Racing returns from its short Lunar New Year hiatus this weekend with the action getting underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app 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 to kick us off with seven of the fourteen racing for the first time and only two of those with experience having tackled this distance before. (10) YEONGSEONG QUEEN didn’t do much on debut but came out at start number two and ran a good 2nd back at the end of October. She’s been off fifteen weeks since then, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and the extra furlong can help. (1) SPECIAL WIND put in a strong trial when prominent throughout. He gets the same inside draw which can help him get to the lead early and potentially go all the way. (6) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG has raced greenly across two starts so far but once he got into a rhythm, last time, she ran through the line well and may appreciate the step up in trip (11) GOLD TAP trialed up well, leading for much of the way around and finishing an unhurried 2nd. She doesn’t get the best of the draw but can go well first-up. (8) HANEUL JILJU among several others not to be dismissed.

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

Fillies and mares only here and it’s a competitive race. We’ll side with (5) ONE RUSH, who has been knocking at the door across her five starts so far, coming closest at her latest on January 14th when beating three of these on her way to a class and distance 2nd in a good time. She sat handy and ran on that day, is well drawn to do the same here and she can go one better. (8) HAMAN BONGHWASAN ran a very close 2nd place on debut over 1400M on January 23rd when from the inside gate, she was on pace throughout, ultimately only going down a neck. She comes back in trip today and while the draw isn’t quite as advantageous, should be on pace again and looks a big danger. (14) SUSO POWER draws even worse, but an apprentice claim brings her down 3kg from her 5th place behind One Rush last start and this consistent type can get closer here. Disregard the latest start of (11) ANNIKA GIRL and she is right in this. On the contrary, take very much into account the big improvement last time of (4) USEUNG MELODY and she too can go close.

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

On the surface quite an ordinary set of gallopers take their chance here and it’s a tricky puzzle to solve. (10) GREAT ONE was anything but in his first five outings but improved significantly at his latest start when coming from off the pace to run a close 2nd over this distance with a few of today’s rivals back down the track. He is not without a chance here. (4) GOSUUI POWER shapes as the likely favourite and he too comes in off a strong performance, in his case over 1400M on January 7th when leading for much of the way around. If we can forgive a previous poor effort at this distance, he enters the calculations. (8) KING GRACE comes in off a fair performance over 1400M when after a poor start, he made up good ground late on. (2) JIN MARK and (7) DIA FORCE, the latter with the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance already, are others who can go well on their day.

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

(11) KENDRICK was an emphatic winner on debut over 1000M on January 9^th when he settled in midfield and then ran on very strongly. He comes up in class and distance today but neither should be an issue and he can win again. (8) H. DAY ran two very fast times over 1000M at class 6 level and while he got too far back on his first try at this class and distance in December, he ran on strongly for a close 5^th and given more of a chance today he has solid claims. (4) TAEPUNGI comes up in class following a good win over this distance on January 9^th when she sat handy before running on to win narrowly. She draws nicely here and under a light weight again should go close. (1) TOP ACE weakened from the lead at his latest start but has run well at the distance and can be given placing chances here. (5) HANEUL MISO comes up in class and in distance after two runner-up finishes at 1000M but in this modest company can measure up.

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

Fillies and mares only here. (8) ALIVE QUEEN returned from seven months out to make all over this distance and on January 14^th having previously shown in a trial that she was ready. She comes up in class today but if she runs anything like she did last time, she should have too much for this field. Logical second pick is (10) CHEONGMA HWANGHU. She comes back in trip having run a good 2^nd over 1400M on January 7^th when she had a couple of these behind her and while she is yet to win in fourteen starts, she knows how to find the money in this kind of company. (2) SPICE INDIE can get a bit far back in her races but from a nice draw and with You Hyun-myung climbing aboard, will feature on plenty of tickets and can go close here. (4) GEUMA STARLET comes up in class following a decent 2^nd place over 1200M a month ago and along with (3) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN, looks a place chance today.

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

A very competitive race but (6) JESSIEUI KKUM looks a worthy favourite. He was a strong class and distance winner on January 21^st in a time faster than any of today’s rivals have run and while he comes up 2kg in the weights, she looks to have the potential for more and can win again. (10) BOLAVEN pulled off a good win over 1200M a month ago when sitting handy and running on strong. He carries a full 4kg extra today but looks to be improving and ready for another crack at the extended trip today. (14) MARK ONE has finished ahead of Bolaven twice at this distance and was a class and distance winner on his latest start on January 16^th when sitting midfield and running on. He draws awkwardly here but an apprentice takes the weight down and he can run a good race again. (3) HWARANG BEST races for the first time since finishing well back in the Breeders’ Cup race for juveniles in November. He has won at this distance before and looked well when winning a trial on Christmas Day. (8) BABEL DREAMER another in the hunt.

