Busan

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 15)

The summer racing season continues on this weekend and the action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 7 races from 15:35 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A maiden to kick things off and it’s wide open. (3) UNJU STAR has as good a chance as any following a decent 2nd place at this distance on June 19th when close to the pace throughout. That’s not the first time he has hinted at having some ability and he also has the fastest time among these at the distance. (2) PURE MAGIC has a 5th and a 2nd from two starts so far. He draws nicely and will be expected to lead here and be in the mix a long way. (10) TRIPLE THUNDER has mixed his form a little across five starts so far and we’ll draw a line through his latest and instead go on his good 2nd at this distance in May. He has a strong finish so the wide draw may not be too inconvenient. (11) LET IT GO and (9) POLE TO WIN are among others who can be competitive.

Selections(3) Unju Star (2) Pure Magic (10) Triple Thunder (11) Let It Go
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Another competitive maiden. (4) MILK DAY has put in some consistent performances recently and looks to be working up towards a win. He likes to sit back in his races and then run on and he shapes as the one to beat here. (11) BOUNTY HUNTER came very close to getting his maiden win on his latest start on July 1st when leading for a long time only to get overhauled on the line. That gives him another crack at this level and under a relatively light weight again, he looks a place chance. (7) S. L. KING has actually won a race but because it was back when racing was being run for vastly reduced prize money, he is still at class 6. That win was over a mile all the way back in April of 2021 and he hasn’t raced since. He looked very well in a trial in June and in this company can go well first-up. (8) SORI TAEPUNG and (3) AGAIN HELEN others in the frame.

Selections(4) Milk Day (11) Bounty Hunter (7) S. L. King (8) Sori Taepung
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

Having secured his maiden win over 1000M last October, (3) JEONGMUN DRAGON was out of action until June 17th. He returned very handily though, with a front-running 2nd over this distance. He comes up in the weights today but should have come on for that run and from a good draw can be on pace and is very much the one to beat. (5) GLOBAL CHOEGO comes back in trip following recent good work at further. He got his maiden win three starts back over 1300M before finishing 4th and 3rd in two goes at 1400M. He has a runner-up finish to his name at this distance too and he looks to be the main danger. (1) JUMAL BOBAE has only missed the top three on one of six starts so far. That was his latest at 1300M but he comes in here after three months out and from a good draw can go close. (6) UNJU OCEAN and (8) BABEL PHOENIX are other placing chances.

Selections(3) Jeongmun Dragon (5) Global Choego (1) Jumal Bobae (6) Unju Ocean
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG comes in having won his latest two in good fashion, the most recent at this class and distance on June 17th. He comes up significantly in the weights here although that is balanced a little by a good draw and he has every chance of making it three in a row. Also looking for three in a row is (10) HAENGBOKAN HAMAN. She is up rapidly in class after consecutive victories over 1300M. She carries a light weight and can measure up at this level. (6) BEASTLY is two starts into a comeback following almost a year on the sidelines. Those two outings have yielded a 4th and a 3rd, the latter at this distance and he could well be peaking today. (5) NAMED is up in class after a good win over 1300M on June 12th. He carries a light weight and draws well and should be competitive. (2) SEOGWI POINT among others to consider.

(more…)

Ilgan Sports Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 10)

The Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy is the feature race on a day where there are 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:35 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Last year’s Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner Eodigana is among those in the Ilgan Sports Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Tricky maiden to open with. Without too much confidence, we’ll side with (5) LONDON MYEONGGA. He has hinted at figuring out what to do in his latest two, running 5th both times over 1300M and 1200M. Moon Se-young getting booked today may suggest this is his time. (1) PERFECT TIME was a significantly improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip on June 5th. She settled back and ran on well in a fair time that time and won’t need to improve much to go very close here. (7) GLOBAL STORM ran a solid 3rd at this distance on June 11th and from a similar gate and against similar calibre opposition can be competitive again. (6) RESERVED JOHN and (3) LAST CALL others to consider.

Selections(5) London Myeongga (1) Perfect Time (7) Global Storm (6) Reserved John
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race featuring six fillies and one gelding. (2) BAEKDU MIIN ran out a very pleasing gate to wire winner over this distance on debut on May 28th, overcoming a wide draw to lead. She comes up in class here but is down in weights and comes into a better gate with solid claims of maintaining her 100% record. The primary danger is (4) OLD START who comes back in trip having led for much of the way around 1400M at his latest outing on May 14th. He has run good times at this distance and will be expected to be on the lead again here. (3) NANA LAND too is another who has put in some decent times at the distance and while she can get a bit far back in her races, should be competitive here. (5) GO GO STAR beat Nana Land when they faced one another on June 11th. That was an uptick on recent form, but she shouldn’t be ruled out. (7) HAPPY NEWMA comes up in class off a slightly unexpected all the way win over this distance back in April and may measure up.

