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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Queen’s Tour reaches its conclusion this weekend with sixteen fillies and mares going to post for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup at Busan on Sunday. Before that though, the south coast track kicks off the weekend action with a 9-race card on Friday from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden juvenile fillies in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the very first time. We generally like to side with experience in these kinds of races and (2) ALPHA BRAVO just about allows us to do that. She ran 5^th of twelve on debut on October 21^st, racing on pace throughout and from a good draw and with some natural improvement, she can be the one to beat here. The main rivals are first time starters. (7) SPECIAL ROAD went through three trails, improving significantly in the third of them when crossing the line 2^nd in a fast time. An in-form apprentice jockey takes her weight down and she can put in a bold showing first-up. (1) GOLDEN PLUS too raced prominently in her trial, also finishing 2^nd in a good time. She gets a great draw on the inside and should be kept safe here. (3) WONDERFUL TOP looks the most likely of the others with prior experience to improve while (10) GREEN CHIEF is another debut-maker who hinted at ability in trials.

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

The second division of the juvenile filly maiden, this one with six of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. Experience gets the nod again in the shape of (2) SKY SHOT. Having trialled well, she ran a good 4^th on debut over this distance on October 21^st, starting slowly and then settling back before running on strongly and beating two of today’s rivals. If she gets an even slightly better start here, she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win. (11) WIND TALKER was an on-pace 2^nd in a fair time in her trial. She has the challenge of a wide gate for her debut here, but the Pegasus Farm homebred looks nicely in. (1) WORLD FIVE is a half-sister to World Day, a winner of nine from nineteen. She led in her trial, ultimately crossing the line 5^th and from a very good draw, can be on pace and go close first-up here. (6) SEOGWI FLASH finished last on debut behind Sky Shot but the time was such – and with the standard of today’s opposition in mind – that she can go much better this time. (12) WORLD CLASS CAT another who can improve on an indifferent debut.

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

Juvenile maiden, this time open to colts and geldings as well as fillies. Four of the nine race for the first time. There is some decent experience though. (1) YEOSU FIGHTER was sent off as favourite over 1000M on October 23^rd and was on pace before ultimately finishing in 2^nd. That was his second appearance and with similar improvement today, he can come home on top. (9) FAST FURY also demonstrated significant improvement at start number two on October 28^th when almost leading from gate to wire but having to settle for runner-up. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem in this small field, and she has every chance of going one better. (4) YEONGGWANGUI TANK comes in having run in two juvenile Listed races, nothing a good 4^th in the first of them. Returning to shallower waters, the Hansen colt can go close here. Among the first-time starters, (8) TIANBONG QUEEN looks the best having put in a fair time in her trial. Returning to experience, (7) HEY MORNING improved when 6^th behind Fast Fury at the end of last month and can continue to make progress here.

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

More maidens. (9) PHANTOM ACE shapes to be a warm favourite based on his last start 2^nd place over this distance on October 28^th when he was slow away before being ridden hard to sit behind the leaders and then ran on well. He won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (7) VICTOR BASIUM keeps getting sent off at short odds and keeps on finding a couple too quick, finishing between 3^rd and 5^th in each of his six career starts. He likes to be on pace, an apprentice jockey takes 2kg off his back, and he can be aiming for a career best finish to date here. (3) HWANGU FIGHTER has been consistent across four starts so far. She likes to sit midfield and run on and while she may not win here, she can keep her 100% record of finding at least the minor money. (2) BOOMY STAR and (4) MACH WONDER others with potential placing claims.

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

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 in the opener with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. It’s a first timer who is likely to be the favourite in the shape of (8) SEUNGNIMAGIC KING. The Girolamo colt looked very well in his trial sitting on pace before crossing the line first in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he can make a winning start. The logical second pick is (4) ROAD TO DREAM. He showed at the front in his debut race on October 16^th, ultimately finishing 2^nd in a good time. He should be on pace again from a good draw and with some natural improvement will be a serious contender here. Returning to the first timers, (9) GO FOR IT went through the same trial as Seungnimagic King and while he finished some distance behind him, showed enough to suggest he can be competitive here. (6) RUNNING POWER and (7) FIRST MENI others who could make an impact first up.

