Busan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selections(4) Milk Day (8) View Amazing (6) Star Catch (10) City Blade
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 24)

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

It’s Friday. It’s Busan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selections(4) Line Breaker (5) Cheonnyeonuigureum (6) Great Captain (9) Gosuui Power
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 10)

The final leg of the 2022 Triple Crown, the Minister’s Cup will be run on Sunday at Seoul but the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan with an eight-race card on Friday running from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Friday

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and it’s hard to go past (8) HUIMANG PUNCH. She debuted last October, beating just one home and then didn’t reappear until a trial in April. She was encouraging in that heat to the extent that she was well-fancied on her return to racing on May 13th when an on-pace 2nd at this distance. Her time for the 1200M was faster than any of the others here have achieved and she should win. (2) MORNING MUSE improved to 3rd place on her latest start on May 20th when she overcame a wide draw to sit handy and then ran on. She comes into a better gate today and can go close. (5) PURE MAGIC debuted in that May 29th race, running a solid 5th. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can go closer this time. (6) EURO STAR and (1) WONDERFUL TRICKS among others with scope to improve.

Selections(8) Huimang Punch (2) Morning Muse (5) Pure Magic (6) Euro Star
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

More three-year-old maidens. It’s not a strong field so we’re willing to take a chance on one of the two first-time starters. (3) WIDAEHAN HAMAN enters having won a May trial in which she looked assured, breaking well and then responding to urging late on and running through the line well. The time wasn’t fast but she demonstrated enough to suggest a bold showing first-up is possible. (7) SEOGWI CHUKJE was an improved 3rd at start number four on May 6th when settling back in the field and running on. An apprentice keeps her weight very light and she can place again. (1) STAR MATTA was well-backed on debut on May 8th having won a trial in April in a fast time. While he settled handy, he didn’t quite see the race out and ended up only beating one home. He should have benefitted from that and could be a different prospect today. The other first-timer, (2) SILVER ROAD, trialed fairly and along with (6) TAP STAR is another to consider.

Selections(3) Widaehan Haman (7) Seogwi Chukje (1) Star Matta (2) Silver Road
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

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

(1) WONDERFUL BOBCAT enters in consistent form with a strong 2nd last time out when close to the pace over a mile. He has run well at this distance too and draws very nicely here to drop in behind the early speed and run on. This is his fourth start since returning from almost a year out and he could be peaking here. (10) MY SONG was a much-improved 2nd at her latest appearance on May 13th when she sat handy and ran on and while a long way behind a good winner, a similar run today will see her in the finish. (11) QUEEN’S DAERO beat both Wonderful Bobcat and My Song when 2nd at this distance on April 15th. That was her best result in eight starts so far and while she could only manage 6th behind My Song on her re-appearance last month, she should be competitive here. (3) RHIANNON POINT and (2) BLUE CAPTAIN are among others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Wonderful Bobcat (10) My Song (11) Queen’s Daero (3) Rhiannon Point
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(2) WONDERFUL SECRET comes in having won just the once but with no fewer than eight top-four finishes from twelve starts. That includes his latest on May 13th when at this class and distance he beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place having settled midfield and run on behind a good winner. From a good draw he will be on pace here and is the one to beat. (7) CENTUM THOR is yet to win in sixteen attempts but is ultra-consistent with thirteen top-five finishes. He has run good times at this distance and was 5th in the May 13th race. He comes down slightly in the weights here and can be competitive. (1) ADELE BOSS was 3rd in that same race having led for much of the way around. That was his first try around two turns and he should benefit from it. (3) DIA FORCE and (6) B J’S TERMS are others to take into consideration.