Selections(2) Baekdu Miin (4) Old Start (3) Nana Land (5) Go Go Star
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

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

Seven juveniles make their racecourse debuts here so it’s to the trial videos that we head. We find that (6) GOLD ROSE was the most convincing in her heat, making all to cross the line well ahead of the rest in a fair time over the 1000M. If she brings that form to the races, she will be hard to beat. (5) BUILD UP ran 2nd in his trial but it was in a time almost as fast as that of Gold Rose. He settled back and ran on and is set for a bold showing first-up. (7) I’M KING IJI made all to win his heat. The time was touch slower than some of today’s rivals but nevertheless, he di what he needed to do and should have come on for the experience. (3) PISTOL STAR posted the quickest time of any of them in trials. It was a fast heat on a wet track but should stand him in good stead here. (1) THUNDER CROWN didn’t disgrace himself either and draws nicely on debut.

Selections(6) Gold Rose (5) Build Up (7) I’m King Iji (3) Pistol Star
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

Three main ones in the frame here but his last start 2nd at class and distance is enough to tip the balance toward (3) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE. She does come up in the weights by 2kg from that day when she settled behind the lead and ran on behind a good winner, but that’s balanced a little by a better gate and today can be here day. (7) TIZ SUCCESS comes up in class following a 2nd place on debut followed by a win, both at today’s distance. She has raced handy to the lead both times and while this is harder, she is lightly weighted and can measure up in this company. (8) BLUE CHARM is yet to win in fifteen starts but has been consistently close. He comes back in trip and should be a danger here running on. (1) M J TIME and (5) GOLDEN SCOOP, who has won a trial since her latest outing, are others to consider.

Selections(3) Namsan Chocolate (7) Tiz Success (8) Blue Charm (1) M J Time
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

After an indifferent debut, (6) HANEUL JILJU has, over three subsequent outings, looks very much as though she is working towards a maiden win with a 4th, 3rd and a 2nd. She has led in all those races, will surely do so again here, and this time she should come out on top. It took (1) PHANTOM QUEEN a little bit longer to show that she is figuring things out but her form in her latest two certainly reads well with a 4th and a 3rd. She doesn’t benefit from an apprentice claim today but that’s countered by having Seo Seung-un climb aboard and she should be running on late. (5) SIMON TOP GUN has mixed her form across her thirteen starts so far. She is yet to finish in the top-three but has plenty of minor money finishes and in this company can be looking for a best result to date. (2) DOCTOR PERSIA and (4) BOOMY STAR others who may be competitive.

Selections(6) Haneul Jilju (1) Phantom Queen (5) Simon Top Gun (2) Doctor Persia
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 8)

The second weekend of the night racing season kicks off on Sunday with a 7-race program at Busan from 15:35 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maidens to open proceedings. (3) CHOEGANG FORCE was a touch disappointing last time out on June 3rd when he took a bump at the start and was always at a disadvantage from there on although the margin of defeat wasn’t huge on the line. Before that he had been consistent and while he has tended to get to far back in his races, he runs on well and today can be his day. (2) THE PRINCESS enters off three consecutive 4th place finishes. She doesn’t have an apprentice claim today but gets Franco Da Silva aboard and from a good draw, should be looking for her best finish to date. (7) DOCTOR PENTAGON has hinted at figuring things out with a last start 3rd over 1200M on June 17th. He steps up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit. (9) GLOBAL CATCHER and (5) GRAPHENE KING others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Choegang Force (2) The Princess (7) Doctor Pentagon (9) Global Catcher
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

The second division of the maiden in a competitive race with two standouts. We’ll side with (1) MY SONG, who comes in having run 2nd and 4th in her latest two, both at 1300M. Park Jae-i takes the ride today, she draws well and the additional half furlong can be to her benefit. The main danger is (7) ZET CASH. He has experience of this distance already including a runner-up finish at it on his latest appearance on May 20th. His times haven’t been fast but he likes to settle back and run on and he will surely be in the finish here. (8) NAREUCAT is another who goes back and runs on. She has a 3rd place to her name at this distance and that’s enough to bring her into the calculations. (3) GOLDEN POINT improved at start number three and can build on that here while (9) YEONSEUNG GLORY is another in the placing frame.

Selections(1) My Song (7) Zet Cash (8) Nareucat (3) Golden Point
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A small field tackles the two-turns. It’s hard to go too far past (3) HERO MAN. Two starts back on June 10th he ran 2nd at class and distance when handy throughout and then beat a couple of today’s rivals when 5th at a mile on June 24th. Though this will be his fifth start in eight weeks, an apprentice claim brings him down significantly in the weights today and he he’ll be the one they need to beat. (1) MY PAL got his maiden win two starts back on June 3rd over a mile and then ran 6th behind Hero Man on his first go at this class on June 24th. He tries this distance for the first time though his running style suggests it can suit and from a good draw and under a light weight, he can go close. (2) ANNIKA GIRL is yet to win in fourteen attempts but has eight top-five finishes. She too attempts two-turns for the first time and while she may find one or two too quick again, she can be competitive. (4) ADELE SMART and the veteran (5) FINAL FRONT are others to consider.

