Busan

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

Racing is back. After a one-week hiatus, the action kicks off again at Busan on Friday where there are eight races from 12:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan’s Back.

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

Racing gets back underway with a field of maiden juvenile fillies with all but two racing for the very first time. The experience is favoured. (5) GREAT MISS won a trial before debuting on August 7th when she settled midfield and then ran on strongly for 2nd place, well beaten by a good winner but also herself well clear of the 3rd placed finisher. The time was good, and she won’t need to improve much to win here. Pick of the first timers looks to be (3) FLYING TOUCH. He improved significantly in the second of two trials, running a solid 2nd to the experienced Seobu Cat in a fair time. If he brings that for to the races, he’ll go close. (2) CUQUEMAN should have come on for his debut on August 21st when he drew the widest gate but ran solidly for 5th. (12) BLUE ICON, who beat Cuqueman in a trial, and (11) JANGSAN DEFI are other debut-makers who can impress.

Selections(5) Great Miss (3) Flying Touch (2) Cuqueman (12) Blue Icon
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 11

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

We all love Hansen and (4) I LOVE HANSEN will be favoured to score here. After an inauspicious debut, he improved at start number two at this distance on August 21st, sitting handy and running on for 3rd in a fair time. If he continues to improve here, then he is the one to beat. (6) VICTOR BASIUM put in a couple of encouraging front-running performances six months apart back in 2021. He reappears here for the first time since last November but comes in having been through two trials in mid-August and earlier this month, running good times in both and on the front both times. He can go well first-up here. (7) SPECIAL HERO has shown improvement across her three starts so far and ran 4th to I Love Hansen’s 3rd over this distance on August 21st. That was her first race since February, and she was ridden further forward than in her previous two. She’ll be close to the pace again and is a chance. (2) TEUKGEUP CAMP and (1) EURO STAR others in the hunt.

Selections(4) I Love Hansen (6) Victor Basium (7) Special Hero (2) Teukgeup Camp
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

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

It’s hard to look too far past (4) ADELE FLY here. He comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on August 19th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He has the fastest time for the 1400M among these and today he can go one better. The logical main danger is (3) ILGANG DAERO. He steps up in trip for the first time following three solid showings over 1000M which yielded finishes between 3rd and 5th. He comes up a bit in the weights but finished off those races well and today may suit. (2) STAR MATTA has three top-five finishes, one of them at this distance. He comes in off a solid 4th over 1200M last time out and should be aiming to crack the top-three today. (8) CHONGAL CHARM and (6) NAREUCAT others to look out for.

Selections(4) Adele Fly (3) Ilgang Daero (2) Star Matta (8) Chongal Charm
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A big field here but (1) O.K. THUNDER will be a warm favourite. He has four top-four finished from five starts so far including a good runner-up finish in a fast time at this distance. From the inside gate, Franco Da Silva should be able to pick his spot, and he can be running on strong at the finish here. (8) WIND CROSS is yet to win in eight attempts, but the colt has only missed out on top-four on one occasion. He comes in off a good 2nd place at this class over 1300M on August 7th when he overcame gate eleven and he should be right in this again. (4) GOLD TAP has run fairly in three attempts at this class following his maiden win. He carries his fair share of weight here but can be in the finish. (11) DOCTOR KONGSUNI is another who has mixed his form, but he can be running on from wide here. (6) KING BOSS another in the placing frame.

Selections(1) O.K. Thunder (8) Wind Cross (4) Gold Tap (11) Doctor Kongsuni
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 11

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

(3) JEONGDEUN-RO enters with recent form reading well, posting good times at this level in competitive races. She draws very nicely here and with there not being much speed in this race, could potentially get to the front and go all the way. (7) GEUMA UNO is yet to win in four starts but comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and 1300M. He’ll be on pace here and the trainer/jockey combination means that he will almost certainly start as the betting favourite. (12) JOSEPHINE QUEEN had a luckless day at the office at this class and distance on August 6th. Her previous form was good though and while the draw does her no favours here, she can be given another chance. (9) FRIGATE BIRD races for the first time since April but looked well when winning a trial, albeit back at the end of July. (6) MY STAR another who can enter the calculations.

Selections(3) Jeongdeun-Ro (7) Geuma Uno (12) Josephine Queen (9) Frigate Bird
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 12

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) JEONGMUN DRAGON gets the nod here based on his class and distance win on August 19th, when he settled back, before gradually improving and running on to win emphatically. He comes up 5kg for that performance (it would be 6kg were it not for an apprentice claiming 1kg) but he looks to have the potential to strike again. (7) B.K. HANA ran 3rd in that race, her first try at this class following a solid class 5 win over 1300M in July. She meets Jeongmun Dragon much better int the weights today and can get closer. (3) COLORFUL WIND also comes in having won at class and distance at his latest start. He wasn’t quite as impressive as Jeongmun Dragon but doesn’t come up so much in the weights either and he can be in contention here. (5) GLORY KING and (11) ALPHA SONGDANG among others who shouldn’t be discounted.

Selections(9) Jeongmun Dragon (7) B.K. Hana (3) Colorful Wind (5) Glory King
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(9) BABEL DREAMER enters off very solid recent form and has finished ahead of plenty of today’s rivals. He comes up 3kg on his latest at class and distance on August 19th, but an apprentice jockey takes the edge off and while he isn’t the flashiest of performers, he can grind away and that might be enough to see him home here. (7) K K WON is another who doesn’t exactly win out of turn but looks to be nicely in here. He enters off a runner-up finish at class and distance on August 6th when handy throughout and while he too comes up a little in the weights, he can be very competitive. (6) DAEJI SPECIAL comes up in class following a win over 1300M at class 5 level last time out. He is up in trip too but should be equal to both challengers. (5) WINNER’S TIME and (2) TRAFFIC MARINE others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(9) Babel Dreamer (7) K K Won (6) Daeji Special (5) Winner’s Time
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Good race to conclude. (4) DONGTEUJA BOY comes up in trip and also significantly in weight on his win at this class over a mile on August 21st. He has ten top-three finishes from twelve starts so far and should be able to contend with the additional furlong today. (5) ORANGE GARAGE comes up in class following three consecutive runner-up finishes over this distance at class 4 level. He comes down in the weights today and can measure up. (7) ALIVE CAPTAIN ran 2nd to Dongteuja Boy over the mise on August 21st. He too comes up in the weights but can be in the finish again. (3) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO and (9) GALAXY ROAD are among plenty of others who have a shot at getting a place.

