Busan

Donga Ilbo Trophy Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-by-Race Preview (March 27)

Sunday is Donga Ilbo Trophy day at Seoul where there are 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Busan also runs a card with 6 races from 12:00 to 16:40. The Donga Ilbo is for fillies and mares and it could be something of a family affair with Raon First set to be hot favourite with her younger “full” sister Raon Pink one of her leading rivals. Also at Seoul Haengbok Wangja makes his first appearance since winning the Grand Prix Stakes in December, while at Busan there is a very tasty feature in prospect as the up and coming Barbarian takes on KRA Cup Classic winner Mr. Afleet, as well as Yeongung Louis and Doctor Carson in a cracking class 1 sprint over 1400M. All betting locations across Korea are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Raon First is in action at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open the card with four of the twelve racing for the very first time. We’re set for a hot favourite in the shape of (5) QUEENUI JILJU. Having finished 3rd on debut over 1000M on Boxing Day, she stepped up to this trip on February 12th and ran 2nd having been handy throughout. The time was only fair although faster than anything else here has achieved so far and a similar run here will see her hard to beat. (3) MARUMA ran 5th from a wide gate on debut over 1000M before only managing 8th second-up at this trip. He should have come on for those experiences and in this company can be given another chance. (2) OKCHEON CHOEGANG debuts following two positive trials, crossing the line 2nd and 3rd in fair times. That’s enough to see him firmly in the hunt first up. (8) BURUI JILJU and (1) NAOL SESANG perhaps have the potential to improve.

Selections(5) Queenui Jilju (3) Maruma (2) Okcheon Choegang (8) Burui Jilju
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

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

Maiden fillies here and it’s competitive. We’ll go with (5) BARO QUEEN who seems to be figuring things out with five starts underneath her best. She comes in following back-to-back 3rd places at this distance, last time away slowly from a wide draw and then working home well. The draw is in her favour this time and she may well lead. If she does, she has every chance of staying there. (10) GOLDEN SCOOP will probably be the favourite. She beat Baro Queen when 2nd on January 22nd and followed it up with a 3rd place, again at this distance, a month ago.  She’s trialed well since then and looks to have big chance. (9) NAMSAN KKOT has raced just the once, when 3rd at this distance last October in a good time. She didn’t offer too many clues when trialing earlier this month, but she should be kept safe. (6) HWIPARAM and (3) WONDERFUL HAWAII among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Baro Queen (10) Golden Scoop (9) Namsan Kkot (6) Hwiparam
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 10

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

It’s hard to look too far past (11) FLY STAR here. Having run 5th on debut at 1400M, he dopped back to 1300M for his second start on February 27th and led almost the entire way around, ultimately ending in 2nd, beaten by a very good winner. He comes back in trip again and while the gate is not the best, he is very much the one to beat. (5) MIDAS CAMP had a hard time from a wide draw on his latest outing over 1300M on February 20th. Disregard that and instead go on is 3rd place in a good time in January. He can sit on speed or handy here and should be a different prospect today. (4) NAOL ACE improved at start number two on January 22nd when handy throughout and finishing 4th. He comes up in trip for the first time today and there is no reason why it can’t suit. (1) MUNHAK FOREST and (12) MABAWI are among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(11) Fly Star (5) Midas Camp (4) Naol Ace (1) Munhak Forest
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 11

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener on the South-Coast. There is plenty of winning potential among them but (9) JOSEPHINE QUEEN should have a little too much. She was a good 2nd in a super time over this distance on February 13th when she sat handy then briefly led before being beaten by a good winner. She can sit handy again and a similar run will see her home on top here. (7) FLOWING RIVER has run 3rd in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. The little extra trip may well suit and he should have some more to offer. Park Jae-I rode Flowing River in both his races so far but today he stays aboard (3) GREAT CAPTAIN. He comes in having beaten three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance on February 27th. He draws a similarly good gate, carries the same weight, and can be a danger again. (5) DOCTOR PERSIA came home 5th in the same race on what was his first start, and he can build on that here. (8) INDY CHOICE another in the hunt.

Selections(9) Josephine Queen (7) Flowing River (3) Great Captain (5) Doctor Persia
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

Tricky race. (3) KING MOUNTAIN weakened late on having led for much of the way around over 1700M on February 27th, ultimately finishing 6th of twelve. Two starts back, he ran a very good 2nd over 1300M behind Titan Socks, who has since won again at a higher level. He can be on pace again today and the drop back in trip should suit. (4) K N PARK showed significant improvement at his latest outing over this distance on February 20th, when going back and improving late on. The same apprentice jockey keeps the weight nice and light today and he should be working home well again here. (5) HONEY PUNCH too showed improvement at her most recent appearance on February 26th. She has gone back in all her races so far, but this time made up really good ground late on and a similar run will put her right in this. (7) TIFFANY BLUE and (2) FLYING BARBIE are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(3) King Mountain (4) K N Park (5) Honey Punch (7) Tiffany Blue
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

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

(1) RADAR has been a beaten favourite on both starts to date, most recently at odds-on when 3rd having been a close 2nd on debut. She had the excuse of gate fourteen that day but should get a much easier run to the lead from the inside this time around and it really should be third-time lucky. (2) HWARANG ACE showed some ability as he gradually got closer across three starts last autumn, with a best of 4th at this distance in November. He hasn’t raced since but looks to have held his form if his trial two weeks ago is anything to go by when he led, crossing the line 2nd in a fast time. Expect him on speed and in this a long way. (3) EUNBIT JILJU wet right back on debut but made-up good ground for 5th. She should have come on for that run and can get closer today. (8) BOOMY STAR and (5) BABEL PHOENIX are others capable of putting in good runs.

Selections(1) Radar (2) Hwarang Ace (3) Eunbit Jilju (8) Boomy Star
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 25)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday where there are eight races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

World Change (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open the card with six of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. It’s one of those first-timers who will be the one to beat. (5) KING BOSS trialed two weeks ago and was very impressive, jumping out well and staying on the bridle, crossing the line in 2nd place with seemingly plenty of running in him. The 1200M can suit and from a good gate, he should be on pace and make a winning start to his career. Staying with the debut-makers, (1) KKUM NEOMEO also trialed well sitting handy and crossing the line 3rd, a long way behind King Of The Match but just over a length behind Jera, who has four wins from eight and is his half-brother. From the inside, he can be in this a long way. (4) COME ON FIRST also put in a bold showing in his trial and can be considered first-up. As for the experienced ones, (3) FLYING REGAL and (11) BUSAN SORY look the best.

Selections(5) King Boss (1) Kkum Neomeo (4) Come On First (3) Flying Regal
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 12

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

Maiden fillies (and one mare) here. (5) WONDERFUL FILE is the clear pick here. After an indifferent debut, she has produced two fair performances to finish 4th, both at this distance, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (8) QUALITY QUEEN also comes in following two decent runs, most recently at this distance on February 5th when 6th of fourteen in a sterner test than this. In this field she can probably get on pace, and she has solid claims to go close. (9) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN comes up to this distance for the first time. She has proven able to run on the speed, as she did two starts back when 4th, or settling back and running on for 6th, both in big fields and both at 1200M. She has at least placing chances today. (1) WONDERFUL SMARTY has never finished better than 3rd in twenty outings but this is the kind of race where she can pick up some minor money. (4) DOCTOR TANGO another who could sneak into a place.

