Busan

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 14)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. Seo Seung-un and Park Jae-i, respectively 1st and 4th in the 2023 Busan Jockey Premiership, are both absent as they are in Seoul to ride in Sunday’s Herald Business Cup. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens. (7) SANSANGGEUISANG has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a narrow 2nd, beaten only a nose, when on pace over this distance on March 19th. He’ll be on pace again and this time can go one better. (9) EVERY KING IJI was an improved 2nd at start number two over this trip back at the start of February. He settled back and ran home well that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and while he’s had ten weeks off since then, he can be a danger. (1) HAVE A GOOD YEAR also improved second-up when 4th at this distance on March 10th. He draws very well again to challenge for the lead and should be in this a long way. He’ll be joined up front by (4) ARION QUEEN, who has run 4th in both her latest two, both times on pace and she can match or better that here. (6) CHOEGANG CHONGAL another potential improver.

Selections(7) Sangsanggeuisang (9) Every King Iji (1) Have A Good Year (4) Arion Queen
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

(3) VELOCIRAPTOR has hinted at ability across her seven outings and comes in following her best finish to date when 3rd over this distance o March 26th when she was bumped at the start causing her to be slowly away and settled right back, before shifting out wide and running on strongly in the straight. She can build on that here and with a better start, has strong claims here. (5) QUEEN ROMANCE was 4th in that same March 26th race racing handily throughout. She was just half a length behind Velociraptor and while she does come up in the weights in the absence of an apprentice claim, Franco climbs on and she can be a danger. (8) E-CASH has the fastest time among these for the distance and looks nicely in here with a 3kg claim. She can be running on late. (7) GOLDEN CAMP and (4) CHOICE ROAD are others with minor money hopes.

Selections(3) Velociraptor (5) Queen Romance (8) E-Cash (7) Golden Camp
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

This is a weak maiden. (1) TWOTWO FLYING has five top-five finish from eight starts including a 2nd place over 1200M in a good time in February. She finished well back on his latest appearance on March 12th but comes into a better gate and comes down in the weights. There isn’t much early speed so she could get an easy run from the inside. Four of these raced one another over this distance on March 19th with (4) KICK’N RUSH having finished the best of them in 2nd having settled in midfield and then run on. That was her best performance to date and is enough to put her in the mix here. (7) ROCKS ran 3rd in that race, half a length behind Kick’N Rush. For her too that marked a best finish to date and while she comes up in the weights without an apprentice claim, she can challenge again. (5) PURPLE STAR returned from almost a year out to run 5th in that race and should strip fitter for the run. (3) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG another in the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Twotwo Flying (4) Kick’N Rush (7) Rocks (5) Purple Star
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

Good race for the level featuring five last-start winners, four of whom are up in class as a result. We’ll side with one who wasn’t a last start winner though. (3) FAST GUN got his maiden win over this distance in January before running 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on March 12th. He comes up 3kg in the weights but that’s balanced a bit by a good draw, and he can win here. (2) SAEKDAL FIGHTER has won his latest two, most recently at this class over 1200M on March 17th when uncharacteristically coming from well off the pace. He too comes up in the weights but should be competitive here. (12) K GOLD BAR is one of those last start winners having led for most of the way around before scoring by eight-lengths over 1400M on March 17th. The draw does him no favours here, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come. (7) DONGNAM WINNER and (9) NAKDONG JEONSA among plenty of others in the frame.

Selections(3) Fast Gun (2) Saekdal Fighter (12) K Gold Bar (7) Dongnam Winner
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 12

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

Competitive race. (8) FAST FURY enters with recent form reading well. She got her solitary win at class 6 level three starts back over 1200M and has followed up with two solid runs for 4th at this level. While she draws a touch wide, she has good early speed so should find her way to the front, and she can win here. (4) MULTI HIT made all to secure his first win at the fourth time of asking back in February. He finished midfield on his first try at this class on March 17th, but he was less than three-lengths away from the winner in a tight finish and had to contend with the widest gate. From a better draw today, he should be closer. (2) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT dead-heated for 3rd place in that March 17th race (the margins really were small that day) coming from off the pace and can be working home strongly again. (7) TWO TWO LIME and (6) MILK DAY among other potentials.

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Donga Ilbo Trophy Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 9)

The first of six Queens’ Tour races across the year will take place at Seoul on Sunday as Raon First heads the field in the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 interspersed with 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Raon First in the clear in last year’s Donga (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (7) BEST CLONE will be the warm favourite. Since returning from four months out in January, he has run 5th and 4th in two starts back at 1300M and 1200M, racing on pace both times and stopping the clock faster than any of the others here over this distance. He should be on the speed again today and can go all the way. There is one first-time starter and (2) KING GO TAEYANG will have his backers. He went through a couple of trials, first last August and then last month and while his times weren’t fast, he wasn’t asked to do very much. Moon Se-young will attract plenty to him and from a good draw and against limited opposition, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) HWANGGEUMKKOT improved to 4ht at start number two over this distance on March 5th, coming from well off the pace. She can continue to improve here. (1) THIS WEEKEND and (3) BIG BLED others with the potential to get better.

