Busan

Korea Derby Day 2021: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (November 7)

It’s Korean Derby day at last! The latest Derby in history goes to post at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with race fans in attendance (attendance must be pre-booked using the My Card app – there is no walk-up admission). Heat Yegam won the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, at Busan last month, and will be favourite again. A full horse-by-horse preview of the Derby will be up soon but in the meantime, here is the full race by race preview of the 10-race card at Seoul (10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (7 races from 11:10 to 16:40):

Heat Yegam won the KRA Cup Mile last month (Pic: KRA)

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

The juvenile maidens get us underway with five of the eleven racing for the first time. And it’s one of those debut-makers who is set to be favourite. (1) PINE FARM first trialed up in May in good style but didn’t make it to the track that time around. He requalified in mid-October, running fast time behind Moonhak Chief and from a good gate should be on pace from the start and can lead all the way. The big danger has some experience. That’s (7) RAON THE ARIA, who was anonymous in her trial but debuted well with a strong 4th p lace at this distance on October 2nd when she sat handy all the way. She won’t need to improve much to be right in this. (10) NO SMALL SUN was a decent 4th on what was her second start on October 10th and if she can continue to make progress here can go close. Returning to the debut-makers, (4) NAMSAN HORANGI impressed when winning an October trial in a fair time and has every chance of going well first-up. (2) P N S LIN didn’t do much wrong in his heat and has an outside chance of sneaking into the money.

Selections(1) Pine Farm (7) Raon The Aria (10) No Small Sun (4) Namsan Horangi
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 10

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

Maiden juveniles start the card at Busan with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. There is some ability among the experienced ones though, so we will side with (5) MAHAMERU, who after an encouraging trial, ran 6th on debut in September in a fast time on an admittedly wet track. He should have come on for that run and Perovic climbing aboard is a plus. (6) GREAT CHEONGHO was a good 4th on debut just two weeks ago when prominent throughout. It was a fair time on a dry track, and he can go closer today. (7) KING SATURDAY is perhaps the standout of the first timers. While indifferent in his mandatory trial in September, he was sent through a voluntary one just last week and significantly improved, posting a fast time and leading for much of the way. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well. (3) PLAY THE INDY didn’t do much wrong in what was a slow trial and could also play a part. The wildcard is (12) ANASTASIA, who raced twice uncompetitively in summer but recently went through two trials, winning the latter.

Selections(5) Mahameru (6) Great Cheongho (7) King Saturday (3) Play The Indy
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 12

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

A big field of maiden fillies and plenty look to have the potential to make the breakthrough. (14) GOLD KAISER is going to need to navigate her way from the widest gate, but if she can do that then she looks to have solid claims. Having won a September trial, she ran 3rd on debut over this distance in a fair time, having been handy early. If the draw is a concern, then (5) RUBY CAT is the one to be on. She has improved across three starts so far, culminating in 4th place last time out over 1300M. She can sit just off the pace here and it could be her day. (12) V QUEEN came home 5th in the same race in what was an uptick in form. She has a good finish on her so the draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can get even closer today. (3) SMART HIGH and (1) FLYING BARBIE are among others with placing potential.

Selections(14) Gold Kaiser (5) Ruby Cat (12) V Queen (3) Smart High
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 14

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) ANNIKA GIRL stepped up to this distance at her latest start and ran a fair 5th place in a reasonable time in what was a tougher race than this. She sat handy that day and ran on and in this company, has every chance of breaking through. (1) DARI TTEUNI is the only one to have won a race and then alone brings her into contention. The victory was in May, and she hasn’t looked like repeating, however, she did beat a couple of these on her way to 6th place over 1300M two starts back. (12) WORLD FLOWER stepped up to this distance on October 8th and came from off the pace to run a useful 6th place in a fair time and a repeat of that run would be competitive here. (14) BAEK SEOL QUEEN was disappointing at her latest start in August but had previously registered some decent efforts. She trialed up a couple of weeks ago looking well and may have benefitted from the twelve weeks off. (8) USEUNG GANGJA is another in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Annika Girl (1) Dari Tteuni (12) World Flower (14) Baek Seol Queen
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

Another big field and a competitive race. (9) ROAD ACE has been working towards a win with steady improvement over his three starts so far, all of them at 1000M and culminating in a 2nd place last time out in a good time. He steps up in trip for the first time but should be on pace and can win. The presence of Moon Se Young aboard (5) KOREA GIJEOK may make the Hansen gelding favourite. He’s scoreless following fifteen attempts but enters in good form with a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two appearances, both at today’s distance and coming from off the pace. He can go close again. (6) DOUBLE TAKE too comes in with recent form reading positively. She comes in off a last start 4th when settling midfield at this trip and Munro stays aboard today. (3) GEOSEN DOLPUNG steps up to this trip for the first time. He was an on-pace 3rd in a fair time over 1200M on his last outing in September and will be expected to show the way again here. (11) POSA POSA perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(9) Road Ace (5) Korea Gijeok (6) Double Take (3) Geosen Dolpung
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 13

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

(7) VICTOR BASIUM is an intriguing entry here. He has only raced once, back in May, but he raced well, finishing in 4th place in a respectable time over the five furlongs. He trialed up smartly two weeks ago and in shallow waters here, has good claims first-up. (9) WONDERFUL REALTY comes out on top in plenty of indicators in this race. He the fastest finish on him as well as the fastest time at this distance. He comes in off a good class and distance 3rd place on October 1st and while the draw isn’t the best, he should be going close. (6) RAPIDO QUEEN has led both her latest starts at 1300M and 1400M before finishing back in the pack. The slight drop back in trip may be in her favour here and she should enter the calculations. (5) HAEUNDAE BLUE and (12) MYEONGSEONG CHARGE among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(7) Victor Basium (9) Wonderful Realty (6) Rapido Queen (5) Haeundae Blue
Next Best12, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 12

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

(2) JANGSAN LASER returned to make his second start a full nine months after his first and it proved successful as he came from midfield to score over 1200M on October 3rd. As a result, he comes up in class but neither that, nor the step up in trip should be a problem and he can make it two in a row here. The main danger is (5) BEOLMAL DAEJANG. He comes in having posted two excellent times at this distance in his latest two outings, which ended in 4th and a very close 2nd. He comes up slightly in the weights today but has very solid claims. (3) COOL PRINCESS comes up in class following a win at this distance on October 2nd. She will need to improve on that performance but has drawn very nicely to lead and can measure up. (4) FIGHTING NOW has plenty of class and distance experience and along with (11) GRAY CAT is another with at least placing chances.

Selections(2) Jangsan Laser (5) Beolmal Daejang (3) Cool Princess (4) Fighting Now
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 11

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

Small field of fillies here and after a string of near-misses, (7) NEW LUX should be winning. Two starts back she ran 3rd at class and distance in a super time on an admittedly wet track, continuing her consistent run of form. At her latest she was 5th over 1800M. She likes to sit handy or midfield and should have too much for these at the business end of the race. (1) GOLD LUCK comes up to the mile for the first time. She has got caught a bit far back in a couple of her latest starts but from a good draw on the inside this time, coupled with the additional distance to play with, she may push the favourite close. (8) TAMNA HWANGHU came from well off the place for a slashing 4th at class and distance on October 15th. She mixes her form but if she gets up a head of steam in the straight, she can run a few of these down. (4) QUEEN OF HEARTS and (6) GREAT GO are others with money chances.

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Seoul Area Locations Reopen To Punters – Busan Friday Race-By-Race Preview (November 5)

Remember remember the 5th of November, because it is the day that customers are finally permitted to re-enter Seoul Racecourse as well as the Seoul and Gyeonggi Province OCB locations after almost two years of constant closure. Attendance will initially be capped at 50% of indoor capacity and must still be pre-booked using the My Card app. Further, all punters are required to provide proof of being “fully vaccinated” against Covid-19 for a minimum of fourteen days prior to the race meeting.

That means that Seoul can welcome just over 11,000 punters to the racecourse on each race day. Taking all OCBs into account, a total of 47,000 across the country will be able to attend a racecourse or an OCB this weekend. Last week, when only Busan Racecourse and a small number of southern OCBs were open, only 5,700 were able to be accommodated.

To save time and repeated hassle on every race day, punters are able to pre-register their vaccines and have it linked to their My Card app. The only non-vaccinated customers permitted are those with a written medical exemption from a Doctor and punters who are in that category will need to provide a negative PCR test from within 48 hours of the race meeting in question. This is in line with the policies adopted by the Korea Baseball Organization for its post-season matches which began earlier this week.