Selections(3) Hero Man (1) My Pal (2) Annika Girl (4) Adele Smart
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

A winner of five from eleven in total, (7) GALAXY ROAD returned from almost six months out to run a solid 2nd at class and distance on June 5th, racing handy to the lead throughout. He should strip fitter for that run, he only comes up 1kg in the weights and he can win here. (2) GALLANT WARRIOR comes up in class following back-to-back wins over this distance at class 4 level, both from on pace. He comes sown significantly in the weights and can measure up in this company. Also up in class following two consecutive wins is (6) HAPPY WOMAN. Her wins came over a mile and while this is harder, she can be competitive under a light weight. Another up in class but down in weight is (3) ADELE CROWN, following three consecutive runner-up finishes, one over this distance. (5) ECOPIA another who can enter the calculations.

(more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 3)

Sunday’s racing is at both Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (7 races from 11:35 to 17:05). Entry to both racecourses is free across this weekend. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(5) MIGHTY ANN will be the favouite here and she looks hard to go past. She enters off a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both times on pace. In this small field she will be expected to lead and should go all the way. (8) DONGTEUJA WAY debuted back in March, finishing back in the pack in a fast race on a wet track at this distance. He had previously shown a bit of speed in a trial and with some natural improvement here, can go closer. Debut-maker (2) DANAEUN ROSE overcame the widest gate in a trial to get to the front and run on to cross the line 3rd. She can join the favourite on the speed here and can produce a bold showing first-up. (1) EAST MAGIC and (4) HWANGOO GANGJA the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Mighty Ann (8) Dongteuja Way (2) Danaeun Rose (1) East Magic
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

(2) CHANGER was a beaten favourite on his second start on June 4th when on pace but weakening late on to finish 6th. He had previously run 2nd over this trip on April 23rd so we’ll give him another chance here against limited opposition. (1) RED WARRIOR was well fancied on debut having run well in an April trial. He showed on pace in the May 22nd race at this distance but dropped away in the final furlong. He should have come on from that and can be a different prospect today. (5) WONDERFUL MUSKET raced twice in December 2020 and March 2021 but hasn’t been seen since. She performed well in a trial in mid-June and the jockey booking catches the eye. (7) ANYANG SAJA and (8) GUK HYANG others with placing chances.

Selections(2) Changer (1) Red Warrior (5) Wonderful Musket (7) Anyang Saja
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

Seven previously unraced juveniles get their first taste of racing here so it’s to the trial videos we head. The standout is (1) BETELGEUSE. He looked very assured in his trial crossing the line 4th in a fast time under minimal pressure. He draws nicely to be on pace here and while that trial was back at the end of April, his star can shine bright first-up. (4) ILGANG DAERO was the next best in trials, settling midfield and then running through the line well in 2nd in a good time. (2) CHEONSAUI NORAE too settled back in her heat and ran on pleasingly for 3rd place. She gets a good draw and should be working home strongly again. Stablemate of Betelgeuse (7) ARCTURUS continues the space theme. He didn’t do much wrong when trialling and can go well first-up. (3) WONDERFUL ANDOVER came through the same heat as Ilgang Daero and while further back, wasn’t too far away.

Selections(1) Betelgeuse (4) Ilgang Daero (2) Cheonsaui Norae (7) Arcturus
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

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

(3) VESPER returned from over a year out to run 2nd over 1200M on May 29th when she went right back at the start but finished powerfully, albeit well beaten by a good winner. She should have come on for the run, comes into a better gate today and can go one better with the slightly additional trip in her favour. The main danger is (4) ACE PLAN. He enters in consistent form with a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from his latest three outings all at this distance and with some good times. He’ll be on pace here and could well go all the way. (2) CAMP SAVER comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at 1200M. She is another one who likes to run on pace, and she draws nicely here. (1) SAEBYEOK BAND and (5) CLAIR POWER are others in the money hunt.

Selections(3) Vesper (4) Ace Plan (2) Camp Saver (1) Saebyeok Band
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

Maiden fillies (and one mare) here with three racing for the first time. One of the newcomers is the top pick in the shape of (3) TOTAL ECLIPSE. She led her trial, ultimately running 2nd in a fast time behind a horse who ran 3rd of eight on his own debut last week. She can put her rivals in the shade here. Having run 2nd on debut, (11) QUEEN ALLIE had a poor day at the office when favourite on her return on May 29th, seemingly becoming unbalanced early in the race and never playing a role. She was sent back to trial after that, and she won a heat on June 11th in fine style and is worth another chance here. (4) CROWD ONE has been consistent if unspectacular across six starts so far. Similar runs to her latest should see her in the finish here. Stablemate of Total Eclipse, (9) KATNISS isn’t very quick, but she did lead at her latest outing on June 3rd, holding on for 3rd. She comes in under a light weight and a repeat can’t be ruled out. (5) POCKET POWER has been through loads of trials and finally makes it to the races with a chance first-up.