Selections(2) Wonderful Secret (7) Centum Thor (1) Adele Boss (3) Dia Force
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

A maiden winner at this distance two starts back at class 6 level, (5) INDIE MAGIC ran a solid 3rd on his first try at this class on May 1st when settling back in the field and steadily improving. He looks to have scope for more development and from a fair gate will probably be a bit closer to the speed this time around and he can win. The biggest danger may well be his stablemate. (10) PURPLE MANGO comes up in class following an all the way score at this distance on May 15th. While the draw is not ideal, she can get forward again and a Rice-quinella looks a real possibility. Also up in class is (4) INTO MARINE. He similarly made all over this distance on March 4th and comes in fresh after three months. He comes down in the weights, draws well, and can go close. (8) SPICE INDIE and (3) JEONGDEUN-RO others in the frame.

Selections(5) Indie Magic (10) Purple Mango (4) Into Marine (8) Spice Indie
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10
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Ttukseom Cup Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (June 5)

The Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares gets underway on Sunday and Raon First will be hot favourite to score in the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2). There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:35 to 16:15. Here are the previews:

Raon First will be favourite for the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and (11) MARUMA is the one to beat. He has the fastest time among these at the distance, recorded at his last start on April 23rd when he sat in 3rd place the entire way around. The wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue and he won’t need to improve too much on that to win here. (10) TRIPLE JOY has raced fairly in two starts so far, finishing in 3rd and 5th. He steps up to this distance for the first time and can make further progress. (9) OCHEONBOK has come from off the pace in both of her races to date, finishing 4th and then 2nd, the latter at this distance on April 30th. She has posted impressive final furlong times and so long as she doesn’t get too far back, can be a danger late on. (1) GEUMA CHIC and (7) KING HONOR are others to take into consideration.

Selections(11) Maruma (10) Triple Joy (9) Ocheonbok (1) Geuma Chic
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 11

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

(1) ACE PLAN has looked to be working towards a win from his latest few appearances, culminating in a 3rd place last time out on May 21st when he was an on-pace 3rd at this distance. He returns just two weeks later and from a better draw, should be on or close to the pace from the start and he will be favoured to win here. Coming out of the opposite end of the gate will be (12) APPLE MINT. He has started to hit some form in his latest two and an apprentice jockey brings the weight down considerably today. He has settled midfield or worse in those two recent outings so the wide draw may not be too much of an inconvenience. (6) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE has four to-five finishes from six outings to date and can continue her solid run of form following a last start 3rd. (7) FLYING BARBIE and (11) TORUK MAKTO others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(1) Ace Plan (12) Apple Mint (6) Neoreul Eongwonhae (7) Flying Barbie
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

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

A competitive maiden for three-year-olds gets things underway on the south coast. We’ll go with (8) WORLD FOUR A, who after participating in a fast trial to qualify in April, ran a good 2nd on debut at 1200M on May 22nd when he was on pace throughout and led in the straight. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can win here. (4) TRIPLE THUNDER is yet to finish any worse than 5th in four career outings. He was an on-pace 2nd at this distance on May 8th and form a nice draw, will be expected to be on the early speed again and to be in this a long way. (11) DOCTOR PERSIA has run fairly across three starts. He got a long way back last time out but ran on well enough for 5th and if given slightly more of a chance here, can get closer. (2) MAHAMERU and (1) WIND WINNER are others to consider.

Selections(8) World Four A (4) Triple Thunder (11) Doctor Persia (2) Mahameru
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 10

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

(12) GLOBAL PRIME returned from a couple of months out to run an improved 2nd in what was an admittedly slow race at this distance on April 10th. He had hinted at a bit of speed before though and despite the wide draw, in this company, he has every chance. (4) SPEED GALLOP has finished outside the top-five only once in five attempts so far. At her latest appearance back in February, she ran a good 3rd at this distance in an all-fily race having sat back from a wide draw. She comes in fresh here and can go close. (2) YONGCHEON JISANG was a much-improved 2nd at start number three on May 8th at this distance. He should have come on for that experience and can aim for at least the places again. (8) EPIPHANY and (6) KING MOUNTAIN are among others who may be considered for the minors.