Catering will be somewhat limited. The first meeting the Seoul locations will be open for is Busan’s Friday card which involves 7 races from 12:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (8) DAEJI SPECIAL debuted on July 16th running 5th over this distance in what has turned out to be a hot race with Yeonggwanguilegend, who has since won two Listed Juvenile races, running 2nd. The time was good on a dry track and while he could only manage 7th on his return over 1200M in September, that’s probably enough to warrant making him top pick here. (3) FANTASTIC MAGIC has run 5th in both starts so far, both of them at this distance. She draws well again and can continue to improve here. (11) GOLDEN POWER came from off the pace to run 3rd on debut at this distance on September 3rd before stepping up to 1400M and running 5th when sat handy to the pace on October 8th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can be main danger. (10) B.K. HANA ran 5th on debut before finishing back down the field in the Rookie Stakes. Among more amenable company, she should be better today. Among the debut-makers. (1) BEOLMAUI STAR has the best chance of making an impact first-up following a decent showing in his trial.

Selections(8) Daeji Special (3) Fantastic Magic (11) Golden Power (10) B.K. Hana
Next Best1, 12
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

While it’s fair to say that (1) HOT PLAY has mixed his form across four starts so far, he’s hard to go past here. He comes up 4kg from his 3rd place over this distance on October 15th when he was handy throughout but he draws much better here and should really be leading from gate to wire. (3) NEW RUBY actually beat Hot Play two starts back as the pair ran 3rd and 4th over 1000M and therefore shapes as the logical main rival here. She has tended to get a bit too far back in her races, but she does run on and from a good draw may be ridden a little closer this time. With an apprentice aboard, (5) CHEONHA NUMBER ONE comes down a full 4kg in the weights on recent starts. Back in August he ran 3rd over this distance and is capable of running competitive times. He is inconsistent but in the frame here. (8) DOCTOR CANDY and (9) TAEPUNGI are others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Hot Play (3) New Ruby (5) Cheonha Number One (8) Doctor Candy
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 11

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

Another hot favourite here who it will be hard to oppose. (1) NAMDO ILDEUNG beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place at this distance on October 3rd when, from the same barrier as today, she was up with the pace throughout and ran on well in a decent time. A similar performance today, in what is a weaker race, and she will be very hard to beat. More than half the field is partnered by apprentice jockeys so there are plenty claims being utilized. (2) STORM BROWN comes down 3kg in the weights from when he was 9th behind Namdo Ildeung at his latest start. He does have a 3rd place to his name and should be aiming to go close here. No weight claim for Djordje Perovic on (7) DONGBU STAR but he does have some claims to go better than last time, when he too was beaten by Namdo Ildeung. That was his first try at a mile and only his fourth in total and he may improve. (8) ADELE CROWN and (9) OMEGA GIRL are others that may compete in a race that offers little in the way of convincing form.

Selections(1) Namdo Ildeung (2) Storm Brown (7) Dongbu Star (8) Adele Crown
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 10, 11

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

Fillies only here and another favourite that is hard to oppose. (2) THE FIRST FACTOR has won just once of thirteen so far but has been working towards another in recent starts with consecutive 3rd place from her latest two. She has been on pace both times, draws very nicely here and should have far too much. (1) DONGBANUI SIJAK has gone faster than The First Factor at this distance, something she achieved when winning at this class three starts back on September 10th. She then ran 3rd at 1400M before finishing well back behind The First Factor two weeks ago. She comes up in weight but draws much better and can go close. (8) ECHO LADY has done well at this distance so far with a 4th and a 5th as well as competitive times in her record. She carries a light weight under an apprentice and should be in the placing frame. (5) HAEUNDAE BADA and (7) HAMAN BANGEOSAN others in the hunt.

Selections(2) The First Factor (1) Dongbanui Sijak (8) Echo Lady (5) Haeundae Bada
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

It’s becoming quite a theme of the day but there is another hot favourite here. (8) SPEED MATCH took six goes to get his maiden win but he evidently quite enjoyed it as he promptly followed up with another. Both were at 1400M with the first being an all the way romp, while the second saw him come from behind the speed. Both winning times were fast and while he is up in class today, he should make it three in a row. (10) YEONGWON POWER comes up in class but back in trip following a good score from off the pace over 1800M on October 10th. The wide draw should be no problem and he comes down in the weights. He can measure up in this company. (4) HAPPY WITCH on the other hand comes up to this trip for the first time. It may well suit as she has been doing her best work late and Perovic climbing aboard can’t hurt her chances either. (2) SUNLIGHT BOY has won at this distance at class 5 level and is rarely far away. He’ll sit handy from a good barrier and can be a danger. (3) ALPHA AGAIN among several others with placing claims.

Selections(8) Speed Match (10) Yeongwon Power (4) Happy Witch (2) Sunlight Boy
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 11

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

Competitive race. (3) AMOR FATI has consistently run fast times at this distance including in his latest two when 2nd and then 6th at this class. He gets a much better draw today than in either of those outings and with a good start, that could be enough to tip things in his favour. The big danger is (11) TIZ HEARTED. The filly has shown improvement over three starts to date, culminating with a 2nd place at class and distance on August 29th when she led almost all the way, getting passed in the closing stages. She has had a couple of months of since and while the draw isn’t ideal, she has a real chance. (6) ACE BOOM looks quite nicely in here. She comes back in trip following a nice 3rd place a couple of weeks ago over 1400M when she led early and could sneak a place again. (2) WINNING POST and (12) MAN OF THE WORLD are others who can compete for at least places.

Selections(3) Amor Fati (11) Tiz Hearted (6) Ace Boom (2) Winning Post
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

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

(7) B.K JOHN snapped a streak of four consecutive runner-up finishes to win a fast race over this distance at class 3 level just two weeks ago. He comes up in class here but down in the weights and his promotion to this level is, if anything, overdue. He can win again. The big danger is (10) GEUMA MYSTIC. Two starts back he beat several of these on his first crack at this class when running 2nd to the very good Barbarian and this distance before dropping back to 1400M and finishing 3rd in a fast time in September. He does come up a little on the weights on both of those performances but the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern and he should be right in this. (2) GYEONGJUUI DUREBAK surprised plenty when winning at class and distance two starts back and then ran a useful 5th on reappearance two weeks ago. She can continue her run of form by competing for a place here. (11) DIAMOND MARINE and (12) MALIBU BYEOL are other dangers in a competitive finale.

Selections(7) B.K John (10) Geuma Mystic (2) Gyeongjuui Durebak (11) Diamond Marine
Next Best12, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 11

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

Juveniles take centre-stage at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday afternoons with the running of the Gwacheon and Gimhae Mayor’s Cups. There are 9 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:10 to 17:30. Here are the previews:

Could it really be the last day behind closed doors?

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

Juvenile maidens get us underway with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) REMARKABLE is set to be favourite though. He ran 2nd in a good time on debut over this distance on September 18th before being tried in the valuable Munhwa Ilbo Cup for his second start at 1200M on October 3rd. From a wide draw he never really got going, finishing 6th of nine on the day but dropping back here in shallower waters, drawing well and getting Moon Se-young on his back, there is plenty to like about him. (3) DREAM SPEED has raced twice before, improving in her second outing, when she led at this distance, ultimately finishing 4th in a decent time. She should have made more progress for that and can continue to improve here.  (1) GIANT KILLING ran 3rd on debut on August 22nd, settling midfield and running on. He comes in fresh after ten weeks off and can improve on that here. Among the first-time starters, (7) WONPYEONG GWANGYA was the fastest in trials and can go well first-up.

Selections(4) Remarkable (3) Dream Speed (12) Janggun Byeol (3) Dream Speed
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(1) NEW STAR YEONGCHEON comes in off two strong showing at 1200M, racing on pace and finishing 3rd and 4th, the latter time having come out of gate twelve. He draws the inside here and while he steps up in trip for the first time, he won’t need to improve much to win this. (5) K N TEUKGEUP also comes up in trip. He has mixed his form across six starts so far but has a 3rd place to his name and generally finishes off well. He gets a good draw and with Antonio Da Silva in the saddle can be aiming for a career best finish. (2) BIG ENERGY has been doing his best work late on in his latest two starts, both times running on strong for 4th over 1200M. The additional half furlong may well be what he needs to get even closer today. (8) SEMYEONG NARAE is the only one in the field to have a runner-up finish in her record and she comes in after beating a couple of these on her way to a fair 6th place at 1200M last start. She also has experience at 1400M which may be of benefit here. (9) MASEONG CHEONHA comes in having scored an on-pace 3rd at his latest start on September 4th and is another in the hunt although he will need a good start from an unfavourable gate.