Selections(3) Total Eclipse (11) Queen Allie (4) Crowd One (9) Katniss
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

A weak maiden here. (2) MIR POWER probably warrants favourite status based on her 3rd place two starts back over 1200M. She only beat a couple home on her next outing on June 19th but while she comes up in the weights, Moon Se-young gets the leg up today and she has as good a chance as any. (1) STAR CRAZY has shown his best form in trials, but he draws a good gate here and the apprentice keeps his carried weight low. He should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (3) GEUMA WITTY comes up in trip following a couple of creditable performances at 1200M. She has been one-paced but that may be enough to see her into some money here. (5) DEVIL K only beat one home on debut but did win a trial and may improve. (7) HEEMANG WARRIOR managed a 3rd place on debut on May 1st and while it was a slow race, that alone is enough to being her into contention in this company.

Selections(2) Mir Power (1) Star Crazy (3) Geuma Witty (5) Devil K
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4
(more…)

Summer Race Schedule To Begin July 1st – 9pm Finishes Friday & Saturday

Racing will switch to its summer schedule from this coming weekend, Friday July 1st, running until the the weekend that ends on Sunday August 28th. During July and August, racing on Fridays and Saturdays will have a mid-afternoon start with the final race at 9pm. The Sunday schedule will remain unaffected.

Evening racing is to return after a two year hiatus

Typical schedules will be as follows:

FRIDAY

Busan Racecourse: 7 races from 15:35 to 21:00

Jeju Racecourse: 8 races from 14:10 to 20:00

SATURDAY

Seoul Racecourse: 10 races from 14:50 to 21:00

Jeju Racecourse: 6 races from 14:00 to 17:45

SUNDAY

Seoul Racecourse: 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00

Busan Racecourse: 7 races from 11:35 to 17:05

There will be free entry to all racecourses on the weekend of Friday July 1st to Sunday July 3rd.

Mayor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 26)

The Busan Mayor’s Cup has attracted a super field and is the feature race of a big Sunday program in Korea. See here for a full preview of the big race. There are 6 races at Busan from 11:35 to 16:20 as well as 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Ten three-year-old maiden fillies go around in the opener and there are two standouts. (2) GEUMA CHIC was a much-improved runner-up at start number two on June 5th when unlike on debut, she was prominent throughout. She draws nicely again to sit close to the speed and with a bit more natural improvement, she can win. (8) SONGAM ARCHGIRL has improved across three outings to date. Along with Geuma Chic, she is the only one in the field to have previously raced at this distance and she registered a faster time when running 2nd from a wide gate on April 23rd. She comes in fresh after nine weeks off and may start as favourite. (10) GREEN DRAGON has put in two creditable runs in 2nd and 4th so far, both times on pace. The draw isn’t ideal, but she looks a good place chance again. (1) MAGIC MOCCASIN should be on the early speed from the inside gate and can be in this a long way while (9) FLY JENNY has the potential to improve from her debut.

Selections(2) Geuma Chic (8) Songam Archgirl (10) Green Dragon (1) Magic Moccasin
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

Three-year-old maidens although this one is open to the boys as well. It’s hard to look past (5) WORLD CHARM. Having trialled up well, he was 2nd on debut at this distance on May 28th when handy to the lead throughout. The time wasn’t fast, but he wasn’t beaten too far and with some natural improvement here, he should win. (12) DREAM ROSE was sent off as favourite for her debut on back on March 20th, having shown good speed in a trial. He ran 5th having been close to the pace and having had a further three months off since and has every chance of improvement. (7) NB JEONSA comes in off a 3rd and a 4th at this distance in his latest two, having been on pace both times. He’ll be getting forward again and should be going close. (2) ROMA BLADE and (4) SHOOTING REVERSE others with placing chances.

Selections(5) World Charm (12) Dream Rose (7) NB Jeonsa (2) Roma Blade
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 12

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

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings on the south coast. (2) WORLD FOUR A will be a hot favourite to break through at what will be start number three having run 2nd and 3rd in two prior outings. He’s been on the pace both times and from a great draw should lead again and prove hard to catch. (6) TOMYRIS won a trial before drawing the widest gate on debut and getting well back before running on for 6th. She should have come on for that run and from a much better draw today she can get much closer. (9) TWO OF US has been consistent across three starts so far and has registered the fastest time for the distance of any of these when 3rd back in April. She too likes to get forward and while she is drawn a little wide, she should be competitive again. First-time starter (11) TAP DANCER and (12) GEOMBOSEONG are others in the placing frame at least.

Selections(2) World Four A (6) Tomyris (9) Two Of Us (11) Tap Dancer
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

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

(7) EUNHYE RECORD looks the one to beat here. He comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance and 1400M, last time out beating a couple of today’s rivals. He can sit behind the speed here and use his strong finish to make the breakthrough. (8) ECHO ZONE finished 6th behind Eunhye Record when they met at 1400M on May 28th. He also has a 3rd to his name over 1200M and may appreciate the slight drop in trip and the less unfavourable draw. (11) JAKDUKONG and (9) P N S YARNS came home 3rd and 4th with not much between them when they raced each other at 1200M on May 29th. Both came from off the pace, and both shouldn’t be concerned by the relatively wide gates. (10) ARCH RIVER has the fastest time of these at the distance and is another with potential to improve.