Selections(4) Dongteuja Boy (5) Orange Garage (7) Alive Captain (3) Yeongcheon Solemio
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

The draws for the international Korea Cup and Korea Sprint took place at Seoul Racecourse on Thursday ahead of the big races on Sunday. The weekend’s action though gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are 8 races from 12:10 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens to open with and four race for the first time. (4) YEONGGWANGUI TANK is the probable favourite. He has raced twice so far, improving in the second of them when he was runner-up in a good time over this distance. Experience can be important in these kinds of races and he has solid claims to go one better today. (3) BUILD UP has also raced twice, posting decent times in both when running 3rd and 4th. Expect him to be close to the pace here and he too can continue the solid start to his career. As for the first-timers, (6) ATLAS and (8) VERLUC came home 1st and 2nd in fair times when they trialed up together on August 5th and Atlas especially will have backers for a bold showing. (1) HOTFLEX perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(4) Yeonggwangui Tank (3) Build Up (6) Atlas (8) Verluc
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

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

Filly and mare maidens and (9) GAMDONG ENERGY comes in having run a strong 3rd on August 7th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the proves. That was her second placing finish and an apprentice jockey keeps the weight nice and light again. She has as good a chance as any. (10) J. S. DAY debuted in that August 7th race, running a solid enough 5th. Given the stable, she will be expected to improve for that run and may well start as favourite. (8) LET IT GO has two 3rd place finishes from her latest three, including last time out when she sat handy and ran on over 1300M. She is another who benefits from an apprentice keeping the weight low and she can go close again. (6) URI JOEUNNAL and (4) WONDERFUL SMARTY among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(9) Gamdong Energy (10) J. S. Day (8) Let It Go (6) Uri Joeunnal
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 10

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

(5) DOCTOR KHALIFA will be a warm favourite here having made steady progress across his five starts so far, culminating with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times beating a number of today’s rivals. He comes in under the same weight, draws well, and this time can win. (11) FASHION FORCE ONE ran 3rd behind Doctor Khalifa over this distance on August 7th, her second consecutive 3rd place finish. The draw does her no favours here but with a bit of early luck, she can be in this again. (2) SUNSHINE STAR was 4th in that same race. He was first-up that day following five months off and can strip fitter here and get closer. (1) YEONSEUNG GLORY and (10) MEOTJIN HARU are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(5) Doctor Khalifa (11) Fashion Force One (2) Sunshine Star (1) Yeonseung Glory
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

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

(10) MAGIC CLASS made all to comfortably win at start number two over 1000M on July 29th. She comes up in class and slightly up in distance too, but there is no reason why either of those things should be a problem and she has solid claims to win again. The main danger is (1) HUIMANG PUNCH. A winner at this distance three starts back, she has since run twice at this level, registering a useful enough 4th place last time out when sitting handy. She draws well and should go close. (11) GRAPHENE KING is another up in class following a maiden win, in his case when making all over 1200M on August 7th. The margin was eye-catching and while just like Magic Class, he may need a bit of luck from the wide gate, he has every chance of a repeat. (12) OCEAN STORM and (7) WORLD FLOWER among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(10) Magic Class (1) Huimang Punch (11) Graphene King (12) Ocean Storm
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 10, 11, 12

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

(7) RAP VERSA impressed in trials and then duly obliged on his racecourse debut on August 6th, sitting handy early then taking up the running midway through over 1200M before going to score by as many as he pleased. He comes up in class and marginally in trip too but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come and he will be big favourite to strike again. (1) INDY CHOICE has been working himself back towards another win. He comes in after two front-running placings at this class over 1200M and from a great draw can get an easy run early on here and can be a danger. (6) WIDAEHAN HAMAN made all to win over 1200M on debut on July 29th. The time was as good as Rap Versa’s and she will be expected to measure up in this company. (2) SMARTY DOLPUNG and (11) TRIPLE JILJU among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Rap Versa (1) Indy Choice (6) Widaehan Haman (2) Smarty Dolpung
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 12
(more…)

Seoul & Busan Rookie Stakes Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 28)

The first big juvenile races of the year take place at Seoul and Busan on Sunday afternoon, with both tracks hosting their “Rookie Stakes”. Both also have class 1 action. There are 10 races at Seoul from 1):45 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:35 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the ten racing for the first time. The experience here is quite good though, especially (8) RAON THE HIGHMAN. After winning a trial, he ran out a narrow 2nd on debut over this distance on July 24th in a fast time. A repeat of that run should see him winning here. (3) LUCKY POWER has raced twice with a 3rd and a 2nd, the latter in a fast time. He draws well here and can go close. (9) GEUMA ALLURE similarly improved at start number two, running 3rd having led in the home straight on July 30th. She too can continue her development here.  As for the first timers (4) JUMONG CHEONHA won his trial in a good time and looks to have the best chance here. (7) SUPER FINISH also showed a bit of speed when runner-up in the second of his two trials and can go well first-up.

Selections(8) Raon The Highman (3) Lucky Power (9) Geuma Allure (4) Jumong Cheonha
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

More juvenile maidens. (8) NAOL SNIPER has a 4th and a 2nd in two starts so far, running on well both times. He looks to have more improvement in him and can be winning here. (1) DUSON CLASSIC is the main danger. She has a 2nd and a 3rd from her two appearances, the latter when she led until the final furlong coming home in a fast time on a fast track. She draws very nicely and will be in this a long way once more. There are three debut-makers and (3) NANOMETA is the clear top choice among them He won a trial in late July in fine style, sitting handy and then running away from the rest. If he brings that form to the races, he will go close. (9) LAST PITCH and (4) GWANCGCHIGI are others in the frame.

