It’s Grand Prix weekend at last with the big season-ending race taking place at Seoul on Sunday. Before that though Busan kicks things off on Friday with a 7-race Christmas Eve card from 12:40 to 18:00. All betting locations remain open although the off-track centres are restricted to 80% capacity. Attendance at all racecourses and off-track locations must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with eleven of the twelve racing for the first time. We therefore head to the trial videos and find that (1) SANGSEUNG BOY led all the way in his heat to cross the line in front by a wide margin n a decent time. He draws beautifully on the inside and if h gets off to a good start again, he will take some beating. The one horse with prior race experience is (12) EUNSEONG WINNER. She ran well on debut, overcoming gate ten to sit just off the pace and then ran on well enough for 3^rd place. She should have come on for the experience and while the gate may not help again, she should go close. Back to the first timers and (7) BINGO MAN won his heat leading all the way, crossing the line thirteen lengths in front of anything else. The time was pedestrian but there looks to be potential. (9) MAIN BRIDGE and (10) PHANTOM ACE are others who performed well in their trials and should be close first-up.

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

Maiden fillies and plenty of potential winners. We’ll take a chance with (4) CHEONGMA POWER, who has mixed her form but is better than her latest effort suggests when slowly away and never a factor. She does have two placings at this distance to her name in fair times and from a good draw and a better getaway, has as much chance as any. (13) FUNNY LIFE gets a bad draw, but she is yet to finish worse than 4^th in three starts and seems to be working towards a win. She comes in having run 2^nd over 1000M at her latest start when on pace throughout. She comes up in trip for the first time but has every chance. (10) RAON THE FLASH led on her first try at this distance at start number three, weakening in the closing stages to run 6^th. The experience should benefit, and she can go closer this time. There are a couple of debut-makers. (1) ALPHA V was on pace in her trial a couple of weeks ago and from the inside gate can make an impact here. (5) DROMOS among a number of others with at least placing claims.

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

Decent race for the level but we’re likely to have a standout favourite. (10) GEUMA STARLET returned from six months out to run a strong 2^nd over 1200M on December 5^th, coming from well off the pace. He should strip fitter for that run and the additional distance can suit. He looks hard to beat. (8) BLUE CAPTAIN showed improvement at his latest start to run 3^rd over 1200M. He can get on pace here and so long as he sees out the trip can be competitive. (7) DOCTOR CANDY does have experience at this distance, having run 2^nd at it, her best performance to date, in an admittedly slow race on December 3^rd. She sat just off the pace that day and battled on and from a slightly better draw should be in the finish again. (4) NEW CROWN ran 4^th in that 1200M race behind Geuma Starlet at his latest outing when he too came from a long way back. He has run fairly at this distance before and along with (13) RUN AND GUN is another with claims on a money finish.

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

There is a race of reference here at class and distance on November 26^th. (2) FANTASTIC LEADER could only manage 6^th that day, beaten by a couple of todays rivals, but the margins were tight. Two starts back he ran a very strong 2^nd, again at this distance, and while he is yet to win, today could be his day. (5) INDIAN PARTY started slowly in that race but rallied well to come home in 4^th place. That continued a consistent run of form for him and from a much better gate today, he too can have winning claims. (11) K CHUKJE came home the best of those who ran in that November race, finishing in 3^rd place at lengthy odds. He’ll warrant more respect here although the other two draw better this time. If you don’t like the form from that race, then (6) LIGHT STORY can be the one to go for. She was very impressive when winning on debut and while she faltered on her next appearance at this distance, she ran better third-up over 1200M on November 28^th. She will be on or close to the pace here and can be in the finish. (12) JEONSEOLUI PUNCH another in the frame.

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

(6) DOCTOR CAESAR won his first two races in good order before running 3^rd in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup, a race which he led for much of the way around. He followed it up with a runner-up finish at this class and distance on November 26^th. He draws well here to get to the lead again and he should have too much. (2) BUSANHANG GALMAEGI has won three from five in total including his latest at the end of October wen he led all the way over this distance. He is up in class here but comes down slightly in the weights and draws well. He surely measures up in this company. It’s a similar story with (1) GLORY KING who was also an all the way winner over 1200M at class 5 level on his latest outing. He too comes up in class and marginally down in the weights and he will be making it a testing time at the front in the early stages here. (4) JESSIEUI KKUM raced just the once all the way back in the summer of 2020. He looked well when trialing earlier this month and could make a bid for the places at each-way odds. (8) WINNER’S TIME another in the hunt.

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

Tricky race with three standouts. (1) ECOPIA is probably the justifiable favourite having won two of her last three with the defeat being in the Luna Stakes at a mile when drawn very wide. She’ll get an easier time of it here from the inside and she looks the one to beat. (5) SEUNGNI TOUT was a winner at this class over 1800M on December 10^th. He has run fast times over a mile too and rarely runs a bad race with twelve top-five finishes from fourteen starts to date. He is up in the weights as a result of that win but should be in the finish. It took (9) DOCTOR FAITH ten attempts to get his maiden score, but he enters looking for a hat-trick of wins. His latest was at class and distance on November 28^th when he sat handy from the same gate he draws today. He too is up in weight but is firmly in the frame. (7) CHEONGDAM FIRE and (10) PURE KING have placing chances.