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

More juvenile maidens, this time over six-furlongs. It’s wide open with plenty potentially stepping up so we’ll look for one at a decent price and go with (2) DOCTOR SHARK. It took her a couple of goes to figure things out, but she showed improvement with a good 2^nd over 1000M on October 28^th when slowly away and running on well. She draws well again and with more improvement has as good a chance as any. (7) PEGACORN will probably be favourite. He has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in a last start 3^rd on his first try at this distance on October 21^st when handy throughout. Expect him to sit behind the speed again and he should be in the finish. (6) PAN STAR comes up in trip for the first time after two efforts at five furlongs, improving in the second of them. She’ll be on pace here and in it a long way. (11) HANEUL JEWANG has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before and along with (1) MOTHER MOUNTAIN is another in the frame.

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

A maiden and the warm favourite will be (9) GEUMA STARRY. Having won a trial, the Animal Kingdom filly was installed as favourite on debut on October 28^th, when she showed on pace and ultimately finished 2^nd. She should have derived benefit from that and won’t need to improve much to win this.  There are three first time starters and (3) GOLDEN MAGIC looks the best of them. She won her trial in late October, showing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. She draws well to get forward here and a bold showing on debut is possible. Also on pace should be (7) YEONGGWANGUI RIDER. It’s fair to say he’s mixed his form and it’s never really a good thing to be the most experienced runner in a class 6 race, but he looks nicely in here and can challenge for at least a place. (2) PUNGUN JOHWA is another with a fair few races behind her and comes in off a solid 3^rd at this distance two weeks ago. (10) QUEEN ROMANCE among others in the frame.

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(1) ADELE HORANGI comes in having run a strong 2^nd at this distance on October 21^st when settling just behind the early leaders and then running on well. The time was good – considerably quicker that any of the others who have raced at this distance have managed – from a great draw on the inside, he can sit behind the speed again and this time can win. (5) GRAPHENE QUEEN ran an encouraging 3^rd on debut on October 23^rd, beating three of today’s rivals over this distance. Once again, she benefits from an apprentice claim and from a slightly better draw, she should be in contention again. (4) MORNING MUSE enters off a runner-up finish on October 30^th when she led for almost the entire way around over 1400M. From a good draw she can compete for the lead again and can be in this a long way. (8) B.K. HUNTER and (10) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK among others who can compete for at least the minors. 

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

It’s President’s Cup weekend. The big race is in Seoul on Sunday but racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with a 9-race card from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden juvenile fillies in the opener, with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. There is some useful experience here though and (10) GRAPHENE RAP WORLD gets the nod. After a good trial, she was an on-pace runner0up in debut on October 7^th, stopping the clock in a good time. She should have come on for that run and despite the wide draw, can go one better today. (4) HUIMANGUI ACHIM was a long shot on her debut on October 21^st but she defied that to run a good 3^rd, settling midfield and running on. She too should have some natural improvement and can be a danger here. Of the first time starters, (5) HANSOLBRAIN led for much of her trial, ultimately crossing the line 2^nd in a good time. If she brings that form to the races, a bold showing is likely. (12) BORA CHAMP and (6) MY MANTRA others who hinted at ability in their respective heats.

