite here. (9) MY LULLABY debuted over 1300M and used up plenty of energy from a wide gate to get a forward position before tiring. She should have come on for that run and while drawn wide again can improve. (3) QUEEN ROMANCE and (2) B.K. ROAN others in the frame.

Selections(6) Gold Cheonsa (8) Storm Again (9) My Lullaby (3) Queen Romance
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(3) DOCTOR PERO has been working up to a win across three races so far and it should come here. At his most recent, he ran on for a good 2nd place over 1400M beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He draws well, the step up to the mile should suit, and he is the one to beat. (4) SKY ARCH comes in off her best finish to date when 4th over 1200M when slow away and settling right back before running on. A bit of distance to play with this time can be in her favour and she can continue to improve. (6) HAMAN BAEKISAN has found some consistency and enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes, most recently behind Doctor Pero. He should be there or thereabouts again. (7) LET IT GO and (2) WONDERFUL ROMANCE among others with the potential for better.

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Breeders’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (December 4)

The title of Champion Juvenile will be decided on Sunday as a full field of sixteen two-year-olds go to post for the Breeders Cup (1200M KOR-G2) at Busan. The big race is race 6 on a 6-race card at Busan from 12:15 to 16:40. See here for a full preview of the big race. There is also an 11-race meeting at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Morfhis goes in the feature although the grand galloper faces a weighty task in a competitive class 1 finale. Here are the previews:

SBS Sprint winner Morfhis is in action at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open proceedings with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (8) SAENAE KHAN, who ran an on-pace 2nd on debut over this distance on October 15th stopping the clock in a fast time. He should have come on for that run and can go one better here. Of the debut-makers, (1) CANDY GLOW looks to be the pick. She ran 3rd in her trial in a fair time all the way back in August. She draws very well here and Moon Se-young – who is in a bit of rut by his standards – being aboard is sure to guarantee her plenty of attention. (4) GEUMSEONG SIDAE has finished 4th in both his starts so far, both at 1000M and both in good times. A repeat will see him in the finish again today. (7) FINAL CHUKJE and (11) RAON AIR FORCE are other potential improvers.

Selections(8) Saenae Khan (1) Candy Glow (4) Geumseong Sidae (7) Final Chukje
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) NAEGILUI QUEEN ran 4th on debut over this distance in a fast time on October 30th, racing on pace throughout. She draws very nicely to lead again and can go all the way. (9) TIZ INDY was 2nd on debut on October 23rd in the same time as Naegilui Queen achieved. She has a slightly harder ask here from the wide draw, but she looks set to be the main danger. Of the debutants, (5) DREAM PLAY looks the pick. He was on pace in his trial, crossing the line a very close 2nd in a fair time. If he brings that form to the races, he can be competitive. (1) GOLD MIGHTY draws a much better gate than he did when 6th on debut and improvement can be expected. (8) SEONGEUN CROWN another who could make progress.

Selections(3) Naegilui Queen (9) Tiz Indy (5) Dream Play (1) Gold Mighty
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Another set of juvenile maidens but with only one first-timer starter. (7) HAYAN WANGJA was a well beaten runner-up behind Farciarz at start number two on November 5th when breaking well before being shuffled back and then running on strongly. The same apprentice jockey keeps his weight nice and low here and he can go one better, facing as he does nothing like that day’s winner this time. (1) NAOL TANK was a solid 4th on debut at 1000M on November 6th, settling back and finishing off well at odds in excess of 130/1. He comes into a better gate today and can be a danger. The solitary debut-maker has Moon up so will have backers. (4) DANGCHAN DAEBO trialled up fairly in November having been very slowly away but finishing off well and the 1200M may suit first-up. (11) MAGUMA was an improved 5th at start number two and along with (10) JARITHAN JAYU, is one who could potentially improve.