Selections(1) New Star Yeongcheon (5) K N Teukgeup (2) Big Energy (8) Semyeong Narae
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

A tricky race with two standouts. (5) ONE JI is already a winner having struck at class 6 level two starts back when leading all the way at this distance. He then ran a solid 3rd place at this class and distance on September 19th. He is well drawn here, and he could well get to the lead and win again. The main danger is the up in class but sure to measure up (3) YUKWAEHAN SEONTAEK. He has a 3rd, and two runner-up finishes from three starts so far, all of them over 1000M. He has run on-pace all three times and should be able to do the same here from a great draw. He has winning claims. (6) CRAZY TANK comes up in class having broken through at start number five over this distance on September 4th. He was second-up into a comeback after a few months out and could well have progressed further. He likes to be on pace, but can may settle handy and run on here. (11) FASHIONED PASSION has developed a bit of a habit of getting a bit far back in her races. The wider draw may actually help here as she can avoid traffic problems and she certainly has plenty late speed. (4) BIG RED among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) One Ji (3) Yukwaehan Seontaek (6) Crazy Tank (11) Fashioned Passion
Next Best4, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

Maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (1) GREEN SPEED looks the one to beat. He has run 3rd and 4th in two starts so far, both of them at 1000M, finishing off strong both times. He steps up in trip to 1200M for the first time and it may well suit. (11) WINNER FALCON is a debut-maker sporting the Yoshida colours. The Smart Falcon fill is a late-starter at four-years-old but trialed very competently in a decent time and looks set to make a positive first race start here. (7) CHEONGMA POWER has certainly mixed his form across four starts so far but has run well twice at this trip including his latest start when he was 2nd having been handy throughout. He can settle just behind the early speed here and be a danger at the business end again. (5) MONGTTANG was an improved 4th on his third career start on October 3rd and his first at this distance. The jockey/trainer combination will make plenty take note. First-timer (12) CHOEGANG MIJIGAE another in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Green Speed (11) Winner Falcon (7) Cheongma Power (5) Mongttang
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

(4) SPOT FLATTER comes back into shallower waters following an unsuccessful tilt at the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, at Busan three weeks ago where he tried to sit behind an extremely hot pace but got overwhelmed, although he still finished with an extremely creditable time. How much that took out of him is a valid question but if he picks up his class 4 form where he left off, winning here on August 14th, then has every chance. (9) LAST BOSS is up in class following a good win over this distance on October 2nd. The time he recorded certainly measures up at this class and Moon Se-young taking the mount won’t harm his chances. (10) TIZ BLACK comes up in class having won his latest two, both at 1200M, by narrow margins. That takes him to three from six in total and he steps up in trip here with solid claims to make it three in a row. The draw is not ideal, but he can go close. Surely lightning doesn’t strike three times in a row with (5) CHEONJI POKPUNG. Twice in a row he has been unfancied yet swept home late to score over 1300M. He is up in class and in distance, but significantly down in weight and warrants some – perhaps reluctant -respect. (2) ULTRA KING another who is up in class today but comes down hugely in weight and draws well.

Selections(4) Spot Flatter (9) Last Boss (10) Tiz Black (5) Cheonji Pokpung
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 10

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

(10) LANE KILLER has run on very strong for two 3rd place finishes and a 4th in three stats so far, each time making up good ground late. He steps up to a mile for the first time and his racing pattern, suggests that it will suit and that the draw won’t matter. The step up may suit (8) OLD CHEONHA too. He returned to action following six months out on October 17th but didn’t really get into the race finishing down the field. He should have benefited from that though and can improve today. (7) CHEONGMA YEONGUNG ran an improved 3rd over 1200M on his latest start three weeks ago. He has tended to get well back in his races before running on and the additional distance to play with here can suit. (12) SINBIHAN GANGJA is the only one in the race to have a runner-up finish to his name, which came at this distance three starts back and he should be in the placing frame here. (6) TEN TEN QUEEN has the fastest time among the four who have tackled the mile before and she too can have placing aims.

Selections(10) Lane Killer (8) Old Cheonha (7) Cheongma Yeongung (12) Sinbihan Gangja
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

(3) GOLDEN BADGE is yet to score in eleven attempts buy has been consistently close and took to this distance well when stepped up at her latest start back in August when she ran 2nd to promising three-year-old Royal Road. This is her first start since then, but a top jockey is engaged and from a good draw, she can sit handy and run on strong. (5) REDBACK returned from almost six months out to run 3rd behind Last Boss over 1400M on October 2nd. He settled midfield and ran on strong and can step up to two turns with confidence that it will suit. He still looks to have plenty more development in him and has strong claims here. (7) TANK SOCKS has been at this class for a long time, picking up a win at 1200M but she too steps up to this distance for the first time today. She has been running consistent times over 1400M in her latest three appearances and there is no reason why she can’t be in the mix here. It’s a similar story with (6) HEUKRYONG GAMU, who comes in with the fastest average time for the final furlong of all of these. He made up excellent ground late on over 1400M to go from almost last to 4th and is another for who the step up in trip may suit. (4) RUN RUN RUN struggled on his first try at this distance in September but can be given another chance here.

Selections(3) Golden Badge (5) Redback (7) Tank Socks (6) Heukryong Gamu
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10
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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 29)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 6 races from 13:25 to 18:00. The feature sees Doctor Carson heading a strong line-up in the Kyushu Owners Association Sprint Cup. Here are the previews:

It’s Friday. It’s Busan (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens kick us off. (12) JEONGMUN DRAGON ran 4th on debut before finishing 5th in the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes on his second start on October 3rd. That was a race where aside from the winner, not much covered themselves in glory, but coming back to 1000M today and despite the wide draw, he has solid claims. (2) RAON THE FLASH was a good 3rd on debut on October 1st when she sat midfield and ran on strong., finishing in a good time. From a better draw today and with some natural improvement, he she is firmly in the hunt here. (1) ADELE CHUKBAE has raced twice, improving at his second start when 5th to Jeongmun Dragon’s 4th on the latter’s debut on September 17th. He has a great draw on the inside today and can be expected to improve. (6) MENIFEE SONG drew the widest gate when running 6th on debut back in early September and can be expected to progress from that, while among the five debut-makers, (3) YEONGGWANGUI MAGIC is perhaps best equipped to make an immediate impact first-up.

Selections(12) Jeongmun Dragon (2) Raon The Flash (1) Adele Chukbae (6) Menifee Song
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 12

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

Tricky maiden this. (7) HORAENGI is yet to really run a bad race, just coming up short each time. She has the fastest time among these and while she tends to get a bit far back and then run on, as she did when 4th at his latest start on September 19th, she is drawn better than her main rival here and today could be her day. That main rival is (11) CHEONGHO LEADER and he is the probable favourite. He comes in off the back of very solid 2nd and 4th places over this distance, beaten only be decent horses both times. He has come from off the pace in those races so the draw shouldn’t be too disadvantageous, and he has a real chance here. (9) BARAM GONGJU is yet to finish in the top two in twelve attempts but comes in off a good 4th place over this distance three weeks ago when he ran on well from midfield. A similar run today will put him right in this. (3) DOCTOR PRO and (4) AFLEET TAPIT, the latter better than his latest two showings suggest, are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(7) Horaengi (11) Cheongho Leader (9) Baram Gongju (3) Doctor Pro
Next Best4, 12
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

It’s about time (6) DOCTOR FAITH won. He has eight top three finishes from nine starts but the Kantharos gelding just can’t seem to get that breakthrough win.  At his latest start he stepped up to this distance to run 3rd in a good time and from a similar draw, he can sit on the pace here and it could well be his day. Should he come up short once again, (2) DOCTOR TAKE, under the same ownership, may be the one to take advantage. He steps up to the 1800M for the first time but is a winner at 1400M and comes in having run well over a mile last time when on pace and 4th. He draws well and will be a threat. Draw a line through the latest effort from (5) GALLANT WARRIOR when well back behind Doctor Faith over 1400M in September. That was an aberration and he had previously run consistently good times when close at that distance. The extended trip may suit. (12) SEONGSAN BULKKOT and the up in class (8) SINJIN GANGHO are others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(6) Doctor Faith (2) Doctor Take (5) Gallant Warrior (12) Seongsan Bulkkot
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

(4) DOMINATION returned from over six months out to win at class and distance on October 10th, when he pretty much made all. He comes up a full 6kg in the weights here but from a good draw, that shouldn’t be enough to stop him from winning again. (1) TOP BEST ran 5th to Domination in that race and while he was a long way back, he draws much better today and should be competitive here. (2) CHEONGDAM DRIVE comes up in class having swept home late to win over this distance on October 3rd. He only carries 1kg less than that day but draws well and will surely coming home strong again. (10) ROCK PEGASUS is a winner at this class over 1400M and has run very fast times at that distance. He is up in trip today following a 4th place behind Success Macho at his latest start, but his racing pattern suggest the additional furlong won’t be a problem and he can go close. (5) QUEEN UP has the joint-fastest time at this distance and looks a fair placing chance.