Selections(12) Global Prime (4) Speed Gallop (2) Yongcheon Jisang (8) Epiphany
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start5, 6, 11, 12

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

Fillies (and two mares) only here. It’s a full sixty-seven weeks since we saw (7) BLACK OLIVE make her one solitary appearance, but it was memorable as she led from gate to wire over 1000M scoring comfortably. Her setbacks hopefully behind, she caught the eye when fairly bolting up in a barrier trial in late April and having won first-up before, she can do so again, especially as she gets another crack at class 6 what with that race last year being run for significantly reduced prize money. (12) FANTASTIC MAGIC has hinted at ability across seven outings so far. She ran a good 4th at her latest on May 15th and can be running on well here. (9) HAPPY SONG SONG seemed to take a few goes to figure out what she’s supposed to do but she now has a pair of 3rd place finishes and a 4th from her latest three. (11) SEUNGRIUI BULGIL and (5) TAKE ADELE others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(7) Black Olive (12) Fantastic Magic (9) Happy Song Song (11) Seungriui Bulgil
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

A competitive race here with two standouts. We’ll tentatively side with (2) WILD SOCKS. He was a winner at this distance at class 6 level and comes in off a good 2nd place at 1300M at this class on May 21st when he settled midfield and ran on. He draws nicely here and can win. The big danger in (5) WONDERFUL KITTY. She may be yet to win in six starts but has three-runner-up finishes to her name, including on her latest start at class and distance on May 8th when, as has tended to be her style, she went right back and finished fast. An apprentice jockey brings her weight right down today and that could be crucial when she launches her late challenge. (10) TOUCH NINE comes up in class after a good win over this distance on May 15th. He drew wide that day as well and can measure up in this company. (9) GLOBAL BOBAE and (6) RIVER TAEYANG are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Wild Socks (5) Wonderful Kitty (10) Touch Nine (9) Global Bobae
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 8

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

It’s hard to go too far past (11) DONGBU WORLD here. While he does remain a maiden after five attempts, he is yet to finish outside the top-four and has three runner-up finishes. That includes his latest outing, which was at this class and distance on May 13th when he was on pace throughout and went down narrowly. He does come up 2kg in the weights and may need a touch of luck at the start, given the wide draw, but he is still the one to beat. (3) ACE GUY races for the first time since last September. He had put together a good run of form before the layoff and looked well when trialing up at the end of April. He has a strong finish on him and a bold-showing is possible first-up here. (6) YOUNG BOSS has got a bit far back in his latest two races but there is ability there and he has won at this distance. He may be worth another chance here at a probable each-way price. (5) MONEY BAG and (1) MAJOR FORCE among others with placing chances.

Selections(11) Dongbu World (3) Ace Guy (6) Young Boss (5) Money Bag
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (5) SIRIUS ALPHA got her maiden win two starts back over 1200M at class 6 level with an on-pace run and then overcame the widest gate to lead until the closing stages on her first try at this level over 1400M on May 1st. She looks nicely in here from a better draw to get to the lead and she may well go all the way. (3) WILD RUNNER comes up in class following smart win over 1200M when odds-on favourite at start number three on April 23rd. She stalked the leader before striking the front a furlong out and running away for a comfortable win. This is harder but she draws well to be on pace again and should measure up in this company. (4) CONCORD QUEEN weakened when in a promising position over 1400M on her first try at this class on May 1st. She was favourite that day having been a strong winner at class 6 over 1200M the time before and can be given another chance today. (8) CHEONEUNCHONG and (7) RISING HAWK others to look out for.

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 3)

June kicks off with the final leg of the filly Triple Crown, the Gyeonggi Govenor’s Cup at Seoul on Sturday before the capital track hosts the Ttukseom Cup. the first leg of the Queens’ Tour, on Sunday. Before that there is an 8-race program at Busan on Friday which runs from 12:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan,

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

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings, with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Among the newcomers is probable hot favourite (5) CAPTAIN GOLD. He produced one of the most impressive trial performances seen recently when leading all the way and crossing the line thirteen-lengths ahead of anything else and only asked for minimal effort. If he brings anything like that form to the races, he’ll win easily. (11) JOSEPHINE QUEEN is the best of the experienced ones. She’s finished in the top five on all four of her starts so far, registering fair times in the process. She can go close here. (9) CHONGAL CHARM has hinted at ability in three outings to date and should be in the placing frame here. (10) GRAPHENE KING and (12) TOMYRIS are other first time starters who looked well in trials.