Selections(8) Naol Sniper (1) Duson Classic (3) Nanometa (9) Last Pitch
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

Juvenile maidens open things on the south coast with all but two of the nine racing for the first time. The two of them showed ability on their debuts, in the same race on July 29th, and will have plenty of backers here. (2) CHOICE RUN is set to be favourite, overcoming gate eleven that day to get to a handy position and then come hoe 3rd in a fast time. He draws much better this time and can win. (8) SOLEDAD ran on well for 4th in the same race, finishing five-lengths behind Choice Run. She should have come on for the experience and can get closer today. (7) HONOR LORD caught the eye in trials. The heat wasn’t a fast one, but he crossed the line a full twelve-lengths ahead of anything else and he will have backers on debut. (5) KF OGONG and (9) VEREUDA, the latter a trial winner, are other first-timers to consider.

Selections(2) Choice Run (8) Soledad (7) Honor Lord (5) KF Ogong
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

(8) FLASH THUNDER was an all the way winner over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before running 4th on July 23rd on his first try at this level, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and should have enough early speed to get to the lead. (9) NEMO PRINCE comes up in class having won at start number two over 1000M on July 30th when he settled back and ran on. The extra furlong can suit and under a light weight, he should be competitive. (7) MAIN OF KING is yet to win but has placed in two of his latest three outings, all at 1300M. He’ll be challenging Flash Thunder for the early lead and should be in this a long way. (2) G STAR and (1) MAESTRO are among others in contention for at least a place.

Selections(8) Flash Thunder (9) Nemo Prince (7) Main Of King (2) G Star
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start7, 8, 11, 12

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

Fillies only here. (3) WISH LUCK has made steady progress over her six starts so far culminating with a 3rd place over 1300M on July 29th. She tends to get a bit far back in her races, but she looks nicely in here and today can be her day. (4) AREUMDAUN INYEON will be expected to improve off her 6th place on debut. She was favourite that day following a trial win and given the trainer/jockey combination, it will be no surprise if she is again here. (2) WONDERFUL OCEAN was a close 2nd two starts back and then an 4th on her latest on July 29th. She comes into a nice gate here and can go close. Plenty of others enter with their recent form reading relatively well and (10) PRETTY CHARM and (11) NAREUCAT look capable of placing.

Selections(3) Wish Luck (4) Areumdaun Inyeon (2) Wonderful Ocean (10) Pretty Charm
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 26)

It’s the final weekend of the summer racing schedule and Busan opens proceedings on Friday with an afternoon/evening card of 7 races from 15:35 to 21:00. Probable three-year-old Champion Captain Yankee, who won the KRA Cup Mile and the Minister’s Cup, goes in the concluding race 7. Here are the previews:

Captain Yankee is back at Busan on Friday (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the nine racing for the very first time. While we usually go with experience, debut-maker (7) ARTHUR KING IJI went through two trials, significantly improving in the second of them when jumping out beautifully and responding well when asked for an effort, crossing the line in a fast time. He will probably be the favourite and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. On the experience side, (9) K.AI ran a good 3rd on debut on July 24th, having been on pace throughout. He draws wide but has shown good gate speed so can get forward again. (2) RELEASE EDITION came home in 3rd place in that same race, just half a length behind K.Ai. He sat midfield and ran on and should have come on for the experience. (8) ILGANG DAERO has run fairly across two starts so far and along with debut-maker (6) GLOBAL SARANG, is another to consider.

Selections(7) Arthur King Iji (9) K.Ai (2) Release Edition (8) Ilgang Daero
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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

(5) LOUD COLOR has made good progress over three starts culminating in a strong runner-up finish last time out at this distance on July 31st, well beaten by a good winner in Geuma Passionate, but a good four-lengths clear of the rest and in a time faster than any of the others here have achieved. She won’t need to improve much on that to win. (12) GOLDEN POINT comes back slightly in trip following a good 2nd place at 1300M on July 29th, again well back behind a good winner but in a good time. That was just his fifth start and while he draws wide, he doesn’t need to lead and should be competitive again. (10) ALPHA V has shown significant improvement since returning from four months out with a 3rd and a 2nd, both at this distance. Others have posted faster times, but she looks to have more improvement in her and Perovic climbs aboard. (11) WONDERFUL DIGGER and (7) STORM AGAIN are among others in the frame.

Selections(5) Loud Color (12) Golden Point (10) Alpha V (11) Wonderful Digger
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

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

(4) GEUMA PASSIONATE led from gate-to-wire for a nine-length win on debut on July 31st, beating Loud Color, who was due to run in race 2. He comes up in class here but there is little for him to be intimidated about in this field and he will be a short price to maintain his 100% record. (9) BAEK GU has plenty of experience at this level and is rarely too far away, regularly picking up a cheque. She comes in off a solid 3rd place over this distance on August 7th and shouldn’t be too far away again. (11) HANEUL JILJU ran out a winner at this class over 1300M on August 6th, overcoming a similarly wide gate as today to score well. She only comes up 2kg for that and should be in the mix again. (7) PURPLE MANGO and (5) JEONGDUN-RO are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(4) Geuma Passionate (9) Baek Gu (11) Haneul Jilju (7) Purple Mango
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 11

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

Good race with two leading contenders. (5) CAPTAIN GOLD broke through at start number two on July 17th, making all over 1200M. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but neither should be an issue, and he has every chance of winning again. (4) WORLD FOUR A also comes in off a maiden win, also over 1200M, in his case at start number four but at this class and with a couple of today’s rivals back down the track behind him. He carries his fair share of weight today but has never finished any wors than 3rd and he should be in the hunt here too. (3) POKPUNG JILJU comes back in trip following a 5th place over a mile on his latest start. He is yet to win but that was his first time outside of the top-three and he has run fast times at this distance. (7) KKUM NEOMEO can have a line drawn through his latest couple and given another chance here, while (10) NOBLE COWBOY is another who can enter the calculations.

Selections(5) Captain Gold (4) World Four A (3) Pokpung Jilju (7) Kkum Neomeo
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Another very good race, featuring four last start winners. (8) ACE SOLOMON has won two of his latest three and five from twelve in total with his latest run ending in a class and distance win when handy all the way. An apprentice jockey engaged keeps his weight nice and low and another win could be on the cards here. (5) H. DAY shapes as the main danger. She’s been super consistent across her seven starts so far and comes in having won over this distance in a fast time on August 7th when handy throughout. She comes up in class here but has every chance of measuring up. (9) DAEJI CJOICE has mixed his form but comes back in trip following recent outings around two turns, including an unsuccessful tilt at the final leg of the Triple Crown. He has won at this distance and can be given a chance here. (10) FLAT BABE and (3) TTEUGEOUN MANNAM are others who must come into the calculations.