Selections(4) Domination (1) Top Best (2) Cheongdam Drive (10) Rock Pegasus
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

It’s hard to look too far past (3) DAEAM JANGGUN here who while up in class, comes in following two very good wins at this distance in very good times. He can sit on the pace or in midfield, he draws very nicely, and he even comes down significantly in the weights so there is a lot to like about him. (6) QUATTRO MAX comes up in class too following a string of near misses. He has run some very good times at this distance though and he comes down a full 6kg in the weights and must be taken seriously. (7) BABEL HIT comes back up in trip after two really good runs over 1200M when he beat a couple of today’s rivals in fast times. He has previously run a super time over today’s distance and can come from off the pace here. (1) SO MUCH GO is another who has run consistently fast times at this distance and along with (5) JANGSAN BOBBY has at least placing chances.

Selections(3) Daeam Janggun (6) Quattro Max (7) Babel Hit (1) So Much Go
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 1 (1200M) “Kyushu Owners’ Association Sprint” Handicap / KRW 110 Million

(6) DOCTOR CARSON skipped last week’s SBS Sports Sprint in Seoul with this in mind. He has won four of his last five, beating Blue Chipper on four of those occasions. It is finally his turn to carry plenty of weight, but he has won under not much less when recording his fastest time at this distance back in March this year. He should win this and then go on to stiffer tests. He will be given a stern examination. (7) SEOBU CAT is firmly established at class 1 and while he hasn’t run the kind of standout times that Doctor Carson has, he is consistent and today meets Doctor Carson on better terms then preciously. He will be on pace, and he has a chance.  (9) ACE KOREA comes in off two super runs over a mile and 1400M. As ever, he carries plenty of weight, but this is an elite horse, and he will be in this a long way. The evergreen (1) DORAONPGYEONGSEON as well as (4) MUJEOK YEONGUNG are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Doctor Carson (7) Seobu Cat (9) Ace Korea (1) Doraonpogyeongseon
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 22)

The main action this weekend is at Seoul with the SBS Sports Sprint and the KRA Cup Classic, both Graded races, taking place on Sunday and featuring some of the biggest names in the older horse ranks from both tracks. The weekend’s action though gets underway at Busan on Friday with 6 races from 13:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. There are two standouts and we will side with experience and (10) SHY DRAGON, who was slowly out of the gate on debut on September 12th, but was quickly up with the pace and ran on well for 2nd behind a good winner in a fair time at this distance. With some natural improvement on that run, he can compete for the win here. The big danger and probable favourite is (9) HANEUL JEONSA. He debuts having won two trials, first in August and then again in September, both in good times. In the latest of those, he overcame a wide draw to sit handy and run on strong and he has every chance of scoring first-up. Those two should fill out the quinella, while clear third choice is (5) FANTASTIC LOVE. She’s the only one in the field to have raced twice already and has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name. In the latest of those she sat handy and finished off well in a fast time which was assisted by a very wet track. She will be in the finish here. (12) WISE BOY ran adequately for 5th on debut and can build on that here while (2) BLUE CAPTAIN was similarly solid when 6th behind Fantastic Love on his debut and can also be in the hunt for the places.

Selections(10) Shy Dragon (9) Haneul Jeonsa (5) Fantastic Love (12) Wise Boy
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

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

Maiden fillies here. (12) MILLION BANK beat three of these on her way to 2nd place on debut at this distance on September 19th when from a similarly wide draw, she settled in midfield, improved turning into the straight and then ran on well behind a good winner. A similar run today would make her the one to beat. In that September race, she was pulling clear of (6) BEST HAMSEONG, who led through the early stages and into the straight but couldn’t quite see the race out, ultimately finishing a creditable 4th. She should have come on for that run and from a good draw is likely to be leading again. After running well on debut in early August, (4) SLIM QUEEN was scarcely a factor in two subsequent outings. She went back to trial after the latest of those and looked well when winning her heat a couple of weeks ago. She has the fastest time of any of these who have raced at the distance and from a much better gate today, she can be given another chance. (3) DROMOS was an also-ran in the Million Bank race last month but had run well on debut in August when she led and ended up 3rd. She draws nicely to be on pace here. (7) QUEEN OF SPIRIT another who can compete for the minors.

Selections(12) Million Bank (6) Best Hamseong (4) Slim Queen (3) Dromos
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

(10) DONGBANUI SIJAK beat three of today’s rivals when winning at class and distance on September 10th. He then dropped back to 1400M and ran a decent 3rd place. An apprentice jockey climbs aboard today which brings his carried weight back down to similar to what he won under, the draw shouldn’t matter too much and he has every chance. (2) ACE FOUR TEN beat four of these when runner- up at class and distance on October 1st. He settled just forward of midfield that day and stuck to his task well although could do nothing about a swooping late winner. His sole victory came at this distance at class 6 level in August and while he can mix his form and comes slightly up in the weights, he can win this. (6) WONDERFUL LADY remains a maiden but has to come up in class following a creditable 2nd place over 1400M at her latest start two weeks ago. She tackles a mile for the first time and while she doesn’t look a winning chance, she can compete for the places in this company. (12) THE FIRST FACTOR finished 3rd behind Ace Four Ten earlier this month. She led that day and while the draw obviously does her no favours in that regard, she can be competitive again. (4) BEAUTY HILL another in the hunt.

Selections(10) Dongbanui Sijak (2) Ace Four Ten (6) Wonderful Lady (12) The First Factor
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 12

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

(11) ENDLESS RUNNING comes in here looking for a fourth straight win. His latest was at class 5 level over 1200M when he was quickly into the lead and dominated, having plenty in hand despite drifting very wide in the straight. He is up in class here and tackles 1400M for the first time. He also has a far worse draw than in any of his wins so far. Regardless of that, the manner of his victories suggest that all those things can be overcome and while he won’t want to be wandering in the straight against this opposition, he can win again. (9) FLAT BABE recorded her worst finish to date on her first try at this level over 1400M on October 10th. It was a tough race and she didn’t run badly and is worth another chance here. (7) CRONUS was a class and distance winner two starts back. He runs consistent times at this distance and should be going close here. (6) FIRST STAR and (4) VEGA THUNDER others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Endless Running (9) Flat Babe (7) Cronus (6) First Star
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) HAPPY WOMAN has won two of her latest three to be rapidly promoted to this class. She also comes up in trip to a mile for the first time but here is no reason why it shouldn’t suit. She runs best when on pace or handy and she should measure up in this company. Stablemate (1) YEOWANGAUI MISO could prove to be one of the biggest dangers. She races for the first time since August when she beat a couple of these on her way to a class and distance 6th and while she can mix her form, an apprentice takes a couple of kilos off and she can go close here. (4) FUNKY was one of those behind Yeowangui Miso in August but bounced back to run 3rd at class and distance on September 12th when she went right back before closing strongly. She will be finishing fast again here. (2) ITSMYLUCKYBOY has won at this class over 1800M and while 10th at his latest start, the margins weren’t huge and it wasn’t necessarily a bad run. He has since looked well in a trial and can be dangerous here. (9) ARAM NARAE another in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Happy Woman (1) Yeowangui Miso (4) Funky (2) Itsmyluckyboy
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Can (2) B.K JOHN shake off his runner-up habit and go one better? He’ll be favourite to do so. The Colonel John gelding comes on off four consecutive 2nd place finishes, the latter two at this class over a mile and 1400M. During that run, he has finished 2nd when leading and finished 2nd when coming from off the pace. He steps up to 1800M for the first time, draws nicely and while he does come up in the weights, he can go one better today. (8) CHANGE BACK beat several of these when coming from well off the pace to run 2nd at class and distance on September 19th The start before he was a class 4 winner at this distance and under the same weight today has significant claims. (5) NANGMAN JEONSA came home in 3rd place in that race continuing a consistent run of recent form and he looks to have placing chances again. (9) FREEDOM KNIGHT led that day before ultimately running 5th and can get closer this time. (6) MAN OF TOP another who should be in the hunt.