Selections(5) Wonderful File (8) Quality Queen (9) Haman Yeohangsan (1) Wonderful Smarty
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Small but competitive field. (3) GRAND CHUKJE has earned favourite status based on his latest two outings, most recent when 3rd, just neck behind the winner in a tight finish at this distance. The same apprentice jockey keeps the weight low, and he draws a much better gate this time and at the fourteenth time of asking, it can be his day. Just a further half-length back in 4th place in that race was (8) CHOEGANG MARINE, who led for much of the way around. He also has a 3rd place to his name at this distance and despite being drawn in the widest gate, he should be able to get a relatively soft run to the lead and he could overturn the form. Also coming out of that race is (7) ADELE STELLA. He has finished between 3rd and 5th at all of his starts so far. He can run on well and maintain his consistent form here.  (4) ETTEUMI and (1) KING PARTY others who can have a say in the finish.

Selections(3) Grand Chukje (8) Choegang Marine (7) Adele Stella (4) Etteumi
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

We’ll take a chance here on (7) RAON THE FIGHTING. He races for just the fifth time and comes up in trip after a decent 4th over 1300M on February 27th having raced handy throughout. He could well lead here and has every chance. (8) CHAMP GO will probably be the favourite. Draw a line through his latest effort on February 20th when he used up plenty to get forward from a wide draw and instead go on his previous two when 3rd and 2nd, both at this distance. He is up in the weight here, but Franco Da Silva climbs aboard, and he has solid chances. (1) CARIBBEAN DAY is yet to finish in the top two but has been a model of consistency with three 4th place finish and a 3rd from his latest four appearances, all at a mile. He comes back in trip here, draws nicely and can run into some money again. (3) MAJOR FORCE and (4) DAEJI SPECIAL are others with placing chances.

Selections(7) Raon The Fighting (8) Champ Go (1) Caribbean Day (3) Major Force
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (4) ALIVE QUEEN was a gate-to-wire winner two starts back over 1300M at class six level before running 2nd on her first try at this level, again at 1300M on February 11th. She was a beaten favourite that day and was wide early before leading for much of the straight, only to be passed by a good winner. She draws slightly better here and this half-sister to Doraonpogyeongseon, an eleven-time winner in Korea, can come home on top this time. (11) CHEONNYEONUIGUREUM enters in good form with a 4th and a 2nd in her latest two, both at this class and distance. Her running style is to settle back and finish off so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem. (3) OCEAN STORM remains a maiden having been promoted to this level with a pair of runner-up finishes. She added a third before finishing 4th on her first try at this distance on February 27th, having led for part of the race. She should have come on for that and will be in the mix. (10) FANTASTIC LOVE and (8) GREAT GO are among several others who may be considered for the places.

Selections(4) Alive Queen (11) Cheonnyeonuigureum (3) Ocean Storm (10) Fantastic Love
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) MISS GO should be winning this. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in five starts and was a bit slow away and just a little late arriving on the scene when favourite over 1200M last time out on February 18th, ultimately finishing 3rd. True she has got the same unfavourable gate, but she has plenty of ability and should put things right here. That will mean overturning the form on (1) A ONE PLUS, who finished half a length ahead of Miss Go in 2nd place in that February race. She franked that form with another 2nd over 1200M on March 4th, once again coming from off the pace.  She is yet to win in seventeen starts and should find one too quick again, but she looks the most credible danger to the favourite. (3) BURUI GEOM has mixed his form so far but showed plenty of zip when winning at 1200M at class six level two starts back. He struggled from a wide draw over 1400M on his first try at this level but should be much more comfortable today. (9) MORNING THUNDER and (7) MONEY BAG are others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Miss Go (1) A One Plus (3) Burui Geom (9) Morning Thunder
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (7) KENDRICK. An emphatic winner on debut over 1000M, he stepped up to this class and distance on February 11th, having worked hard from the outside gate to lead close to home. He draws better today, comes down slightly in the weights, and he will take some beating. (3) STORM TO WIN returns to action for the first time since November. She is a class and distance winner and while she didn’t run especially well in the two outings prior to her layoff, she absolutely blitzed a trial last weekend. We perhaps shouldn’t read too much into the time as the track was very wet, but she comes in here carrying 6kg less than when we last saw her and 4kg less than when she last won. She could be interesting. (5) HANEUL GANGJA comes up in class having made all to win at this distance on February 18th. That was just his second start, and he can measure up in this company. (1) CHIEF OFFICER and (11) SEOGWI PLUS are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(7) Kendrick (3) Storm To Win (5) Haneul Gangja (1) Chief Officer
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start3, 7, 11, 12

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

(2) WORLD CHANGE took his chance in the Korean Derby last November and while things didn’t go especially well that day, he is unbeaten in three outings since and can extend it to four here. Two of those wins have been at this distance and while his latest was back at 1400M, it was at this class and under a fair weight and from a good gate, he should have too much. He is tactically versatile so could lead or could settle back. The clear second choice is (9) DOCTOR TAKE. He ran 2nd to World Change at class 4 level over this distance two starts back and then beat several of today’s rivals when winning at this class and distance on February 27th. He comes up 3.5kg for his troubles but can be a danger. (8) TOP MATE had a torrid time over a mile when drawn in gate fourteen at his latest start. This should suit much better and today’s handicap conditions brings him down 4kg in the weights. It took (1) LUCAS SUN fourteen attempts to get his maiden win, but he evidently enjoyed it because he immediately followed up with another. Both were at this distance, and he comes up in class and significantly down in weight, looking for a hat-trick. (3) HILL MORE another who can go close.

Selections(2) World Change (9) Doctor Take (8) Top Mate (1) Lucas Sun
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

Seoul & Busan Sunday – Sports Chosun Trophy: Race-by-Race Preview (March 20)

The Listed Sports Chosun Trophy at Seoul is the feature race of the day but there is plenty going on across the cards, including appearances by the likes of Eoma Eoma, Morfhis and East Jet in a big handicap. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 plus 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Eoma Eoma runs in Seoul’s feature Sunday handicap

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies kick things off and we’ll be happy to side with the solitary first-time starter. That’s (7) DREAM ROSE who comes in having performed well in a trial two weeks ago when she led for much of the way around, ultimately crossing the line just half a length behind last year’s Oaks winner Choegang Black in a decent time. If se brings that kind of form to the races, she can produce a bold showing first-up here. (6) CONCORD QUEEN will dispute favourite status. After an indifferent debut, she has done well in her latest two, racing prominently throughout. She’ll be on the speed here and has every chance. So too (4) SONGAM BEST, who has run 3rd in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. She too is likely to be up on the early speed and can go close. (1 ) ARCH RIVER ran through the line well enough on debut and may appreciate the additional trip today. (8) TOP POSITION another one in the frame for improvement.

Selections(7) Dream Rose (6) Concord Queen (4) Songam Best (1) Arch River
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

More maidens here, this time with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) CONCORDE SPURT is the one to beat having finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far including his latest when coming from midfield to run on well for 2nd place. He draws a better gate today and should have too much. (2) EUREKA has run well for 4th in both his latest two aces, the most recent of which was over today’s distance. He ran the same time for the 1200M as Concorde Spurt and looks one of the more credible dangers in this field. (8) PURPLE WORLD ran a good 2nd on debut over 1000M on January 29th. He should have come on for the experience and there is no reason the additional furlong can’t suit. Of the first timers, (9) CHAPEL PRINCESS looks the best placed to make an immediate impact having won a trial at the end of January. (1) RAON THE CHUKJE can potentially improve having received a good draw for the first time.

Selections(3) Concorde Spurt (2) Eureka (8) Purple World (9) Chapel Princess
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11

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

It’s hard to go past (2) KING CRUSH here. He has been consistent across his seven starts so far with his best being 3rd place two starts back over 1300M. He has run fair times and from a nice draw should be hard to beat. (4) DONGSEO YEOGEOL is the only runner in the race with a 2nd place to her name, which she achieved four starts ago in early December. She can be on pace here and should be in this a long way. (5) P N S HER has three 4th place finishes from six starts so far, including her latest two. She has also recorded the fastest time among these for the distance and should be aiming for a career-best finish in this company. (10) SINJURYU has a best finish of 3rd. He tends to settle back and tries to run on so the wide draw may not be a concern. (8) MYEONGJIN CANDY the only other one in the race to have hinted at much ability so far.