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

(7) MAN OF TOP has been a model of consistency but has only recently started to win. He beat several of these on his way to victory at class and distance on November 26^th when despite drawing wide, he was able to find a position and then ran on to win well. He comes in the weights but gets a better gate and will be favourite to win again. (6) CHANGE BACK won at this distance at class 4 level and has two runner-up finished from three attempts at this class. He usually settles midfield or further back and runs on and he should be coming on strong at the end again today. (9) YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT ran 2^nd to Man Of Top in that November 26^th race. He gets a bog weight advantage again today and can go close. (8) SEONGSAN POWER and (2) QUATTRO MAX are others who can enter the calculations.

It’s the penultimate weekend of the season and the weekend’s focus will be on the filly and mare division with both the final leg of the filly Triple Crown and also the Jeju Governor’s Cup for older fillies and mares taking place at Seoul on Sunday. The weekend’s racing kicks off in Busan on Friday with 7 races from 12:40 to 18:00. Despite new restrictions having been imposed, currently all betting locations are set to be open (this is subject to change if the government decides so) but advance reservation through the MyCard app is required. Here are Friday’s previews:

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

They’ve managed to find twelve previously unraced juvenile fillies to kick us off, which is quite a feat for the penultimate week of the season. Unsurprisingly none set the world alight in trials, but a couple put in decent showings. (7) DAEJI PERFECT was fastest, leading for much of her heat and ultimately crossing the line in 2^nd place without being asked for too much effort. It was her second trial and she showed great improvement from the first and if she continues that trajectory can win here. She will vie for favourite status with (1) GASOK DAY. She also showed prominently in her trial finishing 2^nd in a slower time than Daeji Perfect but on a drier and slower running track. The jockey booking will ensure she is well-backed. (12) BEAUTY BROWN led her trial and while she needs to overcome the widest draw, she may be considered here. (8) RED COLOR and (2) SPECIAL FACT are others who hinted at ability in their heats and may go well first up.

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

Having made progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2^nd place last time out over 1200M on November 14^th, (1) ADELE CHUKBAE is the one to beat here. He was only beaten last time by Wonderful Fager, who came out and won again two weeks later and from the inside gate, should be on pace and be hard to run down. (11) USEUNG HUNTER looks the clear second choice. He too has shown improvement over four outings and was 2^nd last time overcoming an indifferent start to run on well. He too steps up to this distance for the first time and while the wide draw is not ideal, he has claims. Draw a line through the latest effort by (5) GIANT CAL when drawn very wide over 1400M. He has a 2^nd place to his name at today’s trip and should be competitive here. (9) CHEONMA BRAVO and (4) BAEDARI ICON are others with placing claims.

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

A small field tackle the mile, but plenty have chances. We’ll take a chance on (8) CHEONGHO LEADER, who is one of the few who steps up to this trip for the first time. He has been consistent at 1400M, running on well in his races and the additional furlong may well suit. (5) DAMYANG DOLPUNG has plenty of experience at the distance and comes in with his latest couple of outings being positive. His times haven’t been special, but they won’t need to be in order to be in the mix here. (2) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO is an interesting one as his three starts so far have all been at 1000M. He has been well backed in all three of those but hasn’t managed to finish better than 4^th. It may be that the extra distance today is what he needs. (1) GEUMUI MAN steps up in trip after a decent 3^rd place at 1200M last start and is another with placing claims while (3) URI JOEUNNAL is another who can be there or thereabouts.

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) ILBEONJI fully justified her odds-on status with a facile gate to wire win on debut over 1000M on October 24^th. She comes up in class and in trip here but can lead again and can have too much again. Also up in class is (11) H. DAY, who got her maiden win at start number two on October 10^th, settling handy and then running on strong in a fast time. She too should be able to handle the additional distance and can measure up in this company. (1) SUNSET MELODY was a winner on debut back in September and has proven competitive in two subsequent efforts at this class and distance, finishing in 3^rd place on her latest outing two weeks ago. She draws nicely here and should be in the hunt. (13) GOLDEN POWER comes up in class after a win at this distance on November 26^th. She may need some luck in the run from the wide gate but warrants respect here. (8) HALLA NURI another in the placing frame.

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

(8) CHEONNYEONUI QUEEN beat three of these on her way to 2^nd place at class and distance on November 21^st, continuing a run of good form and she has every chance in this competitive handicap where she can sit midfield and run on from off the pace. (2) FLASHY CHARM comes up in class and in distance after a good win over 1200M on November 28^th. His running style has been to sit behind the pace and run on, suggesting the increased trip should be no problem and he has the potential to ultimately go higher than this class. (4) CHEONNYEONUIYAKSO mixes his form but has the fastest time among any of these at this distance. He draws much better than in his latest two outings and should be in the mix here. (14) CRONUS and (9) MUJEOK CHARLIE among others with placing hopes.