Selections(8) Ace Solomon (5) H. Day (9) Daeji Choice (10) Flat Babe
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

This is probably the most competitive race of the day and it rally is one where you can stick a pin in it. (1) SEONGSIL SIHWA is a winner of two from five and comes in following a runner-up finish over class and distance on June 5th. She comes up 3kg in the weights, and runs for the first time in twelve weeks, but from a good gate, both of those can be overcome. (10) HANEUL GANGJA got a dreadful start in his latest outing on July 22nd, but still rallied well to finish 5th. He comes up in trip to the mile for the first time and there is no reason why it can’t suit. (3) CHOEGANG LIGER comes in under a good weight and a good gate. He should be competitive here. (4) HAENAM HAMMER, a good 2nd last time out, and (12) KING BROTHER others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(1) Seongsil Siwha (10) Haneul Gangja (3) Choegang Liger (4) Haenam Hammer
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 7: Class 2 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

(7) CAPTAIN YANKEE could be running in the Korea Cup next week but instead the champion three-year-old, who won two legs of this year’s Triple Crown, stays back in Busan for this class 2 race late at night on a Friday that he should easily win. He carries a lot of weight, but he is a potential star and will be heavy favourite. It’s a fine field for the class. (10) CALM STRONG comes in off winning the KNN Cup over a mile on July 17th. The filly has loads of potential and should be competitive here. (5) JESSIEUI KKUM comes up in class having won at this distance on July 17th. He is nicely weighted here, and he can measure up. (9) WINNER STAR was found wanting on the Triple Crown trail but can be better here, while (6) CLEAR, up in class having finished 2nd to Jessieui Kkum, is another in the hunt.

Selections(7) Captain Yankee (10) Calm Strong (5) Jessieui Kkum (9) Winner Star
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 21)

Back to normal for the Sunday racing this week with both tracks hosting daytime meetings. Seoul has 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00 while Busan has 7 from 11:35 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. We’re siding with experience though and (4) WONPYEONG TOWN, a grizzled veteran in this company with two starts behind him, will be favourite. After running a solid 5th on debut in June, he followed up with an on-pace 3rd on July 16th in a good time. He can lead again here, and it can be third-time lucky. (10) ULTRA GALAXY was 4th in that July 16th race, making his debut. He should have come on for the experience and with Moon Se-young remaining aboard, will have some backers to improve. (3) SAENAE TOWN is the pick of the first-timers. He went through two trials, improving in the second of them, crossing the line as runner-up in a fast time. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance of making a big impression. (11) GIANT INDY and (8) COMPLETE FORCE are other debut-makers who caught the eye in trials and may go well.

Selections(4) Wonpyeong Town (10) Ultra Galaxy (3) Saenae Town (11) Giant Indy
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 11

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

More juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. Once more we side with experience and (6) ULTRA SOCKS, who races here for the third time and came close to making all on July 23rd, only to go down to a late and narrow victory. He’ll be leading here again, and this time can go all the way. (8) DRAGON STAR is the second favourite. He won a June trial before placing 3rd on debut on July 17th over this distance, settling in midfield and working home well. He won’t need to improve much to be in the finish again. (12) HANGANG YEOUL also seems on the right trajectory. After an inauspicious debut, he improved to 4th at start number two on July 24th and despite the wide gate, should be competitive again. Among the debut-makers, (4) RAON AMERICAN posted the fastest trial time and be considered first-up. (9) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG took three goes to qualify but looked significantly better in the latest of them and is another who can be competitive.

Selections(6) Ultra Socks (8) Dragon Star (12) Hangang Yeoul (4) Raon American
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 12

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two of the twelve racing for the first time. That experienced pair will be on the top of most tickets though, especially (2) HAMPYEONG MAN. He led for much of the way around on debut over this distance on July 3rd, ultimately finishing in 2nd place in a good time, albeit well behind a good winner. He draws nicely here to lead again and should have too much. (5) HWANGHU FIGHTER was also well back behind a good winner on his debut on July 17th, but he settled midfield and ran on pleasingly enough for 4th. With some natural improvement he can get closer today. Regarding the first timers, (7) DREAM OF QUEEN showed ability in easily winning her trial in a fair time with an on-pace showing and she looks the most likely to challenge here. (6) MOTHER MOUNTAIN and (12) CUQUENAN others who can make an impact first-up.

Selections(2) Hampyeong Man (5) Hwanghu Fighter (7) Dream Of Queen (6) Mother Mountain
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

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

Filly maidens here. (3) MONEY TAP comes in off her best finish to date when 4th over 1200M in a similar all-filly maiden on July 24th, settling back and running on. She has posted fair times at this distance and has as good a chance as any here. (6) SARANG DAMOA returned from six months out to run a promising 4th over 1400M on July 30th sitting handy throughout. She should strip fitter for that run and should be in the finish today. (7) GENTLE RULES has the fastest time among these for the distance. She got a long way back from a wide draw in that race but still ran on pleasingly enough and from a better gate today can improve. (10) BEST MAD CAM was a much-improved runner-up last time out over 1200M. The same apprentice jockey keeps her carried weight nice and low and brings her into contention. (12) MAGIC MOCCASIN another in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Money Tap (6) Sarang Damoa (7) Gentle Rules (10) Best Mad Cam
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 12

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

(2) PEOPLE POWER is set to be warm favourite for this maiden. She improved to 2nd on her second outing on July 24th when settling handy, dropping back and then running on over 1000M. She comes up in trip for the first time and from a good gate, there is every chance that it can suit. (6) MYEONGSEONG CHARGE races for the first time since last November. She had hinted at ability with a 4th and a 5th from wide draws in her first two starts and she looked well in her trial at the end of July. She will obviously need the run, but the opposition isn’t intimidating. (12) RADAR returns to action for the first time since March. She too showed ability, especially with her on pace runner-up finish on debut in January and she crossed the line first in a fair time in her trial last month. (4) MAGIC HILL has been knocking on the door of the minor money places and will be on pace with a chance to be in this a long way. (10) I LOVE HANSEN can improve on an inauspicious debut having previously trialed well.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 19)

