The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with a 9-race card from 11:00 to 18:00. Seo Seung-un, who rode a remarkable 14 winners in January, is suspended while You Hyun-myung had surgery following a fall last week and will be out for some months. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and there will be a hot favourite. (7) DAHAMKKEDALLIJA has raced twice so far, finishing 3^rd on both occasions most recently over this trip in a good time on January 13^th when handy and running on. He will be up to class 5 with any top-three finish and can be expected to win here. (1) POWER PLANE was a much improved 4^th at start number two over 1200M on January 8^th settling back and running on. The additional half-furlong should suit and he gets a much better draw today. (2) SUPER KANEL also showed marked improvement on his latest appearance four weeks ago, running on for 2^nd over this trip. With an apprentice engaged today he comes down significantly in the weights and should be going close again. (8) NAKDONG JEONSAN and (9) STORMY DAY others with the potential to improve.

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

More three-year-old maidens and another hot favourite. This time it is (9) MY MANTRA. After running 5^th of twelve over 1000M on debut in November, Peter Wolsley’s filly was an on pace runner-up when stepped up to this trip on December 18^th. Despite being drawn a touch wide, she can be on pace again and should be too good for this lot. (8) DOCTOR CUCKOO comes in having run a very solid time over this distance on his latest start on January 15^th. His 4^th place that day, coming from off the pace, was his best so far and he can continue to make progress here. (7) HONOR LORD raced twice over 1000M late last summer. He comes in here having looked very well across two trials and will be backed first-up. There are two first time starters and both (4) GREEN LEGEND and (2) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL did enough in their trials to suggest they can measure up in this somewhat limited company. Both should be on pace from good draws.

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

Standard maiden here. (7) SOUTHERN JOY has been relatively consistent across her five outings to date and her runner-up finish on her latest start on January 6^th when she overcame the widest draw to settle midfield and run on for 2^nd place is enough for her to get the nod here. (2) FAST FURY could only manage 6^th when well supported in the same race, but she previously ran the quickest time of all of these at the distance when runner-up back in October. She should be on the speed again here and can be in this a long way. (11) THEIA ran fairly for 5^th on debut over 1300M on January 13^th. She should have come on for that experience and with some natural improvement may offer some value at an each-way price. (6) GOLDEN RACER and (8) ALPHA BRAVO are others who have demonstrated ability and can be in the money frame here.

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It could be thirteenth time lucky for (3) YEOSU TORNADO here. He’s been knocking at the door in his latest few and most recently got his first runner-up finish when overcoming a wide draw to sit handy to the speed and then run on over this distance on January 13^th. He draws much better today and a similar run can see him home on top. The main danger looks to be (7) ARTHUR KING IJI. He was 3^rd in that January 13^th race on what for him too was his first try at a mile having raced prominently throughout. He has three-lengths to find on Yeosu Tornado but perhaps has more scope for further improvement than the favourite. (12) HAMAN BAEIKISAN was 5^th in that race having settled back and running on when it was too late. He was runner-up at this distance two starts back and with the same apprentice keeping the weight down, he can run into some money again. (1) ECTON POWER and (6) SPECIAL FACT among others in the placing frame.

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

After a week off for the Lunar New Year holiday, racing returns to Korea this weekend. Things get underway on Friday at Busan with a 10-race card from 11:00 to 18:00. It’s quite a star studded line-up for a Friday as Speed Young, who won the Breeders’ Cup Champion Juvenile race in December, goes in race 9 while filly Triple Crown winner Golden Power seeks to return to form in a very challenging race 10. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies get things underway with five of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (11) AMAZING MOVE who, after a positive trial, ran a solid enough 5^th on debut on December 18^th, settling back and running on. That suggests the wide draw shouldn’t be too problematic here and having derived benefit from that run, she can win here. (6) ACE HORANGI was well backed on debut in the same December 18^th after a quick trial and while she could only manage 7^th, she can improve here. (3) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT is another who ran 5^th on debut at this distance on Christmas Day, overcoming a wide draw. The time was significantly slower than Amazing Move’s and Ace Horangi’s but she too can make progress today. As for the first timers, (2) MAGIC SWEETIE and (5) UNJU AKANSHA look the most likely to make an immediate impact.