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

A good race and it is stablemates who were both also-rans in the Korean Derby on November 7^th who top the contenders. (4) WORLD CHANGE is set to be favourite. He runs for the first time since the Derby when he was well back, but his prior form was good including a super win over a mile. He also beat (7) KING GOLIATH when they met at a mile in September. King Goliath himself has raced since the Derby, finishing 2^nd at class and distance just a couple of weeks ago when he ran on well but couldn’t quite get to a good winner. He should be going very close again. (1) YEONGWON POWER beat King Goliath when the pair ran 1^st and 2^nd over this distance at class 5 level back in October. He comes in after a good class and distance 2^nd at the end of November and under a light weight and from a good gate should be very competitive again. (10) COOL GUY and (8) WHITE GALLOPER among other chances in a competitive race.

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

It didn’t happen for (6) SUCCESS MACHO in the Owners’ Cup on November 21^st, a race in which the previously unbeaten three-year-old was sent of as favourite but turned out to be a bit much too soon. Plenty of others had off-days in that race too and given the level of performance he had put in over five winning starts before that, he has to be given another chance here. Like Success Machi, (9) ONNURI JILJU found the elite level a bit hard at this stage of his career, finishing down the field in the Cup Mile and Derby in his latest two starts. Returning to shallower waters today, he should be a much more dangerous prospect. Continuing the pattern of drawing lines through latest starts, (3) ALPHA STAR was on pace early but weakened over 1800M at his latest three weeks ago and should appreciate the drop ack to a mile today. (2) SMART MOD and (11) TOP FIRE among others in the hunt.

The final leg of the delayed 2021 Korean Triple Crown finally takes place at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. Just eight runners will compete but they include Heat Yegam and Winner’s Man, the winners of the first two legs of the Series. Before that, racing gets underway on Friday with a seven-race card from 12:40 to 18:00. All betting locations will be open but attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

(3) WIND HIGH stepped up to this distance at start number three on October 8^th and recorded a good 3^rd place having sat handy throughout. She draws nicely here, carries the same light weight, and has solid claims to make the breakthrough. (1) ANNIKA GIRL has been knocking on the door for a while and took a step forward with a good 2^nd place over this trip on November 7^th, having settled well back. The inside gate gives options to her rider and she should be close at hand again here. (9) BARAM GONGJU was caught wide and then well back at her latest start over 1300M before flying home in the closing stages for 3^rd place. She went well at this trip three starts back and should be doing her best work late on again. (8) PICTURE JASPER is another who comes in off a last start 3^rd. (4) SEONGSIL SONYEO the logical next best.

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

The exposed form here isn’t great. (4) UNBRIDLED QUEEN tackles this distance for the first time and is the only one in the field who has a 2^nd place finish to her name. She has the ability to run on and with Seo Seung-un returning to the mount has as good a chance as any of making her breakthrough here. (3) WORLD FLOWER comes in off two consistent performances at this distance, last time overcoming a wide draw to run on well for 4^th with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She gets a much better gate today and should be going close. (8) OMEGA GIRL comes back in trip after recent outings over a mile. She has posted a decent time at this distance and in this company should be competitive. (5) GOLDEN BROOM hasn’t done much in three starts so far but likewise hasn’t done much wrong either. His best finish is a 4^th over 1000M but he stuck to his task over 1200M last time and can be in the mix here. (6) NEW FRESH has slowly shown signs of improvement and is another with minor money hopes.

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

He may have only finished in midfield in his latest two but (8) WILD BLUE has the fastest time among these over the distance and today finds himself in more amenable company. Expect him to sit on pace or handy here and he can win. (1) CHEONHA NUMBER ONE comes up in class having scored his maiden win at start number eight over 1200M on November 5^th. He came from a handy position that day, finishing off well and while he comes up to this trip for the first time, he draws nicely and carries a light weight. (9) ADELE SMART is the only one of these to have already won at the distance and that alone makes him a contender again here while (5) HAVE A GOOD TIME didn’t go well on his previous try at 1400M but draws much better today and if he can get on pace, then he has claims. (3) GOOD STAR another with minor money hopes.

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

(10) OREUDA showed good speed on debut on October 15^th to quickly get to the front and run on to win over 1000M. This is further and slightly harder given that it’s up in class but with some natural improvement he looks very much in this. (7) TTEUGEOUN MANNAM is the big danger. Since resuming following nine months out, she has a 2^nd and a 3^rd to her name, both at this distance and the latter at this class three weeks ago when she sat just behind the speed throughout and was beaten only by a couple of decent ones. She has a real chance here. (12) KING ALLIE was a winner on debut back in April and followed it up with consecutive 3^rd place finishes. He hasn’t raced since July but looked very well when winning a November trial in a fast time and while the wide draw doesn’t do him any favours, he should be competitive first-up. (6) CATCH THE VICTORY and (3) TWO TWO LIME are others in at least the placing frame.

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

(11) LANE KILLER got his maiden win over a mile two starts back before running 2^nd at this distance on his first attempt at class 5, beating three of today’s rivals in the process on November 19^th. He does come up slightly in the weights and drawing wide is never easy at 1800M in Busan but he is very much the one to beat here. (3) CENTUM THOR ran 4^th in that race. He is yet to win in eleven attempts but has consistently gone close and has strong claims on another money finish here. (6) OLD CHEONHA is up in class and distance following a maiden win at start number five over a mile on November 19^th. His racing style suggests that he should cope with the additional furlong and he can’t be ruled out. Nor can (8) ACE FOUR TEN, who has good experience at this level and is rarely far away. (7) DOCTOR PRO another who could place.