Selections(5) Captain Gold (11) Josephine Queen (9) Chongal Charm (10) Graphene King
Next Best12, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

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

There is one debut-maker among this field of maidens and (11) INDIE BULPAE is likely to attract plenty of interest. He’s a half-brother to KRA Cup Classic winner Mr. Afleet and debuts here having improved in the second of two trials. This is not a very strong race and a bold showing first up looks on the cards. (1) DOCTOR KONGDOLI mixes his form but does have a runner-up finish to his name and from a good draw today can be competitive. (10) DAEJI SPECIAL has been reasonably consistent across his seven outings to date and drops back in trip following recent starts at 1400M and a mile. He is a touch one-paced but will can run on into some money here. (9) GALLOP BOY and (6) RUNNING WARRIOR are among others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(11) Indie Bulpae (1) Doctor Kongdoli (10) Daejii Special (9) Gallop Boy
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

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

(4) CHOEGANG FORCE looks to be the one to beat here. He races for the first time since February, when he ran a good 3rd at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He does tend to get a bit far back in his races but he has a strong finish and he should prove too good for this lot. (1) CHOEGANG DUDEURIM enters off her two best finishes having run 3rd and 2nd. She too can leave herself a bit too much to do, but from a good draw and with an apprentice keeping the weight right down again, she can go close. (2) DOCTOR CANDY beat a couple of these on her way to 5th place over a mile last time out. She has run fairly at this distance too and can be in the placing frame at least here. (7) URI JOEUNNAL and (3) MY PAL are others to consider.

Selections(4) Choegang Force (1) Choegang Dudeurim (2) Doctor Candy (7) Uri Joeunnal
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

A small field of fillies here but it is competitive. We’ll give a chance to (7) DOKBO, who comes up in class having registered her maiden win on her third start in May 6th when leading all the way. She looks to have scope for more development and can be on pace here and win again. The probable favourite is (2) CHEONGHO BOSS. She’s yet to finish outside the top five and was a smart winner over this distance at class 6 level. At her latest start on May 6th, she beat a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 2nd place and from a great draw, will be in this a long way. (5) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN got her maiden win two starts back and then ran 3rd on her first try at this class over 1300M on April 24th. She has a strong finish on her and can be competitive here. (8) BLUE CARSON and (4) BURNING PASSION are others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Dokbo (2) Cheongho Boss (5) Haman Yeohangsan (8) Blue Carson
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

(4) GOLD TAP was a winner on debut back in February and since then has run 5th an d 2nd in two assignments at this class. The most recent of those was on his first try at a mile on May 8th when prominent throughout and leading for part of the home straight, and he will be expected to return to the winner’s circle here. (2) WONDERUL FILE was a good winner over 1300M two starts back to get promoted to this class and ran 3rd on her first crack at it over the same distance on April 29th. She comes up in trip here but it can suit and she should be going close. (8) CHOEGANG MARINE and (7) GRAND CHUKJE can both have a line drawn through their respective latest starts. The former is a winner at this distance while the latter has placed at class and distance. (9) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN another who can be competitive.

Selections(4) Gold Tap (2) Wonderful File (8) Choegang Marine (7) Grand Chukje
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A small field but a very competitive affair. (5) GALLANT WARRIOR was a class and distance winner on May 6th when on pace throughout. Both his wins have come at this distance and while he does come up 2kg from that run, he has every chance of winning again. (1) ROSE BULLET came home in 3rd place in that race having been on pace throughout. He draws nicely here and can be a danger again. (8) CHEONGHO LEADER enters off a solid runner-up finish at class and distance on May 15th. He came from well off the pace that day and the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue. (3) GREAT DANCE is another who comes out of that May 6th race when he was 5th. While he only has the one win to his name, he has ten top-three finishes and should be close again. (7) YEONGWON POWER another to consider.