Selections(7) Best Clone (2) King Go Taeyang (6) Hwanggeumkkot (1) This Weekend
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(9) SPECIALIST has been on an encouraging trajectory, including a very narrow defeat two starts back over 1300M in February when overcoming the widest gate to race handy. He followed up with a fair 4th, again at this trip on March 17th. He comes back slightly in trip, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and today can be his day. There is one first-time starter and (10) HWANGU JANGSA is a two-time trial winner in February and March, leading all the way in the most recent and chalking up a quick time. If he can bring that form to the races, he’ll be in this. (7) SUCCESSFUL is optimistically named but has hinted he may be able to live up to it with a 3rd and a 5th in two appearances to date. He can be on pace here and should be going close. (5) HELLO SUNSHINE raced once last October but won a trial last month. Granted there were only four-runners in the heat, but it was a fast one and he draws well here. (6) SEONGSIL CHEONHA, much improved in his latest outing, is another to keep safe.

Selections(9) Specialist (10) Hwangu Jangsa (7) Successful (5) Hello Sunshine
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

Three-year-old maidens. (4) MENI POCKET will start the odds-on favourite locally, based on her last start 2nd at the end of January when on pace throughout.  She’s had a couple of months off since then so comes in fresh and from a good draw will take some beating. (7) CHOEGANG NICE has the fastest time among these for the distance. While that is still not especially quick, it was recorded when she ran 3rd coming from off the pace two starts back and she should be running on strong again. (8) LUCKY HONEY has improved with back-to-back 4th places from her latest two, both over this distance and in fair times. She can also be a danger here. (2) AGAPANTHUS and the first-time starter (9) PURPLE SHINHWA are others who can be considered for the places in what isn’t a very strong race.

Selections(4) Meni Pocket (7) Choegang Nice (8) Lucky Honey (2) Agapanthus
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

Competitive race but we’ll side with Peter Wolsley’s (2) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH. That’s on the strength of his latest start on March 17th, when th e Tourist colt settled midfield before improving to handy and then running on for 2nd place over 1400M. He carries the same weight, draws well, and can go one better this time. (7) B.K. NUMA has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both over this distance. She went through a trial last week in which she ran a good 2nd in a good time and so long as she didn’t leaver her race there, she can go close today. (4) DAEHO NARA beat B.K. Numa as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd over this distance in an all-filly race on March 12th. She draws better today and can be a danger. (5) POWER SOUND and (11) WONDERFUL APPEAL among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Yeonggwanguitouch (7) B.K. Numa (4) Daeho Nara (5) Power Sound
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

(4) SARYEONI TYCHE is the one to beat here. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in three prior appearances and enters off a 2nd place last time out in an all-filly race over 1300M on February 26th. From a good draw, she may well be ridden on the pace here and could well have too much. (6) CHROMITE’s two 3rd places both came over 1000M, but he hasn’t run badly in his two tries at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs aboard this time and he can go close. (5) CUPID CHAMP will need her latest appearance forgiven when she was slowly away from a wide draw, but prior to that was going well with a 2nd and a 3rd among her first three runs.  She can be on the speed here from a better gate and can be in this a long way. (2) CHRYSOL SMILE and (10) STAR K others who can be considered for at least the places.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 7)

The weekend’s racing gets underway with a Good Friday card at Busan consisting of 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (9) UNJU OREUM looks the one to beat. She has a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two at this distance and 1300M, both times from wide draws. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the 1200M before and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, she can win. (5) MASTER ROAD was a solid 3rd of twelve in a very tight three-way finish over this distance on debut on March 3rd, racing on pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She should have come on for the experience and with some natural improvement can be a danger here.  (6) MORO has been sent out at any old odds on all her four starts so far but she was much improved 2nd on her latest appearance on March 10th, coming from off the pace. A repeat of that effort will see her in the mix here. There are a couple of first-time starters and both (10) NARAE and (3) MAGIC ELEVEN hinted at ability in trials and can go well first-up. As ever, watch the market for clues.

Selections(9) Unju Oreum (5) Master Road (6) Moro (10) Narae
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

(9) VICTOR BASIUM has finished between 3rd and 5th in seven of his eight starts to date, generally racing on pace before being caught and passed late on as happened on his latest over 1300M on March 24th. He makes a quick return here, dropping back in trip, and we’ll give him another chance to make the breakthrough. (8) DOCTOR CUCKOO can be given a pass for his latest on March 3rd when he used up plenty of energy from a wide gate to sit handy before weakening. The margins weren’t huge though and he came into that off the back of two solid 4th place finishes, also at this distance. He comes up in the weights, but that’s balanced by Choi Si-dae taking the reins, and he can go close. (4) ANY SINGS overcame gate eleven to get on pace and run a significantly improved 4th over 1300M at start number three on March 19th. That was the first time she had been ridden on pace and from a better gate today, can get an easier run.  (1) FLYING TOUCH and (11) WIN STING among others with placing hopes.

Selections(9) Victor Basium (8) Doctor Cuckoo (4) Any Sings (1) Flying Touch
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 9

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

(1) ALL OR NOTHING was an on-pace winner over 1000M on debut in December before overcoming gate eleven to sit handy and run on for 3rd over 1400M on his first try at this class back on January 29th. He’s had ten weeks off since then and he comes up very slightly in the weights, but from a good draw, he can be on pace and in this a long way. He’ll be a prohibitive favourite. (10) PILGRIM remains a maiden, but he’s been knocking on the door recently, including 2nd place at this class over 1200M on March 26th when running on strongly from a long way back. He makes a quick return here and Seo Seung-un’s presence will ensure support. (2) BAEDARI ICON was a big-priced 3rd over 1800M on March 17th. That was her joint-best finish in thirty-two attempts but while she makes a big drop back in trip, she is nicely weight, well drawn, and can aim to match that here. (3) DOCTOR KHALIFA and (8) MIGHTY STORM can mix their form but, in this company, shouldn’t be far away.