Selections(2) King Crush (4) Dongseo Yeogeol (5) P N S Her (10) Sinjuryu
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

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

One of two first-time starters, (1) HAMYANGEUN SANSAM looks the one to beat here. He wasn’t ready when trialed for the first-time last September but looked a totally different prospect when on pace throughout and crossing the line first in another heat in February. Drawn nicely on the inside, he won’t need to improve much on that to win. (2) SEOGWI CHUKJE ran fairly for 5th at start number two on February 11th, going right back and then running on over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can be a bonus here. (7) SPECIAL WIND was 6th in that same race on what was his debut. He should have come for that and with natural improvement can be aiming for the places here. (4) ALL CROWN and (8) UNJU STAR look the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Hamyangeun Sansam (2) Seogwi Chukje (7) Special Wind (4) All Crown
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (4) MAGIC TIDE was a winner at this class over 1200M two starts back before finishing 4th on her latest outing, again at 1200M, on February 19th in what was arguably tougher company than this. She has run a fair time at this distance and while she comes up in the weights, she gets a better draw than last time and will be favourite to strike here. (7) COOL PRINCESS has also run a good time for the distance and comes in looking as though she is working towards another victory with a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two outings at 1200M and 1300M. She has settled back in midfield in those but may be ridden bit further forward today and can be a danger. (3) HAPPY SOCKS will need a line drawn through her latest when she struggled from a wide gate. Much better drawn and slightly down in weight she can be given another chance here. (10) CHEONEUNCHONG comes up in class having got her maiden win at start three on February 13th. She is up in trip too but in this company should measure up. Also up in class, (11) LAGERTHA is another to consider.

Selections(4) Magic Tide (7) Cool Princess (3) Happy Socks (10) Cheoneunchong
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

A very tricky race. (9) BLUE CARSON has been as consistent as any across her eight starts so far – i.e., she has mixed her form but has a 3rd and a 2nd to her name at this distance as well as fair times. The draw won’t matter so much, and she can make the breakthrough here. (4) WIND CROSS comes in following a good 3rd place over 1400M during which he led at times. He should be on pace again today and can be in this long way again. (11) INDIE MAGIC was a good 2nd on debut and while he had a hard time on his second appearance on February 25th, that was his first try at 1200M and he can have come on for that run and be in the mix here. (10) B.K. HANA and (2) ARTIE’S GAL are others who should be in at least the placing frame.

Selections(9) Blue Carson (4) Wind Cross (11) Indie Magic (10) B.K. Hana
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Good race. (6) TITAN SOCKS is the top pick and probable favourite. He is yet to finish outside the top-five in four starts which includes a win over 1200M at class 6 level back in January. At his latest start on February 26th, he stepped up to this class and distance and sat midfield before running on for 3rd. He carries the same weight today, draws better, and may take some beating. (3) DAEMUL comes up in class and distance having got his maiden win at start number two on February 19th when handy throughout and running on to win very well. He comes down a couple of kilos in weight and there is not reason why he can’t measure up in this company. (5) RUNNING NUMBER ONE was a winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back and while he could only manage 6th on his first try at this class on February 19th, he can be given another chance today. It’s been a while since (4) AMAZING WHIZ was in the winner’s circle, but she is a model of consistency and this is the kind of race she knows how to find the minor money in. (10) BRAVO SOCKS and (1) THAT’S MY BOY, the latter along with Running Number One the only previous winner at this distance, are others to consider.

Selections(6) Titan Socks (3) Daemul (5) Running Number One (4) Amazing Whiz
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 18)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open although attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Busan Fridays

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies to kick off proceedings with five of the ten racing for the very first time.   The favourite will be (4) ART KELLY. She has raced twice previously, improving to 2nd on her second appearance on February 18th, when she came from off the pace and worked home well. She’ll be hard to beat here. The second favourite will be one of the first timers, (8) BURNING PASSION. The Hansen filly trialed up nicely two weeks ago and a bold showing can be expected in this limited company. Another debut maker, (5) SEOBU TEUKGEUP also trialed in an encouraging manner and can go well here while (3) FANTASTIC YEOGEOL also hinted at some ability in her heat. As for the others with experience (1) DAEJI PERFECT was 3rd on debut, albeit in an utterly plodding time, and can be considered here.  

Selection(4) Art Kelly (8) Burning Passion (5) Seobu Teukgeup (3) Fantastic Yeogeol
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

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

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (7) BARBELL POSEIDON, who has raced fairly across his four starts so far with a best of 2nd over 1000M. At his latest, he ran on for 5th at this distance and with Seo Seung-un climbing aboard today, could be ready to win. Possible betting favourite is (8) YOUNG BOSS. He was a much-improved 2nd at big odds on February 18th over this distance when he settled back and ran on and he could go one better here. (1) YONGGARI too has shown improvement across his latest two including 3rd place last time out over 1300M. The time wasn’t fast, but he draws very nicely here and can be in the finish again. (5) DOCTOR CANDY and (6) CHIEF ONE are others with the potential to improve.

Selection(7) Barbell Poseidon (8) Young Boss (1) Yonggari (5) Doctor Candy
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(5) KING GRACE has been working towards a win across his ten starts so far and will be hot favourite here following his latest couple of showings at this distance which ended in 5th and 2nd. His racing style is to settle back in the field and run on and he will probably do similar here and should prove too strong late on. (2) ANNIKA GIRL has lost her way a touch in her latest two but the step up in trip today may help. She was badly away last time from a wide draw but from a better gate she should go well here. (4) BARBELL STORM similarly had a rough time from gate fourteen at his latest start over 1200M a month ago. He has a 3rd place to his name at this distance and can find his form again here from a good draw. (1) HERO MAN and (7) HAEUNDAE BLUE are others in the placing frame.

Selection(5) King Grace (2) Annika Girl (4) Barbell Storm (1) Hero Man
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

This is a very open race. We’ll go with (11) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO, who has been finding her feet at this level with fair performances in her latest two. She has shown a bit of sped in the past and while the draw may not be in her favour as his best results have come when leading early, she can return to winning ways today. (10) MENIFEE SONG weakened on his first try at this class over a mile on February 13th. He won at this distance two starts back at class 6 level and the furlong drop should suit today. (6) USEUNG GANGJA comes in off a 3rd and a 4th at class and distance in her latest two, both at big odds. She’ll run on here and should be in contention for a place again. The up in class (7) GOSUUI POWER along with (9) DALYEORA VOLPONI are others who should enter the calculations.

Selection(11) Yeongcheon Solemio (10) Menifee Song (6) Useung Gangja (7) Gosuui Power
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) SANGIM YEOWANG comes up in class having scored her maiden win at start number two on February 20th when she sat handy and ran on well over this distance. She draws well again and looks to have plenty of scope for further development, making her the one to beat here. (4) RAON THE FLASH is yet to win in six starts having been promoted to this class after three 3rd place finishes. At her latest start she led for much of the way around, ultimately finishing in 4th place and can be on or close to the speed again and be in this a long way. (8) ANASTASIA too led her latest outing ultimately coming home in 2nd place. She’ll be on pace again and will be competitive. (1) SEOBU QUEEN can have a line drawn through her latest and along with (10) HANEUL MISO is another in the hunt.