Selections(5) Gallant Warrior (1) Rose Bullet (8) Cheongho Leader (3) Great Dance
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(12) BEAUTIFUL KING won back-to-back races over this distance in March and April the second of which was at this class. He weakened in the straight at 1400M on his latest outing on May 8th but this looks a more suitable assignment and he can return to winning ways. It’s a tricky race though. (6) A ONE PLUS is yet to win in twenty-one attempts but has no fewer than thirteen top-five finishes. He has some fair performances at this distance to his name and under a light weight again, can go close. (11) ROCKET SORI didn’t do too much wrong on debut at this distance on April 29th. He should have benefitted for the experience and with natural improvement can get closer today. (2) MUJEOK CHARLIE and (8) ONE PICK are among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(12) Beautiful King (6) A One Plus (11) Rocket Sori (2) Mujeok Charlie
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 11

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

A very competitive race to finish with. (10) SONIC KING IJI might be ready to return to the winner’s circle. He’s been getting closer across his latest few appearances and ran 2nd at class and distance on April 22nd, beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. The draw is not ideal but he doesn’t need to lead and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, he has a chance. (11) ILNYEOM TONGCHEON won back-to-back races at this distance in March and April. She comes in off a 4th place when dropped back to 1200M on May 6th but back up in trip today, she can be a big threat. (1) COPY THAT beat Ilnyeom Tongcheon in that May 6th race having previously run 2nd to her at this distance. He gets a great draw here and can be a danger. (6) GEUMA PSYCHIC and (3) BABEL HIT are others to consider.

Selections(10) Sonic King Iji (11) Ilnyeom Tongcheon (1) Copy That (6) Geuma Psychic
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start 4, 6, 10, 11

YTN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 29)

The second leg of the Stayer Series, the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) highlights the 11-race Sunday card at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there is a class 1 sprint headlining the 6-race program from 12:00 to 16:45. Click here for a runner-by-runner guide to the YTN Cup. Here is the race-by-race:

Moonhak Chief won the YTN Cup during his breakout 2019 season (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open the program with four of the twelve racing for the very first time. (7) DAPHNE has hinted at some ability when 3rd over 1000M at start number three last December. She hasn’t raced since but looked well when 2nd in a trial on May 6th and from a likely on pace position, she has as good a chance as any here. (3) OKCHEON CHOEGANG has finished in 4th place in both outings so far, both of them over this distance and most recently when beating a couple of today’s rivals on April 30th. He’ll be challenging Daphne for the early lead and has every chance of going all the way. (6) CHOEGO BLACK was 5th behind Okcheon Choegang on what was his debut on April 30th. He should have come on for that run and can get closer today. Of the first-time starters, (4) EURO TEUKGEUP improved in his second trial and from a great draw can go well first up. (9) KINGS EYE another in the frame after an adequate debut.

Selections(7) Daphne (3) Okcheon Choegang (6) Choego Black (4) Euro Teukgeup
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

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

Filly maidens only here. (5) TIFFANY BLUE looks to be the one to beat following an on-pace narrow runner-up finish over 1300Mon April 10th. She has run well at this distance too and with an apprentice jockey taking 3kg off her back, she looks extremely well in here. (6) SWEET KAKAO similarly gets the benefit of an apprentice claim, in her case a full 4kg. That brings her down from her back-to-back 4th places in her latest two where she has settled behind the early speed and run on. There isn’t much early speed here so she should be on the pace and can go all the way. (10) NAMSAN KKOT was 5th behind Sweet Kakao on her latest appearance on May 1st having run 4th the time before that and should be in at least the placing frame here. (2) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (11) NAEGILUI BYEOL are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(5) Tiffany Blue (6) Sweet Kakao (10) Namsan Kkot (2) Hampyeong Fighter
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