Selections(7) Eunhye Record (8) Echo Zone (11) Jakdukong (9) P N S Yarns
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(4) MILK DAY enters in the best form here having finished 4th and 2nd in his latest two, most recently at 1400M on May 29th when from a wide gate, he sat behind the speed and ran on for a close runner-up finish, his best in ten starts so far. In doing so, he registered the fastest time amongst those who have tackled this distance before and from a nice gate, can drop in behind the leaders again and run on. (8) VIEW AMAZING comes in off a much-improved 2nd place at this distance on May 27th, when on pace throughout. He should be on the speed here and can be in this a long way. (6) STAR CATCH has shown good consistency across her most recent outings. Last time out on May 29th at 1300M, she settled back in the pack and ran through the line well for 3rd. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and it may suit. (10) CITY BLADE and (7) AGAIN HELEN are others in at least the placing calculations.

Selections(4) Milk Day (8) View Amazing (6) Star Catch (10) City Blade
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11
(more…)

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

Busan will play host to perhaps the best race of the year so far in the shape of the Mayor’s Cup on Sunday afternoon. Before that, the southern track gets the weekend’s action underway with an 8-race program on Friday running from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Eight previously unraced juveniles get their first outings here so it is to the trial videos we head and find a couple of standouts. (1) FANTASTIC KINGDOM is the pick. He looked assured when winning his trial at the end of May, sitting handy throughout and running through the line well. All four of his dam’s previous foals who have made it to the track have been winners and he can join them here. (4) GLOBAL HIT won his trial in a very similar fashion at the start of this month, crossing the line with seven lengths in hand. If he can bring that kind of form to the races, he’ll be sure to go close and is the logical second pick. (5) DOCTOR OSCAR looks the next best. She trialed up alongside some experienced horses and held her own in a fair time. (7) MAGIC CLASS and (3) RELEASE EDITION, others who could go well first-up.

Selections(1) Fantastic Kingdom (4) Global Hit (5) Doctor Oscar (7) Magic Class
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(7) SHAKA is the one to beat here. He debuted inauspiciously last September and then didn’t reappear until May 27th. When he came back he was gelded and led for much of the way around, ultimately finishing in 3rd place at this distance. He should have come on for that run and can win here. (1) SUPER CRACK was 6th in that May 27th race but if we go on his effort two starts back on April 29th when he ran a close 3rd, coupled with the much better draw today, he can get closer this time around. (11) BUSAN SORY was a much-improved 2nd at this distance on May 20th when settling back and running on. The wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can build on that form here. (12) LET IT GO and solitary debut-maker (10) NONSTOP SONG are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Shaka (1) Super Crack (11) Busan Sory (12) Let It Go
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 12

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

Having run 2nd on debut, (9) MAN OF THE MAN ran out a dominant twelve-length winner at start number two on May 20th, making all over this distance. He comes up in class today but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come and he can make it two in a row here. (8) ANASTASIA has the fastest time among these for the distance and enters in consistent form. She could only manage 6th last time out, having led, but the margins weren’t big and she can be in the frame today. (7) O.K. THUNDER won on debut at this distance last Boxing Day and comes back in trip following a good runner-up finish over 1400M on May 20th and can aim to at least match that here. (3) WONDERFUL CUTIE remains a maiden but comes up in class following a 2nd place at this distance in an all-filly race in April. She comes down in the weights and draws nicely and could be a place hope at an each-way price. (5) BAEK GU another who can enter the calculations

Selections(9) Man Of The Man (8) Anastasia (7) O.K. Thunder (3) Wonderful Cutie
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(3) DAEHO PYEONGJEONG beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance on May 29th when he worked hard to get to a handy position from a wide draw and ran on well. He carries the same weight today, but draws much better and he can win. (8) MY PAL comes up in class having got his maiden win at start number nine on June 3rd over 1400M. He comes up in trip too but it could suit and a bold showing shouldn’t be ruled out. (9) HERO MAN was one of those beaten by Daeho Pyeongjang in that May 29th race. He returned two weeks later with a much better effort when 2nd over 1800M and while today’s set weight scale doesn’t treat him well, he can be competitive again. (10) GEUMA GOOD POINT has the fastest time among these at the distance and along with (2) HIDDEN CHARLIE is another in the placing hunt.