Selections(2) B.K John (8) Change Back (5) Nangman Jeonsa (9) Freedom Knight
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 11

Sunday Busan & Seoul: Luna Stakes Day Race-By-Race Preview (October 17)

Following Heat Yegam’s victory in the KRA Cup Mile last weekend, the fillies get their chance this Sunday with the opening leg of the filly Triple Crown, the Luna Stakes, over 1600M at Busan. The race is part of 6-race card at Busan from 12:10 to 17:30 while there is also a 9-race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

The scene on Luna Stakes day last year…. (Pic: KRA)

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

As is almost always the case right now, juvenile maidens kick things off and this time four of the nine race for the very first time. One of the experienced ones will be the hot favourite though. That’s (3) TOUGH GUY, who after posting a good time in a trial in August, debuted on September 12th when he put in a front-running effort at today’s trip to ultimately finish 3rd in a good time. He draws well here and should have too much. Running better on debut that his finishing position suggests was (4) AMAZON KING. Ran 6th but in a fast time in a good race. That came off an impressive trial and is the main danger to the favourite here. (8) CHAMJOEUN CHINGU was slowly away from a wide gate on her debut but did make ground late and finished in a decent time in a fats race and she too will be expected to improve here. Among the first-timers, (7) EUNHYE was the fastest in trials and perhaps has the best chance of making an impression first-up. (2) SUNNY BLADE too did nothing wrong in her heat.

Selections(3) Tough Guy (4) Amazon King (8) Chamjoeun Chingu (7) Eunhye
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

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

Fillies only here. (5) FLYING FULL MOON has been knocking on the door in his latest three outings including 3rd place last start on September 19th at this distance with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. A front runner, he draws nicely so expect him to be on pace and he can lead gate to wire. (1) VIENTO came home 4th behind Flying Full Moon in that race on what was her fourth career start. She looks like she is figuring things out and from another very good draw she could make further progress today. (4) EOMCHEONGNAN GIRL put in a significantly improved 2nd at this distance on August 15th in a fair time behind a good winner. She had already shown she can finish off her races well but for the first time raced prominently throughout and a similar run should see her in the finish again. (7) SEMYEONG HAETSAL is the only previous winner in the field and as such comes into the calculations after three consecutive 4th place finishes. (11) SISEON JUMA has made an encouraging start to her career with three top five finishes from three starts. She led in her best finish to date when 2nd but has run well from behind as well and steps up to 1300M for the first time with solid claims to continue her development.

Selections(5) Flying Full Moon (1) Viento (4) Eomcheongnan Girl (7) Semyeong Haetsal
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start3, 5, 11, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Unchartered territory for all of these maidens as none of them have tackled two-turns before. A few have hinted at ability and finished off their races well at shorter distances, including (5) FLYING BARBIE. She comes on off a decent 3rd place at 1300M, her best performance to date, when she came from well off the pace run down plenty. The extended trip may be what she needs. That’s true too for (4) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN. He ran fairly for 3rd over 1400M at his latest start on August 22nd when he overcame a wide gate to do his best work late. He should be in the finish here. (1) TAEYANGTAGO was 4th in that race behind Semyeong Captain in August and followed it up with another 4th place a month ago, also at 1400M when she made ground from last place entering the straight. She too may like the additional trip. (6) SEONBONG GOLD and (3) HELLO GEUMSEONG are others to consider.

Selections(5) Flying Barbie (4) Semyeong Captain (1) Taeyangtago (6) Seonbong Gold
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

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

A small field of juvenile maidens get things underway in Busan and (3) YEONGCHEON SOLEMIO is set to be a warm favourite. He made a bold showing on debut when overcoming gate eleven to lead before being ground down and ultimately finishing 4th in a fast time. He draws better today, should lead and should win (5) FUNNY LIFE registered a faster time than Yeongcheon Solemio when also 4th on her own debut on September 17th although it was on a much wetter and faster track. She too was on pace and looks to be the primary danger here. There are two first-timer starters and both warrant mentions. (8) RAON THE GUTSEN went through two trials, improving in the second of them, crossing the line 3rd in a decent time. He can sit outside the early speed and run-on. (2) LIGHT STORY clearly knows what to do having won his own trial. He draws well and can go well first-up. Returning to those with experience, (6) YOUNG BOSS looks to have the most potential to improve.

Selections(3) Yeongcheon Solemio (5) Funny Life (8) Raon The Gutsen (2) Light Story
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

We’ll go with (6) THE QUEEN JUSTICE here on the grounds that she has the fastest time of any of these at the distance (albeit recorded on a very wet track) and draws a much better gate than her primary rival. She comes in off a decent 2nd place at class and distance on September 11th when she went back and made ground and from the middle can perhaps pick her spot. That main rival is likely to be (12) JEONGMUN JIJON, who comes up in class after a good win on September 12th when she sat handy to the lead, striking the front in the home straight and running on well. This might be trickier from the wide draw, but she still looks nicely in and should measure up at this level. (4) GO GO STAR led at her latest start at class and distance ultimately finishing in 5th place. She draws nicely to lead again and can be challenging for a money finish. (10) JANGSAN GUARD had a poor day at the office in that race, his first at this class, but is better than that and can be given another chance. (1) YULONG STAR another in the frame.

Selections(6) The Queen Justice (12) Jeongmun Jijon (4) Go Go Star (10) Jangsan Guard
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

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

Very tricky race. (11) GIANT CAL steps up to this distance for the first time and it may well suit. He doesn’t run on pace so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and last time he emerged from the back to run 3rd in a solid time over 1300M. Today could be his day. (8) TRIPLE STORM comes back in trip after a couple of spins around a mile. He ran well at class and distance three starts back when 3rd in a time faster than any of the others here have recorded at the distance and he has to be considered a leading contender. (3) DAEHOMA has raced eight times, finishing no better than 4th although that is something he has managed on each of his latest four starts. He draws well to get on pace again and has claims here. (10) OLD CHEONHA hinted at ability in two starts in the early part of the year. He hasn’t been seen since April but trialed up adequately last month and a nice race has been picked for his return. (4) RAPIDO QUEEN another who should be competing for at least a place.

Selections(11) Giant Cal (8) Triple Storm (3) Daehoma (10) Old Cheonha
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

Competitive race. (8) K N LIGHT has finished no worse 5th in six starts to date and comes up in class following a runner-up finish at this distance on August 29th when handy to the lead throughout and briefly leading in the closing stages. The time was good when compared with his rivals here and he should be competitive at this level. (10) CHALLAN HANNAL got preomotd to this class following a win two starts back over 1200M when he flew home from the back of the field. He stepped up to 1300M for his first try at this level on August 29th and almost managed to repeat the trick, ultimately settling for 2nd in a fast race. The slightly extended trip should suit, the draw should be no issue at all, and he will be competitive here. A wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem for (12) SECRET BOSS either. He ran 3rd in that race behind Challan Hannal at the end of August and has since repeated the finish, again at 1300M. Expect him to be challenging late here. (9) CHEONGSAN GASE and (2) JOY OF KING are others who can be in the placing frame.

Selections(8) K N Light (10) Challan Hannal (12) Secret Boss (9) Cheongsan Gase
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11
(more…)

KRA Cup Mile 2021 Review

A little late but: It was billed as the hottest opening leg to a Korean Triple Crown ever but in the end Heat Yegam turned it into a procession with a scorching gate to wire win in the KRA Cup Mile (KOR G2) at Busan last Sunday afternoon.

The first race of the three-year-old Classic series had been delayed from its usual April spot by six months due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the racing industry. That delay led to what is usually green and unexposed field in the Cup Mile, reaching the starting line this time with in-excess of sixty previous race wins between them.

Heat Yegam was sent off as the betting favourite and from gate nine he got a beautiful start while some of the expected speedsters on his inside faltered and was quickly into an early and surprisingly easy lead. Big rival Winner’s Man was quickly on his shoulder but having come out of gate twelve was being made to work hard. Meanwhile Seoul’s big hope, Heungbaragi, was content to sit handy and wide with jockey Choi Bum-hyun having quickly abandoned any hopes of leading from gate fifteen.