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

Good race for the level. We’ll give one more chance to (3) MONGTTANG. After ruining his own chances in the Breeders’ Cup he was admittedly flat at his first try over a mile on January 7th, failing to muster speed at the top of the straight. He draws better today and if he can get an easy trip to the front, may well be a different prospect. Probable favourite is (1) DOCTOR FAITH. He won back-to-back races in October and November, the latter at class and distance and while he could only manage 5^th at his latest start on Christmas Eve, he too draws better today and will be a big threat. He has finished in the top three on ten out of twelve starts so far and at the very least, should maintain that record today. (13) CHOEGANG LIGER has won two of his latest three and beat Mongttang when scoring at class and distance on January 7^th. He came from well off the pace that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can be a danger again. The consistent (10) QUEEN HARLEY along with (2) ADELE PUPIL are others in the frame.

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(4) KING OF THE MATCH was a beaten odds-on favourite at class and distance on January 14th when wide all the way round, but running on well. That was his second consecutive defeat at worse than even money but we’re going for third-time lucky here. (6) GEUMA PSYCHIC has run consistently fast times and at his latest start on January 14^th, beat several of these on his way to 2^nd place at class and distance. He comes up in weight today, but an apprentice takes the edge off and he can be a danger. (2) ACE DAY led at this latest start when running 3^rd behind King Of The Match. From a nice draw expect him to lead again and to be in the this a long way. (5) ROCKY SKY was a class and distance winner two starts back before running 3^rd at his latest carrying a similar weight to today. He will be up challenging for the lead early and he can go close. (10) YEONGGWANGUI TIME among others who can enter the calculations in a competitive finale.

Racing returns at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be booked in advance through the MyCard app and evidence 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 begin the day with (5) GRAND SUN favoured to make the breakthrough. He beat three of today’s rivals on debut on December 26^th having settled midfield and run on well and is very much the one to beat here. (1) USURP was well backed on his own debut in the same race but lost his balance on the turn when colliding with the running rail. He was favourite for that race for good reason after an excellent trial and with better luck this time can go better. (11) BARBELL POSEIDON improved significantly at start number two. He comes up in trip here and has a less favourable draw but is not to be dismissed. (10) ART KELLY is a debut-maker who won his trial coming from off the pace in a fair time. The distance may suit first-up and a bold showing is possible. Watch the market for clues. (3) DOCTOR KONGSUNI ran on well for 4^th on debut at 1000M. He has a better draw today and can be a danger.

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

Wide open maiden with many chances. We’ll take a chance on (2) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN, who led at her latest start on January 9^th before finishing 4^th at this distance. This is her third start this preparation and she could be peaking for a top stable. (11) ARTIE’S GAL resumed after nine months out on December 19^th having won a trial and ran 2^nd, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She doesn’t get the benefit of an apprentice claim today but nevertheless, looks a contender. (6) SAVE US resumed after four months off with 2^nd this distance on Christmas Eve when handy throughout and has to be considered here while (14) BLUE CARSON beat four of these on his way to a 2^nd place of his own at this distance on December 19^th. He may need a touch of luck having been drawn in the car park but otherwise looks ready to win at some stage soon. (4) USEUNG HUNTER another in the placing frame.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

This is a really weak race so don’t dismiss what would normally be some very poor looking form lines. (7) DAEJI SPECIAL led over 1400M last start before weakening to 6^th. He comes up in trip today but can get a soft lead once more and should be in this a very long way. He will be the favourite. (5) ZERAGE hasn’t really kicked on after a promising first couple of starts but in this company his form measures up well and he should be in the finish. (11) CHOEGANG MARINE’s best finish to date came at 1000M but he ran on adequately enough for a midfield finish in a fair time over 1400M on Christmas Eve which suggests this may suit. (12) DOCTOR TANGO has led in most of his races before weakening to varying degrees. He is up in trip today and the wide draw may require him being ridden differently so improvement is possible. (8) DIA FORCE beat a couple of these when 5^th at this distance on Boxing Day and that’s enough to put him in this.