Selections(1) All Or Nothing (10) Pilgrim (2) Baedari Icon (3) Doctor Khalifa
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (4) MA GUN here. After two encouraging runs last summer, he didn’t reappear until March 5th, but when he did, he ran out a five-length winner in fine style over 1400M, stalking the leader early before taking things up a long way out and racing clear. He comes up in class and in distance and while the set weight scale here doesn’t really do him any favours, the draw does, and he should have too much. The main danger is probably (9) MONEY CASE. He was a beaten favourite on his most recent appearance on March 5th when 2nd at class and distance but despite the wide draw, he should be able to get forward again and can be close again. (3) HWANGOO MONEY got promoted to this level with three consecutive 3rd place finishes from his first three starts. The Goldencents colt more than measured up though when recording his best finish to date when stepped up to this class and distance on February 24th when he settled right back and ran on. There might not be an awful lot of speed for him to target here but he should be running into the money again. (12) TOP FRIEND and (1) YEOSU TORNADO others to keep safe.

Selections(4) Ma Gun (9) Money Case (3) Hwangoo Money (12) Top Friend
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 9

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

A winner of two from four so far, (2) INDIE BULPAE comes rapidly up in class having won two of three since returning from a seven-month spell after his debut. The latest of those was a striking score over this distance on March 10th when he led every step of the way, and while the set weights here mean he carries even more than he did at the lower levels, he draws well and Mr. Afleet’s little brother can continue on his merry way here. The one with the best chance of beating him is (6) YEOSU FIGHTER. He rana very close 2nd over a mile on his first try at this class on March 10th and while he comes up to race around two turns for the first time, it should suit. He comes up 3kg in the weights but still has 3kg in hand on the favourite. (5) ADELE ALLIE’S is another who comes up in weight, but he enters in consistent form. A previous go at this distance didn’t end well but he’s worth another chance on a place line here. (10) DEMON SPY and (7) ANNIKA GIRL other minor money hopes.

Selections(2) Indie Bulpae (6) Yeosu Fighter (5) Adele Allie’s (10) Demon Spy
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Special Weight B / KRW 60 Million

Possibly the most open race on the card. We’ll side with the experience of (5) SINJIN GANGHO who it is fair to say doesn’t win out of turn but who also enters in good form with two 3rd places among his latest three outings. He lokes to settle back and run on and he is capable of fast times at this distance. He carries plenty of weight but has every chance of snapping his eleven-run fallow streak here. The danger is the up and comer. (8) BRAVO HAMYANG got his maiden win at start number nine when pretty much making all over a mile on March 5th and holding on in a tight three-way finish. He comes up in class here, and up to the two turns for the first time, but he remains nicely weighted and should be close. Nothing else in the field finished better than 8th in their respective latest outings so we’re having to offer a full amnesty for next best. (2) DOCTOR PERSIA ran 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and while it was at class 5 level, he looks nicely in here. (3) CHAMP GO and (11) HAVE A GOOD DAY are others who are potentially still better than recent form suggests.

Selections(5) Sinjin Gangho (8) Bravo Hamyang (2) Doctor Persia (3) Champ Go
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Two standouts here. We’ll side with Thomas Gillespie’s (4) FANTASTIC DAY, a winner of two from three so far including his latest over 1300M at class 5 level on March 3rd when he was really made to work for a narrow victory. He comes down significantly in the weights, comes into a nice gate and despite the step up in class and trip, he can win again. (10) AMAZING FOOT has probably earned favourite status. He made all to win at class and distance on March 10th, scoring by a full seven-lengths. He has a less favourable draw today and comes up a full 5kg in the weights, but a repeat can’t be ruled out.  (1) SPECIAL TOGETHER is up in class following a win over 1300M on March 12th when unusually, he was ridden on the speed. He comes down 5kg in the weights and from a good draw, he can be considered. (9) MAN OF THE MAN and (12) HAMAN BONGHWASAN among others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Fantastic Day (10) Amazing Foot (1) Special Together (9) Man Of The Man
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(11) CARPE BABEL’s win had been coming and it duly arrived at the fourth time of asking on February 19th when she led all the way around over this distance, crossing the line with nine-lengths in hand of the rest. She comes up in class here and draws a touch wider than ideal but she should still have too much for this lot. (2) GOLDEN also comes up in class. He is in the best form of his lengthy career and drawn well, in addition to being massively down in the weights, he can be competitive here. (12) SONHADOR returns to action for the first time since last August. She looked well in a fast trial a couple of weeks ago and under a light weight can go well first up here. (10) RAON THE FLASH was an all the way winner over 1400M on March 5th and is another up in class but down in weight and in the hunt. (9) D’LOVELY QUEEN another who can enter the calculations in this company.

Selections(11) Carpe Babel (2) Golden (12) Sonhador (10) Raon The Flash
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 10, 11

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 2)

Sunday sees the first Group race of the season in the shape of the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint on the south coast. Eoma Eoma and Raon The Fighter will square off in a true heavyweight match-up. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. The Busan Ilbo is the final race of 6 at Busan on the card which runs from 11:00 to 15:40. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. With the weather forecast set for rain from Tuesday, it may be the last chance this year to visit one of the Seoul area’s cherry blossom festivals, which is open at the racecourse from 10am to 9pm.