By the top of the stretch, Heat Yegam and Winner’s Man held a four-length advantage over the rest of the field, but it was clear the latter was feeling the effects of the early pace. Heat Yegam though was fresh and while he drifted a little in the final furlong and a half, he cruised home two-lengths to the good. Heungbaragi – who having been wide for most of the race, ended up on the inside fence – ran a strong race in 2nd, while another Seoul raider, Chief Indy closed ominously for 3rd. Mr. Indie was 4th and Winner’s Man a brave 5th.

The win itself may have been soft but the performance was anything but. Heat Yegam completed the first six furlongs just one-tenth of a second outside the track record for that distance – no wonder Winner’s Man couldn’t cope any longer – and then ran on to record an overall time only a second shy of the track record for a mile, held by Blue Chipper.  It was his eighth win in nine starts.

For jockey You Hyun-myung, post-race feelings were a mixture of elation and relief. “Going on my experience with this horse so far, I had to expect him to win,” You told the Korea Racing Broadcasting Channel (KRBC) after the race. “There was always going to be a lot of pressure at the start, so I just wanted to get out of the gate in a straight line with no trouble. As it happened, we got away very well and, in the end, everything was much smoother and easier than I expected.” 

Next up will be the Korean Derby in Seoul on November 7th, as Heat Yegam seeks to emulate J.S. Hold and Power Blade in winning a Triple Crown. You Hyun-myung thinks the horse will be ready. “

Heat Yegam was bred by the Yeonhak Agricultural Corporation at the Yeonhak Farm on Jeju Island and was sold privately to owner Kim Joon-hyun for 150 Million Korean Won as a yearling in September 2019. Sired by Take Charge Indy, during that stallion’s brief sojourn in Korea before his American farm bought him back due to the unexpected success of his Stateside progeny, he is out of Desert Heat, a mare from the final crop by the legendary sire, Mr. Prospector.

How they ran:

1st  Heat Yegam – started favourite today  showed great speed to sit a tad wide but a fast comfortable rhythm, on the corner he applied some pressure to get a good break on the field and while he drifted out in the early part of the straight came back towards the finish. This was a sensational run and the fastest ever KRA Cup Mile run to date.

2nd Heungbaragi – He had a challenge from barrier 15 but showed  good speed to get forward however he was very wide most of the journey lost ground on the corner and then fought on strongly in the straight making up much ground. A stellar performance

3rd  Chief Indy – Settled wide and midfield then on the corner the jockey elected to go inside near the fence where he was balanced up and urged forward. It was at the 150m when he came into the picture and kept taking ground off the leaders. A great run and further distance will also suit him.

4th Mr. Indie – He was ridden hard early to get a more forward position settling on the fence midfield then slotted forward just behind Mach Titan. He stayed on the rails saving much ground, into the straight and he was a clear 4th he kept fighting in the straight to maintain 4th in a strong run.

5th Winner’s Man – Ridden hard early to be on the shoulder of Heat Yegam and was wide from a less favourable gate. Couldn’t maintain that pace after such a fast opening but plenty of merit in the way he ran on for 5th. He may be a different prospect in Seoul at the Korean Derby.

Sunday Seoul & Busan: KRA Cup Mile Day Race-By-Race Preview (October 10)

Sunday is KRA Cup Mile Day! See below for selections for the big race or here for a runner-by-runner preview. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:10 to 17:30 and 9 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

There were no spectators at the KRA Cup Mile last year. A year later and only 20% is allowed at Busan. And still none at Seoul. (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens to get us underway and it involves one of the banker favourites of the day. Having won a trial in fine fashion in August, (4) WORLD FORCE ran a close 3rd on debut on September 4th having led from the gate until the closing stages, only to get narrowly overhauled close to the line. It was a fast time, and she won’t need to have improved very much – if at all – to win this. The others will need to improve. (5) JILJU JEONSA has raced twice before and showed improvement at the second of those on August 28th, running 5th at this distance in a good time, albeit someway behind a good winner. He will settle midfield and run on and should be looking for a better finish today. (7) SPEED GALLOP goes for the second time having run 5th on debut behind Bencal Princess, who has since gone on to run well in two big Juvenile Stakes race. She came from well off the pace after a slow start that day and should be ready to improve. (9) YOUNG BLOOD beat a couple of these when 4th on debut and along with (2) NO SMALL SUN, has placing claims here.

Selections(4) World Force (5) Jilju Jeonsa (7) Speed Gallop (9) Young Blood
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

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

Competitive maiden with a couple of them looking ready to win. (2) REAL CONCORD comes in following her best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on August 8th. She has run good times at the distance, is well drawn and while she does come in off a nine-week layoff, has solid claims here. So too does (1) GRAY CAT. He has gone even faster at this distance and should strip fitter second up following his return from five-months out in early September when he ran 4th at 1200M. With an apprentice climbing aboard today he gets a 4kg allowance and the inside gate should allow him to get to a prominent position early and maybe lead – if he does, he can win. It is the low numbers who are favoured here. (3) DOUBLE TAKE has mixed her form but ran well for 3rd over 1400M at her latest start when settling back and running on. She should be in the mix here. (4) TEUKGEUP YEOWANG weakened badly having led over this distance last time but has shown some ability and may be worth another chance. (5) YELLOW CAT, 5th on debut at the end of August is another in the hunt.

Selections(2) Real Concord (1) Gray Cat (3) Double Take (4) Teukgeup Yeowang
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

All twelve of these maidens step up to racing at two turns for the very first time and the one it should benefit the most is (9) WONDERFUL K. The Purge colt has been consistent over seven starts so far with his best result being 3rd over 1200M two starts back. He ran well at his latest effort for 4th over 1400M and there is no indication that the additional 300M won’t suit. He’s the one to beat. (10) WONDERFUL SAM has been doing his best work late in both his two outings so far at 1200M and 1400M. Both times he has been right at the back entering the straight and has only started to pick up when too late. His final furlong times have been good so the extra distance to play with may help today. (12) SANGSEUNG HAENGJIN has been showing signs of improvement in his latest couple of outings including last time when he came from well back to run 4th over 1300M. An apprentice keeps the weight nice and light which he may benefit from given the extended trip today. (11) SINUI HANSU has only raced three times and has stuck to his task on all three occasions. He’ll probably be aimed for the early lead here and could still be around at the business end. If you prefer your two-turn picks to come from a good barrier, then (1) LUCKY BALLY could be the one.

Selections(9) Wonderful K (10) Wonderful Sam (12) Sangseung Haengjin (11) Sinui Hansu
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

Juvenile filly maidens get to compete for a big prize here with six of them racing for the first time. It’s the experience that’s favoured though with all five who have previously raced having shown enough to suggest they have wins in them. We’ll take a chance with (8) GREEN SPEED, who ran 3rd on debut on September 12th. That day’s impressive winner didn’t run well on reappearance last week, but Green Speed should have improved for the run and the Bart ice/Seo Seung-un combination is a good one. (5) H. DAY will probably be betting favourite. After three trials, she ran 3rd on debut in a scorching time on September 17th. It was a very wet track that day which made it quicker, but it was very promising and from a good draw she should be leading or on pace here. (1) B.K. MARSHALL has raced twice before, notching a 3rd and a 2nd, both at this distance and both in decent times. She has sat handy before running on and from the inside gate is another who will be on pace here. (3) STELL LUNA ran 4th behind B.K. MARSHALL on what was her debut on September 3rd when she settled in midfield and finished well. With some natural progression she can go close here. This is a really tough race to debut in but if any of the first-timers is to break through, (10) DOCTOR KONGSUNI looks the most likely.

Selections(8) Green Speed (5) H. Day (1) B.K. Marshall (3) Stell Luna
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) NAMSAN SIDAE is the clear pick here on the basis of a close 2nd at this distance on September 11th. That was first-up and his first time up in class too following a maiden win in April. The time was good and while he comes up 2kg in the weights and draws a touch wider than ideal, he will try to sit handy to the lead and is the one to beat. (5) SILVER DRAGON is worth some thought following his last start 5th over 1300M on his first try at this class. He had the outside barrier that day and after a slow start settled a long last before swinging wide in the straight to come home very nicely. The extra distance appears to be in his favour as his solitary win came at this trip and while those slow starts are a habit of his, the better gate may limit the damage this time. (6) NONSTOP GISANG drops back in trip and into contention after a couple of swings around 1700M. He is a winner at 1300M at class 6 level and ran a fair 5th at that distance at this class. He is another who likes to be handy to the lead and then run on. (2) WONDERFUL ORANGE is up in class after a win over 1300M when she was midfield before finishing strongly for a narrow score. While the margin wasn’t big on the line, she was running on and has the benefit of a good gate today giving her placing chances. (7) ROCK FIGHTER another with placing claims.