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

(7) DOCTOR TAKE came from midfield to comprehensively score over this distance on November 12^th. He comes up in class here but there isn’t too much to fear and he has every chance of winning again. (2) SEUNGNI TOUT looks to be the main rival. He’s been a model of consistency at this class and comes in after a good 3^rd over a mile at his latest start in November. He comes up 3kg in the weights but draws nicely and must be considered. (6) GREAT DANCE was a solid class and distance 4^th on November 19^th and should be in the mix again while (5) DONGBANUI SIJAK comes up in trip following a decent 2^nd place at 1400M. The latter comes down in the weights and looks very nicely in here. (1) YEONGBONGSAN, a class and distance winner at odds two starts back is another one in the frame in a competitive race.

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

It’s about time (10) ROCKY SKY returned to the winner’s circle. He has won just the once from fourteen starts but has finished as runner-up on no fewer than seven occasions, most recently at his last start when racing against several of today’s rivals at this class over 1400M on November 14^th. The wide draw may not be ideal but he should be the one to beat here. (5) BABEL HIT was the winner that day, coming from well back to score. He comes up 3kg in the weights as a result but warrants respect. (9) AMOR FATI is up in class after an all the way win over 1200M on November 5^th. He carries a really light weight here and should measure up in today’s company. (4) GEUMA PSYCHIC ran 6^th in that November 14^th race, positing a fast time, and should be aiming to get closer today. (6) RAON THE POWER was an also-ran in the November 14^th race but has plenty of speed about him and can be given another chance.

There’s plenty to still be decided in what’s set to be a hectic final month of 2021. There is the final leg of the Triple Crown to come, plus the conclusion of the race for champion filly and mare, as well of course as the big one, the Grand Prix Stakes on Boxing Day. The first item on the agenda is to decide Champion Juvenile and that will be resolved in the Korean Breeders’ Cup (KOR G2) at Busan on Sunday. Things get underway at Busan on Friday with 7 races from 12:40 to 18:00. Moon Se Young is among several Seoul based jockeys in town for Sunday’s race, who also have rides on Friday’s card. Also in action will be Kim Hye Sun, who reached her latest career milestone last weekend. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile filly maidens open proceedings. (9) QUEEN’S DAERO has run well for 4^th and 3^rd in two starts so far, finishing both in fair times. She comes in off six weeks out and draws marginally better and with You Hyun-myung climbing aboard, could make the breakthrough here. Kim Hye-sun rode four winner last Sunday and she has solid claims to pick up where she left off with (3) HANEUL MISO. She significantly improved at start number two on November 7^th when prominent throughout and only narrowly beaten into 2^nd. From a good draw she will be on pace again and can go one better. Among the first time starters, (7) GREEN PAPAGO was the fastest in trials, coming from off the pace to run on well. She has fair claims first-up as does (2) GLOBAL YEOSIN who was on pace throughout her heat and ran 2^nd in a similarly decent time. (12) ALL CROWN wasn’t especially quick in her trial but she did cross the line first and is another to take note of.

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

(3) CHIEF OFFICER returned from three months out to run a significantly improved 2rd place at 1200M on November 5^th, beating a couple of these in the process. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights which would normally be a red flag given he had done nothing prior to it, but the form in this race is so patchy, that 3^rd is enough for him to go on top. He was ridden on pace for the first time that day and despite the additional trip should be again. (2) HERO MAN came from off the pace to run 6^th at this distance on November 14^th. He draws better today and seems to be the main danger. (1) OBAEK JANGGUN ran 8^th in the same race, running on from an unpromising position. The time he recorded there, while not fast, is enough to put him in the mix in this company. (11) DOCTOR CANDY is another who showed some signs of improvement at her latest appearance when 4^th behind Chief Officer at 1200M. She along with (12) RHIANNON POINT, should be in the placing frame.

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

(3) BEOLMAUI STAR was an all the way winner over 1000M on debut on November 5^th. He comes up in both class and distance today but should have enough about him to handle both and he can win again. (11) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT ran 2^nd in both his first two starts before finding things touch in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup on his first try at 1300M. He should have come on for that and while the draw isn’t ideal, he can be given another chance today. (4) SUNSET MELODY was a winner at this distance on debut at class 6 level and while she weakened to 6^th place on her first try at this level on November 7^th. She should be in the mix here, as should (1) GOLDEN who finished one place ahead of her in 4^th in that race having led for much of the way around. (10) NAMED returned from six months out to run 8^th of eleven in a fair time at this trip on November 14^th and can build on that run here.