(more…)

SBS Sports Sprint Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (June 19)

The SBS Sports Sprint highlights Sunday’s racing. See here for a runner-by-runner guide to the big race. There are 11 races on the card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:35 to 16:20. Here is the race-by-race:

Black Musk won the SROA Chairman’s Sprint and is the probable 2nd favourite in the SBS (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

The opening maiden is wide open, so we’ll take on the favourite. Down in the weights with an apprentice aboard, (5) BLACK INDY may well have enough about him to break through here. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and today gets a better draw than in recent starts. That should allow him to be on pace and in this a long way at what should be an each-way price. With Moon Se-young climbing aboard, (6) DONGBANGUI HON is the probable favourite. He has been knocking at the door in his latest three with a 3rd and two 4th places and while the times haven’t been fast, he has potential. (2) G STAR has tended to get a bit far back in his races but is very well drawn today to just drop in behind the speed and run on. He will be finishing well and can be a danger. (9) DIVINE FUTURES has shown steady improvement and was a good 3rd at this distance last time out on May 21st. The draw is not ideal, but he can go close. (7) MONEY STONE another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Black Indy (6) Dongbanui Hon (2) G Star (9) Divine Futures
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

Three of these maidens raced each other at this distance on May 15th and the three of them should be at the top of the market here. The best finisher that day was (3) MIR POWER, who settled midfield but ran on well for 3rd place. The same apprentice jockey returns today – this time claiming 3kg rather than the 4kg she got that day – and she can come out on top here. The most fancied of the three in that May race and the probable favourite here is (6) M J TIME. She ran 7th in that May 15th race having been close to the pace early but was the best backed of the three, having run 2nd at this distance on April 23rd. She’s worth another chance here. (1) HAMPYEONG ACE was 4th in that race, big uptick on his first two starts and with some natural improvement can be in the mix here. Among those who didn’t go in that race, (4) WONPYEONG GWANGYA and (7) YEONHUI SARANG look the best  

Selections(3) Mir Power (6) M J Time (1) Hampyeong Ace (4) Wonpyeong Gwangya
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

Three-year-old maidens here. (7) HALLOWEEN PARTY returned from almost six months off to run 2nd at this distance on May 8th when handy throughout. That was a big improvement from when we last saw him and he won’t need to get much better to win this. The main danger is (8) MAHAMERU. She too did nothing in her first couple of starts last year but came back in April and has since run 3rd and 2nd at 1200M and 1300M. She has a strong finish on her and will be doing her best work late again here. (6) GAMDONG ENERGY has mixed her form across four outings so far but a repeat of her run two starts back which saw her 3rd over 1200M, will put her right in this. She will be on pace from the start. (3) SSAEKSSAEGI returns for the first time since January having trialed up encouragingly last weekend. (1) GEUMA NIMBLE another in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Halloween Party (8) Mahameru (6) Gamdong Energy (3) Ssaekssaegi
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(9) MYEONGJIN CANDY has been working towards a win across her latest three starts, culminating with a 2nd place over 1300M on May 21st having led all the way around. Despite the wide draw, she has more early speed than anything else here so should get to the front again, she has a light weight on her back, and she may take some beating. Logical second pick is (3) LAROMANEE. She has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 3rd two starts back. She’ll be up on the speed too and has a strong finish on her. Those two look to be head and shoulders above the rest but (4) GENTLE RULES returns to action almost five months after her debut. She showed enough in a recent trial to suggest she can be competitive. (2) ROSE GOLD and (1) CHEONSEONGI other minor contenders.

Selections(9) Myeongjin Candy (3) Laromanee (4) Gentle Rules (2) Rose Gold
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

After taking a race to find her feet, (6) GOLD SWEET has finished in the top-four in each of her latest three starts, two at 1200M and one at 1300M being close to the pace each time. She should be leading here and looks hard to go past. (4) PHANTOM QUEEN was significantly improved at start number five when a close 4th over this distance in a good time on June 5th. Once more she carries a very light weight, and she can continue her development here. (3) UNJU STAR has also started to figure things out in her most recent two appearances with a 3rd and a 5th, the former at this distance. She draws nicely here to be on or close to the lead and should be aiming for at least another place. (7) HWARANG SKY and (1) ECTON POWER are others who can be targeting money finishes.

Selections(6) Gold Sweet (4) Phantom Queen (3) Unju Star (7) Hwarang Sky
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

Kim Tae-hui is on another favourite here and (10) SKY FUTURE really does look the one to beat. The apprentice jockey’s 3kg claim takes Sky Future down 3kg from when he beat several of these on his way to 3rd place over this distance on his first try at this class on May 22nd. He doesn’t need to lead so the draw shouldn’t be a concern and he has never finished any worse than 3rd in five starts. (2) EUNSEONG MARU came home 5th in that May 22nd race and while she comes up in the weights (apprentice Kim rode her that day), she still looks nicely enough in here to go close again. (5) YESULIYA comes up in class following a good win over this distance back in March. He is in fresh following a fifteen week break and can measure up in this company. (9) MUNHAK FOREST and (1) UNJUUI BOM others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(10) Sky Future (2) Eunseong Maru (5) Yesuliya (9) Munhak Forest
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

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

(10) HAENGBOKAN HAMAN ran out an eleven-length winner over this distance on May 22nd on what was her second career start. That was a filly-only maiden, and she is up in class here, but the manner of that win and the winning time suggest that there is more to come, and a similar run will see her comfortably on top again. (6) PILGRIM is yet to win in nine attempts but has six top-five finishes including a runner-up finish at this class and distance two starts back. He likes to settle in midfield and then run on and can go close again. (3) POKPUNG JILJU returned from a ten-month absence to run a solid 2nd over 1200M on May 15th. That was enough to shunt him up in class here but from a good draw and under a fair weight, he can measure up. (12) KKUM NEOMEO and (4) KING BOSS the other standouts in a race with plenty of depth for the level.