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

(1) VICTOR BASIUM has been a model of consistency with five starts so far all yielding finishes between 3^rd and 5^th. At his latest outing two weeks ago, he wasn’t able to get to his preferred leading position but from the inside gate here, he should get a softer run and looks the one to beat. He has been a beaten favourite twice already though so if you expect that trend to continue then (6) STORM AGAIN could be the one. She was 5^th to Victor Basium’s 3^rd when they raced each other in September but improved to register a 3^rd place of her own on her latest run on October 14^th. She can settle handy here and has a good finish. (3) SIMON TOP GUN finished midfield when having to contend with a wide draw on her most recent start. She previously racked up back-to-back 3^rd place finishes in July and August and from a better gate is worth another chance here. (9) TAKE ADELE and (10) ECTON POWER others in the minor money frame.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Tricky maiden here. (3) TITAN K has a 2^nd and a 3^rd among her latest three starts including last time out when she settled midfield and ran on. She draws nicely here, carries a very light weight, and has as good a chance as any. (5) YEOSU TORNADO returned to action on October 21^st having been on the sidelines since last November and ran a very encouraging 4^th at this distance racing handy throughout. He should strip fitter for that effort and can go closer today. (9) I’M KING IJI hasn’t been too far away in three starts to date. And has finished off his races well. He comes up slightly in trip today and it may be to his benefit. (4) ETERNAL ACE similarly has been knocking on the door of the places and should be in the hunt here. (7) NALA another who can build on a last star 2^nd.

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

The only filly in the race, (5) KKOTMURI could be the one to beat here. She returned from five months out on October 7^th and ran a much-improved 3^rd over this distance. She can sit behind the speed here and with some natural improvement from that run, she could prove too strong. (3) FUSAICHI returned from a similar layoff in the same race, running 6^th having started slowly from a wide gate. He too should strip fitter here and progress can be expected. (7) FLEX SHINHWA and (1) LET’S GO came home 3^rd and 4^th respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on October 16^th. For Flex Shinhwa it was an improvement on recent efforts while for Let’s Go it was his debut run. Both can go close here. (8) ADELE ALLIE’s another who can aim for the minor money.

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

(5) SAVAHA led from gate to wire to win on debut over 1000M on October 14^th. He comes up in class and in distance here, but the manner of that victory means he will be hot favourite to score again. (1) NICE DAY was a winner over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before beating a couple of today’s rivals when leading but ultimately finishing 5^th on his first try at this class on October 14^th. An apprentice takes his weight right down here and he draws well to be on pace again. (4) RUBY STORM won on debut and while he then found t hard second-up in the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes, this is a more moderate assignment, and he can be given another chance. (11) K.AI and (6) MY SONG among others in the frame.

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

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the eight racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (7) HANEUL SEUNGNI, who led for much of his debut on September 30th, ultimately coming home in 3rd place in fast time. He should have derived benefit from that run and won’t need to improve much to win here. There are some promising first-timers. (5) YONGSANG UNGI won her trial, sitting handy and then running on in fair time. If she brings that form to the races, she can go close. (1) HAERANG YOUNGUNG showed prominently in his trial and from the inside gate, should be on pace here and in this a long way. (9) SUCCESS MOCCA improved in the second of two trials and if he has continued to make progress, can be competitive here. (2) EVER STAR didn’t do much on debut but draws nicely and can improve.

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

The second division of the juvenile maiden with six of the eight runners racing for the first time. This time the favourite will be a newcomer in the shape of (1) BREAD HIT. She made all in her trial, stopping the clock in a fair time and from a good draw and with an apprentice claiming 3kg, she may take some beating first-up. The main danger is one of the experienced ones. (3) BLUE ICON was a much-improved 3^rd at start number two on October 7^th when sitting behind the early leaders and running on well. She comes down significantly in the weights under an apprentice claim here and she can be competitive. Returning to the first timers, (7) SUCCESS TIME was the next best in trials and looks a money chance with (8) HAMPYEONG IS BACK and (4) RUN FIRST others to keep an eye on.

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

It’s hard to look too far past (2) AREUMDAUN INYEON here. She has steadily improved across three starts to date, culminating in her latest on October 7^th when she beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 2^nd place over this distance. She was slowly away that day and settled right at the back but she has run on pace before and from a great draw, Chae Sang-hyun can pick his spot and she won’t need to improve much to win here. (6) HWANGU FIGHTER was 3^rd in that October 7^th race. He has a length and a half to make up over Areumdaun Inyeon here but he too has shown progress across his three starts and could continue to get better. (4) MYEONGSEONG CHARGE enters off a much-improved runner-up finish over 1300M on October 2^nd. She raced on pace that day and is well drawn to get forward again and she can be in this a long way. (8) TAP DREAM and (5) PURE MAGIC among others on a place line.