It’s the penultimate weekend of the summer racing season and that means Busan runs an afternoon/evening card on Friday with 7 races from 15:35 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Friday

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

A competitive maiden to open with. (5) GEUMA UNO debuted unspectacularly last December but didn’t race again until this July. In two starts back, the now gelded runner has a 5th and a 2nd, both at 1200M and both times running on. The additional half-furlong can suit and third-up, he may be peaking. (7) SUPER CRACK is the main danger. His recent form reads well including his last start runner-up finish over 1200M when handy throughout. He can drop in behind the early leaders again here and play a big role in the finish. (1) PUNGUN JOHWA has similarly been improving of late, running 3rd on her latest appearance on July 24th. From the inside gate, she could get the lead here and be in this a long way. (6) MAIN BRIDGE raced once last December, finishing 3rd over 1000M. He looked well in a July trial and can go well first-up. First time starter (3) DASI YEONGGWANG among others to consider.

Selections(5) Geuma Uno (7) Super Crack (1) Pungun Johwa (6) Main Bridge
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

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

(5) S. L. KING remains eligible for class 6 because while he has won a race, practically making all over a mile back in April 2021, that was during the reduced prize-money era. After that win, he didn’t run again until this July 15th when he led for much of the way over 1400M before weakening late on for 6th. He should strip fitter for that run and can win here. (3) JEONGMUN CHITA has made good progress over three outings to date, stepping up to this trip and running a good 3rd two weeks ago in a time quicker than any of the rest of these have posted at the distance. He comes into a better gate today and should go close. (8) ADELE FLY came from well off the pace to run 5th ahead of S. L. King on that July 15th race. With a better start he can go closer. (7) GEUMA SMARTY ran an encouraging 4th on debut over 1300M on July 15th and along with (2) FANTASTIC YEOGEOL is a place chance.

Selections(5) S. L. King (3) Jeongmun Chita (8) Adele Fly (7) Geuma Smarty
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) BARBELL POSEIDON may be one of just three maidens in the race, but he is favoured to change that status. He has five top-three finishes from ten outings to date and ran a very solid 2nd on his first try at a mile on July 22nd. He can settle midfield or better here and can prove too strong late on. (6) JEOKDO JEONSA was 3rd in that same race, just a length behind Barbell Poseidon. He draws a better gate today and even comes down slightly in the weights and can be competitive again. (1) MILK DAY is up in class having won over 1400M on July 29th. The mile can suit and from a great draw, he can measure up in this company. (2) GRAND CHUKJE gets an apprentice claim and can see his recent run of good form continue. (12) GEUMA INFINITE another in the hunt.

Selections(8) Barbell Poseidon (6) Jeokdo Jeonsa (10) Milk Day (2) Grand Chukje
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

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

(8) HANSEN ICHEON made all for a dominant seven-length win over this distance on July 24th. He comes up in class here but the manner of that victory was such that he has little to fear here and will be a short-priced favourite to score again. (11) SINUI JEONSA was a similarly emphatic winner at class 6 level on July 1st. He too is up in class and while the draw is not ideal here, the same apprentice who won on him that day keeps the weight very light and he should be competitive at this level. (6) FLYING REGAL had a poor day at the office on his first try at this level last month. His form prior to that was good though and he is worth another chance here. (9) FUNNY LIFE and (1) COLOR WIND are others who can be considered for at least a place.

Selections(8) Hansen Icheon (11) Sinui Jeonsa (6) Flying Regal (9) Funny Life
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Competitive race with no fewer than five of the twelve coming in having won their respective latest starts. They include (3) HALLOWEEN PARTY, who is up in class following a good front-running score over 1300M on July 24th. He comes down in the weights, draws a good gate and looks to have potential for more progress. (1) FLASHY CHARM ran out a class and distance winner two starts back before finishing 3rd in a fast race on July 29th. He draws well here, an apprentice keeps his weight light and he can be a big danger. Draw a line through the latest effort from (12) GLORY KING. That was his first outing since last December and he should be fitter for the run. Prior to his layoff he was a class and distance winner and despite the wide draw, should be competitive here. (4) B. K. HANA and (7) JEONGMUN DRAGON among others with claims in a race of many chances.

Selections(3) Halloween Party (1) Flashy Charm (12) Glory King (4) B. K. Hana
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) UNJU HERO beat four of today’s rivals on his way to victory over 1400M at this class on July 8th. He comes up significantly in the weights today but has won at this distance before and also ran 4th in the KRA Cup Mile. He’s the one to beat again. (2) OREUDA was second-favourite that day and duly ran 2nd, his third runner-up finish in his last four starts. He draws well to be on pace and should be able to give Unju Hero a stern examination here. (5) HANEUL JEONSA comes up in class having won well over 1300M on July 10th. A previous try at a mile might have been a bit much a bit soon and he can be given another chance here under a light weight. (4) UNJU BULPAE comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes. He is down significantly in the weights and can be considered. (12) BABEL DREAMER another in the frame.

Selections(11) Unju Hero (2) Oreuda (5) Haneul Jeonsa (4) Unju Bulpae
Next Best12, 6
Fast Start2, 7, 10, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(7) ADELE CROWN and (2) GALLANT WARRIOR came hoe 2nd and 3rd when they raced one another at class and distance on July 8th with three lengths between them and Adele Crown just missing out on victory by a nose. They both come up in the weights here but can fight it out between them for the win. (10) DUNCAN returned to action on July 17th following five months out and ran well to finish 3rd at this class and distance, racing on pace throughout. Even with just ten runners, the widest gate at the 1800M start isn’t ideal but he should have come on for that run and can be a danger again here. (3) WONDERFUL SECRET is still class 4 eligible but looks nicely in here, well drawn and under a lighter weight than in recent outings. He can sneak a place. (9) YEONGGWANGUICHUKJE another in the placing hunt.