Selection(2) Sangim Yeowang (4) Raon The Flash (8) Anastasia (1) Seobu Queen
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

(2) GEOMEUN SSONSAL returns to action for the first time in more than six months but is set to be favourite first-up here. He recorded two wins in five starts before the layoff and they were in fast times at this distance and at 1400M. He looked well when trialing two weeks ago and if he has any of his previous form about him, will be hard to beat here. (7) NAMDO QUEEN runs consistent, if unspectacular, times at this distance. She has very much found her level having been rapidly promoted at the start of her career, but this is the kind of race she can go close in. (3) ENDLESS RUNNING weakened late on over 1400M at his latest start, something he has done twice at that distance now. This is a more suitable assignment, and he can go close. (1) CHEONNYEONUI QUEEN and (9) JERA are others to consider for the places.

Selection(2) Geomeun Ssonsal (7) Namdo Queen (3) Endless Running (1) Cheonnyeonui Queen
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) DOCTOR FAITH comes back in trip after recent good work at a mile and further, most recently leading for much of the way over 1600M only to finish 2nd. He is an on-pace type and should get the lead here and will take some getting past. By contrast, (1) KING BROTHER likes to come from off the pace. His solitary victory came at this distance, and he will settle back here and run on strong again. (6) ACHIM BIT finished ahead of King Brother last time out when they ran home in 3rd and 4th places. He doesn’t win out of turn either but has an excellent record of money finishes and can go close again here. (4) PURE KING is another who comes back in trip, and it may well suit. (2) GLOBAL TOP another with placing claims.

Selection(5) Doctor Faith (1) King Brother (6) Achim Bit (4) Pure King
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(1) HANEUL ULLIM is developing into a handy stayer who has won at this class and distance and at his last start was hampered early when a close 2nd. He is nicely drawn today and can settle handy to midfield and is sure to make his presence felt. (3) CLEAN SHOT must be considered on his last start when a good 2nd under set weight conditions, beating plenty of these. The handicap favours him more today and he looks right in this. (2) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU is a galloper on the improve and can have his latest start disregarded when he had to contend with a wide draw. His previous form was very sound for a race like this. (6) QUATTRO MAX is a model of consistency and while he doesn’t win out of turn, he is always in the mix and worthy of thought. He is versatile and comfortable to settle from midfield to handy to the leaders place again. (9) TUHONUI BANSEOK another in the hunt returning from a layoff

Selection(1) Haneul Ullim (3) Clean Shot (2) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (6) Quattro Max
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 13)

There is racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:50) on Sunday. All betting locations are open (except the Daegu branch), however, attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

Tiz Plan is among those in action on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open the program. (3) GOLDEN THUNDER looks the one to beat, having improved to 2nd place at start number two on February 13th when beating three of today’s rivals with an on-pace showing at this distance. He draws better today, should be on the speed again, and can win. (6) THE FAVORITE didn’t run on at her latest start in January. She had hinted at some ability in her three prior starts though, showing a bit of speed and is worth another chance here. There are two debut-makers and of the pair, (8) STAR RACER caught the eye in his trial, crossing the line well ahead of the rest. The time wasn’t fast but in generally, trials have been slowly run of late and he can make an immediate impact first-up. (12) PURPLE STORM and (11) SIRIUS ALPHA others who can find the minor money.

Selections(3) Golden Thunder (6) The Favorite (8) Star Racer (12) Purple Storm
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies here. We’ll take a chance on one of the two first-timer starters, (4) TIZ SUCCESS. She went through two trials, significantly improving in the second of them, running through the line very well in a good time. She draws well here and looks right in this. (6) MENI SPEAR will probably start as favourite. She ran 4th on debut and then improved to 2nd at start number two, both over 1000M. Her style so far has been to be on pace, something she is well drawn to do again, and she will be in this a long way. (2) BE FLOWER also comes up in trip having run 3rd in both starts so far. The extra furlong can suit today. (11) GORGEOUS SERVE took an age to get into stride on debut but should have come on for that and be given another chance here. Similarly (3) BLOOD MOON beat a couple of today’s rivals when running on for 6th place. She has a better draw today and can be competitive.

Selections(4) Tiz Success (6) Meni Spear (2) Be Flower (11) Gorgeous Serve
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

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

It’s hard to go too far past (10) BE CRAZY here. He comes back to this distance following two good spins over 1300M which yielded a 3rd and a 4th. He doesn’t draw ideally but should have enough early speed to navigate his way to the front and from then on will be very much the one to beat. (9) SOARA DAERO has a 2nd and two 5ths in three prior outings and has registered the fastest time of any of these at the distance along the way. He too has good early speed and can sit on pace or handy here and can be a danger. (6) EUNHYE DREAM has made progress in her latest two with a 3rd and a 4th, both times coming from off the pace and making up good ground late. Expect similar here. (12) RAON THE WILD and (8) BADAUI KKUM have mixed their form, but both have hinted at ability and could make the minor money in this company.

Selections(10) Be Crazy (9) Soara Daero (6) Eunhye Dream (12) Raon The Wild
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 12

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

Small but competitive field here.  (7) EUNSEONG WINNER could be ready to win. She has two 3rd place finishes from her three starts to date, including her latest on February 20th when she came from well back to run on well over 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and Franco Da Silva remains aboard. (3) B.K. NEW MOON was an improved 2nd at her second outing on February 13th over 1200M. She recorded a fair time and is another who may suit the slightly extended trip today. (1) WONDERFUL CUTIE came home in 6th place behind Eunseong Winner on her most recent appearance but two starts back was runner-up over 1000M. She is nicely drawn on the inside here and looks to have at least placing claims. (6) HONOR’S MARGAUX and (5) HAPPY SONG SONG have the potential to improve.

Selections(7) Eunseong Winner (3) B.K. New Moon (1) Wonderful Cutie (6) Honor’ s Margaux
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

(8) SONGAM RACER enters off his best finish to date when 3rd over 1300M, running on well. Like five others, he tackles this trip for the first time and his running style suggests that it can suit with him expected to sit off the pace here and then finish strongly. He could be too good. (7) BLACK INDY looked very much as though he needed the run when well back over 1400M on January 29th, on what was his first start since last June. He drew very wide that day so had plenty of excuses and with a bit of natural improvement from that run, can be much more competitive today. (4) POSA POSA comes back in trip following a couple of tries around two turns. This should suit a little more and he can aim to at least repeat the 3rd place he scored at 1300M last December. (9) APPLE MINT and (1) M J STORM are others who can enter the equation.

Selections(8) Songam Racer (7) Black Indy (4) Posa Posa (9) Apple Mint
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(8) SAEROUN HAMAN has impressed in two starts so far, running 5th and 3rd over 1000M and 1200M and at his latest came from off the pace to run on very pleasingly. He comes up slightly in trip today and it could be what he needs to come out on top. (3) GREAT ONE comes back in trip after strong of runs at a mile, including his best finish to date of 2nd two starts back and has run fairly at this distance so in this company, can be considered. (6) DAEHO NURI comes up in trip after some adequate showings over 1200M including a 3rd place two starts back in a decent time. His running style has generally been to go back and run on so it may well suit here. (1) AGAIN HELEN and (7) SOUTHERN KING are others who may be considered for the minor money.

Selections(8) Saeroun Haman (3) Great One (6) Daeho Nuri (1) Again Helen
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

A big field and a competitive race here. (4) SHOWMAKER could be working her way towards a second victory. She enters off the back of two consecutive 3rd place finishes, both at this class, over 1400M and 1300M. She has good early speed compared with most oof her rivals here so can use a good draw to get a little further forward today and may go all the way. (6) HYPER CAR is potentially the betting favourite. He did well at this attest start to overcome gate fourteen to run 5th at class and distance and the time before ran a good 2nd. His times at the distance are consistent and while he remains a maiden after fourteen attempts, that could change here. (12) WANGINGHAENGCHA beat Hyper Car on his way to 3rd place last time out at class and distance. He has trialed up adequately since then and could be in line for another place here. (2) EUNHYE CHUNGMAN and (7) CURRERECUS are others who enter the calculations.