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) B. K. MARSHALL has never been worse than 3^rd in three starts so far and got her breakthrough at her latest outing when she settled back before running on strong to score at this distance on November 7^th. She comes up in class again here but finds herself in very amenable filly only company and looks to be the one to beat. The main danger is perhaps one of the three first-time starters. (2) UNBREAK led in her trial ultimately crossing the line a close 2^nd place. The Shanghai Bobby filly draws nicely to get on pace again and could well be dangerous. (5) HAPPY WITCH has run consistently decent times at this distance and while it seems she has found her level in this class, she can run into some money here. (3) MASTER QUEEN and another debut-maker (8) GEUMA MAIA are others who could go well.

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

Competitive race here. (1) WONDER BLADE has been a model of consistency across seven starts so far, with two wins to his name. He comes up in trip to a mile for the first time but there is no reason it can’t suit and from the inside gate, he has solid claims. Similarly consistent is (11) QUEEN HARLEY. She beat three of these on her way to 3^rd place over 1800M on November 12^th and while she is up 3kg on her class and distance win two starts back, she still gets weight from Wonder Blade. She doesn’t need to lead so the draw shouldn’t be too disadvantageous. (5) GOLDEN KAISER was 4^th in the November 12^th race and is another one in the hunt to match or better while (6) QUEEN VRONSKY comes in off a smart class and distance 2^nd on November 5^th. That was a big uptick on her recent form but she only comes up 1kg in weight and can go well again. Up in class (4) ADELE CROWN, a front-running winner over this trip on November 5^th, is another to be considered.

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

(7) SPEED MATCH was sent off as an odds-on favourite at this class over 1400M on November 5^th but dipped coming of the gate and then bumped another horse, losing position. While he worked home very well, he couldn’t quite get there and had to settle for a 2^nd. They come up in trip today and Speed Match can overturn the form on that day’s beneficiary (4) SUNLIGHT BOY, who grabbed an early lead and never let it go, holding off Speed Match by a Head on the line. He comes up 3kg but draws well to get on pace again and must be taken seriously. (2) FLAT BABE is another up in trip following a good win at this class over 1400M on October 22^nd. She broke fairly that day before taking up the running at the top of the straight and finishing off well. She comes up a full 4kg but can be competitive again. (6) TOHAM STAR comes in off a strong 2^nd behind the very good Domination over this distance at the end of October and along with (3) JUST WIN, is another in at least the placing frame.

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

(5) B. K JOHN comes in having won his latest two in fine style, both at this distance and most recently at this class when he beat several of these handily on November 5^th. He comes up 3kg in the weights but draws nicely enough and should have too much again. (3) GEUMA MYSTIC was second-favourite in that November 5^th race but from a wide draw struggled to find position and his challenge never really arrived. He has run well at this distance though and from a much better gate today, he can be given another chance. (10) DIAMOND MARINE crossed from gate eleven in the November 5^th race to lead until the middle of the home stretch before battling on gallantly for 3^rd. He scarcely draws any better today but can place again. Among those who didn’t run in that race, (12) JANGSAN DOKKI and (9) YEONGSEONG ACE are perhaps the best.

It‘s President’s Cup weekend with the big race taking place in Seoul on Sunday. Before that the weekend’s action gets underway at Busan on Friday with 7 races from 12:40 to 18:00. All betting locations across Korea are open (at least for now) with an attendance cap of 80% of indoor capacity. There is no walk-up admission available and reservations must be made through the MyCard app. Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens open the card with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. Having won a September trial, (8) SEOGWI PLUS debuted in a n all-filly race at this distance on October 24th and ran around in 2nd place the entire way, well-beaten by a good winner but comfortably ahead of the rest of the field. She won’t need to improve much on that to win here. The main dangers look to all be first-timers. (6) COLORFUL WIND crossed the line 1st in her trial having sat handy and finished off nicely. It was a fair time and should stand here in good stead here. (7) SKY JEJUHYANG made all to comfortably win her trial in an unhurried fashion and should enter the calculations. Likewise, (10) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG and (4) GREAT CAPTAIN came home 2nd and 3rd in their trial and both can have claims to go well first-up.

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this big field class 6 maiden. After two goes at 1000M and one at 1400M, registering consistent times in all three, (10) GOLDEN POWER tackles this distance for the first time and is perhaps ready to win. She ran on well for 4th last start at 1000M and this could suit. (6) CHEONGMA POWER too looks to be working her way towards the winner’s circle. She has the join-fastest time of any of these for the distance and comes in having run a good 2nd and 3rd in her latest two. Today and apprentice takes 4kg off her back and that could be what she needs to make the breakthrough. She’ll most likely be on pace from the start and can go all the way. (11) LOOKING CAT is one of only two in the race who has won already, albeit all the way back in January over 1400M. She hasn’t raced since March and while she only trialed adequately, shouldn’t be overlooked. (4) DOCTOR TANGO has offered nothing in three previous outings but fairly bolted up in a trial two weekends ago and can be given another chance here. (2) UNBRIDLED QUEEN another in the hunt.

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (3) MISS GO here. Her win came in a super time two starts back over 1000M and she then ran a solid 4th in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy on October 31st. She comes up in trip but from a good draw she can lead and it would be a surprise were she to be beaten. (4) FANTASTIC LEADER comes in following a good 2nd place over class and distance on October 24th when he sat midfield before running on and only very narrowly missing out. He comes up 3kg in the weights but should be competitive. (7) NICE WORLD came home in 3rd place in that October 24th race, continuing his run of very consistent form, finishing between 2nd and 4th in all five starts so far. He surely continues that record here. (12) INDIAN PART is yet to win in eighteen tries but is rarely far away with eight placed finishes. He doesn’t need to lead or be on pace so the draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can go close. (8) KING BROTHER another in the hunt.