Selections(7) Adele Crown (2) Gallant Warrior (10) Duncan (3) Wonderful Secret
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 7)

Busan flies solo on Sunday with a bumper 15-race card from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all but two racing for the first time. That pair showed ability though. (3) JEULGEOUNYEOJEONG won a June trial and was sent off as an odds-on favourite on debut on July 17th. She jumped out well but couldn’t get to a good winner, ultimately ending in 2nd. It was a fast time, she should have come on for the experience, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (6) BUILD UP sat midfield in a small field on his debut on July 10th. He ran a solid 3rd in a fair time and with some natural improvement can be close here. As for the first-timers, (7) GREAT MISS led all the way in her trial, crossing the line almost a second ahead of anything else. If she brings that form to the races, she’ll go close. (4) THUNDER FURY and (9) PEGACORN, the latter a winner of a slow heat, are others who can make a bold showing first-up.

Selections(3) Jeulgeounyeojeong (6) Build Up (7) Great Miss (4) Thunder Fury
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

The second division of the juvenile maiden, this time with four of the nine having raced previously. This time we’ll side with a newcomer in the shape of probable favourite (9) PAN STAR. She showed prominently in her trial, working through the line well in a good time. She won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (2) JEONGMUN SPECTER also showed well in his trial, leading for most of the way and crossing the line 2nd in a fair time and from a nice draw can make a bold showing first up. (4) HANEUL JEWANG is another newcomer who ran 2nd in his trial and can make an impact. As for the ones with experience, (5) THUNDER CROWN ran a decent enough 4th on debut and should have come on for the run while (8) WONDERFUL ANDOVER came through a tricky maiden and can also improve.

Selections(9) Pan Star (2) Jeongmun Specter (4) Haneul Jewang (5) Thunder Crown
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

Maiden three-year-olds. (1) GRAPHENE KING will be favourite and is the one to beat. He improved to finish runner-up on his second career appearance over 1400M on July 8th when leading almost the entire way around. He comes back in trip, draws nicely on the inside, and may take some beating. (2) GAMDONG ENERGY has mixed her form across six starts so far but has put in some fair performances at this distance. She can settle on pace or handy here and should be in the finish. There are four debut-makers and among them (9) HONOR CAL is the one who caught the eye in trials. She led for most of the way around before crossing the line 3rd in what was a fast run heat. If she brings that form to the races, she won’t be far away. (6) SPICE ECTON is another debut-maker. He sat handy in his trial, running on for 2nd and while it wasn’t a fast time, he can be competitive in this company. (4) STAR MATTA perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Graphene King (2) Gamdong Energy (9) Honor Cal (6) Spice Ecton
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 11

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

(4) SMILEY LARRY settled back on debut over 1200M on July 17th before running on and finishing 3rd. He comes up slightly in trip today which may suit and with some natural improvement can have winning chances here. The main danger is (10) PURE MAGIC. He has been consistent across his three starts so far with a best of 2nd over 1200M in June. He has been on or close to the pace on each occasion so a wider draw today perhaps isn’t to his advantage but there isn’t much speed in this race so he may be able to get to the front without much difficulty anyway. If he can, he will take some going past. (7) ETERNAL ACE was 5th behind Pure Magic last time out. That was his third time finishing in that position but in this company, he should be getting closer today. (8) SIMON TOP GUN and (6) ORANGE STAR are other possibles for the minors.

Selections(4) Smiley Larry (10) Pure Magic (7) Eternal Ace (8) Simon Top Gun
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) CHAMP GO returns to action for the first time since March. He has a 2nd place to his name at this distance which he recorded in January in a time faster than any of the others here have recorded. He comes down 3kg on his last start, draws well and while he didn’t offer too many clues in a trial two weeks ago, at his best he can win this. (3) DOCTOR KHALIFA has steadily improved across four outings to date. He overcame gate ten last time out on July 22nd to run a close 3rd over this distance and makes a quick return. He can settle just behind any early pace and run on. (8) SUNSHINE STAR returns to action for the first time since March when he ran a much improved 3rd over a mile. He trialed up adequately three-weeks ago and has a chance first-up here. (2) NAREUCAT and (10) QUEEN OF SPIRIT among others in the frame.

Selections(1) Champ Go (3) Doctor Khalifa (8) Sunshine Star (2) Nareucat
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

(3) EURO STAR has hinted at ability across her seven starts to date and comes in off a 4th place finish over a mile on July 22nd. She jumped out well that day and was handy throughout and in a race where the form is patchy to say the least, she has as good a chance as any. The drop in trip may allow her to overturn the form on (10) DANGDAE BLUE, who ran 2nd in that July 22nd race. That was a significant improvement for him and one that he can build on here despite the inconvenience of the widest gate. (4) HORAENGI returns to racing for the first time since December. She trialed up very nicely two weeks ago and she does have the fastest time of any of these for the distance. She can go well first up. (9) JEONGMUN CHITA and (5) THE PRINCESS look to be other potential improvers.

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Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 6)

With Seoul being off this weekend, Busan hosts a rare Saturday meeting with 8 races from 16:40 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

It’s Saturday. It’s…Busan?! (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden three-year-olds. We’ll take a chance on the solitary debut-maker. (9) RAP VERSA went through two trials, crossing the line 2nd and 1st, both in good times. He settled back before running on suggesting that 1200M is a good distance for him to start at, and he can put in a bold showing. (6) GEUMA UNO has run twice with seven months between appearances. He ran an improved 5th when overcoming gate nine to race handy to the lead on July 17th. He should have come on for that run and from a better gate, has every chance here. That will mean overturning the form on (7) MIGHTY STORM, who finished slightly ahead of him in that July 17th race. That was his second consecutive 4th place finish and he should be on pace and in this a long way. (2) NICE DAY ran three times without distinction around the turn of the year. He returns here having been gelded, looked much better in a trial and could be a different prospect. The experienced (8) WONDERFUL SMARTY another to consider.