Eoma Eoma defends his Busan Ilbo Sprint title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

A small field of three-year-old maidens contest the opener. (1) SMARTY FIGHTER is the pick with a best of 2nd from three starts so far with the other two both ending in 5th. His 2nd was at this distance in February when racing from handy throughout and from a good draw, he can win here. The main danger is (3) SSEULMO. He was a much-improved 3rd at this distance on March 5th when leading for much of the way around. He will be on pace again and he could well hold them all at bay. There are two first-timers and it may be worth considering them (7) HEART K and (5) MUNHAK EAGLE both posted fair times in their respective trials and if they bring that form to the races, they won’t be too far away here. (6) NEMO SPIRIT perhaps the most likely of the other experienced ones to improve.

Selections(1) Smarty Fighter (3) Sseulmo (7) Heart K (5) Munhak Eagle
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

Three-year-old maidens. After winning a trial, (2) SINHAE MANGCHI has been 3rd in both his starts so far, both over 1200M and both times racing handily. He comes into his best gate to date, comes up slightly in trip, and with some natural improvement third-up, today can be his day. (5) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG won a trial before finishing 3rd on debut back in December when settling back and running on over this distance. It’s been fifteen weeks since we’ve seen him but he’s been in regular work since the start of February and can put in a bold showing today. (1) JORDAN FIGHTING has a 4th and a 5th in two appearances so far. He had a hard time from the widest gate on his latest outing and can go better from the inside today. (4) POWER PLANE and (3) DOCTOR PANGPANG others in the hunt in a race of many chances.

Selections(2) Sinhae Mangchi (5) Seungniuiyeongung (1) Jordan Fighting (4) Power Plane
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

A maiden featuring seven fillies and one gelding. (7) BARAMSAL is the one they need to beat. While yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts, she has seven top-five finishes including two 3rd places among her latest three, most recently overcoming gate twelve to run close. She looks very nicely in here to settle a little closer than usual and today looks like her best chance. (1) EUNHYE GAMUN parted company with her jockey coming out of the gates on what was set to be her fist start in over a year on March 5th. She completed the course rather smartly without her partner and had previously trialled up well so is probably worth taking a chance on here. The only other one apart from Baramsal with a placing on her record is (6) TOUGH YEOJE. She tends to get a long way back but is another who benefit from this small field. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be aiming to get on the board. (5) MENI CHARM and (3) RAON JUMP other potential improvers in a weak race.

Selections(7) Baramsal (1) Eunhye Gamun (6) Tough Yeoje (5) Meni Charm
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

(5) QUEENS LANDING will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. She comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both over this distance and most recently on March 12th when she beat a couple of today’s rivals having settled midfield and finished well. In this company and from this gate she can be on or close to the speed and she should prove too good. (10) ACE A MOCA ran 6th on debut over this distance on February 17th when overcoming a wide gate to get to the lead before weakening late. She gets that widest barrier here, but with some natural improvement from that debut, she should be close. The form falls off after that. (4) WONDERFUL SMARTY beat Ace A Moca when 4th in that February 17th race. She was subsequently well beaten by Queens Landing on Mach 12th but can go better today. (9) SEOGYEONG DAERO and (2) UNJU GLOBAL others perhaps in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Queens Landing (10) Ace A Moca (4) Wonderful Smarty (9) Seogyeong Daero
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

It’s hard to go too far past (5) BEAT UP here. His win came at this distance last November on his return from nine months off and he followed it up with two 3rd place finishes from his first two attempts at this level, again both at the 1200M. He could only manage 6th when favourite at 1300M on February 25th but back down in trip and in this company, he will take some beating. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE comes up in class following an all the way score over this distance on February 26th. He comes down in the weights, draws well, and should measure up in this company. (6) SUPREME STAR remains a maiden but has never finished outside of the to-five in eight attempts including his first try at this class on March 5th. She carries a light weight and can maintain her consistent record here. (10) WONDERFUL TIZZY comes up in class and along with the returning (3) BARAMUI GEOM – also up in class – is in the hunt.

Selections(5) Beat Up (2) Lucky Bounce (6) Supreme Star (10) Wonderful Tizzy
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

(10) HANEUL JEWANG ran out a class and distance winner on March 5th when settling midfield from the widest gate and running on strongly. He comes up 3kg as a result, but Franco stays aboard, and we know the wide draw won’t be a problem. He can win again. (3) SPECIAL HERO was 4th in a decent time at class and distance on March 10th. She draws much better today and can match or better here under a light weight again. (7) SAVAHA comes up 2kg in the weights from his runner-up finish at class and distance on February 24th when he led for much of the way around. Expect him to be on the speed again and to be in this a long way. (6) PLAY THE INDY is up in class despite being a maiden but that makes him well weighted and he has run times that can be competitive in this company. (2) OK STAR another to keep safe.

Selections(10) Haneul Jewang (3) Special Hero (7) Savaha (6) Play The Indy
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(5) KING DIA went through several trials before finally arriving at the races, but it was worth the wait as he ran out a six-length winner, having led all the way around over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be an issue, and he can win again. It’s fair to say that (3) CUPID BISANG doesn’t win out of turn but he is ultra-consistent and has been in the top-four in each of his last five starts. He likes to be on pace or handy and he should be playing a role in the finish again. (7) HIGH GRAND is up in class having prevailed by three-lengths over this distance at start number six on February 25th. That win had been coming and he’ll be competitive among this lot. (8) RIVER TAEYANG and (1) GEUMSEONG SIDAE among others who can enter the calculations. 

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 31)

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

Moon Se-young is in Busan on Friday (Pic: KRA)

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 3rd, ultimately finishing 4th. 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 3rd 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.  

