Busan

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 13)

We’re back to the bad old days. With Covid cases continuing to reach record levels in Korea, the rest of the country has joined the Capital region in ordering doors closed on all betting locations. So, while fans of track cycling can bet and watch from the safety and comfort of their living rooms this weekend, racing, which supports 26,000 jobs across the horse industry and which plows billions of won into the rural economy every year, is forced once more to accrue more losses by racing for prize money only as its fans have no legal avenue to place a bet. Nevertheless, with the Jeju pony racing taking a week off for its summer break, there is a bumper 12-race card at Busan on Friday for overseas simulcasting. Here are the previews of a competitive day’s action:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A competitive maiden to kick things off. (2) TWO TWO LIME ran 8^th behind a couple of these on debut over 1000M on June 19^th before stepping up to today’s distance on her reappearance on July 18^th. That day she sat midfield and then ran on strong to finish 2^nd, albeit well beaten by a good winner. She draws better today and with some natural improvement can win this. (1) ADELE SUCCESS returns for the first time since finishing 3^rd in that June 19^th race over 1000MThat was her best finish in five starts so far but marked a continuation in progress in terms of performance. She too draws much better today and could well get a soft lead. She is a “full” sister to Success Story and surely has a win in her at some stage. (4) K CHUKJE has the fastest time of any of these at the distance recorded when 2^nd two starts back on a wet track. He followed up with a 5^th place a month ago and has placing claims again. (5) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN will be expected to improve on his debut 7^th in June. He ran on strong late on and should be better for the experience. (10) SPRING FIRE another capable of placing although may need some luck from a wide draw.

Selections	(2) Two Two Lime (1) Adele Success (4) K Chukje (5) Haman Yeohangsan
Next Best	10, 11
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Another maiden and they’re all fillies except for one rogue gelding. We’ll side with (6) A ONE PLUS, who needs to be forgiven a dismal showing at her latest start over 1400M on July 18th when she began quickly from gate ten but quickly capitulated to the extant that she was sent back to trial. She looked well when re-qualifying two weeks ago and if we go on her latest two outings at this distance, both in June when she picked up a pair of runner-up finishes in good times, then she is surely in this. (3) HAPPY WOMAN has been consistent across her four outings so far, never finishing any worse than 5^th. From a good draw here, she can sit just behind the early pace and run on strong, and the jockey engagement will certainly encourage plenty. That’s true too with (10) WORLD FLOWER who comes in off encouraging runs over 1200M and 1300M in her latest two and can figure again while (7) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN was a much-improved 4^th last start coming from off the pace to finish in a fast time at this distance. A repeat is possible here. (2) WONDERFUL LADY among a number of others with minor money hopes in a weak race.

Selections	(6) A One Plus (3) Happy Woman (10) World Flower (7) Hollywood Queen
Next Best	2, 8
Fast Start	1, 6, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Another maiden and the vast majority enter with distinctly ordinary form. That makes (4) STEADY WINNER the top pick as, barring her effort two starts back when she was drawn in the car park over 1300M, she has managed to consistently put in creditable efforts. She has the fastest time of these at this distance and comes in off a decent enough 3rd over 1200M last time out. From a nice draw, Perovic can pick his spot and she should be too strong at the business end of the race. (7) SEONGSIL SONYEO has been getting a bit too far back in her races, but she generally runs on well enough. She is the only runner here with a 2nd place on her resume and the step up in trip may benefit. (3) QUEEN HARLEY came from well back to run 6th over 1300M at her latest start. She has had a couple of months off since and can go well first up here. (11) HAVANA JANE has hinted at figuring things out this preparation. She tackles the distance for the first time, and it could well suit. (1) MACH UNI possibly the best of a very limited rest.

Selections	(4) Steady Winner (7) Seongsil Sonyeo (3) Queen Harley (11) Havana Jane
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A maiden of many chances over the mile. (4) TRIPLE STORM is the tentative top pick having shown good consistency in recent starts over 1400M with a 2nd and a 3rd among his efforts so far this year and with some solid times posted along the way. He tends to go right back and run on, and he tackles a mile for the first time. (2) YEONSEUNG BRAVO has the fastest time among those who have tried this distance before. He comes back up in trip after a good 4th over 1300M three weeks ago when he ran on well and he gives jockey Shin Yun-seob a good opportunity on his first day race riding in Korea. (11) MAJOR FORCE has a couple of 4th place finishes to his name at this distance and comes back up in trip following two creditable 5th places over 1400M. He is tactically versatile so the wide draw shouldn’t be too problematic, and he should enter the calculations. (9) ECHO LADY finished behind Major Force last start but previously ran 2nd with a front-running performance in a fast time over 1400M. She will probably be on pace here and can go close. (10) STORM BROWN one of several others with at least minor money hopes in what is a nice competitive affair.

Selections	(4) Triple Storm (2) Yeonseung Bravo (11) Major Force (9) Echo Lady
Next Best	10, 8
Fast Start	2, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Super race for the level. (8) MISS INDIE comes up in class after winning her first two starts, the second of which was an all the way six-length score over 1400M on July 11th. She comes up in trip as well, but her half-brother Mr. Afleet followed a similar trajectory and recently won a class 1 at 1800M so she should be able to cope with it. This is a tough race, but she can maintain her 100% record. (1) K K WON is yet to win after eleven attempts but enters in good form with two runner- up finishes from his latest three outings, both of which were at today’s distance. From the inside gate, he can sit handy and run on strong and he should be in the finish again. (3) YEONGDO GALMAEGI came home in 4th place behind K K Won on what was his first try at this class and distance on July 23. He led for much of that race and could well have come on for the experience. (7) WHITE GALLOPER and (11) DOCTOR TAKE both come up in class following last start wins over 1400M. The running style of both can suit the extended distance today and both can measure up in this company.