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 11)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday where there is an eight-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open except for the branch at Daegu which will stay closed this week due to the ongoing forest fires in the area. Attendance at any racecourse or OCB must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens get things underway. Having won a January trial, (3) TRIPLE THUNDER was well-supported on debut at this distance on February 18th and having raced handy throughout, he finished in 4th place in a fair time. He should have come on for the experience and has claims here. In that race, Triple Thunder was half a length behind (1) WIDAEHAN SEONTAEK in 3rd. The latter was improving at start number two, and he came from well off the pace. He draws much better today, gets Perovic aboard and a bold showing can be expected again. Those two will probably dispute favourite status but the solitary debut-maker may have a say. (5) FUSAICHI looked well when trialing, running on well and 1200M may suit first-up. (6) BAEK GU and (7) CHEONGHO BOSS are others to consider.

Selections(3) Triple Thunder (1) Widaehan Seontaek (5) Fusaichi (6) Baek Gu
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

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

This lot all have patchy form so it’s hard to have too much confidence. (7) YEONGSEONG QUEEN is the only one to have a runner-up finish to her name, something she achieved at start number two at 1000M. She sandwiched that result between two clangers, but Kim Hye-sun, who rode her to that 2nd, returns and in a much smaller field she can sit a bit closer and run on. If you value consistency a little more then (2) VICTORY NINE is the one to side with. He has raced fairly in his last few outings and comes in off an unspectacular 6th of 12 over 1300M a month ago. Unspectacular would be enough to see him close here. (4) GOLD SWEET won a trial in January and while she offered nothing on debut, she can be given another chance here. As for the rest, (9) DOCTOR TANGO did manage a 4th place four starts back, while (8) WONDERFUL REALTY has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before.

Selections(7) Yeongseong Queen (2) Victory Nine (4) Gold Sweet (9) Doctor Tango
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 9

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

(7) SEOGWI POINT will be a warm favourite here. She stepped up to this distance at start number six on February 20th and recorded her best finish to date with 2nd, beaten half a length in a blanket finish following a slowly run race. She may be ridden a bit more forward here and, on that performance, is the one to beat. (9) LINE BREAKER was 4th in that race, les than half a length behind Seogwi Point. That was his third 4th place finish in four starts so far and he will be coming on strong again late today. (3) JIN MARK is another who tends to do her best work late on although she is yet to crack the top-two from thirteen starts. She comes back in trip to the distance at which she got her best result to date, and she can place here. (1) BOUNTY HUNTER and (8) NEW CROWN are among others in the frame.

Selections(7) Seogwi Point (9) Line Breaker (3) Jin Mark (1) Bounty Hunter
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) ONE RUSH is yet to finish any worse than 5th in five starts to date with her best being a 2nd over this trip two starts back. She ran 4th on her latest showing on February 11th, alongside a few of today’s rivals and this looks to be her race for the taking. She will though need to reverse the February 11th form on (10) RAON THE MILLION, who was handy throughout and equaled her best finish to date in 3rd. The same apprentice keeps the weight light, but she doesn’t draw well and may not have as much improvement in her as the favourite. Keep her safe though as she should be in this a long way again. After an inauspicious debut, (1) NAREUCAT has two 5th places and from the inside gate can continue to progress here. (8) MY PAL showed significant improvement last time and along with (3) SUSO POWER are others to take under consideration.

Selections(7) One Rush (10) Raon The Million (1) Nareucat (8) My Pal
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Competitive race for fillies and mares. We’ll keep faith with (6) STELL LUNA, who had a difficult day at the office over 1400M on her first try at this class on February 13th when she worked up to midfield from a wide draw but then weakened. She come back slightly in trip, has a much better gate and with Perovic up, she looks worth persevering with. (10) CHEONGMA HWANGHU is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has finished in the top five on no fewer than eleven occasions. She overcame the same gate to run 4th at her latest start at class and distance and is tactically versatile. Expect another solid performance even if she may again find at least one too quick. (3) DOCTOR KONGSUNI also remains a maiden but is on an upward trajectory. She comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finished over 1200M and while up slightly in trip too, she has run through the line well and from a great draw is a contender. (9) GREEN PAPAGO is up in class following her maiden win and along with (4) BEST WIND is another in the frame.

Selections(6) Stell Luna (10) Cheongma Hwanghu (3) Doctor Kongsuni (9) Green Papago
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

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

There is a warm favourite here in the shape of (10) H DAY. A winner over 1000M at class 6 level two starts back, he got a long way back on his first try at class and distance on December 17th but worked home well for 5th. He comes in here fresh and with a better early position, is the one to beat. (12) JATNAMUGIL similarly was a maiden winner two starts back at class 6 level, in his case over this distance, before running 5th on his first try at this class on February 25th. He likes to get on or close to the pace so he may need a bit of luck at the start, but he should be a danger here. So too (11) HARDY CHARLIE, who also goes best when on pace and his latest two finishes, both in 4th, are enough to see him into contention here. (7) CHEOGANG CUPID needed the run on his return from a lengthy absence in February. He has some ability though and has run fast times at the distance so be worth a chance at an each-way price. (6) HOT PLAY and (9) DOCTOR PRO are others with placing claims.

Selections(10) H Day (12) Jatnamugil (11) Hardy Charlie (7) Choegang Cupid
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start7, 11, 12, 13

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A very competitive race. (7) LANE KILLER was a winner over this distance at class 5 level two starts back before running 4th on his first try at this class on February 18th when he got a long way back and left himself too much to do. He does carry more weight today but is worth another chance in this company. (8) SONHADOR won back-to-back races at the end of last year to get promoted to this level and then ran a fair 3rd on her first crack at it over 1400M on Boxing Day. She has had a couple of months off since and while she comes up in trip and in the weights, has strong claims here. (3) BOLAVEN tackles two-turns for the first time too. His sole win so far came at 1200M, but he has run fairly at 1400M too. He is nicely weighted and drawn and can go close. (9) DASEUNG E and (10) ADELE CROWN among others with at least placing chances.

Selections(7) Lane Killer (8) Sonhador (3) Bolaven (9) Daeseung E
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 8: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) WINNER STAR may only have won one of his eight starts so far but it came in the Rookie Stakes, and he ran 3rd in the Breeders’ Cup championship juvenile race in early December. He swerved the Classic trial over 1400M last Sunday and lines up here instead having already run encouragingly enough twice over this distance. He draws well and will take some beating. (4) CHOEGANG LIGER enters in the best form of his career with two wins from his latest four including at this class over a mile. He comes up a furlong here, but he has been finishing off his recent races well and he should be competitive from off the pace again. (7) DUMUSAN too has been consistent across his latest starts, all of which have been at this distance. He tends to go back and run on and can run into the money again. (5) QUEEN HARLEY and (9) TOHAM STAR are others to look out for.

Selections(3) Winner Star (4) Choegang Liger (7) Dumusan (5) Queen Harley
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 4)

The weekend’s racing will be headlined on Sunday the Classic trials at both Busan and Seoul. The southern track gets things underway though on Friday with an eight-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open but attendance should still be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens kick things off with five of the nine racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (2) KING SATURDAY. Draw a line through his latest outing at 1400Mwhen from gate ten he got on pace then weakened, and instead go on his first two when he went close at both 1000M and today’s 1200M. From a good draw and against modest opposition he will be hard to beat.  (3) YEONGCHEON POWER ran fairly at this distance before and looks the logical second pick while among the first-time starters, (1) GOODBYE RABBITS went the best in trials and from a favourable draw should be aiming for the money first-up here. (5) FANTASTIC MAGIC and (7) POWER GUY are others who could plausibly place.