Selections(1) Land Bank (8) Global Week (5) The Pure Man (7) Happy Brianna
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

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 4th 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 2nd place over 1200M on March 3rd. 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 3rd over 1400M on March 5th 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.

Selections(9) Pegacorn (2) Global Sarang (1) Happy Blue (4) Ecton Power
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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 5th 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 3rd 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 2nd on her first try at this class over 1200M on March 5th. 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.

Selections(5) Dubai Wonjeongdae (4) World Class Cat (8) Good Magic (3) Success Time
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 11

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 3rd 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 3rd. 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.

Selections(4) Gold Rose (2) Unju Mach (1) Milk Day (7) Build Up
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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 5th when sent oof at a short price at class and distance on March 5th, 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 24th 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.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 26)

There’s no Listed or Graded racing this Sunday but still plenty of action to get stuck into. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Can Jangsan Laser prevail again over a mile? (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) NONSTOP THUNDER will be the one to beat. She almost led the entire way around on February 18th over 1200M, ultimately being taken down by the favourite in the closing stages. She comes up slightly in trip but draws nicely to be on pace again and this time she can go all the way. (10) AKKAENGI races for the fist time since December when he was an improved 3rd over 1200M. He’ll therefore have to be taken on trust fitness wise but the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can sit behind the early speed and run on. (6) WORLD FASHION came from off the pace for 3rd at this distance on February 25th. The additional half-furlong can suit and if he can continue on the same upward trajectory, he’ll be in the mix here. The form drops off a bit after that although (9) JEONGSANG LUCKY has a 2nd place to her name which gives her the right to be considered here. (8) NANGJU YEOGEOL another potential improver.

Selections(5) Nonstop Thunder (10) Akkaengi (6) World Fashion (9) Jeongsang Lucky
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 12

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies. (11) MIRACLE ONE has shown steady progress across four starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on February 3rd in a tight three-way-go on the line. That was the second time in a row that she overcame the widest gate to go close and while the draw does her no favours again, this time she can go one better with an additional half furlong to play with. (10) HAPPY TAEYANG was a much improved 2nd at start number three over 1200M on February 19th when coming from off the pace to run 2nd. She was well back behind a good winner but she is another who may apprentice the slight rise in trip and she can be a danger. (8) ACE GOOD JOB ran 3rd on debut at 1200M on February 24th having barely scraped through a trial. The time was painfully slow, but she beat three of today’s rivals coming from off the pace and she may well pass plenty late again here. (5) SOLEDAD and (2) FLYING DIA others to look out for.

Selections(11) Miracle One (10) Happy Taeyang (8) Ace Good Job (5) Soldedad
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 10, 11

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

A weak maiden and it’s hard to go past (5) CLUB D. He only went down by a nose at start three over this distance on February 26th when settling midfield and almost catching the all the way winner. He comes into a better gate today and a similar run surely sees him home on top. (12) NEVER AGAIN has shown definite improvement over his four starts and came home 5th in a fair time at this distance on March 4th. The wide draw may not be too much of an issue as that day he went back and ran on and he can improve once more today. (7) SECRET WANGJA was the longest shot on the board when 3rd over this distance in January in a time faster than any of the others here have managed (albeit on a weekend when the track was playing very quick). He wasn’t much better fancied when 5th of nine over 1300M on February 11th. He will be shorter today and can keep the positive momentum going, probably taking a sit and finishing strongly. (11) TWO ACE and (3) HERO QUEEN other place chances.

Selections(5) Club D (12) Never Again (7) Secret Wangja (11) Two Ace
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

(12) GLOBAL SKY has a couple of 4th place finishes and last time out improved to 2nd place over this distance when sitting handy and running on stopping the clock in a time quicker than of the rest here have achieved for this distance. She draws a touch wider than ideal but with a touch of luck at the start can sit behind the speed and run on. (7) FANTASTIC CHAMP ran once last May and ran well, coming from well off the pace to finish 2nd. He then had a setback and has had forty-three weeks off. He ran at his own pace earlier this month in a trial that was blitzed by Beolmaui Star, who was preparing for next week’s Busan Ilbo Sprint, so we shan’t read too much into that but Seo Seung-un being aboard means he is sure to be very well backed. (11) BAEDARI DOLPUNG was on pace a long way on debut over this distance on March 12th, beating a couple of these in 4th. She is another who may need some luck in the early stages but can be a danger. (2) WORLD POINT and (6) MIRACULUM among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(12) Global Sky (7) Fantastic Champ (11) Baedari Dolpung (2) World Point
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 11, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) EUREKA was a beaten favourite on his latest start on February 26th when handy throughout but only finishing 4th – a finish he has achieved on no fewer than six occasions now. Two starts back he beat plenty of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance and from a great draw, today really should be his day. If he does find one (or three) too quick again then it might be (10) EURO GANGJA. He has done it before having been 3rd in that February 26th when he sat midfield and ran on. That was a big uptick in form but in this company there is no reason why he can’t repeat. (5) PURPLE STORM comes up to two turns for the first time having been 2nd and 5th in his latest two, both at 1400M. Both times he has gone right to the back before making up good ground and the additional distance may well suit. (6) HOUYHNHNM and (7) TRES VITE others in the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Eureka (10) Euro Gangja (5) Purple Storm (6) Houyhnhnm
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) SUCCESS MOCCA has finished no worse than 3rd (a dead heat on debut) in three starts so far. His win came over this distance at class 6 level in January before he was then a close 3rd from a wide draw on his first try at this class on February 17th. He likes to be on pace, so he has a much more favourable draw today, and he may prove hard to hold out. (11) NORTHERN BID was an emphatic winner on debut over 1200M on February 19th stalking the leader early before taking command a long way out. He comes up in class and has the challenge of a wide draw, but with a bit of luck early, he can be on pace and in this a long way. (2) PHANTOM ACE got his maiden win three starts back and has subsequently held his own in two starts at this level, both over 1200M. He can take a sit behind the early speed – of which there should be plenty – and can launch a late challenge here. (9) SKY MOUNTAIN and (8) THUNDER FURY are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Success Mocca (11) Northern Bid (2) Phantom Ace (9) Sky Mountain
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