Selections(7) Hayan Wangja (1) Naol Tank (4) Dangchan Daebo (11) Maguma
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Three standouts here. (1) NICHOLAS G. ran a good 2nd on debut before being sent off as favourite for his second start over this distance on October 28th. He was on pace that day, ultimately coming home in 3rd place and third-up today and from a good gate, he can be ready to win. (6) YEONGGWANGUI ACE won a trial before beating a couple of these on his way to 2nd place in debut in a fast time over 1000M on October 28th with the highly thought-of Seobu Bigstep the winner. He should have derived benefit from that run and with some natural improvement, can be a danger here. (8) RAON THE HARLEY debuted at this distance on November 5th, stalking the leader and running on for 2nd in a good time. He too should have come on for the run and can be a factor. (10) SKY PUNCH and debut-maker (5) NAMYANG BOLT are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Nicholas G. (6) Yeonggwangui Ace (8) Raon The Harley (10) Sky Punch
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (1) ARGO TAP. He has been consistent across four starts so far, with his best being a 3rd place over 1000M at start number two back in July. He has had two months off since his latest on-pace showing over this distance, he draws well today and Moon Se-young rides. (9) TANGJA has the fastest time for the distance among these. Despite the wide draw, he can get on pace and should be in this a long way. (2) GOLDEN LUCKY has shown improvement across three starts so far and comes in off a 3rd place finish over this distance on November 5th when settling midfield. She is nicely drawn here and shapes as a chance. (7) TWO ACE scored his best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on November 6th. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights without an apprentice claim, but a repeat isn’t impossible. (5) GRACE LEE another in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Argo Tap (9) Tangja (2) Golden Lucky (7) Two Ace
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s not often we do this, but we’ll take a chance on the solitary debut-maker here. (6) WONDERFUL CHARMER is out of a good race mare and trialled well at the end of October crossing the line an unhurried 2nd. This is not the toughest of races to debut in and a winning start is possible. (11) SPEED MAST has a best of 2nd from thirteen outings, recorded three starts back over 1300M. The draw does him no favours here as he goes best when on pace, but he shouldn’t be too far away. (2) NALA has also managed a runner-up finish, in her case two outings ago over 1000M. She draws nicely here, doesn’t carry much weight, and has claims. (3) AGAIN HELEN and (9) PLAY THE INDY other possible in a race without much depth.

Selections(6) Wonderful Charmer (11) Speed Mast (2) Nala (3) Again Helen
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 9, 8, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (8) SHINE ON ME ran out a good winner on debut over 1000M on October 16th when handy to the speed throughout. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be insurmountable, and she can maintain her 100% record. (1) INNER PEACE comes in having won at class and distance on October 30th when on pace. She comes up a full 4.5kg in the weights but that’s balanced somewhat by an excellent draw. She has four to-three finishes from six starts and should be there or thereabouts again. (7) DUSON CLASSIC worked hard to get to a forward position from a wide gate before weakening in the closing stages over 1300M on November 6th. The slight drop in trip and the better draw should be more in her favour here. (3) MYEONGJIN CANDY and (11) TROT QUEEN others with minor money hopes.

Selections(8) Shine On Me (1) Inner Peace (7) Duson Classic (3) Myeongjin Candy
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) I LOVE HANSEN was a good winner over 1200M at class 6 level in September before running on pace but weakening for 5th place on his first try at class and distance on October 7th. He has since been back to trial, which he won making all in a fast time, and he can be given another chance to come out on top today. That will mean overturning the form on (11) GREAT GO, who ran 3rd in that October 7th race. She has since run 4th over 1300M and while she draws wide, she carries a very light weight and can be a danger. (5) OMEGA GIRL remains winless after thirty-one attempts but has ten top-four finishes, including a last start 3rd at this class over 1300M. She can settle back and run on here. (6) CHOEGANG DUDEURIM and (10) THUNDER CROWN are among others firmly in the placing hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 2)

December’s racing kicks off on Friday with a 9-race card at Busan from 1230 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. (6) SEVEN QUEEN debuted over 1200M on November 6th and raced fairly for 6th of ten. She should strip fitter for that experience and just about goes on top here. First time starter (5) HARMON was on pace in her trial crossing the line in 3rd place in a good time. She draws well to get forward here and if she can bring similar form to the races, she can go close. (1) THEIA has been through three trials since the summer and has held her form. Th most recent of those was last week when she settled handy and ran on and she should be nice and race-fit first-up. (12) YONGSANG UNGI and (3) DAEHO NARA among others in the frame.