Selections(2) King Saturday (3) Yeongcheon Power (1) Goodbye Rabbits (5) Fantastic Magic
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

More three-year-old maidens, this time with three of the eight racing for the first time. We’ll side with one of these first timers, (8) MARIA’S GAL. She was on pace in her trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place and with a bit of natural progression from that looks the one to beat here. (7) GASOK DAY hasn’t exactly shown much in the way of speed in two outings to date, both at 1000M, but she has managed to finish 5th and 4th. The slight step up in trip can suit and she should be in the finish here. So too (3) CROWD ONE who made a significant improvement to 2nd at start number two January 9th. She comes up in distance as well and has claims. (2) ADELE GOLD and another first-time starter, (4) DOKBO are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) Maria’s Gal (7) Gasok Day (3) Crowd One (2) Adele Gold
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

(1) PLAY THE INDY has finished 5th in both starts so far, both at 1000M. He worked home fairly enough on both occasions and up in trip and with a nice draw is the one they need to beat here. (4) INTO MARINE races for the first time since last July. He had hinted at some ability in five outings with the best being a 3rd place over this distance. He trialed up fairly at the end of January and can pick up from where he left off here. Draw a line through the latest from (8) BAEK SEOL QUEEN when she was slowly away and never made an impact over 1400M. Her prior form was relatively promising, and she looks worth another chance in this company (5) SORI TAEPUNG and (3) WONDERFUL SMARTY are others who should be in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Play The Indy (4) Into Marine (8) Baek Seol Queen (5) Sori Taepung
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (8) ARTIE’S GAL, who comes in after a 3rd and a 5th in two starts since returning from several months off. She has the best start among these so should be able to get on pace early and may be able to hold on. (6) GREEN CHEETAH has been improving across four starts so far with her best being her latest over this distance on February 13th when an on-pace 3rd. She will be up on the speed again and can go even closer today. (3) SPEED SUNSHINE didn’t offer much in early appearances but looks to be figuring things out with two 4th place finishes and a 3rd from his latest three. He too will be aiming to get on to the early speed and can maintain his positive run of form here. (9) GALLOP BOY and the first-time starter (4) CUTE GUY are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Artie’s Gal (6) Green Cheetah (3) Speed Sunshine (9) Gallop Boy
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go far past (4) ORANGE GARAGE here. He stepped up to this distance on January 28th and beat a few of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place having sat handy throughout from gate eleven. He gets a much better draw today, will be on pace from the start, and won’t be easy to beat. (3) KING GRACE beat Orange Garage when the pair came home 4th and 5th over 1400M two starts back before running 5th on his first try at a mile on February 11th. He shapes to be the main danger here. (8) HIT RUNNER was 6th behind Orange Garage at his latest start and can be competitive again here while (6) MAJOR FORCE has run a decent time at the distance and comes back up in trip following a good 4th over 1200M when coming from well off the pace last time out. (1) DANGDAE BLUE the best of a limited rest.

Selections(4) Orange Garage (3) King Grace (8) Hit Runner (6) Major Force
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A competitive race. (11) CHEONGMA YEONGUNG was a winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back before overcoming gate fourteen to run a good 2nd on his first try at this level on January 21st making up excellent ground late on. He doesn’t get the best of the draw again here and is up a little in the weights but should be running on strong again. A good draw makes (3) HAMAN BONGHWASAN the probable betting favourite. She ran 2nd at this distance on debut before winning on her second outing when making all over 1300M. She comes up in class here but remains well weighted and from a great gate will be aiming to lead all the way again. (10) INDIAN PARTY has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and enters in consistent form. Remarkably he is yet to win but has ten top-three finishes and can maintain that record here. (8) USEUNG MELODY and (9) TAEPUNGI are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(11) Cheongma Yeongung (3) Haman Bonghwasan (10) Indian Party (8) Useung Melody
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 12

Busan Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) ALIVE STAR will take some beating here. A maiden winner at 1200M two starts back, he stepped up to 1400M for his first try at this class on February 13th and ran 2nd to a good winner having been handy throughout. He comes back in trip here, draws good gate and should win. (5) QUEEN STAR was an unfancied winner on debut over 1000M last month. She came from off the pace and worked home well so while this is tougher, it may suit, and she can measure up. (1) TTEUGEOUN MANNAM finished midfield when drawn wide over 1300M at his latest start. A more favourable barrier today and back slightly in trip puts him into contention here. (4) BEAUTIFUL KING and (6) A ONE PLUS are among others with placing chances.

Selections(3) Alive Star (5) Queen Star (1) Tteugeoun Mannam (4) Beautiful King
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(3) GOLDEN POWER comes up rapidly in class having won two of her latest three, most recently a smart score at class 5 level over 1400M on January 21st when coming from off the pace and running on. Her racing style suggests a mile will suit and under a light weight she has every chance of continuing her hot streak. (11) RUN FIGHTER is ultra-consistent having finished no worse than 5th in eight starts to date. He comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd at this distance, the latest of which was at this class, and he will surely be very competitive again. (9) GALLANT WARRIOR races for the first time since winning over 1800M at class 5 level last November. He is another who should suit a mile and he looked well enough when trialing two weeks ago. (6) GEUMA STARLET and (2) ROSE BULLET others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Golden Power (11) Run Fighter (9) Gallant Warrior (6) Geuma Starlet
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 27)

Sunday sees racing at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:40). Last year’s champion three-year-old Heat Yegam makes his season-debut in Busan while in the feature in Seoul, 2019 Korea Cup winner Moonhak Chief will be among the contenders. All betting locations across Korea are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to fate vaccination against Covid-19 is required:

Heat Yegam races for the first time in 2022 (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies open proceedings. (6) CUPID WAY is set to be a warm favourite. That’s based on her debut when she ran on well to run 2nd in a decent time behind a good winner over 1000M with an eye-catching final furlong. She comes up in trip but that should suit, and she’ll be hard to beat. It’s hard to go past (9) SONGAM BEST for second choice She beat three of these on her way to 3rd place on debut at 1000M on January 30th and can be expected to be on pace here. (3) MENI ACE and (12) DOLBAE were two of those behind Songam Best in that January race, and both can aim to improve and get closer here. There are three first time starters and among them, (10) SINHAN TEUKSONG looks to have the best chance of making an immediate impression.

Selections(6) Cupid Way (9) Songam Best (3) Meni Ace (12) Dolbae
Next Best10, 13
Fast Start5, 9, 12, 13

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

(1) SUPERDIA is the one to beat here. After trailing fairly, she put in a very solid effort from gate twelve on debut to get handy to the lead and then run on for 3rd. She draws much better on the inside today and should get a softer run to the front and be hard to go past. (2) MARUMA will almost certainly jump as second-favourite. He won a (slow) trial in December and then ran on well from a long way back to make it up to 5th over 1000M on debut on January 9th. He too draws much better this time around, and the step up in trip should suit. (11) LONDON SKY has already had a couple of spins around this distance and hinted at progress last time. He can run on and into some money here. (4) GEOLJAK MAN can aim to match the 4th place he achieved at his latest start while (9) SMART BYEOL is another with money chances.