Selections(9) Rap Versa (6) Geuma Uno (7) Mighty Storm (2) Nice Day
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

(6) SPEED MAST may be ready to win here. He is yet to finish any better than 4th from ten attempts but is rarely too far away and has the fastest time among these for the distance. In this field, he should be close to the pace and with Perovic climbing aboard, he has every chance. (3) MA GUN debuted in a slowly run race over 1400M on July 8th, finishing 5th of ten. He should have come on for that experience and with some natural improvement can go closer today. (7) LET IT GO gets a nice light weight with an apprentice rider engaged. She got a bit far back from a wide draw on her latest outing but if we go on her 3rd place over 1200M in a fair time two starts back, she can enter the calculations here. (1) TAKE ADELE and (5) SORI TAEPUNG are others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Speed Mast (3) Ma Gun (7) Let It Go (1) Take Adele
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

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

It’s hard to look past (5) JOSEPHINE QUEEN here. Her win came at class 6 level over 1200M in June but she ran well for a close 2nd at this class and distance on July 7th, leading in the straight only to be beaten by the favourite, Haneul Jeonsa. That day she was prominent throughout whereas when she won she came from off the pace so she is versatile and is likely to be a hot favourite. (1) HUIMANG PUNCH had a poor day at the office on her first try at this class on July 8th. Draw a line through that and instead go on her all the way win over this distance at class 6 level on June 10th and she is worth another chance today. (6) HAVANA JANE has proven competitive at this level. She has run good times at this distance and can be a factor today. (10) HANEUL JILJU and (8) TWO TWO BRAIN among others capable of challenging for the minors.

Selections(5) Josephine Queen (1) Huimang Punch (6) Havana Jane (10) Haneul Jilju
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

(6) YONGGARI has his fair share of weight but he is accustomed to that and looks ready to win again here. He only has one victory to his name, at 1300M at class 6 level in April, but he has since registered two 3rd places and a 2nd in three class 5 attempts at distances between 1200M and a mile. In today’s company he can sit behind the early speed and should prove too strong at the business end of the race. The most credible challenger is (5) GREAT ONE. He comes in having won at class and distance on July 17th when sitting handy and then running on well. He comes up 3kg in the weights but can be competitive again. (9) QUEEN STAR has raced well in her latest two over 1300M, running on both times. She may appreciate another crack at 1400M. (2) CHOEGANG FORCE and (4) MY SONG are both up in class following last start wins at this distance. They did it in contrasting styles with Choegang Force settling back and coming from off the pace while My Song was handy. Both can measure up in this company.

Selections(6) Yonggari (5) Great One (9) Queen Star (2) Choegang Force
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 11

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

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 31)

It’s daytime racing on Sunday with 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and a short 5-race card at Busan from 12:20 to 16:10. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens here with all but three racing for the first time. Those three all raced well though on their respective debuts and will be at the top of the market. (3) SURE WIN will be hot favourite. Having won a trial in early June, she then ran 2nd on debut on June 25th, racing on-pace throughout and registering a good time. A repeat of that performance will make her very hard to beat. The name does sound like tempting fate though so if you want to take on the favourite, (4) KWAEHYANG is the logical choice. He was also close to the speed on debut on June 25th (in a different race), coming home 4th on a decent time. He should have come on for that and be a danger here. (9) NAVY CHROME was 4th behind Sure Win on debut and can also improve here. As for the first timers, (8) SUN DRAGON ran the fastest time in trials and can be considered while (5) RAON THE COBRA ran 2nd in his trial in a fair time and is sure to get plenty of attention.

Selections(3) Sure Win (4) Kwaehyang (9) Navy Chrome (8) Sun Dragon
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

A maiden with ten fillies and one gelding. (4) RAY BOLT comes in off a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two, where she has settled just behind the early speed and then run on. She draws well to so similar today and she could have enough about her to win this. (7) GOLD POWER showed enough on debut to put her among the leading contenders here. She led for much of the way around at this distance on June 25th, ultimately finishing 5th but posting a decent time. She should have improved for that run and may even start as favourite. (10) ZELOS has shown signs in his latest two starts of finally figuring things out with a 2nd and 3rd, both at this distance. He has settled back and ran on both times so the wide draw isn’t of concern, and he can maintain his positive run of form. (2) MONEY STONE and (9) ARCH MEMORY others who can place.

Selections(4) Ray Bolt (7) Gold Power (10) Zelos (2) Money Stone
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(2) GOLDEN HONOR made a good impression on debut on April 9th when he finished 2nd over this distance. It’s taken a while for him to get back to the track, but he looks nicely in here and from a great draw, looks to be the one to beat. (3) PERFECT TIME has the fastest time for this distance among those who have tackled it before. That was recorded when she finished 2nd two starts back on June 5th when she settled back and ran on. Going on that run rather than her latest, she has a chance here. (8) NAEGILUI BYEOL stepped up to this trip on June 26th and ran an improved 3rd. He is another who can sit midfield early and then run on. (6) TRIPLE JOY has hinted at ability across three starts so far and along with (10) PERMISSION TO WIN is another in the frame.

Selections(2) Golden Honor (3) Perfect Time (8) Naegilui Byeol (6) Triple Joy
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10

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

A maiden with three of the eleven racing for the first time and unusually, we are not going to side with experience this time. That’s due to (3) GEUMA PASSIONATE, who showed enough over the course of two trials to suggest he can win first-up. He led in the latest of those and while Group winner Mr. Afleet did cruise past him in the latter stages, there don’t appear many candidates among this lot to do that. He can lead all the way. If you prefer to stick with experience, (11) BAEDARI GANGHO could be the one. He comes in off a good 2nd place on June 17th when he overcame the widest gate. That suggests that the same wide draw won’t be an issue and he can work home strong again. (8) TEUKGEUP CAMP was a significant improver last start on June 26th when he beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd over this distance. He can match that here. The form drops off a bit after that but (7) SIMPLE KALIX will have backers while (1) LOUD COLOR is another who can improve.

Selections(3) Geuma Passionate (11) Baedari Gangho (8) Teukgeup Camp (7) Simple Kalix
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

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

Competitive race for fillies and mares. (1) HWASUBOON perhaps has the edge. She was a winner at class 6 level over this distance three starts back and while he didn’t go well over 1300M on her first try at this level in March, she was a decent 5th on her latest appearance back over this trip on June 25th. The draw means she may get a soft run to the lead and that could make the difference. (3) MUSTANG CHARM is still a maiden but comes up in class with two runner-up finishes from her latest three. She comes down in the weights and can sit behind the early speed and run on. (10) HIGH RUNNER beat Mustang Charm on her way to victory over this distance at class 6 level in June. She too can measure up in this company and can be considered. (5) GEOLJAK WOMAN and (11) HWANGGEUM CHEONJI both need their latest starts overlooked but otherwise have form that holds up in this company.