It has been a full forty-nine weeks since we last saw (7) VICTORY SAM in a race. He did quite well that day to, running 2nd over 1000M on her third career outing. She has had setbacks since but seemed very much over them with a bold showing in a trial on April 22nd when she led from gate to wire. She couldn’t really pick a nicer race to return in and despite her absence, she will be a strong favourite here. (4) SHINE MUSIC is yet finish in the top-two places in fifteen starts but she has shown some consistency in her latest few outings and comes in off a useful enough 5th at her latest start on May 8th. She can settle behind the early leaders here and run into some money. (3) FAMILY CAPTAIN has a 2nd place to his name at this distance three starts back and after two indifferent spins when carrying 56kg, gets a 4kg allowance with an apprentice climbing aboard. That should bring him into the placing frame here. (12) GLOBAL CASTLE and (2) BEST BIG BANG are others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Victory Sam (4) Shine Music (3) Family Captain (12) Global Castle
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 11

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

Three-year-old filly maidens in the South Coast opener. (1) QUEEN ALLIE gets the nod following an encouraging debut over 1200M on May 6th when she settled back before running on well for 2nd place. She should have come on for that run, she has a great draw, and the additional half furlong should pose no problems. (8) HANEUL JILJU has improved across her three starts to date, culminating in 3rd place last time out when leading until the closing stages. She will be on pace again and should be in this a long way. (5) ALL CROWN already has positive experience at this distance, running a good 2nd at it on her latest appearance on March 20th. She settled back and ran on and similar can be expected here. (9) STAR CATCH ad (2) CROWD ONE are others with at least placing claims.

Selections(1) Queen Allie (8) Haneul Jilju (5) All Crown (9) Star Catch
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

Fillies only here and while plenty enter in good form, (7) RAON THE WEEKEND is the one to beat. Her solitary win to date came at this distance in a good time at class 6 level three starts back and since then she has run well in two attempts at this level. First, she overcame gate thirteen to get to the speed but ultimately end up 6th over 1200M and then most recently, on April 9th, went right back after a slow start but finished off well for 4th. With a better start today, she will prove hard to go past. (4) INVICTUS is the logical second pick. Her win over 1200M at class 6 at the beginning of April had been coming and she showed she can measure up at this level when 4th over 1400M on May 1st. She can sit on the speed or settle back and run on and should be a factor here. (2) GREEN JJANG took a couple of tries to get to grips with this level but has been coming back into form in her latest two, especially her last start 2nd at 1200M. From a good draw, she can be on the speed here and go close. (11) CUPID JUMBO and the up in class (6) V QUEEN among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Raon The Weekend (4) Invictus (2) Green Jjang (11) Cupid Jumbo
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 9

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

(7) GEUMA INFINITE ran a solid 3rd place on debut over 1300M on May 8th when settling midfield and finishing off well. The additional half-furlong should suit and with some natural improvement from that run, he should be winning this. He will be a hot favourite in a field where the form of the rest is less than convincing. (2) BOUNTY HUNTER doesn’t look in any danger of winning a race, but he has picked up minor money on five of eleven occasions so far. An apprentice brings him down 3kg in the weights here and from a good draw, he can be aiming for a career best finish. (10) MILK DAY too has been loitering around the minors, most recently beating a couple of these on his way to 4th place over 1300M on May 13th. The wide gate shouldn’t matter, and he looks a solid placing chance. (5) THE PRINCESS and (8) YEONGGWANGUI RIDER others who can find some minor money although the latter does tend to save his best for barrier trials.