Selections(6) Seven Queen (5) Harmon (1) Theia (12) Yongsang Ungi
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 12

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

Since returning from almost a year out in October, (2) YEOSU TORNADO looks to be figuring things out. He’s run 4th in both his two starts since coming back, both at this trip and both in decent times. He draws nicely here, can settle just behind the early leaders and third-up he can prove too strong. (4) BLUE ICON has shown steady progress across three starts so far, culminating with a 2nd place last time out over 1000M when handy throughout. She comes up in distance for the first time but that shouldn’t be an issue and she can be a danger here. Also up in trip for the first time is (6) NINE FORCE ONE. She has a best of 3rd from her three outings and she too should be close. (5) SEOGYEONG DAERO and (8) DOCTOR KONGDOLI are other placing hopes.

Selections(2) Yeosu Tornado (4) Blue Icon (6) Nine Force One (5) Seogyeong Daero
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

A competitive race. (7) HIDDEN CHARLIE is probably favourite. She is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has had some near misses including a decent 2nd over this distance two starts back. She comes in having run 5th over 1400M last time out in what was a very close finish and a good time, and today can be her day. (1) USEUNG YEOGEOL is another non-winner but comes up in class after a couple of solid runs at this distance. Her times have been good and under a very light weight, she can measure up here. (10) MARKAB is up in class following a good win at this distance on November 11th when he sat handy and ran on strongly. He has the challenge of a wide draw today but can be competitive. (3) GAMDONG ENERGY and (4) SEOBU QUEEN among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(7) Hidden Charlie (1) Useung Yeogeol (10) Markab (3) Gamdong Energy
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

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

(7) WORLD FLOWER is yet to win in twenty-one attempts but has no fewer than eleven top-five finishes to her name including last time out in an all-filly race over this distance when she settled back and ran on for 2nd. She can do similarly here and will be a big danger late on. (9) SMARTY DOLPUNG comes in off a smart 2nd place over 1400M on November 6th when close to the pace throughout. She comes up 2kg for that but is still nicely weighted and can be on pace and in this a long way. Also on pace should be (6) GOLD ROSE. After a winning debut, she lost her way a little but was a solid 5th last time out and could be coming back into form. (1) HONOR QUEEN and (10) FIRST PARK are among others to consider for the places.

Selections(7) World Flower (9) Smarty Dolpung (6) Gold Rose (1) Honor Queen
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

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

It’s time for (11) YONGCHEON to get back in the winner’s circle. He comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at this class and distance and with three of today’s rivals down the track behind him on November 11th. He draws wide but his racing style suggests that shouldn’t be too much of a problem and he is the one to beat here. (6) INSATIABLE has struggled a little in two attempts at this class since getting her maiden win three starts back. She comes up in trip today and it could be what she needs to back in form. (2) WISH LUCK led over 1800M last time out before weakening badly in the closing stages. She is a winner at this distance though and can be given another chance today. (5) DIA FORCE and (8) ALPHA HEART are among other sin the minor money frame.

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Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup Sunday: Busan & Seoul Race-By-Race Preview (November 27)

The Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, the final leg of the Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares highlights Sunday’s racing program. A full field of sixteen, including nine who have travelled down from Seoul, will contest the 2000M main event, which is the final event on a 6-race card at Busan that runs from 12:15 to 16:40. See here for a horse-by-horse preview of the big race. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here is the race-by-race:

Golden Power and Raon The Spurt, who clashed in the Triple Tiara series, meet again in the final leg of the Queens’ Tour (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) SOMETHING LOST trialled up very pleasingly on October 28th, getting a smooth start and then cruising around in a fast time without being asked any questions. The experienced Wildly Romantic passed him at the end but it was a very good showing, he draws very nicely and if he can bring that form to the races, he has every chance first up. Experience follows this time. (7) CHALLANHAN BULKKOT ran a solid 3rd place on debut on October 30th, when settling in midfield and running on for 3rd. She draws a slightly better gate and can benefit from that experience. (1) DAEBAK SOCKS can also benefit from his debut on October 22nd when on pace throughout and ultimately running 4th. He draws the same inside barrier and can get closer. (8) MIGHTY SSEN was slowly away on debut but still posted a fair time. He has since looked good when returning to trial and can go better today. Returning to the debut-makers, (11) UPTOWN WHIZ won his trial and is entitled to support first-up.