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

(6) DAEJI CHOICE was an all the way winner over 1400M at class 6 level two start back and then ran 3^rd ahead of a couple of today’s rivals on December 12^th. He comes up in trip here but looks very much the one to beat and will probably start as hot favourite. (7) YEONSEUNG BRAVO comes up in class having won at this distance with an on pace all the way showing on December 26^th. He gets a nice light weight again and should measure up in this company. (2) CATCH THE SKY came home in 2^nd place that day and also comes up in class. He comes down in the weights and can settle back and run on here. (9) WONDERFUL WORLD was a class 6 winner at this distance and has performed well in 2^nd and 5^th in two starts at this class. He should be in the finish again here. (5) WAKANDA also comes into the calculations following an improved 3^rd at his latest start just two weeks ago.

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

A very competitive race with plenty entering in good form. (2) JEONSEOLUI PUNCH finally got his maiden win at start number twenty-four when beating stablemate Light Story at class and distance on Christmas Eve. He came from well off the pace that day and actually looks very nicely in here to potentially repeat. (7) INDIAN PARTY finished in 3^rd place in that Christmas Eve race, making up very good ground late on and should be competitive again. (8) GOLDEN POWER won over 1200M at class 6 level two starts back before running a competitive 3^rd at class and distance on December 17^th. She’s never run worse than 5^th and should be close again. (3) MONEY BAG, up in class after a last start win at this distance, and (13) WONDER BLADE, down in trip after a decent spin over a mile last start, are others in at least the placing frame.

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(8) GOLDEN BYEORAK is set to be hot favourite here. He returned from five months off on January 9^th to run an excellent 2^nd at class and distance in a very good time – faster than anything else in the race has achieved – and a similar run will make him very hard to beat here. (7) MUJEOK CHARLIE comes in off two solid showings at class and distance including a runner-up finish at his latest start on December 17^th, beating a couple of these in the process. (10) JESSIEUI KKUM has raced just twice with sixteen months between those appearances. He raced well on his return on Christmas Eve and steps up in trip here with solid claims for another bold showing. (9) WONDERFUL FAGER won back-to-back races last November to get rapidly promoted to this level. He was tried at 1800M last start, leading but ultimately finishing in 5^th and this looks a more appropriate assignment. (1) ACE KILLER perhaps the best of the rest.

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

A small but competitive field. (8) MAN OF THE YEAR got his win at 1400M before running 2^nd in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup at 1200M and then 5^th in the Breeders’ Cup champion juvenile race at 1400M in December. He does look the type who will appreciate a bit of distance and that’s exactly what he gets here. (4) WINNER STAR also comes out of the Breeders’ Cup race, in which he finished an excellent 3^rd. He ran a close 5^th in a previous try at this distance and will be a big danger again today and will vie for favourite status with Man Of The Year. (6) DUMUSAN has good experience at this distance and comes in having run 2^nd on his latest outing on December 19^th. He’ll be in the hunt again. (5) BULMYEORUI GIL and (1) ADELE PUPIL, who needs a line drawn through her trip to Seoul last month, are others in the placing frame.

Busan Race 8: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Really good race to finish with. We’ll go with (4) SKY MORE to return to winning ways. He won back-to-back races at this distance and 1800M last autumn and was then given his chance in the Korean Derby. That didn’t go well, and he was beaten on his return to Busan as well in December. He draws well here though and back at a mile he looks a real chance. The main danger and probable favourite is (5) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU. He has only raced four times but set a very fast time when scoring over 1400M at class 4 level last October and then ran well for 3^rd at 1800M in December. He comes up in class here but is significantly down in the weights and he has every chance. (14) MAN OF TOP comes back in trip after recent good work around 1800M including a win at this class. He has won over a mile too and while he gives weight away and draws badly, he can be a danger. (13) BABEL HIT and (9) SMART MOD are others to take into account.

Racing gets underway on Friday with an 8-race card at Busan from 12:00 to 18:00. 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:

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

Having won a trial, (2) MAN OF THE STAR ran 2^nd over 1000M on debut before stepping up to this trip and running 5^th back on November 12^th. He has had nine weeks off since then, draws well and with some natural improvement has solid claims here. (3) CHOEGANG FORCE has shown steady progress across three starts so far, each time settling in midfield and running on. He too gets a good draw here and should be in the finish. (8) LEGEND NUMBER ONE was a front-running 3^rd on debut over 1000M in early December. He has since been back to trial, which he won, and shapes to go close here. (9) SSAEKSSAEGI and (10) RAON THE TANK are others to take into consideration.