Selections(9) Namsan Sidae (5) Silver Dragon (6) Nonstop Gisang (2) Wonderful Orange
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start7, 8, 10, 12

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

Not the strongest of maidens and that allows us to take a chance on a debut-maker. Isidore Farm’s homebred (3) SUNSET MELODY looked accomplished in her trial, given an easy time early and then responding very well when asked for an effort in the straight. It seems she knows her business and there’s every chance she could score right away here. If you prefer your maidens to be experienced, (5) MY DESTINY is the one to go for. She has four top four finishes from six starts so far and has run consistently decent times. She draws well and should be in the mix. Back to the first-timers and (9) BLUE SKY went through two trials showing improvement in the second of them to the extent that she may be considered a placing chance first up. (11) MYEONGSEONG CHARGE was handy to the lead on debut on September 9th before ultimately coming home in 5th. She should strip fitter for the experience and get closer today. (8) DAEHO PYEONGEONG the best of the rest.

Selections(3) Sunset Melody (5) My Destiny (9) Blue Sky (11) Myeongseong Charge
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

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

Fillies only here. (7) DREAM KNOCK won a class 6 race over 1200M in fine style by eight-lengths in July before following up with 2nd place in a similar all-filly affair on her first try at this class on August 28th, beating several of today’s rivals in the process. She will have benefited from that experience and looks hard to beat here. (12) BLACK ROOKIE is a filly who is adapting to class 5 and at her last start was a good 3rd over 1300M when wide all the way yet still ran on. Given some better luck in running and ideally a bit of cover, she could be a threat here. (4) K BLADE ran 6th on his first try at this class on September 4th. That was over 1400M, and he came out of gate ten but two starts back he got his maiden win at this distance when handy from the same gate as today and he is in with a shout here. (11) DANCING WITH YOU ran 3rd behind Dream Knock on August 28th showing she is getting to grips with racing at this level and while her draw isn’t great, she can go close again. (5) GOLD SPIKE another in the hunt.

Selections(7) Dream Knock (12) Black Rookie (4) K Blade (11) Dancing With You
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 8)

The 2021 Triple Crown finally gets underway on Sunday when three-year-olds line up for the KRA Cup Mile at Busan. The unprecedented late start to the series has had the effect of making it arguably the strongest ever as every horse who arrives in the start line is tried and tested whereas on its usual April date, the race is often full of those who were precocious as juveniles but then haven’t kicked on. Anyway, more of the Cup Mile to follow over the next couple of days but in the meantime Busan kicks off proceedings for the weekend with a six-race card on Friday afternoon. Seoul jockeys Kim Yong-geun, Park Tae-jong and Ham Wan-sik all have rides. Here are the previews:

King Of Glory can return to winning ways in Friday’s Busan feature

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

(1) TWO TWO LIME will be hot favourite to open her account at the fifth time of asking here. She has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name already, both of them at this distance and she has already beaten a few of these. She comes in under a light weight and from the inside gate should be on the early speed and she should win. (4) SPRING FIRE came home 5th to Two Two Lime’s 3rd at her latest start on August 13th. She is another who does have a couple of places to her name and in this company she can be competitive for another. She came from off the pace last start but has been known to lead as well. Definitely closing late will be (6) CHEONGMA YEONGUNG. Seoul jockey Park Tae-jong, one of a number in town for Sunday’s KRA Cup Mile, picks up the ride and while this colt tends to get a bit too far back, if he can get away well, then he can be a danger at the end. This is not a strong race so while the solitary debut-maker (7) SUSO ENGINE didn’t exactly catch the eye in trials, he won’t need to improve too much on it to be competitive. (11) EUTTEUM CAL another in the placing hunt off the back of an improved 4th last time out.

Selections(1) Two Two Lime (4) Spring Fire (6) Cheongma Yeongung (7) Suso Engine
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

Maiden fillies here and all but three tackle the seven-furlongs for the first time. The pick and probable betting favourite is (12) WONDERFUL RAISE, who following a runner0up finish on debut in August then ran 6th in the Rookie Stakes on September 5th over 1200M when she ran on reasonably well and was travelling nicely at the end. The step up to 1400M may suit and while she has drawn the widest gate, she should be able to overcome it. (1) GOLDEN POWER went right back on debut before running on well for 3rd – albeit a long way behind a good winner – over 1000M on September 3rd. She should have come on for that run and the additional distance today may work in her favour. It’s fair to day that (2) WONDERFUL LADY is no superstar but she is turning into a dependable type with five top-five finishes from eight starts. She beat a couple of these on her latest start when overcoming a wide draw to sit handy and run on for 4th over 1300M. She draws much better today and will surely be in the finish again. (6) DONGBANG CAPTAIN and (7) WIND HIGH are others in the placing frame.

Selections(12) Wonderful Raise (1) Golden Power (2) Wonderful Lady (6) Dongbang Captain
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 12

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

Tricky one here. (11) SPEED MATCH made all to score his maiden win three weeks ago at this distance. He comes up in class here but that manner of that victory – and the time it was recorded in on a good rated track – means he has to be considered again. The wide draw is a concern though and the likely betting favourite is (9) RUN FIGHTER. He has never been worse than 3rd in four outings to date and comes in off a good 2nd place on his first go at class and distance on September 5th when he was handy throughout. He has run consistent times and has every chance here. So too (1) PURE KING. He tackles 1400M for the very first time, having got his maiden win at his latest start over 1200M on September 19th. He settled in midfield that day, running on strong and there is nothing to suggest that the additional trip won’t suit. (4) DOCTOR TEXAS had a hard time on his first crack at class and distance when well back behind Run Fighter. His previous form suggests he is better than that and is worth another chance for at least a place here. (2) B J SONG another who has every chance of competing for the money.

Selections(11) Speed Match (9) Run Fighter (1) Pure King (4) Doctor Texas
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 10, 11

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

Fillies only here. (10) D’LOVELY QUEEN has been a model of consistency across her five starts so far with her one win coming at this trip at class 6 level back in July. Since has since run twice at this class, finishing in 3rd place on both occasions in competitive times. She tends to settle handy or midfield and then run on so the wide draw isn’t off too much concern and while she does carry an extra 2kg from last time, she can win here. (1) STORM TO WIN has good experience at this class and was 5th over 1400M three weeks ago having led for much of the way around. She is a filly who gets regularly trialed between races and she went through another heat just last week in double-quick time. If she has maintained that sharpness, then from the inside gate she can be in this a long way. So too can (3) BANJIUI GIJEOK, who is still a maiden but comes up in class after a good 2nd place over 1300M having led for much of the way, on August 29th. That was her first start since last December so she should have come on for the run and while this is undoubtedly harder, she can measure up. (9) APRIL QUEEN may be working towards another win. She has found her feet at this class with a 2nd and two 4th place finishes from three attempts, and drops back in trip here. She can go close. (7) GOLD LUCK another with more than a chance of placing.

Selections(10) D’Lovely Queen (1) Storm To Win (3) Banjiui Gijeok (9) April Queen
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Kim Yong-geun has traveled down from Seoul to ride Royal Road in Sunday’s Cup Mile and while that colt won’t be favourite, he takes the ride here on (4) KING OF THE MATCH, who almost certainly will be market leader in a really good race. He is three for three so far having won up to a mile and while he comes up 3kg in the weights and finds himself against some horses who have run some tremendous times at this distance, he should be equal to the challenge. (1) RAON THE POWER has finished in the top three in all eight of his starts so far with four wins. He comes up in class after a good score at this distance on August 20th, is down significantly in the weights and draws very nicely. (12) HANEUL ULLIM won three races in a row between March and May including a super win at this distance. He hasn’t raced since the latest of those wins so sharpness might be an issue but he looked well in a September trial and his running style means the draw shouldn’t pose too much of a problem. (3) DOCTOR FASHION and (10) AKER’S DREAM among others in the hunt in a race of many talents.

Selections(4) King Of The Match (1) Raon The Power (12) Haneul Ullim (3) Doctor Fashion
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 6: Class 1 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 110 Million

With a good apprentice taking 4kg off his back, (3) KING OF GLORY can return to winning ways here. He comes in having run 4th behind Blue Chipper at the distance three weeks ago but has beaten plenty of these in recent outings. A front-runner, he draws very nicely and today can be his day. The main danger may prove to be his stablemate. (1) PRO CONSUL races for the first time since May but has won first up at this level before. When he last ran he was 2nd over a mile to King Of Glory and having looked well in a trial only last week, it could be a Wolsley quinella here. (6) BAENGMUNBAEKDAP comes back up in trip following recent work around one-turn including defeating Doctor Carson and Blue Chipper over 1400M. He perhaps doesn’t look a winning chance here but his quality could well see him to a place. (2) SPEED FURY is another to have been beaten by King Of Glory recently when 3rd to his 2nd at class and distance on August 1st. He has since run disappointingly over 2000M but should be better back in trip and drawn well here. (9) GOOD CASTING comes back up in trip too and is another who rarely runs a bad race.