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

(8) WONDERFUL FAGER returned from five months out to get his maiden win over 1200M less than two weeks ago on November 14th. He looked full of running that day and while he is up significantly in distance time, they can strike while the iron is hot again here. It’s a competitive race though. (5) QUEEN OF HEARTS comes in following a decent class and distance 2nd place three weeks ago and from a nice draw can aim to repeat while (9) WONDERFUL WORLD is another up in class, in his case following a good win at this distance on November 12th when handy early before striking the front on the turn and running on well. He can measure up at this level. (3) K K WON is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has a solid placing record as well as the fastest time among these at a mile. From a great draw, he’ll be on pace and has solid claims to go close again. (12) LUCAS SUN generally makes up excellent ground late on and will surely be coming home strong. If he doesn’t leave himself too much to do, he’ll be dangerous.

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

(5) DOCTOR CAESAR won his first two races at 1000M and 1200M, the latter at this class, before taking his chance in the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy, when he set a tough early pace before ultimately ending up in 3rd. He returns to shallower waters today and under a light weight and from a good gate he should on the lead from the start and prove very hard to beat. (10) MUJEOK BULPAE has proved very consistent across his nine starts to date. He beat a couple of these when 6th at his latest outing in a hot race over 1400M on October 31st and steps back in trip for the first time in a while. He has finished as runner-up on no fewer than five occasions and can do so again here. (3) WINNING DANCER has registered fast times in 2nd and 4th in his latest two. He runs on strong and should enter the calculations. (2) AMAZING FOOT and (7) BURNING FLY the best of the rest.

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

A winner of five from eleven so far and of both his latest two, (1) DOCTOR FASHION is the one to beat again here. He comes up 3.5kg from his latest score at class and distance on October 8th but from a great draw on the inside can get to the lead from the start and should have too much. Draw a line through the latest outing of (11) B J MISS when well beaten in the Luna Stakes Oaks trial over a mile in October. This should suit much better and while she is drawn wide again, she carries a very light weight and can be in the finish. (7) COPY THAT was a very good winner over this distance first-up on October 10th. He then ran 4th over 1400M on his first try at this class two weeks ago and can keep his good run going here. (4) YEONGGWANGUI TIME and (8) FUTURE KING are others with placing claims.

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

(3) ALPHA STAR was an all the way winner over a mile at class 3 level on October 1st. Up in class and in distance today, he draws nicely and while this is significantly harder, he has claims to win again. (12) MAN OF TOP beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at class and distance on October 22nd, continuing a recent run of good form. Gate twelve over 1800M at Busan is never easy but he doesn’t need to lead and if he can find a decent position then he can go close. (2) POKPUNG EONDEOK was a smart class 4 winner over a mile two starts back before running a very good 2nd to Fantastic Man at this class and distance back in August. This is his first start since then but he draws nicely and should figure in the finish. (9) QUATTRO MAX and (8) YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT are among others who should be in at least the placing frame.

There is Stakes race action at both Seoul and Busan this weekend in the shape of the respective track’s “Owners Association Trophies”. Seoul’s is on Saturday and features Eoma Eoma taking on old rivals East Jet and Morfhis, as well as unbeaten up-and-comer Raon The Fighter over 1200M. On Sunday, Busan’s version is over a mile and involves Blue Chipper, Doctor Carson, Tiz Plan and the unbeaten Success Macho. The action gets underway though at Busan on Friday with a standard 7-race card from 12:40 to 18:00. All racecourses and betting locations are open to customers this weekend, however attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are Friday’s previews:

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

Juvenile maidens here with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (9) OCEAN STORM impressed across two trials a week apart in early October, especially in the latter of them when held together to lead all the way around in a good time on the bridle. If she can bring that form to the races, she has an excellent chance of an immediate breakthrough. (1) SHY DRAGON ran a good 2nd on debut when on pace throughout. She faded back in the field on her second attempt on October 22nd having worked hard to get forward from a wide draw, From the inside today she should get an easier run and has solid claims. Like Ocean Storm, (4) MIGHTY STORM was held together similarly well in a front-running trial and can go well first-up. (11) INSATIABLE ran well on debut when wide early before shifting across the fence and running on. She may need to do similar from the widest gate today. (5) BAEK GU is another of the debut-makers who showed ability in trials.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) CATCH THE SKY is set to be favourite having come from off the pace to run a good 2nd behind Lane Killer at class and distance on October 31st, beating several of these in the process. That was his first go at a mile and it seemed to suit and he can go one better this time. The main dangers all come out of that race too. (5) OLD CHEONHA showed some improvement in that race, running 5th. He draws slightly better today and can continue to improve. (3) CHEONGMA YEONGUNG was 4th in the race. He usually goes right back and runs on but was ridden in midfield that day and a similar run can be expected here. (1) ROCKET GO was on pace throughout in the October 31st race, ultimately ending up a surprise 2nd. He draws well here and should be in the mix again. If that October race doesn’t impress, then among those who didn’t take part in it, (6) KING GRACE is perhaps the pick.