Selections(7) Geuma Infinite (2) Bounty Hunter (10) Milk Day (5) The Princess
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

After seven top-five finishes, it’s about time (7) REMARKABLE finally came home in top. He enters after back-to-back 3rd places at class and distance, both in good times and once more carries a light weight. He draws fairly, and today can be his day. (6) NONSTOP CAT enters off two consecutive runner-up finishes at class and distance, both times having been drawn wide. From a better gate today, he can pose a threat again.  (1) K N SKETCH is up in class following a maiden win over 1300M on May 1st when he sat behind the leader before taking things up just before the furlong pole and never looking back. He draws well for Antonio to sit handy here and he should measure up at this level. (12) COMPLETE WEAPON was a winner at start number two at 1200M on April 2nd. It wasn’t a fast time, but he looks to have potential the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern. (5) CONCORDE SPURT among others with placing chances.

Selections(7) Remarkable (6) Nonstop Cat (1) K N Sketch (12) Complete Weapon
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 9
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 27)

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

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

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings. (4) TWO TWO COIN is the one to beat and will be a warm favourite. She’s shown improvement across five starts so far and enters off a strong 3rd place over this distance on May 13th when prominent throughout. She likes to be on pace, so draws well here and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, on that last run to win here. (11) SHAKA races once last September, putting in a fair run in a fast race over 1000M. He’s not been seen since but he remains in Kim Young-kwan’s stable and he looked very well when leading for much of a trial on May 14th, ultimately crossing the line 3rd in a good time. The draw is not ideal but a bold first-up showing is possible. (10) SUPER CRACK improved significantly at start number four over this distance on April 29th when settling midfield and running on and is another who can be dangerous. (7) PRETTY CHARM and (1) SPECIAL WIND among others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Two Two Coin (11) Shaka (10) Super Crack (7) Pretty Charm
Next Best1, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

It’s hard to look too far past (4) CUTE GUY here. Having trialed up well, he was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on March 4th and while he led for much of the way around, he ultimately ran a close 2nd to Green Cheetah. He’s had almost three months off since and while he carries more weight and comes up in trip, he will be the one they need to beat. (5) CHOEGANG MUJIGAE’s best finish to date came at this distance three starts back when on pace and finishing 2nd. The time was the fastest that any of these have posted at this distance and he can go close again here. (2) BAEDARI GANGHO can have a line drawn through his latest outing on May 13th when he was drawn wide and got a long way back. From a much more favourable gate today, he should be a different prospect. (6) NAREUCAT and (9) VIEW AMAZING others who can aim for the minor money.

Selections(4) Cute Guy (5) Choegang Mujigae (2) Baedari Gangho (6) Nareucat
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

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

Small but competitive field here. (9) MAN OF THE STAR may still be a maiden and may be up in class here but there is no reason why he can’t measure up. He has posted competitive times across his four starts to date, and at his latest on February 27th, he worked hard to get to the lead from a similarly wide gate, ultimately finishing 2nd. He comes in fresh here, is sown in the weights and today could be his day. He will vie for favourite status with (5) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG. He was slowly away at his latest start but gets a much better gate today and can be a different prospect, having already registered some good times at this distance. Expect him to be on pace this time. (2) KING BID finished ahead of Eunseong Yeongung last time out and has the best time of any of these at the distance. He likes to settle back and run on and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do, he can be a danger late on here. (8) STATICE and (4) BABEL PHOENIX among others with chances.

Selections(9) Man Of The Star (5) Eunseong Yeongung (2) King Bid (8) Statice
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

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

A small field of fillies and mares here but a competitive one nonetheless. (4) TTEUGEOUN MANNAM looks set to go well. Her solitary victory was all the way back in December 2020, before she missed the majority of her three-year-old campaign, returning to action in October following eight months out. Since then she has been working her way back into form and was a good 3rd at class and distance last time out on April 10th. In this company she could well be on the early speed and she can win here. (6) HAMAN BONGHWASAN has only raced four times, winning at start number two over 1300M. She comes in having run 3rd over 1400M on her latest start at the beginning of April and drops back to this distance for the very first time. She can settle handy here and run on. (3) HAVANA JANE took seventeen goes to get her maiden win and come up in class but she has seemed comfortable enough in three subsequent outings at this level and should be there or thereabouts again, (5) JEONGDEUN-RO and (8) BAEK GU others to enter the calculations.