(12) ARGO RICH remains a maiden but after finishing 4th on debut, has since run 2nd on three consecutive occasions, most recently at his class over 1300M on February 25th. He as run 2nd from on the pace and from off the pace so the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern and he can go one better today. (10) SAENAE HWANGJE also remains a maiden, in his case after seventeen attempts but on the strength of his latest effort at class and distance on February 26th when he was handy throughout and ran on for 2nd in a good time, he must be right in this. He also has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance, and he should be close. (4) QUEEN OF BEST has run fairly for 4th and 6th in her latest two. She is another who has posted a quick time for the distance and who can be running on strong at the business end here. (11) WORLD KING MAN and (9) BLUE INDY others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 24)

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 4th last August but didn’t reappear until January when he very much needed his run. He improved to 2nd from a wide draw on February 12th 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 2nd 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 4th 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.

Selections(9) Jeongmun Specter (7) Yeonggwanguihamsung (8) Zetta Dream (6) Hwangu Daejanggun
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 11

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 4th over 1300M on February 24th, 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 5th 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.

Selections(2) Road To Glory (11) Here The Queen (1) Haengbokhan Gil (3) Stormy Day
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

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

Tricky race. (10) SKY SHOT enters off back-to-back 3rd 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 2nd 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 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, most recently at this distance on March 3rd. 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.

Selections(10) Sky Shot (5) Adele Horangi (1) Seogwi Flash (7) Victor Basium
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 10

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 3rd. 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 29th. 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 4th on her first try at this class on March 5th, 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.

Selections(5) Pan Star (10) Meta Queen (11) Fast Fury (3) Gamdong Energy
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 10, 11

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 2nd for the third time on February 24th 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 5th at class and distance on March 5th 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.

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Classic Trials Sunday at Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 19)

Sunday is Classic Trials day in Korea with the Sports Seoul Trophy in the Capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy on the south coast offering the three-year-old crop a big prize on their way to the Triple Crown, the first leg of which is just six weeks away. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Seungbusa won last year’s Sports Seoul Trophy before going on to place in two legs of the Triple Crown (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) BANFF went through plenty of trials before debuting on February 19th and he gave a good account for himself over this distance, coming out of the widest gate to sit midfield and then run on for 3rd. He should have come on for that run, he draws well here, and he can win. (10) FLY DAY has a 5th and a 3rd from two appearances so far, both times settling midfield and finishing off well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, an apprentice keeps his weight light, and he should be challenging late again here. (8) MIR POINT has a 2nd place to her name over 1000M and comes in off a solid 4th place at this distance on February 12th when he led for much of the way. He should be on pace again, and in this a long way. (6) CLAIR QUEEN and (7) JEOLDAE GACHI among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(5) Banff (10) Fly Day (8) Mir Point (6) Clair Queen
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start4, 8, 7, 12

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

Three-year-old maidens. (1) CHEERFUL LIFE looks to be the one to beat. After running 5th on debut in December, he has since run 2nd and 3rd in two tries at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has raced on pace in both those and is beautifully drawn so to do again, and he can win. (5) BLACK VOLT came from a wide draw and from off the pace to run 3rd over 1300M on February 10th. He also has a 2nd to his name at 1000M and should be a threat today doing his best work late. (9) HONOR LORD returns for the first time since last September. He trialled up three times between December and February, winning two of them and posting good times, and must be taken seriously first-up here.  (4) SANGSANGGEUISANG has steadily improved across three starts so far, with a 4th place at 1300M on February 19th his most recent. He can sit behind the speed here and run on with every chance of a money finish. Debut-maker (2) UNJU BONNEUNG stopped the clock in a good time in his trial and a bold first-time showing is possible.

Selections(1) Cheerful Life (5) Black Volt (9) Honor Lord (4) Sangsanggeuisang
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

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

A maiden restricted to three-year-old fillies. The form doesn’t exactly leap off the page, so we’ll go with (4) BARAMUI HYANGGI, who has shown promise when running 5th and 4th in her first two starts, most recently at this distance on February 4th. She drew wide in both those races but gets a much better gate this time, her carried weight remains nice and light, and she has as good a chance as any here. (8) SEMYEONG LADY has run fairly in five starts so far with her best being a runner-up finish over 1200M in December. She also has the fastest time among any of these for the distance and she should be on pace and in the frame here. (1) HERO GANGJA has been 5th in both starts so far, racing on pace both times. She draws well here and should be aiming for improvement. (11) TUHON TEUKGEUP and (7) DAMJAENGI ARGO among others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(4) Baramui Hyanggi (8) Semyeong Lady (1) Hero Gangja (11) Tuhon Teukgeup
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this age open maiden and it’s a tricky race where the form is unconvincing, but plenty are plausibly in with a chance. Without much conviction, we’ll go with (6) AQUA MAGIC. She has two 4th places on her record including last time out when she was on pace and beat a couple of today’s rivals. She has the fastest start and may get an easy run to the lead here. If she, does, she may prove hard to pass. (7) PHANTOM QUEEN is two starts into a comeback following almost six months out. She weakened over 1400M last time out but should be better back at a trip at which she has the fastest time of any of these. (5) GREEN LEGEND hasn’t shown an awful lot in two starts so far but draws a good gate this time and can be competitive. (8) RICH COWBOY returned from almost two years out in December and ran an adequate 5th place. She can improve on that here. (1) PURPLE STAR returns after almost a year off and trialled up well enough to suggest that in this limited company, she can be competitive.