Selections(1) Superdia (2) Maruma (11) London Sky (4) Geoljak Man
Next Best9, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 11, 12

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

Short-priced favourite here in the shape of (9) ASPENROS. Having run 3rd on debut at this distance, he stepped up to 1400M on January 29th and having settled midfield from gate twelve, ran on for 2nd place, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll take some beating here. (1) SMART BLUE has shown improvement at his latest two with a 2nd and a 3rd, both at 1200M. He draws well here and can continue to make progress. (7) EURO GANGJA was 3rd behind Aspenros in that January 29th race. That was an improvement, but he has seven-lengths to make up on him here. (2) FLY STAR debuted adequately in the same race and should have come on for the experience. (10) NEW A ONE another who has placing chances.

Selections(9) Aspenros (1) Smart Blue (7) Euro Gangja (2) Fly Star
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start2, 8, 11, 13

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

(10) MAN OF THE STAR has put in three promising runs so far including a good 3rd place over 1200M last time out when he led for much of the way around. He comes up slightly in trip today and despite the wide draw should have enough early speed to get on the lead again. This time he may not be caught. (4) GREAT CAPTAIN came home in 5th place to Man Of The Star’s 3rd on January 14th. That was an improvement from his debut, and he seemed to appreciate the step up in trip. He gets a little further today, and more development is possible. (6) GRAND SUN too hasn’t done much wrong in two outings to date, registering a 3rd and a 4th, both at 1200M. He will be on pace or handy here and can go close. (7) QUALITY QUEEN and (1) RAON THE FIGHTING, are others to consider for at least a place.

Selections(10) Man Of The Star (4) Great Captain (6) Grand Sun (7) Quality Queen
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Tricky one where only four of the twelve have tackled the 1700M before. (1) KING MOUNTAIN has never gone further than 1200M, but he has consistently run fair times and made a significant breakthrough when 2nd at his latest start on January 9th. When sitting handy and running on. He draws nicely on the inside again and may be worth taking a chance on here. (2) NAUI NARA comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1400M and 1300M, the former time beating a few of today’s rivals. Expect him up on pace as well and he can go close. (8) DIVINE POWER has raced at this distance before and while he is yet to finished in the top-three in thirteen attempts, this is the kind of company in which he can pick up a cheque. (4) NAMSAN DREAM and (6) BLACK KING are others to enter the calculations.

Selections(1) King Mountain (2) Naui Nara (8) Divine Power (4) Namsan Dream
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 12

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

Fillies and mares only here. Despite the wide draw, (14) RADAR is going to be the favourite here. Having trailed well, she was a front-running 2nd on debut at this distance on January 28th, only going down by a small margin in a good time. The same apprentice jockey keeps the weight very light, and she will be expected to win here. (13) SAVE US didn’t do an awful lot in two starts last summer but returned on Christmas Eve after a few months off and has longed a much better prospect in two outings since. She has registered a 2nd and a 3rd, both at this distance and both in decent times. She too has a wide draw to overcome but should be equal to it. Those two should fill out the quinella in either order. (4) STELLA QUEEN may appreciate the step up in trip and could be an each-way price. (6) HAVANA JANE is the most experienced in the race by some margin; obviously not a good thing at class 6 but she has shown flashes of ability and has run good times at the trip. First-timer (9) LIONESS, potentially another who can go well.

Selections(14) Radar (13) Save Us (4) Stella Queen (6) Havana Jane
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 12, 14

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

Competitive race. (5) HEUNGHAENG DAEBAK was a winner over 1300M at class 6 level two starts back before beating a couple of these on his way to an in now way disgraced 6th on his first try at this class having navigated his way across from gate fourteen. He does come up a little in the weights today but draws much better and has a chance. (8) POWER BOX will probably be favourite. It’s fair to say that he has mixed his form across five starts so far, including a disappointing showing last time out. He has run good times at this distance and if we catch him in-form, he may be too good. (11) SEUNGSEUNG POWER comes back in trip following good showings at 1300M and 1400M. He comes up in the weights and doesn’t draw well but can be considered. (4) DESK TAP was disappointing last time behind, among others, Seungseung Power, but is better than that and can be given another chance. (13) DONMA was a shock winner on debut and could be anything.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 25)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday. The 8-race card has been shifted a little from previous Friday’s in order to accommodate an additional pony race at Jeju where two races were lost to the weather a week ago. Busan runs from 12:30 to 18:00. All betting locations are set to be open although attendance must be pre-booked and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens open the program with six of the fourteen racing for the first time. We’ll side with (3) INDIE MAGIC, who ran (an admittedly distant) 2nd on debut over 1000M at the end of January, when he worked home well from a wide draw. The step up in trip should suit and coupled with the good barrier, makes him the one to beat. (6) ALPHA SONGDANG also ran well for 2nd on debut. Expect her to be on pace here and to be in this a long way. (4) FLOWING RIVER came from the middle of the pack to run home well for 3rd on debut and is another who may appreciate the additional journey here. As for the debut-makers, (8) TWO OF US looks to be the pick. He made all to comfortably win his trial and can make a bold showing first up here. (10) BABEL PHOENIX another in the frame.

Selections(3) Indie Magic (6) Alpha Songdang (4) Flowing River (8) Two Of Us
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 14

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

A very ordinary maiden here. Nothing really deserves to win but we’ll take a chance with (9) YONGGARI, who seems to be figuring things out after a decent 4th place over 1200M last time out. He can settle back and run on here and should beat plenty. (8) CHIEF OFFICER comes in off an improved 3rd place over 1200M on January 16th. He has certainly mixed his form to date but in this company has every chance. (5) STATICE has plenty of experience and has raced fairly in recent outings. She has a 2nd place to her name at this distance and also has the fastest time at it among those who have raced at 1300M before. She can go close here. (11) ETTEUMI improved at start number two last time out and along with (1) DONGBU STAR is among others who have at least placing claims here.

Selections(9) Yonggari (8) Chief Officer (5) Statice (11) Etteumi
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 9, 10, 13

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(1) ADELE STELLA has been consistent across his four starts to date and comes in here having run 4th at his latest outing over 1300M. He has a 3rd place to his name at this distance too and could well be peaking today. (14) GRAND CHUKJE beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at the distance on January 28th. The draw does him no favours today, but he should be competitive again in this company. (9) CHOEGANG MARINE stepped up to this distance at his latest start and ran a very solid 3rd place. He will be close to the pace again here and can go close. (6) DAEJI SPECIAL has been solid, if unspectacular, in recent outings and has fair placing claims. (8) HAEUNDAE BLUE mixes her form but does have a 2nd place finish to her name and is another to take into consideration.

Selections(1) Adele Stella (14) Grand Chukje (9) Choegang Marine (6) Daeji Special
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 12

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

Small field here but it’s certainly competitive enough. (4) SANGSEUNG BOY gets the nod. He won on debut over 1000M before running 3rd at class and distance on January 30th. He will be on pace here and has every chance of going all the way. (2) FANTASTIC LOVE is yet to win in five starts but has finished no worse than 4th with three runner-up finishes to her name, including last time out on her first try at this class and distance. She too will look to get forward early and while she may find one too quick again, should be maintaining her consistent record. (1) JATNAMUGIL comes up in class following a good win at the distance on January 28th when he sat handy and ran on strong. (7) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO and (8) UNJU HERO are others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Sangseung Boy (2) Fantastic Love (1) Jatnamugil (7) Yeongcheon Solemio
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

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

Having taken himself out of contention on debut, (5) USURP returned to win well second up on January 21st over 1200M when leading gate to wire. He comes up in class here and slightly up in trip too, but neither should be an issue and he can win again. (13) MONEY CASE is up in class too following a win at start number three on January 16th. He doesn’t get the best of the draw, but he should be able to measure up in this company. (14) ADELE CHUKBAE draws even worse but is better than his latest effort suggests, and he can be given another chance here. (7) D’LOVELY QUEEN comes in off two positive showings over 1200M and along with (1) HARDY CHARLIE, who showed a big uptick in form at his latest start, is another in at least the placing frame.