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

Three-year-old maidens. (12) GEUMA DEFT beat three of these on debut on December 16^th over 1000M when crossing the line 1^st and stopping the clock in a fast time only to be demoted by the stewards for interference. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but the manner of that run suggests that with a touch of luck at the start and a touch more discipline at the finish, he can finish ahead of those same rivals today. (2) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE ran 4^th in that race. He was a full ten-lengths behind Geuma Deft but the step up in trip can suit and he can get closer today. There are three first time starters and among them (6) HAVE A GOOD YEAR was the best in trials. He went through two heats, significantly improving in the second of them when leading for much of the way around. He can be on pace here and put in a bold showing. (5) ROAD TO GLORY and (9) RUN TO KING other placing hopes.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) KRW 25 Million

A regular maiden here and it seems wide open.  Four of them raced each other over 1300M on December 23^rd and that looks to be a good reference. (11) PURPLE LINE debuted in that race, settling towards the rear of midfield and running on for 3^rd. He should have come on for that experience, the extra distance can suit, and he has as good a chance as any here. It will require him to make up almost two lengths on (6) COOL RUNNING. He led that December 23^rd race until the closing stages, ultimately coming home in 2^nd place. He has shown improvement across his three starts so far, he can be on pace again, and he shouldn’t be ruled out. Also making progress over three previous appearances has been (12) VEREUDA. She finished off well for 4^th in that December 23^rd race from a similarly wide draw to today, and she can continue to improve here. Of those who didn’t go in the December 23^rd race, (7) DOCTOR SHARK and (2) PEGACORN look the best.

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

Fillies (and two mares) only and it’s a good race for the level. (3) SPECIAL ROAD justified favourite status to make all at start number two on December 18^th over 1200M, winning comfortable. She comes up in class and distance here but draws very nicely and has every chance of scoring again. So too (4) GRAPHENE RAP WORLD. Having won over five furlongs in a super quick time back in November, she than ran a solid 3ns on her first try at this class over 1200M on December 16^th. She does come up in the weights here but draws well and the additional half furlong can suit. (2) BLUE ICON is yet to win but enters off three consecutive runner-up finishes, most recently at class and distance on December 23^rd when on pace throughout. She draws very nicely here and it’s not impossible she could go one better at last. (5) THUNDER FURY has placed at this class and along with up in class (7) DALEHOLRINGWANGDAE is another in the hunt.

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10-races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens with six of the twelve racing for the very first time. After a promising trial, (7) STAR FURY debuted over this distance on December 11^th and having settled midfield, worked home well for 2^nd place. He was well beaten by a good winner but should have derived benefit from the experience and he looks the one to beat here. (5) MORNING FLOW made his first appearance over 1000M on December 9^th and was on pace throughout ultimately coming home in 3^rd. He should have come on for that and with some natural improvement can be in the mix here. Among the first timers, (10) ROCK POWER is the standout. He won a December trial in a good time when running on pace and he can put in a bold showing first up here. (4) U PING and (6) HAERANG JANGGUN among others in the frame.