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

A very competitive race with numerous possible winners. (3) GOLD LUCK comes in off a 4^th place just a couple of weeks ago when he led for much of the way only to weaken a little in the final furlong of a mile. He comes back down in trip today and strongly into contention. (8) AFLEET TAPIT returned from four months out to win a good 2nd over this distance on October 29th. He comes up in class but down in the weights and should measure up here. (11) DOCTOR PHARAOH never really got going on his first go at this class over 1200M in early October. He steps up to this distance for the first time and is perhaps worth another chance here. (9) DONGBANUI SIJAK is a winner at this class over a mile and also has the fastest time of any of these over this distance. He can come from off the pace and should be doing his best work late here. (2) WILD BLUE another in at least the placing frame.

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

(9) WONDERFUL KING was a winner at this distance at class 5 level three starts back and has since run 2nd and 3rd in two goes at this class over 1200M and 1400M. He comes up slightly in the weights but carries similar to when he won and can settle behind the lead and run on to win here. (8) NAMDO QUEEN had a hard time in last month’s Luna Stakes Oaks trial. She comes back in trip and into much more amenable waters here and should improve. (2) CAPTAIN GIRL comes up in class following a front-running win at this distance on October 24th. It was in a decent time too, and from a good draw she should be competitive at this level. (11) MINYEOBONG and (5) MASTER QUEEN came home 4th and 5th respectively when they raced each other at class and distance on October 22nd and both should be in the hunt for the places here.

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

A small but competitive field here. (8) GALLANT WARRIOR is set to be the favourite and is probably the one to beat having scored a good class and distance 3rd on October 29th with three of today’s rivals behind him. The draw shouldn’t matter and can run on strong. (3) LANE KILLER comes up in both class and distance following a maiden win at start number four over 1600M three weeks ago when leading from gate to wire. There is nothing too much to fear here and he can fit in at this level. (4) GEUMA GOOD POINT comes back up in trip following a solid 3rd over a mile at his latest start a month ago. He is a potential early leader here and should be in contention for a long time. (7) CENTUM THOR is yet to win in ten attempts but consistently picks up minor money and can do the same here. (2) TRIPLE STORM, up in class and distance after scoring over 1200M in October, is the wildcard.

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

(11) CLEAN SHOT overcame the same wide draw to run 2^nd at class and distance on October 15^th when he settled back, improved to midfield and then ran on well. He is yet to win in nine attempts but that continued a consistent run of form since coming up in trip and he should be there or thereabouts again here. (9) TOP MATE has won just the once but has seven runner-up finishes to his name from thirteen starts. He comes in following a rare 3rd place at class and distance on October 17th and while he carries plenty of weight, should be in contention. So too (12) ADELE PUPIL. She had a poor day at the office in that October race behind Top Mate but previously registered a 2nd place at this distance at class 3 level. Barrier twelve at 1800M at Busan is a hard ask but she can overcome it. (10) DUNCAN and surprise last-start winner (1) YEONGBONGSAN are others in the frame.

Busan Race 7: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

After having a hard time over 1800M and in the KRA Cup Mile, (7) MACH TITAN returned to winning ways over a mile at class 3 level on November 7^th and quickly backs up here in class 2 company for the first time. He comes back in trip but draws fairly enough and he has enough ability to win this. The main danger appears to be (10) SONIC KING IJI. He was a winner at this class over 1200M in a super time two starts back and while he could only manage 4th over this distance at his latest outing on October 15th, he needs to be taken seriously here. (8) AKER’S DREAM enters in very consistent form and while he comes up in class here he comes down significantly in weight and his times are competitive for this level. (12) JANGSAN DOKKI comes back to one-turn for the first time in a while and looks nicely in despite the wide draw. The up in class (6) QUEEN OF THE WORLD another who can enter the calculations.

It’s Korean Oaks weekend with the Filly Classic taking place at Busan on Sunday. The weekend’s racing gets underway on the south coast on Friday with seven races from 12:40 to 18:00. All betting locations throughout the country are open to punters, however there is a capacity cap and attendance must be pre-booked through the My Card app – no walk-up admission is available. Those booking through the My Card app must also be able to provide evidence of full vaccination against Covid-19. Here are Friday’s previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens and a likely hot favourite in the shape of (4) MAN OF THE STAR. After winning an early September trial, the Menifee colt ran 2nd on debut on debut on October 1st in a fat race on a very wet track over 1000M when he led for much of the way around before going down narrowly to a good winner with the pair of them well clear of 3rd. He should have come on for that run, the additional distance shouldn’t be a problem and from a good draw he can lead all the way. (9) STELL LUNA has raced twice already, finishing 4th and 3rd over 1000M. Both times B. K. Marshall was not far ahead of her and that filly went on to win at class 5 last week. Stepping up to six furlongs, she should go close. There are just two debut-makers and of the pair, (7) CAPTAIN YANKEE looks best placed to make an immediate impact. He made all to win a trial in fine order in October and with a good start should be in the frame first-up. (2) HWARANG ACE and (3) GOLDEN BROOM are others in the frame.