Selections(4) Something Lost (7) Challanhan Bulkkot (1) Daebak Socks (8) Mighty Ssen
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens but with just two first-timers. (1) YUKWAEHAN SARANG won a September trial before finishing 2nd on debut over 1000M on October 9th when settling midfield and running on. The additional furlong can suit, and she can win. (11) META BLADE looks to be the main danger. After running 2nd on debut over 1000M, she stepped up to this distance on October 16th and dead-heated for 4th. Both times she has come from off the pace, so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she is sure to be working home well. Along with Meta Blade, the only other one to have previously tackled the 1200M is (5) WINNER YOUNG. His form is identical to that of Meta Blade with a 2nd at 1000M followed by a 4th at this distance. He can sit midfield and run into some money again here. (4) LONDON ACE and the first timer (4) MYEOLKONG other minor money hopes.

Selections(1) Yukwaehan Sarang (11) Meta Blade (5) Winner Young (4) London Ace
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(11) UCHEONGRYUNG has shown significant improvement in his latest two, finishing 4th and 2nd, at 1200M at 1300M. The wide draw isn’t ideal, but his style isn’t to lead, and he has a good finish on him compared to his rivals here. Kim Yong-geun climbs aboard and today can be his day. (2) GOOD CABO ran 6th behind Ucheongryung’s 4th on October 2nd having led for much of the way around. He draws nicely here, the same apprentice jockey keeps his weight nice and low, and he can be looking to get closer this time around. (9) BAEKDU MEOTJAENGI comes up in trip after two promising spins around 1000M. She has been on pace both times and will probably aim to get forward again. She can be in this a long way. (7) YEONHUI SARANG and (8) HWANGOO GANGJA others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Ucheongryung (2) Good Cabo (9) Baekdu Meotjaengi (7) Yeonhui Sarang
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open proceedings on the south coast with four of the eleven racing for the first time. There will be a warm favourite in the shape of (7) CHANGCHANG DAERO. He’s raced twice so far, both at this distance and finishing 4rh and 5th when settling midfield and running on. Both times have been good, and he won’t need to improve very much to win this. There isn’t much obvious speed in this race so he may be taken to the front. (6) ARTHUR KING IJI was behind Changchang Daero on what was his second start on October 2nd. He drew wide that day but again, his time was perfectly adequate for the distance, and he can improve here following eight weeks off. Among the first timer starters, (3) BLUE MORE and (11) HWANGWOO MONEY both showed prominently in their trials. Neither time was that fast, but this is a nice race to debut in and bold showings first-up shouldn’t be discounted. (8) B.K. NUMA another potential improver.

Selections(7) Changchang Daero (6) Arthur King Iji (3) Blue More (11) Hwangwoo Money
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(6) BOSS BABY has been knocking at the door for some time and comes in off a 2nd place over 1200M and a 3rd over 1700M. He has run well at this distance too with the fastest time among any of these who have tackled it, recorded when 4th from gate twelve three starts ago. He can settle midfield here and can prove too strong. (7) NAOL KING raced twice this spring, registering a 2nd place over 1300M in the second of them. He hasn’t appeared since, but he looked very well when winning a trial two weeks ago and when on pace throughout and if he can bring that form to the races then he s a chance first-up here. (11) SARANG DAMOA has seven top-five finishes from twelve starts including each of her latest four. The draw shouldn’t be a problem as she has a fast finish on her, and she can maintain her consistent record today. (10) DEVIL K and (2) BLUE KAISER others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Boss Baby (7) Naol King (11) Sarang Damoa (10) Devil K
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with four of the ten racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on a first timer namely (4) BACKTOTHELEGEND. He went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them when he was on pace and stopped the clock in a fast time. He is out of Soseono, a good racehorse herself in Korea, and she can go well first-up. Of the experienced ones, the most convincing is (6) ONNURI CHUKJE. Unfancied on debut following a slow trial, he ran a solid 5th of twelve over 1000M on October 28th, running on well. He should have come on for the experience and the extra furlong can be in his favour. (1) HAPPY BLUE debuted at this distance on November 6th and while he only beat one home, it wasn’t a bad performance, and he can strip fitter for the run. Of the debut-makers, (10) CAPTAIN COMMANDO improved significantly in the second of two trials. (7) HANGANG SAVER another who can improve.

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