(more…)

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

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

You Hyun-myung looks set to be the jockey to follow at Busan on Friday

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

Three-year-old maidens and it looks extremely ordinary. Without much confidence, we’ll side with (3) DOCTOR PENTAGON, who has at least posted the fastest time amongst these at the distance. He should be close to the pace in this small field and he can run on. The solitary debut-maker (2) HAENAM JJANGDOL went through two trials, and in the second of them ran on fairly for 3rd in an acceptable time. He won’t need to improve much on that to be competitive first-up here. (8) GAWONUI BIT is the only entrant here to have a top-three finish to his name, something he achieved then 3rd over 1000M in December. He races for the first time since January but looked well in a trial last Friday and if he brings that form to the races, can go close. (6) POLE TO WIN will be backed by virtue of the trainer/jockey combination while (7) WONDERFUL OCEAN another who can place.

Selections(3) Doctor Pentagon (2) Haenam Jjangdol (8) Gawonui Bit (6) Pole To Win
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

More maidens here and it’s hard to go past (10) ANY LINE. Third-up this preparation, it seems he is finally figuring things out with a good 3rd over 1400M on May 29th when handy throughout. He has posted fair times at this distance in the past and with You Hyun-myung climbing aboard looks ready to win at last. (8) TAKE ADELE actually has a 2nd place to her name, the only one in the field to do so. That came three starts back over 1300M and while she is up in the weights here with no apprentice engaged, she should be on or close to the early speed and can be in this a long way. (9) FUSION QUEEN made two starts in spring 2021 before being out for almost a year. She finally returned on May 86th and ran adequately for 5th of nine over 1300M. She should have come on for that run and can get closer today. (12) BAEDARI GANGHO and (1) SEUNGRIUI BULGIL among others who can be in the minor money frame.

Selections(10) Any Line (8) Take Adele (9) Fusion Queen (12) Baedari Gangho
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

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

A number of these come up in class following maiden wins at their respective latest starts and at least a couple of them look set to measure up at this level. (4) SEOBU TEUKGEUP is one of them. She made all to win very easily over this distance on May 20th. She draws the same good gate today, comes down slightly in the weights, and the manner of that victory suggests that there could be more to come here. (2) JEONGMUN DRAGON returns to action for the first time since last October. The last time we saw him, he was coming from off the pace from the widest gate to win well over 1000M but he absolutely blitzed a trial in May. He can put in a bold showing first-up here. (10) ARTIE’S GAL was a winner at this class and distance on her latest start on May 27th when she sat behind the leader before grinding the victory out late on. She does come up 2kg for that but she’s rarely far away and looks a place chance again. (12) HAVANA JANE and (6) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT among several others who could enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Seobu Teukgeup (2) Jeongmun Dragon (10) Artie’s Gal (12) Havana Jane
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Very competitive race with several having strong claims. (10) WONDERFUL FILE has raced just seven times and has only missed the top-four on one occasion. At her latest start on June 3rd, she ran 3rd on her first try at a mile having been prominent throughout. She should have benefited from that experience and has as good a chance as any here. (6) SAEROUN HAMAN has also been consistent in her short career so far, finishing in the top five in all five outings. She comes up to this distance for the first time having run on well for 3rd over 1400M at this class on May 15th and there is no reason why it can’t suit. (9) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN was the winner of that June 3rd race at class and distance, beating Wonderful File. She doesn’t come up too much in the weights as a result and she will be running on strong again. (3) I WILL BE FREE and (1) JIN MARK can also enter the calculations.

Selections(10) Wonderful File (6) Saeroun Haman (9) Hollywood Queen (3) I Will Be Free
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(more…)

Minister’s Cup Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (June 12)

Sunday sees the final leg of the 2022 Korean Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup. Click here for a full preview of the big race. The Cup is the highlight of a 10-race Sunday program at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11:35 to 16:30. Here is the race-by-race:

Might Cup Mile winner Captain Yankee appreciate the 2000M of the Minister’s Cup? (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maiden three-year-olds to open the card. (5) CHADOL RUN will be the favourite based on his 3rd place over this distance on May 15th when he settled back in a similarly small field and then ran on well. He has previously posted a faster time at this distance and in this limited company looks the one to beat. (3) CASH BACK has two 3rd places to his name including at this latest start at this distance on March 6th. That’s enough to put him in contention here and he comes in fresh and down 3kg with an apprentice claim. (1) JEWELRY BEST was an improved 4th and from the inside gate can drop back and run on here. (4) BARAMSAL and (2) TIGER ZONE other potentials.