Selections(6) Aqua Magic (7) Phantom Queen (5) Green Legend (8) Rich Cowboy
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

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

(2) ARGO MUJEOK was a beaten favourite over 1200M on February 25th when he was a touch slower away than normal. He does have a 3rd place on his record at this distance and from a good gate and with Antonio climbing aboard, he can be given another chance (5) BADAUI KKUM had a hard time from a wide draw over 1400M at his latest start on February 19th. He was going well prior to that tough and looked to be knocking on the door of his first win, consistently going close. He comes back in trip today, gets a 2kg apprentice claim and draws well. It could be fifteenth time lucky. (6) SPEAR GOLD and (7) SEOUL SPURT both come in following improved 3rd place showings in their latest and can build on their respective momentum here. (1) CANDY GLOW another in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Argo Mujeok (5) Badaui Kkum (6) Spear Gold (7) Seoul Spurt
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) SPECIAL ROAD looks the one to beat. She got her maiden win at start number two over 1200M back in December and has since finished 3rd and 5th in two attempts at this class, both over six-furlongs. She comes up in distance and in the weights today, but that’s balanced by Franco climbing aboard and from a good gate she should be on pace and can lead all the way. (6) CUQUENAN registered her maiden win at this distance in December. She drew wide for her first crack at this class on January 13th and ran on fairly for 5th. She has had nine weeks off so comes in fresh and can get closer here. (4) WONDERFUL OCEAN enters off a 3rd place in a curious race over 1300M on February 10th (won at big odds by Statice, who also goes here). That marked a return to form after a couple of indifferent runs and she can build on it here. (10) QUALITY QUEEN and (7) DALEHOLRINGWANGDAE among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(2) Special Road (6) Cuquenan (4) Wonderful Ocean (10) Quality Queen
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only and (5) RAON EMPIRE will be hot favourite. After a 3rd and a 2nd from her opening two starts, she got her maiden win at the third time of asking over 1200M on February 11th when handy throughout. She comes up in class and slightly in trip here but this half-sister to Raon The Fighter should have far too much for her rivals. (7) WIDAEHAN HANMA got her maiden win two starts back and then ran a good 2nd on her first try at this class over 1400M on February 4th with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She only comes up 1kg in the weights and can be close again. (9) JANGBI MUJIGAE is yet to finish any worse than 5th from five starts so far and has a 4th and a 3rd from her two attempts at this level, both times going back and running on. She has a strong finish on her and can be running on again late here. (11) DAUL QUEEN and (1) MAPARAM among others to keep safe.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 17)

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 3rd and a 2nd 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 3rd 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 18th trial. She too showed prominently and crossed the line 3rd, a length and three-quarters in arrears of Haerang Iseul. She too can go well. Returning to experience, (4) ARION QUEEN improved when 4th at start number two and can continue to make progress here. (10) GEMIJIN another seemingly on the right trajectory.

Selections(7) B.K. Gallop (8) Haerang Iseul (9) Haneul Haetsal (4) Arion Queen
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 9

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 19th. He was slowest away and settled at the back, before running on strongly for 2nd 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 19th race over the same distance. He led for much of that race before being overhaled in the closing stages, finishing 3rd, just a neck behind Lemon Dokki. That was his third start and his second 3rd 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 2nd place at this distance on February 24th 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.

Selections(7) Lemon Dokki (3) Morning Flow (8) Specialist (11) Raon Strong
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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 26th. 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 6th, 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 5th and a 7th 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.

Selections(10) K Gold Bar (6) Wise Boy (7) Wonderful Impact (2) Star Dragon
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10

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 12th, crossing the line five-lengths in front of his nearest rival with a further six-lengths back to the 3rd 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 26th. 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 3rd on February 3rd. 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.

Selections(12) Multi Hit (11) Theia (9) Cheongma Power (8) Blue Sky
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 12

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 26th 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 4th place over a mile last time out on February 24th, albeit well back behind a good winner. She draws much better than she did on her only previous try at this distance when 5th 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.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-by-Race Preview (March 12)

After an unseasonably mild day on Saturday, temperatures are set to fall back to normal and rain is expected on Sunday. Nevertheless, there is plenty to get stuck into on track with 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (1) EUNBIT DOLPUNG will be the favourite. Hopes weren’t high on her debut after some inauspicious trials, but she ran well enough when it counted, finishing 4th over 1200M on February 4th. There should be some natural improvement from that run and if so, she will be hard to beat. (2) DAERYUN SIDAE has made progress across dour prior starts with her latest two being a 4th and a 3rd, both at 1200M. She did her best work late on each occasion and the additional half furlong can be in her favour. (9) RED TAEPUNG has hinted at ability with three 5th places among her first five appearances, including her latest which was at this distance. She is another who has finished off her races fairly and can run into a higher spot today. (7) SWEET PLAY and (6) MUJANG others to consider.