Selections(3) King Of Glory (1) Pro Consul (6) Baengmunbaekdap (2) Speed Fury
Next Best9, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 12

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 3)

Three months of Stakes action gets underway on Sunday with both Seoul and Busan hosted Listed races for the top juveniles from this year’s crop, the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at Seoul and the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes at Busan. There are 9 Sunday races at Seoul – with the great Cheongdam Dokki also putting in an appearance – from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:10 to 17:30. The Seoul meeting will be run behind-closed-doors but Busan will be open for customers with a reservation made on the MyCard app. Here are the Previews:

It will be behind closed doors but there will finally be some Stakes action on Sunday!

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

Juvenile maidens go around here with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (4) SARYEONI FIRST who ran 2nd to – and well beaten by – Aspen Taeyang on debut on August 21st. He settled back and then ran on, finishing in a fast time on a wet track and with some natural improvement for that experience, he can be the one to beat today. (3) MENI WONDERFUL is a colt for whom there are high hopes. He’s the first foal to make the track from his dam Meni Money, a winner of eight races and herself out of a one-time track record holder here over the 1800M. He ran pleasingly enough for 4th on debut at this distance on August 15th and it would be no surprise if he improved sufficiently to win this. It would be a surprise if the quinella featured anything other than these two but there are one or two first-timers to keep an eye on. (6) COSMO will be third-favourite in the market having won her trial on a wet track on September 10th. She was always prominent and while her time was no better than fair, she can acquit herself well. (1) RAON THE JET and (10) YONGAM BOSS others who went reasonably well in their heats.

Selections(4) Saryeoni First (3) Meni Wonderful (6) Cosmo (1) Raon The Jet
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 69

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

It’s hard to go far past (5) BYEOLUI SUNGAN here. He’s run 3rd and 2nd in two starts so far, both times only beaten by similarly promising animals and both times running on strong over 1000M. The additional furlong should suit and he’s the one to beat. If anything is to beat them, then the prime candidate is the sole previous winner in the race, (9) GREEN FEELSTAR. Her victory came two starts back over this distance when she settled towards the front of midfield and then ran on well in a fair time. She returned on August 28th to beat a couple of these on her wat to a decent enough 5th place. (11) JANGSAN LASER ran 6th on his only start to date which was all the way back in January. He finally returns here having looked well in a September trial alongside some good horses and has placing claims. So too (12) NEW STAR YEONGCHEON, who improved significantly at his second start on August 29th when he was always prominent before ultimately finishing 3rd. The draw may not be kind here, but he can go close. There are two first time starters and (10) NEW SMART perhaps has the best chance of making an immediate impact. He showed at the front in his trial, finishing 5th in a decent enough time.

Selections(5) Byeolui Sungan (9) Green Feelstar (11) Jangsan Laser (12) New Star Yeongcheon
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 12

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

A race of many chances. We’ll take a chance on (6) BORI BORI overturning a bit of form from her latest start when she got the worst of a tight three-way finish over this distance. She has run some consistent times and draws nicely here. The one she needs to upend the form on is (9) KOREA GIJEOK. The Hansen gelding ran 2nd in that race to Bori Bori’s 4th, his best finish to date in a fourteen-race career. He can sit handy here and run on with a maiden win not out of the question. (1) SEOUL DAY gets in nicely with an apprentice jockey keeping the weight low. From the same gate last start he led until the closing stages over 1400M, ultimately finishing 2nd and he should be in this one for a long time too. (2) MIGHTY SUNSHINE may be an interesting outsider. He improved at start number two when 3rd over 1000M and his first time up in trip today may suit. (4) K N UNDERKING ran a useful enough 5th on debut on September 9th and can build on that today.

Selections(6) Bori Bori (9) Korea Gijeok (1) Seoul Day (2) Mighty Sunshine
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

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

(12) MAN OF THE YEAR has run 4th on both his starts so far, most recently on September 5th when after jumping well, he went right to the back before running on strong over 1200M. He comes up in distance today, Perovic knows him well having ridden him both times, and the wide draw shouldn’t matter. He has a real chance. (11) CHEONGHO LEADER comes in off a strong 2nd at class and distance when he led into the straight. That was his best performance to date and a similar run today will put him in the finish. In that race, Cheongho Leader overturned the form on (5) CATCH THE SUN, who finished 3rd and had previously beaten him in July when they came home 4th and 6th respectively at today’s distance. Catch The Sun has been consistent across her four outings to date and with the draw in her favour this time, can go close. (2) SAEMANGUIVISION ran 5th, splitting Catch The Sun and Cheongho Leader in that July race and returns for the first time since then today. She too draws nicely and has placing claims. (4) ANNIKA GIRL, an improved 2nd at her latest start is another in the hunt.

Selections(12) Man Of The Year (11) Cheongho Leader (5) Catch The Sun (2) Saemanguivision
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 12

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

(2) SEUNGBUSA is a two-year-old colt with a solid class 6 win before a 3rd place in the Rookie Stakes over 1200M on September 5th when he dwelt slightly at the start before racing keenly to be up and on the pace and running on resolutely. He is up in trip slightly today but that shouldn’t be an issue and the fact that he skips today’s Munhwa Ilbo in favour of this, may be telling. (11) RAON CHAMPSELY returns to action for the first time since May. Still a maiden, she has registered three runner-up finishes from five starts and posted some very good times along the way. She prefers to be a front-runner – although one of her 2nd places did come from the back – so the draw may not be ideal and there is the obvious question about race sharpness as well, but she looked well when recording a fast time in a September trial. (4) REMEMBER WHEN is a mare who must be considered on her consistency. At her last start, when advancing to class 5, she was wide and on the pace most of the race and ran on well for 3rd. She is a placing chance here. So too (8) EUNHYE PADO, who is finding her feet in class 5. She ran 2nd on her latest start over 1400M, making up good ground in the straight. She hasn’t got a lot of early speed but will be closing. (3) SOARA BABA similarly settles back and often needs luck in running but can offer some each-way value.

Selections(2) Seungbusa (11) Raon Champsely (4) Remember When (8) Eunhye Pado
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

No fewer than eight of the twelve raced against each other at class and distance on September 10th so there’s the race of reference. None of them won – that was Honey Star by a full three lengths – and there wasn’t much between quite a few of them.  (5) SEONGSAN BULKKOT was 4th that day, having reached 2nd in the straight but ultimately being edged out. That came off the back of a career best 2nd over 1400 the time before. He can be close to the pace here and has much chance as any of coming out on top. (12) SINBIHAN GANGA came him in 6th place in that race having been one paced throughout. The time before though he beat several of these when 2nd at this class and distance and with Seo Seung-un climbing aboard today, he is worth another chance. (9) SINJIN GANGHO was the best of these on September 10th. Coming from well off the pace to make up a lot of ground in the straight. That was a significant improvement on anything he had done in his previous twelve starts but he warrants more respect today. If you don’t rate that September 10th race at all then (6) DONGBU STAR or (2) YEONSEUNG BRAVO are probably the one to go for.

Selections(5) Seongsan Bulkkot (12) Sinbihan Gangja (9) Sinjin Gangho (6) Dongbu Star
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) VICEROY was a big winner in class 6 and is now adapting to class 5. He put in a good effort last start when a little awkwardly away before settling on the pace and battling on for a close 3rd in a good time. A repeat of that performance puts him right in it. (2) GEOSEON POWER is up in class on his last start win at this distance. He was wide all the way, so the win was perhaps a bit better than the narrow margin suggested. He draws well for an easy run here and should enter the calculations. (1) CHOIN SPARK remains a maiden but comes up in class based on his 2nd place to Geoseon Power on September 4th. With this race being run under handicap conditions, he meets him at slightly better weights, and he could cause an upset. (6) HWA SSI BYEOK could be an interesting outsider. On the face of it there’s not much to go on but she has been running times that are competitive in a field such as this and she could run into a place. (11) RULES CLASS another in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Viceroy (2) Geosen Power (1) Choin Spark (6) Hwa Ssi Byeok
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9
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