Selections(5) Chadol Run (3) Cash Back (1) Jewelry Best (4) Baramsal
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

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

(3) FLASH THUNDER went back to trial following his debut race in March and looked assured on his return when leading for much of the way around over 1300M on May 14th. He should have come on from that, will benefit from the slight drop in trip, and from a good draw can lead all the way this time. (1) POSA POSA has mixed his form across eleven starts to date with the best being a 2nd place over 1400M back in March. An apprentice claims 3kg here and from a good draw, he should be in this a long way. (2) MIGHTY ANN ran an improved 3rd at start number three over 1200M on May 14th. She looks nicely in here and won’t need to improve much to match or better that finish. (4) BIG ENERGY has found some consistency in his latest starts with a 3rd and two 4th placed finishes. He has run fair times at this distance and from a decent draw looks to have a chance here. (6) BURUI SINHWA has been back to trial since his latest outing and looked well enough when running 2nd in a fair time in a decent heat in May.

Selections(3) Flash Thunder (1) Posa Posa (2) Mighty Ann (4) Big Energy
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(10) WIND CROSS has shown consistency across his four starts so far culminating in a runner up finish at this distance at his latest start on April 24th. He has the fastest time among these at the distance by some margin and looks hard to go past here and will be a hot favourite. (1) HOLLYWOOD PARTY did improve at start number two, running 5th of ten over this distance on April 29th. She draws nicely to get a soft run to the lead and should be going closer today. (9) SINUI JEONSA ran 3rd behind Wind Cross in that April 24th race. Unlike the favourite, he has raced since and while he didn’t go well that day, weakening badly after leading, he can be given another chance in this company. (4) PRETTY CHARM has hinted at ability across her four outings so far and along with (7) SORI TAPEUNG looks a place chance here.

Selections(10) Wind Cross (1) Hollywood Party (9) Sinui Jeonsa (4) Pretty Charm
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 9, 10, 11

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

Tricky race. We’ll take a chance on (10) ONLY WINNER. True, he has been anything but a winner in fifteen starts so far, but he has eight top-four finishes to his name, and he runs on well. The wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can be considered here. The probable favourite is (12) JISANGUN. He can mix his form but has posted some decent times over 1200M and 1400M. This is his first try at 1300M. He does tend to go best when on pace so he may need a touch of luck in the early stages from the widest gate, but he has the speed to get a good position. (3) BARAMGWA HAMKKE had a poor day at the office on his latest start back in April. He has since been back to trial which he won, making all in a fair time, and from a good draw can be back to some semblance of form today. (7) WONDERFUL STORM and (9) DESK TAP others in the minor money frame.

Selections(10) Only Winner (12) Jisangun (3) Baramgwa Hamkke (7) Wonderful Storm
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start5, 9, 11, 12

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

Fillies only here and (4) YASAENGHWA looks the one to beat. She got her maiden win at start number two over this distance on April 29th when she sat handy early, before taking the lead turning into the home straight, and then running away from the field to score as easily as she pleased. She then ran a good 2nd on her first try at this class over 1400M. She comes back in trip, gets a much better gate and should be hard to get past. (9) PYEONGHWA CHUKJE comes up in class after registering her maiden win on her third career appearance on May 13th when she led early, then sat handy, before rallying strongly. Nicely weighted here, she should be challenging for the early lead and can surely measure up at this level. (11) NAMED enters off back-to-back 4th places at this class and has run a decent time from a wide draw over this distance before. (3) BORAMI beat Named two starts back and while up 4kg from her 4th place at 1200M on May 13th, can be considered too. (2) PICTURE JASPER another in the placing hunt.

Selections(4) Yasaenghwa (9) Pyeonghwa Chukje (11) Named (3) Borami
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 11

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

(9) SOJUNGHAN DANGSIN got promoted to this class without a win but showed she belongs with a runner-up finish at class and distance on May 8th when she was in 2nd place the entire way around. Like a number of others here, she is very nicely treated by the handicap here and has every chance of getting that maiden win today. That applies to (2) K N POST too. It took her a couple of goes to figure things out, but she gets promoted to this level following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M. Her style has been to go back and then tun on and the extended trip today may just suit her. (3) NINE EYE is another maiden but has run 2nd on no fewer than five occasions. He hinted at a return to form when 4th over 1300M at his latest start on May 28th and he can be close here. (7) SMART POWER and (8) GOLD WING are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(9) Sojunghan Dangsin (2) K N Post (3) Nine Eye (7) Smart Power
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

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

Small but competitive field. (4) LINE BREAKER comes up in class having secured her maiden win over 1300M on May 15th. That win had been coming as she had been getting progressively closer and while this is harder, she has run well at this distance before. She should be on pace and can win. (5) CHEONNYEONUIGUREUM is yet to win in a full twenty-three starts but has twelve top-five finishes and has been a model of consistency of late. She overcame the widest draw to run a very good 5th at this distance last time out on May 29th and she will be there or thereabouts again today. (6) GREAT CAPTAIN comes up in class having made all to win over 1300M on May 8th. Just like Line Breaker, that win had been coming and she should measure up at this class especially with the same apprentice who partnered her last time, claiming 3kg. (9) GOSUUI POWER and (2) ECHO LADY among others who can go close.

Selections(4) Line Breaker (5) Cheonnyeonuigureum (6) Great Captain (9) Gosuui Power
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9
(more…)