Selections(1) Hwasuboon (3) Mustang Charm (10) High Runner (5) Geoljak Woman
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 11

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

(1) QUEEN ALLIE may be yet to break through, but she comes up in class anyway following two runner-up finishes from three starts. At her latest, she overcame gate eleven to sit midfield and then run on well, albeit well beaten by a good winner. She comes down in weight here, draws a good gate and she can win. (7) TWO OF US comes up in class too, in her case following a maiden win at start number four over 1200M on June 26th.  She is an on-pace galloper who can be expected to lead here and to be in this a long way. (9) BEST WIND enters off two very solid class and distance performances, finishing 2nd to Named in June and then on July 10th, beating a couple of today’s rivals when an on-pace 4th. She remains nicely weighted and surely goes close. (5) SPICE INDIE and (3) JEONGDEUN-RO are others in the hunt.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 29)

With no Jeju ponies this weekend, there is a bumper 14-race card at Busan this Friday running from 14:10 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

It’s a big Friday at Busan

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

Juvenile maidens to begin with and all but two are racing for the very first time. Experience does tend to count for plenty in these types of races though so those two, who both ran well on debut, will be the favourites. (10) MAGIC CLASS was on pace throughout her debut on June 24th, ultimately finishing in 4th. The time was assisted by a wet track but it was fast and she won’t need to improve much to go close here. (6) ILGANG DAERO ran 3rd on his debut on July 3rd, settling midfield and running on well. He should have come on for the run and has every chance. Of the first-timers, (2) SOLEDAD looks the best. She led in her trial, ultimately crossing the line in the same time as the “winner”. She draws nicely here to be on pace and can be in this a long way. (7) HAENGBOKHAN GIL was a trial winner in June and along with (4) JEOLDAE BOSS, is another first-timer of note.

Selections(10) Magic Class (6) Ilgang Daero (2) Soledad (7) Haengbokhan Gil
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

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

Maiden fillies here with three of the eleven making their racecourse debuts. (2) WIDEAHAN HAMAN is the pick. After winning a May trial, she led on debut over this distance on June 10th, ultimately finishing 2nd with a couple of today’s rivals behind here. She should have come on for that run and with a little natural improvement, looks the one to beat. (7) WONDERFUL OCEAN improved to 2nd at start number two on June 17th when handy throughout. She draws fairly enough to get on the pace again and can go close. (3) AREUMDAUN INYEON is the pick of the first-timers. She went through two trials, improving in the second of them when from gate eight she settled close to the speed and ran 2nd in a good time. She won’t need to improve much on that to go close first-up. (10) SEOGWI CHUKJE and (8) GOLDEN RACER others to keep an eye on.

Selections(2) Widaehan Haman (7) Wonderful Ocean (3) Areumdaun Inyeon (10) Seogwi Chukje
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

(9) THUNDER CLOUD has demonstrated good progress across six starts to date, culminating on July 1st when after a slow start, she ran on really well for 2nd – a long way behind a good winner over this distance. The time before she was a close 5th over 1400M. Today’s distance should suit and she looks ready to win. (1) GOLDEN POINT has run fairly so far with a 4th and a 5th from his latest two. He draws well on the inside to get on or close to the speed and should be aiming for a career-best finish here. (7) BOOMY STAR hinted that he may finally be figuring things out with a good 4th at this distance last time out. You Hyun-myung remains aboard and he can match or better that here. (11) FLEX SHINHWA and (2) TITAN K among several others in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Thunder Cloud (1) Golden Point (7) Boomy Star (11) Flex Shinhwa
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

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

(7) RUNNING WARRIOR is just about favoured here. She has been consistent across her recent starts with two 3rd place finishes and a 4th. She stepped up to 1400M on her latest outing on July 1st and was sent off as favourite. She could only manage 3rd place but should have benefitted from the experience and with an apprentice jockey taking significant weight off, she can win here. (8) GOLD SWEET has also been consistent with four top-four finishes from six starts to date. She comes up to this trip for the first time and it may suit. Apprentice jockey Lee Hong-rag gets his first ever race ride on (6) AGAIN HELEN and it’s not an impossible task. He (Again Helen is a gelding) has a 2nd place to his name at this distance and looks nicely in here. (2) MILK DAY and (3) YEONSEUNG GLORY among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Running Warrior (8) Gold Sweet (6) Again Helen (2) Milk Day
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

(2) MAGIC WHISPER made all to win over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before coming from a wide gate to run 2nd, again over this trip, on his first try at class 5 on June 26th. He comes into a better gate today and with an apprentice bringing the weight down, he is the one to beat. (1) GREAT GO remains a maiden after twenty0five races but has plenty of experience in picking up a cheque, with no fewer than sixteen top-five finishes. From a nice draw on the inside, he can sit behind the early speed and run on strong. (5) MAHAMERU comes up in class following a win over 1200M on June 19th when she settled midfield and then proved too strong. She comes up in distance too but neither should be a problem and she can measure up here. (11) WIND WINNER won at class 6 level over 1300M on June 5th and he too can be competitive in this company, while (10) SPECIAL TOGETHER did similar and should be in the hunt for a money finish too.

Selections(2) Magic Whisper (1) Great Go (5) Mahameru (11) Wind Winner
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (3) GLOBAL HIT here. Having won a trial earlier in the month, he debuted on June 24th over 1000M and sat handy throughout the early stages and running on to take a narrow win in a fast time. He is up in both class and distance today but should be equal to both and he can maintain his 100% record. (7) BURNING PASSION won over this distance at class 6 level three starts back. She led on her latest outing on June 3rd, finishing 4th, and she should be on pace and a danger here. (8) FLYING REGAL comes up in class after winning at this distance back on April 17th. He has had fifteen weeks off since but at his best, he can be competitive here. (6) OCEAN STORM and (10) QUALITY QUEEN others who can enter the calculations.

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