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

Filly maidens here. (5) UNBRIDLED QUEEN debuted inauspiciously last December but has been a much different prospect since returning from nine months off in September, running 2nd and 4th, both at this distance and both in fair times, sitting midfield and running on. She draws nicely here and with a bit of improvement can win this. The favourite will be (2) SONHADOR. While she has mixed his form across four outings so far, she comes in having run 3rd in a good time over 1200M on October 22nd. She too steps up to 1300M for the first time and it may well suit. (7) SAEMANGEUMUIVISION has raced over this distance already and possesses the fastest time among those in the field who have. That was recorded two starts back when 5th and she enters with form consistent enough to suggest she can compete for at least a place here. (4) RUN AND GUN was 7th behind Unbridled Queen but she too has hinted at ability back up in trip today can go close. (1) HAVANA JANE another in the hunt.

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

Not much to choose between the top two here to the extent that (3) SEONGSIL SONYEO and (9) WONDERFUL WORLD dead-heated with one another for 4th place at their respective latest starts at class and distance on October 24th. From the widest gate Seongsil Sonyeo found the rail and then ran on the best of the pair, so with a much better draw today we’ll just about side with her to get the better of things here. (6) CARIBBEAN DAY has tended to get a bit far back in his races so far before running on. He steps up to a mile for the first time and it is possible that it may suit. (1) GRAND CHUKJE offered very little across eight starts up ti mid-August. After a couple of months off though, he did hint at potentially being a bit better when 2nd in a trial at the end of October in a fair time. From a nice inside draw and a very soft race to return in, he has a chance to improve. (2) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN perhaps the best of a limited rest.

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

(3) INDIAN PARTY and (2) CHOEGANG LIGER came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other at class and distance on October 15th on what was for both of them their latest outing. Both are still maidens after thirty-five starts between them but both are regular place-getters. Today looks like the best chance for one of them to finally get that maiden victory and we will go for them to fill the quinella, and tentatively for Indian Party and Perovic to be the one to make the breakthrough. (6) TWO TWO LIME comes up in class having got her maiden win at start number five on October 8th when she made all over 1200M. She steps up in class distance too but can be on pace again and should be in this a long way. This three look head and shoulders above the rest although (4) ALPHA HEART has run competitive time at the distance and along with (8) CHOEGANG BEONJJEOK looks the most likely to challenge for the minors.

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

(6) DOCTOR TAKE stepped up to this distance for the first time on October 29th and ran a very good 2nd place, having gone right back at the start before making up ground in the home straight. He comes up just the one kilo for that run and looks to be the one to beat. (7) QUEEN HARLEY got her maiden win at start number six on October 15th on what was her first try at this class and also her first go at a mile. She broke well that day before settling back in midfield and then proving too strong. Her racing style suggests that two turns may suit and with an apprentice still keeping the edge off the weight, she looks to have solid claims to be competitive here. (4) GOLDEN KAISER was favourite for that mile race on October 15th but didn’t get off to the greatest of starts and found himself a bit far back before running on well for 2nd. He gets another crack at Queen Harley here and it’s possible he could overturn the form. (1) WONDERFUL LADY continues to be solid competitor who while never really looking in danger of winning, rarely runs a bad race and can be in the money hunt again. (11) ACE FOUR TEN another who can go close.

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

(5) ECOPIA was an also-ran in last month’s Luna Stakes Oaks trial and accordingly skips Sunday’s filly Classic to swim in the shallower waters of this class 4 affair. Two starts back she was a super winner over this distance at class 5 level in an excellent time and from a decent draw is likely to be on pace from the start and is the one to beat. (8) GREAT GOOD is a winner of three from nine so far and comes back up in trip following a good score over 1200M in an all-filly race on October 17th, when she settled right at the back and ran on extremely well. She was first-up that day following a seven-month layoff and she looks nicely in to run well again here. (2) BOLAVEN remains a bit of an unknown quantity having raced just the once when 4th back in July. He certainly looked the part when blitzing an October trial and surely has claims first-up here. (6) KINGS LANDING is very consistent and has proven capable of running the kind of times needed to be in the hunt here while (9) QUEEN MARVEL IJI is another who can go close in a competitive race.

Busan Race 7: Class 1 (2000M) Allowance / KRW 110 Million

(4) FANTASTIC MAN is an intriguing entry here. He is still at class 2 rating-wise, and has only raced once at that level, but his back-to-back wins in August and September over 1800M at class 3 level were impressive. He doesn’t know his rating though and there isn’t much to fear here so he can settle midfield and run on and win. (10) GREAT KING is the best horse in the race and while he again gives weight away, he ran well for 3rd over 1800M on his latest outing on October 8th. The draw won’t be a problem for him and he will be running on strong at the end as ever. (2) JUMBO BLADE is joint top-weight with Great King and he may benefit from having had three months off. He looked very well in a trial at the end of October and can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) SMART PRINCE will be running on well late on as ever and can aim for the money with Great King’s stablemate (1) ALPHAKING IJI another in the placing frame.