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

After an inauspicious debut in November, (4) BLACK VOLT returned on December 9^th and put in a much better run for 2^nd over 1000M when midfield and then handy. The additional trip shouldn’t be an issue and he can go one better today. (2) DAHAMKKEDALLIJA debuted in that December 9^th race and after a shaky start veritably flew home for 3^rd behind Black Volt. He should be better for that run, the extra 300M should suit and plenty will back him to overturn the form on Black Volt. (10) JEOLDAE BOSS has a 3rd and a 4^th from his latest two, the latter in a good time over 1200M. He is done no favours by the draw but can be a danger here. (5) UNMATCHED has run 5^th in both starts so far, settling back and running on and should be aiming to better that here. Solitary debut-maker (9) THEIA has been through several trials, posting fair times, and this isn’t intimidating company to debut in.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Tricky race. (4) GOODY will probably be favourite based on the 3^rd and 2^nd place finishes he has secured at 1200M. Last time out he drew wide and didn’t feature until late on but he comes into a better gate today and there isn’t much in the way of early speed so he may get an easier run. He has as much chance as any. (3) PLAY THE INDY was a much-improved 2^nd last time when second-up following eight months out. He should be on pace here and may be peaking fitness wise. (7) TOP FRIEND has shown steady progress across the outings so far. He has gone well back on each occasion before running on and the slight step up in trip may be in his favour. (5) JEONGMUN CHITA and (6) SPECIAL JOHN among others in at least the placing hunt.

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(2) ARTHUR KING IJI was a beaten favourite over 1400M on December 16^th when on pace and leading for much of the way. He comes up further in trip today and from a good draw should be on pace or handy and he is very much worth another chance. (10) DALLILLAEYO has improved across three starts so far and has finished off his races very well. He looks like he needs a but of distance and the step up to the mile can suit. That could be the case too for (11) YEOSU TORNADO. He is yet to finish better than 4^th in eleven appearances but he has shown signs recently of figuring things out and can be challenging  late here. (8) HAMAN BAEKISAN enters off a runner-up finish over this distance on December 9^th and with the same apprentice jockey keeping the weight down, can go close again. (1) INDIE BULPAE is the wildcard, returning to action more than six months after his sole race start.

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

(8) YEONGGWANGUI ACE ran out a gate to wire winner over this distance at what for him was start number two on December 4^th. He comes up in class today but the Hansen colt looks to have plenty of scope for more improvement and he will be the one to beat. (1) NICE DAY almost went all the way over 1300M at this class on December 11^th, ultimately being passed in the closing stages for a narrow loss. He’s back in trip today to the distance at which he picked up his only win so far and from a good draw he should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (3) TAP STAR races for the first time since last July but he looked well when making all in a trial on Christmas Eve and if he can bring that form to the races, he can be competitive in this company. (7) HANGANG SAVER and the up in class (10) HANEUL SEUNGNI are among plenty of others who can enter the calculations.

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 20^th. He was on pace throughout and while he could only manage 3^rd, 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 27^th 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 4^th 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.

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 9^th when she almost made all, ultimately running a close 2^nd. 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 2^nd place over 1000M on debut on December 2^nd, 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, 3^rd in that December race, another in the frame.

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 2^nd on debut, he ran a good 3^rd 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 2^nd 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.

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 2^nd and 4^th on each occasion. His latest was his best when on November 25^th he ran out a very close 2^nd 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 3^rd 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.

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

Having finished up his juvenile season with 3^rd place in the Listed Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy before running a creditable 6^th 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 5^th 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.

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.

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 2^nd place at start number two on November 25^th 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 3^rd over this distance on November 25^th 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.

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 2^nd over 1200M on December 9^th. 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 4^th 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.

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 6^th before very nearly repeating the trick on his first try at this class and distance on November 25^th, ultimately coming home 2^nd. 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 11^th. 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 2^nd 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.

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 25^th. 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 3^rd at class and distance on November 25^th and can be dangerous here. (5) PATRIOT also has a class and distance 2^nd 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.

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 2^nd 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 2^nd over this distance on November 18^th 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.

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   2^nd place finish on his latest on November 13^th, 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 11^th to run a solid 2^nd 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.

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 5^th place when on pace over 1200M on November 27^th, 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 3^rd 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 3^rd place finishes to his name and can be a placing chance again, while (11) CUQUENAN and (4) FIGHT FAMILY, who came home 4^th and 6^th respectively when racing one another on November 18^th, are among others to consider.

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 18^th 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 2^nd on debut in October before getting her maiden win at start number two over 1000M on November 11^th 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.

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 3^rd place finishes. The most recent of those 3^rd places was over this class and distance on October 30^th 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 3^rd 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.