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

Competitive race for fillies (and one mare). (6) SUSO POWER returned from six months out to run a solid 5^th over this distance on December 12^th when she was on pace early and stuck to task to beat a couple of today’s rivals. She can have improved for that run and is firmly in the hunt today. (3) ONE RUSH has been solid across three starts so far. She comes back in trip following a pair of good efforts at 1400M, she draws well and with a top jockey legged aboard today, may well start as favourite. (7) ANNIKA GIRL also comes back slightly in trip. She’s very consistent and while she is yet to win in eight attempts, she has six top-five finishes to her name. She can sit handy here and run on and should be in the mix once more. (5) HAVANA JANE and the first-up (2) ALIVE QUEEN – well bred and who won a December trial – are others in the frame.

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

(2) CHAMP GO looks the one to beat here. He comes in off his best finish to date when 4^th over 1400M on Christmas Eve in a fair time when racing handy throughout. He won’t need to improve very much in order to win this. (7) KING GRACE has had a tendency to get a bit far back in his races. He comes back in trip after his latest effort over a mile but does possess the fastest time of any of these for today’s distance and a big run can’t be ruled out. (4) FIRST PARK has been showing steady progress and comes in off her best finish to date when 3^rd over 1300M on December 12^th, settling back and running on well. She drew the widest gate in a field of nine that day and may have an easier time getting position today. (12) DAMYANG DOLPUNG and (6) PILGRIM are among others with placing hopes.

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

(9) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO got his breakthrough at the fourth time of asking on December 17^th when stepped up to this trip for the first time having done all his previous work over five furlongs. He led from gate to wire stopping the clock in a fair time and while he is up in class here, a repeat is certainly possible. The main danger looks to be (3) DAEHOMA. He’s yet to win in eleven attempts but has no fewer than seven top-four finishes and steps up to a mile for the first time here having overcome a wide gate to run a strong 3^rd on his first try at this class on December 19th. Keep him safe in your numbers. (1) SINJIN GANGHO had a poor day at the office at his latest start on December 19^th but two starts back placed at class and distance. He draws better this time and has the track’s in-form jockey aboard. (4) CHEONGHO LEADER and (8) HONEY STAR are placing hopes.

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

Competitive race. We’ll take a chance with (6) DONGNAM BULPAE, who comes in off a good 2^nd place over 1200M when running on well. He tackles this distance for the first time, and it may well suit. (5) DAEHO JEONSEOL comes up in class and trip having made all to win over 1200M at start number two on December 12^th. He’ll be expected to be on pace again and he can make it two in a row here. (9) HANEUL JEONSA was a winner on debut over 1000M back in November but after a slow start could only rally to 5^th place on his first try at this class on November 28^th at 1200M. The additional furlong may help here and while the draw isn’t ideal, he should be in the finish in this company. (3) HIT THE ROAD and (1) SKY WIN are others to take into consideration for money finishes.

Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Small but very competitive field here. We’ll take a chance on (3) ROCKY SKY backing up the win he scored at class and distance on December 10^th when sitting handy early before taking things up on the turn and running on very well. He does come up 3kg in the weights today, but another win is possible. (1) DOCTOR FASHION got back-to-back wins at this distance in September and October but did have a hard time when up in the weights at his latest outing on November 26^th when he led for much of the way but ran out of petrol in the closing stages. His form prior though suggests that he warrants another chance. (4) GEUMA PSYCHIC ran 2^nd to Rocky Sky in that December 10^th race. A combination of Rocky Sky going up in rating and an apprentice climbing aboard Geuma Psychic means that there is a big swing in the weights in the latter’s favour and he could well take advantage. (8) ONNURI JILJU was on last year’s Classic trail, but this looks more suitable in terms of opposition and distance (7) RAON THE POWER another who can compete for the minors.

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

(7) KING OF THE MATCH is likely to be the shortest-priced favourite of the day. HE won his firs three in fine style and while, after an only fair start, he could only run 3^rd at class and distance on his latest outing back on October 8^th, he still finishes ahead of three he faces today. He comes in fresh, and he should have too much. (2) WINNING DANCER is up in class following a very good score at this distance back on November 26^th when sat handy to the lead and then running on. He draws well and comes down significantly in the weights and can give the favourite a run for his money. So too can (4) ACE DAY. He is up in class having won two of his latest three. He will surely be on pace and should be in this a long way. (3) GREAT GOOD is also up in class and along with (6) CHOEGANG SSONSAL is another who can be competitive.