Selections(1) Eunbit Dolpung (2) Daeryun Sidae (9) Red Taepung (7) Sweet Play
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

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

A maiden for three-year-old fillies kicks things off on the South Coast. (5) WONDERFUL PHONE has a 2nd, 3rd and 4th from three starts so far, with the 3rd being at this distance when away slowly from a wide draw and finishing strongly. She looks nicely in here, and from a good gate can set up camp behind the speed and prove too good. (3) U PING was never a factor after being very awkwardly away when well fancied on February 10th. Her previous two efforts were solid though and from a much better draw, she warrants another chance here. (7) WONDERFUL RUNNING was a much-improved 3rd when tried at further than the minimum distance for the first time back in January. She has had nine weeks off since and she is another who the extra distance may suit. (6) B.K. NUMA enters off a close 2nd place at this distance on February 17th and will have plenty of backers. (4) VELOCIRAPTOR another who seems on the right trajectory.

Selections(5) Wonderful Phone (3) U Ping (7) Wonderful Running (6) B.K. Numa
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

A maiden for three-year-olds and another race with a warm favourite. This time it is (8) CHOEGANG HYEONMA. He has made good progress over his three starts so far culminating in runner-up finish over 1300M on February 11th, four-lengths adrift of the favourite and good winner, Daewang Socks, but a full six-lengths clear of anything else. That same performance should win this. There are three first-time starters and (2) SILVER PURGE is the pick of them. She won a trial from off the pace in February, stopping the clock in what was only a fair time, but was far clear of the rest. She draws nicely here and a bold showing first-up is possible. (3) GEUMBIT CHEONHA comes in off back-to-back 3rd places, most recently behind Choegang Hyeonma on February 11th. That means he has six-lengths to make up, but he draws better today and can get closer. (12) CHOEGANG NICE and (7) LEMON BLADE others in the frame.

Selections(8) Choegang Hyeonma (2) Silver Purge (3) Geumbit Cheonha (12) Choegang Nice
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

A very competitive maiden. The pin we’ve stuck in landed on (11) QUEENS LANDING who has shown signs in her latest couple of outings of having figured things out. They have ended in a 4th and a 3rd place finish, most recently over this distance on February 19th and while she is up 3kg in the weights here, that can be balanced by Park Jae-I climbing aboard and she can win. (8) TWOTWO FLYING has also been showing good form of late, particularly last time out when runner-up over this distance in a good time. She too comes up in the weights here, but she surely goes close again and may well start as the betting favourite. (6) SEONGSIL TAESOON was an on-pace 4th on debut over this distance on February 10th. She should have come on for that run, should be on the speed again and can match or better that finish here. (7) VEREUDA gets a better draw than she has in her last couple of appearances. She also comes back in trip and can be competitive. (9) PLAY THE INDY one of a number of others who can’t be discounted.

Selections(11) Queens Landing (8) Twotwo Flying (6) Seongsil Taesoon (7) Vereuda
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 11

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

Small field here with (3) THUNDER BRAVO the one to beat. He has been consistent so far with six of his seven starts seeing him finish 4th or 5th. That includes his latest on February 11th when he led for much of the way around over 1300M, weakening late on. He comes back in trip here, draws nicely, and can go all the way this time. (4) SEONGEUN CROWN has two 3rd places to his name, including most recently on February 12th when running on from midfield. He has a strong finish on him and can be a danger late here. (8) DREAM SKY enters off an encouraging 4th place over this distance on February 5th. She will probably challenge Thunder Bravo for the early lead here and should be in the mix all the way. Solitary first time starter (7) MENI WIN trialed positively enough, crossing the line 3rd in a fair time and he can make his presence felt first-up. (2) SMART SOCKS another who could improve.

Selections(3) Thunder Bravo (4) Seongeun Crown (8) Dream Sky (7) Meni Win
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

After losing in the stewards’ room on debut in December, (9) GEUMA DEFT came out and put things right at start number two on January 27th, settling behind the leader early before taking things up a long way out and going on to win by five-lengths. He comes up in class and slightly in trip as well, but neither should be an issue and he can make it three from three in terms of crossing the line first here. The most logical danger is (5) JEOLDAE BOSS. He remains a maiden but comes up in class courtesy of having run 2nd in his latest two at 1300M and 1400M. He has the fastest time of any of these for the distance and under a light weight and a good gate, he should be on pace here and can go close. (7) GALLOP BOY enters off a 4th place in a very fast race over 1400M on February 10th when he drew wide and settled back. He has gone well at this distance in the past and remains nicely weighted. (8) SPECIAL TOGETHER and (1) PILGRIM others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) Geuma Deft (5) Jeoldae Boss (7) Gallop Boy (8) Special Together
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

(3) GLOBAL CHANGA got her maiden win at start number two over 1000M last October before running 5th of ten in a decent time over 1200M behind Raon Giant in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy for juveniles in November. She hasn’t raced since and hasn’t trialed either, but if she has retained her form, she will be hard to beat here. (11) CATS EYE similarly returns to action for the first time since November when he made all to win over 1000M. He therefore comes up in class and in trip here. He trialed in February in fair fashion and looks like the main danger. The rest of the form is patchy. (2) JANGSU NABOM and (4) LUCKY CROWN both have some decent results in their past although both will have to be forgiven their respective latest outings. The same goes for (9) TAKE MONEY who did at least have the excuse last time of being first-up after a lengthy lay off and can improve today.

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