Selections(5) Usurp (13) Money Case (14) Adele Chukbae (7) D’Lovely Queen
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 13

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

The two main contenders here both come in having had an off day at their respective latest starts. For (11) PUREUN JANGMI it was in the Korean Oaks back in November and having shown on the front, she didn’t see out the trip. She was going very nicely prior to that though and after a couple of months off, can be given another chance here. (3) DONGTEUJA BOY was beaten by a couple of these in a flat showing over 1400M last time out. He is much better than that though and back in trip and with a nice gate, can go much better today. (14) MILLION BANK was one of those who finished ahead of Dongteuja Boy last time out. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th and can maintain that record today. (13) CLEAR and (6) WONDERFUL FAGER are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(11) Pureun Jangmi (3) Dongteuja Boy (14) Million Bank (13) Clear
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 11, 13

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

Tricky one this but we’ll give (10) SEUNGNI TOUT a chance to return to form. He is a class and distance winner and while he has come up short in his latest two, Seo Seung-un climbs back aboard today and he should be right in this. (7) BULMYEORUI GIL shapes as the probable favourite courtesy of his class and distance win on January 21st when he came from off the pace to run on very strongly. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but has every chance of a repeat. (11) LUCAS SUN comes up in class having won at this distance a month ago. His running style is to settle back in the field so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can be competitive at this level. (9) ACE JACKPOT and (12) CHEONGDAM DRIVE are among others with placing chances.

Selections(10) Seungni Tout (7) Bulmyeorui Gil (11) Lucas Sun (9) Ace Jackpot
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 8: Class 2 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

A really good race to finish with. (9) YEONGUNG LOUIS came up short in two big Group races at the end of last year and then was surprisingly beaten when racing alongside many of these on his return to normal racing on January 23rd. He has plenty of quality about him though and can return to winning ways today. (3) DAEAM JANGGUN enters having won his latest three in fine style. All at this distance. He is up in class today but draws nicely and can measure up in this company. (11) QUEEN OF THE WORLD beat Yeongung Louis and a host of today’s rivals when winning at class and distance on January 23rd. She comes up in the weights and draws less favourably today but she clearly warrants respect. (1) ONNURI JILJU is up in class following a good win over 1200M last month and along with (10) SUCCESS PARTY, is another to take into account.

Selections(9) Yeongung Louis (3) Daeam Janggun (11) Queen Of The World (1) Onnuri Jilju
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 10

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 20)

Raon The Fighter is the main draw on Sunday as the hottest property in Korean racing seeks to make it ten wins in a row. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Raon The Fighter (KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens go round here with five racing for the first time. One of those is set to be our top pick in the shape of (2) COMPLETE WEAPON.  He has been through two trials, winning the most recent of them in a fast time in early December and while it has taken him a couple of months to get to the racecourse, this looks like a winnable assignment first up. Sticking with first timers, (4) JEONGMUN JILJU was also a trial winner, sitting handy and then running on strong in his heat and he too looks set to make a bold showing on debut. Turning to those with experience, (11) EUNHYE has a 2nd and 3rd from two three starts so far, with both the good results being at this distance. He has proven able to run well from on pace or behind, so the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern. (8) GOLDEN SCOOP was a much-improved 2nd when on pace at this distance on January 22nd and she, along with (10) CONCORDE SPURT, are others to take into consideration.

Selections(2) Complete Weapon (4) Jeongmun Jilju (11) Eunhye (8) Golden Scoop
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start2, 4. 8, 14

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

(1) GRAND POWER will be a warm favourite here after a much-improved showing over 1000M on January 23rd when he was on pace for the first time and ran on well. He comes back up in trip here but draws nicely on the inside and won’t need to go much better to win this one. (11) LONDON POWER has shown decent consistency with four top four finishes. She has run some fair times at this distance and is likely to be on pace from the start and be in this a long way. (13) ROAD ACE was 3rd behind Grand Power in that January 23rd race. He has three top five finishes from six starts so far and despite the wide draw can be going close here. (5) QUEEN LION and (6) NUMBER ONE TARGET, the latter with the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Grand Power (11) London Power (13) Road Ace (5) Queen Lion
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 11, 13

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

It’s hard to look past (6) BE CRAZY here. He has two 4ths and a last start 3rd from three appearances to date, the latest being that 3rd over this distance on January 16th when he sat on pace throughout. He can lead here and should be too good. (12) MIDAS CAMP has the fastest time among these at the distance and enters off a good 3rd place at 1200M a month ago He had an apprentice on that day so loses the 4kg claim here and draws wide but can go close again. (3) HANGANG BOSS had a hard time from a wide draw at his latest start but if you can draw a line through that, his previous two efforts were good. Coming into a better gate today, he can be given another chance. (8) OKDONG GONGJU is yet to win but has six top five finishes to his name and can aim to place here. (2) SINJURYU another in the minor money frame.

Selections(6) Be Crazy (12) Midas Camp (3) Hangang Boss (8) Okdong Gongju
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 11, 12

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies only here. We’ll go with (6) DOCTOR KONGSUNI who starts for the third time having improved to 2nd at her latest start on January 21st when stepped up to this distance. She was on pace that day and should be again and may have too much. (4) SANGIM YEOWANG overcame a wide draw to run a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M three weeks ago. She comes up in trip here, gets a better gate and Seo Seung-un climbs aboard so there is plenty to like. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE and (8) CHEONGHO BOSS came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at 1000M on January 16th. It was a big improvement for Wonderful Cutie while it was a debut outing for Cheongho Boss. The latter has since gone back and won a trial and both can be competitive today. In that trial, (1) PYEONGHWA CHUKJE ran 4th, a second encouraging performance, and she looks the best of the three first-time starters.

Selections(6) Doctor Kongsuni (4) Sangim Yeowang (2) Wonderful Cutie (8) Cheongho Boss
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 13

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

Maiden fillies here. The two French jockeys face off on the likely top-two in the market and we’ll side with Johan Victoire and (7) GALSAEK HYANGGI to prevail. The Menifee filly comes in having run 4th at her latest start at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process in a good time. She tends to settle back and run on and today can be her day. David Breux and (13) FIRST ROAD is the big danger. She has a 2nd place to her name, recorded two starts back at 1200M and she overcame a similarly wide draw to run 4th at that same distance at her latest start on January 16th. She has a good finish on her and will be running on here. (8) DONGSEO YEOGEOL has got a bit far back in her latest two but can be given another chance here from a better draw. (10) WONDERFUL NIKIYA and (11) TINA are others with genuine placing chances.

Selections(7) Galsaek Hyanggi (13) First Road (8) Dongseo Yeogeol (10) Wonderful Nikiya
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start1, 8, 10, 11

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

(12) CHAMP GO is the logical top pick here. He has the fastest time of those who have tackled the distance before and enters in excellent form with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two appearances. It’s true that he doesn’t draw as favourably today but an apprentice keeps his weight down and with a little luck at the start, he can win this. (1) LINE BREAKER has been doing his best work late in all three of his outings so far at shorter distances. From a much better draw and out to an extended trip, he can go very close here. (2) CHOEGANG FORCE also comes up in trip. He has three top four finishes from four starts to date and came from well back for a fast-finishing 4th last time out. He has the fastest average time for the final furlong and can be a danger here. (9) ZERAGE and (6) BAEK SEOL QUEEN are among others in the hunt.

Selections(12) Champ Go (1) Line Breaker (2) Choegang Force (9) Zerage
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 12, 14
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