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

(3) WORLD CHANGE enters having won at class and distance at his latest start on December 17^th when handy early, striking the front on the corner and then running on. His only disappointing performance so far came in the Korean Derby. He comes up 3kg in the weights from his last start win but should have too much again from a very good draw. (5) SEUNGNI TOUT comes back up in trip following a 4^th place over a mile on Christmas Eve. Two starts back he was a class and distance winner, and an apprentice jockey brings him back to the weight he carried that day. He can go close. (10) DOCTOR TAKE ran 2^nd at class and distance to Seungni Tout in December and has won at this distance at class 5 level. The draw does him no favours and he carries plenty of weight but he can’t be ruled out of running well. (7) MAGIC FLYING, who has beaten World Change in the past, and (9) ACE JACKPOT are others who can trouble the judges.

The 2022 racing season gets underway at Busan on Friday with an eight-race card from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are opened but advance reservations must be made through the My Card app. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The new year begins with eight three-year-old filly maidens tackling the five-furlongs with four of them racing for the first time. We’ll need to draw a line through the latest effort from (4) HANEUL MISO when she was well positioned but offered little in the stretch, and instead go with what we know she is capable of from two starts back when a close 2^nd. She draws well and, in this company, has every chance. (2) HWARANG BRAVO has run adequately in two starts so far. She gets a better gate in this small field today and with a top jockey on, should go closer. A couple of the first timers did well enough in their trials. (5) JEONGDEUN-RO broke well and was on pace and while she was passed by a few, she wasn’t asked for too much effort and ran on well. (6) HWARANG SKY and (7) KF ONE similarly showed promise.

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

(6) JUMAL BOBAE has a 4^th and a 2^nd in two starts so far, the latest of which was at this distance on November 28^th when he came from off the pace to run on strong. With some natural improvement and in this modest company, he can go one better today. (1) DAEHO NURI had a poor day at the office at is latest start when slowly away but if we go on his run two starts back when from a good draw, he got on pace and ran on for 5^th, he can be considered for a place here. (8) UNJU BULPAE showed improvement at start number three last time out and cam maintain that positive trajectory here, while (10) SEONGSIL CHOEGO can improve on his 6^th place on debut over 1000M. Debut-maker (5) I AM CHARTERED performed well enough in a November trial to suggest he can be competitive first-up.

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

A weak maiden here and it won’t take much improvement from any of them to win. We’ll take a chance on (2) GOSUUI POWER, who returned from over six months off to run 7^th of fourteen when drawn wide over 1200M on December 5^th. Before the layoff he had shown ability and should have come on for that run. He has a better draw today and this may suit. (8) SENSATION PARTY was a much-improved 3^rd when stepped up to this trip on December 3^rd. She led for much of the way around that day and while the time wasn’t fast, she looks nicely in here and can go close again. (5) YOUNG BOSS similarly improved at his latest effort in December when 4^th at 1300M and from a decent draw can be on pace here and in the hunt. (12) STATICE ran a good 2^nd over 1300M on December 12^th and after fifteen starts looks close to finally figuring things out. (1) A ONCE another in the frame.

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(9) SEONGSIL SONYEO has been knocking at the door for a while. She comes in following a solid 4^th place over 1400M and has the fastest time among these at this distance by some margin. Her running style means the draw shouldn’t matter and she could well win this. The question is whether after seventeen attempts, there is any improvement there. (7) ADELE STELLA has run 5^th in both starts so far over 1000M and 1200M, both times running on well. He looks like he needs a bot of distance and gets a chance to prove it here. (4) HIT RUNNER was an on pace and improved 4^th over 1400M at start number three on December 10^th. He draws well to lead again and can go close. (10) GRAND CHUKJE and (2) HAEUNDAE BLUE among others in at least the placing frame.

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

Big and competitive field here. (4) CATCH THE VICTORY returned from four months out to run 2^nd at class and distance on December 10^th. He comes up a couple of kilos in the weights but draws very well and could be the one to beat here. (1) MIND ZONE pulled off a super gate to wire victory at start number three over 1000M on December 5^th. He comes up in class and in trip here but from the inside gate a big performance can’t be ruled out again. (14) COLORFUL WIND pretty much made all on debut over 1000M having previously won a trial too. She is the big loser from the draw but if she can find a decent position then she looks to have plenty of potential and should be in the finish again. (9) WONDERFUL JAZZ and the up in class (8) HOT PLAY are among several others with strong placing chances.