Selections(4) Tteugeoun Mannam (6) Haman Bonghwasan (3) Havana Jane (5) Jeongdeun-ro
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

The second division of the filly/mare handicap and it’s as equally open as the first. We’ll tentatively side with (6) ARTIE’S GAL to finally make the breakthrough at start number ten. She comes in off a front-running 2nd place at 1300M on April 29th and while she is ostensibly up in class here, this isn’t an intimidating set of opponents. She comes down in the weights, draws well, and she has as good a chance as any here. (4) RUN AND GUN is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than nine top-five finishes in fourteen attempts. She comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes and can settle back and run on to go close again here. (5) MYEONGSEONG MAGIC had gone a little cold prior to spending almost six months on the sidelines from last November. She returns to action here having won a trial at the end of April and could be heading back into form. (8) GUARDIAN ANGEL and (3) COLORFUL WIND others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Artie’s Gal (4) Run And Gun (5) Myeongseong Magic (8) Guardian Angel
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

(4) HAMYANGEUN SANSAM won his first two in fine style at 1300M before being tried arounf 1800M on May 6th, his first try at this class. That proved to be too much too soon and having led early, he knocked up very quickly in the home straight. This is a much more suitable assignment with a much better draw and so long as that chastening experience three weeks ago didn’t take too much out of him, he can return to winning ways today. (6) MIRACLE SON returned from eight months out to run a strong 2nd place over class and distance on a muddy track on April 29th. He had put together an impressive set of results before the layoff and should be better for April’s run. He can sit handy here and be strong late on. (3) SANGSEUNG BOY has raced just four times with two wins and two 3rd place finishes to his name. The latter 3rd was his first try at this class and from a good draw, he can be expected to be on pace from the start and to be in this a long way. (5) CHOEGANG CUPID comes up in class but down in weight after a good win at this distance and can measure up at this level. The wildcard is (2) BEASTLY. Who returns to action for the first time since June last year. He looked well when winning a trial earlier this month.

Selections(4) Hamyangeun Sansam (6) Miracle Son (3) Sangseung Boy (5) Choegang Cupid
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Good race this. We’ll stick with (2) BUSANHANG GALMAEGI, who scored on his first try at this class on May 13th, tracking the leader and then running on for a narrow victory. He comes up 4kg in the weights, but that is balanced a little by a better draw and another win isn’t impossible. The big danger is (1) WINNNG DANCER. A class and distance winner in a fast time three starts back in January, he has since run 3rd and 4th, beating plenty of today’s rivals and will probably start as the favourite here. (4) ACE DAY is also a recent class and distance winner, having made all in February to win in a fast time. His only subsequent run was three weeks ago when he worked hard to get to a forward position from an unhelpful draw, only to weaken in the closing stages over 1400M. Today’s assignment looks a better one for him and he should go close. (5) BURNING FLY and (6) REVERSE SWEEP are both experienced at this class and capable of finding the money.

Selections(2) Busanhang Galmaegi (1) Winning Dancer (4) Ace Day (5) Burning Fly
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

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

It took (2) CALM STRONG several attempts to figure things out but she seems to have got there, winning her latest two in fine style and fast times over the 1400M. She comes up in class and also up in distance to two turns for the first time here, but in this company she looks to have solid claims to win again. (6) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU came back into form with a strong class and distance 2nd at his latest start behind his very good looking stablemate Tuhonui Banseok on April 29th. He has run some good times at the distance and if Calm Strong gets found out, he could well be the one to take advantage. (9) SUNLIGHT BOY managed a good class and distance 2nd two starts back, beating several of today’s rivals and can go close. (7) QUATTRO MAX and (5) MALIBU BYEOL are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(2) Calm Strong (6) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (9) Sunlight Boy (7) Quattro Max
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10