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) THUNDER CLOUD got her solitary win to date over this distance four starts back in a time faster than any of the others have achieved. Since then she has established herself as competitive at this level including a good 2^nd in another fats time in September. She draws much better than she did when 5^th on her latest outing on October 9^th and an apprentice jockey takes the weight down. She has strong claims here. It’s been a long time since (5) SPICE INDIE won but her latest couple of outings read well with a 4^th and a 5^th, at a mile and at this distance. She tends to go right back but she has a strong finish on her and should be working home well. (1) GOLD ROSE was an excellent all the way winner on debut and while she has come up short in two outings since, she is perhaps worth another chance today from a very good gate. (7) GREAT GO and (4) JEONGDUN-RO are others in at least the placing frame.

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

The second division of the class 5 handicap for fillies and mares. (6) WONDERFUL FILE returned from three months out to run a creditable 6^th at this distance on October 23rd, breaking from a wide gate and settling back before finishing off well. She should have come on for that run, she draws better today, and she has as good a chance as any here. (9) GAMDONG ENERGY is yet to win in nine attempts but has some decent runs behind her. Two previous efforts at this trip didn’t go especially well but she looks ready for another crack here and an apprentice keeps her carried weight nice and light. (5) OMEGA GIRL mixes her form but she has the fastest time of any at the distance and can be a threat. (2) HONOR QUEEN has settled back in her latest two and run on well both times. In this company she can be competitive. (8) SUSO POWER another with minor money hopes.

This week’s big race is in Busan with Korea Sprint winner Eoma Eoma in town to contest the Kookje Shinmun Trophy on Sunday. And it’s on the south coast where the week’s action kicks off on Friday afternoon with an 8-race card from 12:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. (5) SEOBU BIGSTEP debuted in the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes at the start of this month and while he showed on pace, it ultimately proved too much too soon. He previously won a trial in a fast time and coming back to the minimum distance and into more amenable company, we should see a much better showing today. (7) FLYING TOUCH ran a good 2^nd on debut on September 16^th, sitting on the speed throughout, before being left behind by a good winner. He should have derived benefit from that run and may start as favourite here. Of the first time starters, (3) YEONGGWANGUI ACE won his trial without being asked to do very much. He strode nicely through the line and from a good draw can go well first up. (11) SKY PUNCH ran on strong in his trial alongside some experience racehorses and along with (10) WONDERFUL TOP is another who can show positively on debut.

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

(6) VICTOR BASIUM has been sent off as favourite in both his two starts since returning from ten months out. He has been on-pace both times but ultimately found a couple too quick and finished 3^rd on each occasion. Third-up this preparation, he may be peaking, he should be on pace again, and it can be third time lucky here. That would mean overturning the form on (9) USEUNG YEOGEOL. She ran in a career-best 2^nd when beating Victor Basium on September 30^th. She once more carries a very light weight and she should be running on strong late on again. (7) SPEED MAST has been knocking on the door for a while now. He can settle behind the leaders here and can be running into the money. (3) NONSTOP SONG, who along with Useung Yeogeol, has the joint-fastest time for the distance of any in this field is another one who can go well and from a good draw can challenge Victor Basium for the early lead. (1) HALLA BAEKDU also in the placing frame.

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

Back to the juveniles here and (2) NICHOLAS G. will be favoured to score at star number two. On debut on September 30^th, he sat handy before running on for a close 2^nd over 1000M and the small step up in trip may assist him here. (5) SOUTHERN JOY has raced twice before, finishing 3^rd and 4^th, both at 1000M. He can be expected to lead here and he can be in this a long way. (9) CHANGCHANG DAERO debuted at this trip on October 2^nd and having settled back in the field, ran on strongly for 4^th. He should have come on for that run and can be competitive again here. (7) GLOBAL SARANG finished in 5^th place in that race, just a Head behind Changchang Daero. That was his second start and he showed progress from his first and can show some more here. (1) THUNDER FURY was a touch disappointing when favourite on her second start on September 18^th but she draws better today and can be given another chance.

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