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

Another big field, this time fillies and mares only and it is very competitive. We’ll take a chance on (3) BANJIUI GIJEOK. True on her first try at this distance last time she got beaten by three of today’s rivals, but she has a runner-up finish to her name at this class and draws much better today. She has chance at potentially good odds. (4) BARAM GONGJU comes in following a 2^nd place at class and distance on December 10^th which followed another solid showing a month earlier. She can maintain that positive run of form and go close here. (7) CHEONGMA HWANGHU was a much-improved 2^nd at class and distance last time out when leading for much of the way around. She comes up in weight but has a top jockey booked and can go close. (11) BEST HAMSEONG was a disappointing 8^th on her first go at this class a month ago but she is a winner at the distance and can improve here. (8) BEST WIND is up in class following a good score over 1300M and is one of many with placing claims.

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

(10) MONGTTANG won back-to-back races in October and November which enabled him to get his chance in the Breeders’ Cup race for juveniles on December 5^th. He ran very wide on the corner taking himself out of winning contention that day before working home well. He comes up in trip here and it may well suit. (1) ADELE CROWN is rapidly up in class having won his latest two, both at this distance and last time in emphatic fashion. This is a step up in terms of opposition, but he draws nicely to sit handy, and a hat-trick is a possibility. (9) ROCK PEGASUS worked home strongly to run 2^nd in a fast race at class and distance on December 3^rd. He has mixed his form and comes up significantly in the weights but can be in the finish again. (2) K K WON and (8) GREAT DANCE among others who can enter the calculations.

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

Great race to end with. (4) COOL GUY is up in class having run 2^nd on his first try at this distance on December 17^th. The time wasn’t that fast, but he previously ran a very quick mile when winning in November and down in the weights today, looks very much in this. (2) YEONGGWANGUICHUKJE has the fastest time among these for the distance and was 2^nd last time on December 5^th with a few of today’s rivals behind him having led for much of the way around. He could go close or one better here. (9) GREAT BOSS was 4^th in that December 5^th race running on from a wide draw. He draws wide and gives weight away again but should be in the hunt. (10) TOP MATE was an also-ran in that December 5^th race but has the potential to go better here. (8) POWER WINDY among others capable of finishing in the money.

The delayed racing season along with Christmas falling on a weekend means we get a rare Christmas Day card at Seoul, a day ahead of Boxing Day’s Grand Prix Stakes. There are 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. And should you wish to spend the day on the punt, all betting locations will be open although attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

The Christmas Day card kicks off with a field of twelve previously unraced two-year-olds so it’s to the trial videos that we head. The only one to win her heat was (6) MENI SPEAR and that’s enough for us to find in her favour here. She made all in the trial crossing the line two-lengths ahead of anything else and won’t need to improve too much to go very close here. The other logical pick is (5) NAOL YEONGUNG. He finished in 3^rd place in his heat having been on pace throughout, but his time was the fastest that any of these recorded and from a good gate he has every chance. (12) GLOBAL BOBAE came home 2^nd in Meni Spear’s time, running on well from midfield and despite the wide draw should be competitive here. (3) FNAL CHARM and (8) CONCORDE SPIRIT others who caught the eye in their heats.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens but this time only three make their racecourse debuts although none have tackled 1200M before. (7) P N S GOLD won a trial and then ran 2^nd on debut on November 20^th when he sat handy to the lead and then ran on well. The extra furlong can suit, and he won’t need to improve much to be winning this. (6) GEONGONILCHEOK and (5) CUPID VOW debuted together over 1000M on November 27^th when both were close to the pace and ended up coming home in 4^th and 5^th place respectively. The should both be prominent here and can be competing to get even closer today. (4) JANGSAN POISON was close at hand 4^th place on debut 1000M doing his best work late on and may like the step up in trip here. Among the first timers, (14) MUSTANG POWER crossed the line 1^st in his trial and warrants consideration first up.

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

Filly maidens here. (2) MAGIC FLOWER has run well in both starts so far, improving to 3^rd place at her latest. Both were over 1000M, but the additional furlong should be fine, and she has claims here. (3) SWEET CAMP was a slightly disappointing 6^th at her latest start when well backed but she has a 2^nd and a 3^rd to her name at this distance already and should go close again. (8) RAON THE DASH is another trying the distance for the first time after three solid efforts over 1000M and can be competitive.  A litany of excuses were offered for (4) PUREUN YOJEONG’s dismal effort at 1300M two weeks ago, from the kickback to possibly not liking the gear she was wearing. She threw her head up at the start and then got bumped which set the tone for the race. We’ll draw a line through it and give her another chance as she has shown ability. (12) LUCKY INDY may need a touch of luck early to get a forward position, but she has shown some speed and should be in the mix.