Selections	(8) Miss Indie (1) K K Won (3) Yeongdo Galmaegi (7) White Galloper
Next Best	11, 4
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Another good race for this level with many chances. (1) LUCKY BREAK was an all the winner by no fewer than ten-lengths on July 18th. She does come up in class, but she registered the fastest time among any of these at the distance for good measure and it was on a dry track. She draws nicely today and must be given every chance. Lucky Break has tended to be an all or nothing performer though with two wins her only top-three finishes from eight starts so far. If you prefer proven consistency, then (4) BURNING PARTY may be the way to go. Her latest outings, all at this distance have been very solid with a class 6 win among them. She has a 2nd and a 4th at this level to her name already and from a nice draw should be challenging for the lead right from the start. (12) ECOPIA doesn’t get the best of luck with the draw but there is no doubting her speed as shown when she posted a minute-flat for the 1000M in June. She was a class and distance 3rd in a good time at her latest outing and if Franco Da Silva can find a good spot for her, then she should be in this. (3) WONDERFUL JAZZ ran on strong for a close at hand 4th at class and distance last start and can be in the mix again. (5) B. K. KING STAR was a winner at this distance two starts back and ran well for 2nd on his first try at this class a month ago.

Selections	(1) Lucky Break (4) Burning Party (12) Ecopia (3) Wonderful Jazz
Next Best	5, 9
Fast Start	2, 4, 11, 12

(more…)

Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 1)

Racing makes its way into August and with Seoul off this weekend there is a bumper 15-race card at Busan from 11:00 to 18:00. with some really good races along the way. Here are the previews:

King Of Glory – seen in better days all round – goes in Busan’s Sunday feature

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Juveniles here racing for boosted prize-money and it’s wide open. (10) MAN OF THE YEAR was arguably the best in trials when sitting just off the pace and running on for 2^nd in a fast time on a dry track. The wide draw may not be ideal but if Perovic can get a decent position, the Federalist colt may have too much. Both trainer Bart Rice and jockey Franco Da Silva had good Julys and they kick off August with a serious contender in the shape of (1) FLASHY CHARM. He led in his trial and finished off pleasingly enough for 5^th in a decent time with some experienced horses among those ahead of him. He draws well here and has every chance. (4) WONDERFUL RAISE also trialed up alongside experienced ones and didn’t look out of place. Expect improvement from the trial and given the stable, he will have plenty of backing. There is only one runner with previous racecourse experience. (8) DONGBU STAR didn’t exactly set the world alight when 8^th of 11 over 1300M a month ago but previously trialed well at today’s distance and can improve. (9) HANEUL GANGJA another to look out for.

Selections	(10) Man Of The Year (1) Flashy Charm (4) Wonderful Raise (8) Dongbu Star
Next Best	9, 7
Fast Start	1, 4, 5, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

(2) DONGTEUJA BOY was a beaten favourite on debut at today’s distance on July 11^th, but ran pleasingly enough for 3^rd having briefly struck the front at the top of the stretch. He should have come on for that run and You Hyun-myung climbing aboard certainly won’t damage his chances. He is therefore favoured to overturn the form on (5) DOCTOR TEXAS, who ran 2^nd in that same race. That continued an upward trajectory for Doctor Texas, who has shown improvement at each start, and who looks like the main danger here. Both should be competing for the early lead. It’s a fresh start today for (4) GLORY KING, who made one solitary start back in January without troubling the scorers. He looked a completely different prospect when bolting up in a trial in late June, leading from gate to wire. He will be expected to improve significantly on that January effort today. (9) SORI OREUM and (10) TRIPLE JILJU are others in at least the placing frame while (7) WIND HIGH looks the most promising at this stage of the three first-time starters.

Selections	(2) Dongteuja Boy (5) Doctor Texas (4) Glory King (9) Sori Oreum
Next Best	10, 7
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(8) DANCING DRAGON has mixed her form across her four starts so far but she has now run a couple of good times for this distance and today gets the assistance of Perovic in the saddle. She can sit behind the early speed here and could well prove too strong late on. The main danger and probable betting favourite is (4) UNJU EUTTEUM. He ran a very promising 3^rd debut over 1200M on June 26^th, when he was on pace throughout. He should have benefited from that experience and will surely be in the finish again today. (11) BAEK PUNG left himself far too much to do at his latest start on June 26^th, crossing to the rail early but racing ungenerously and looking as though he resented the kickback. Once he found clear ground in the straight, he worked home well enough and while the draw is even worse today, if Seo Seung-un can keep him out of trouble, he has placing claims here. (2) QUEEN OF HEARTS has run well in her latest two starts for 5^th and 3^rd at 1200M and 1400M respectively and she can go well from a nice barrier here. (12) RAPIDO QUEEN is another who has been up and down but has recorded a fast time at this distance and may sneak some minor money.

Selections	(8) Dancing Dragon (4) Unju Eutteum (11) Baek Pung (2) Queen Of Hearts
Next Best	12, 10
Fast Start	4, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(7) GALLANT WARRIOR is the pick here, coming in off a last start runner-up finish when he settled back before improving to midfield and then running on strong to record what is the fastest time of any of these who have attempted the distance. He has a good start on him too so from a central gate, You Hyun-myung should have plenty of options and the pair can go one better today. (2) ECHO LADY also comes in off a last start runner-up finish. In her case it was just her second appearance and it marked a big improvement. From the same gate as she draws today, she was quickly on the speed, only relinquishing it a furlong out and then battled on well. She has every chance here. (11) MAJOR FORCE has been consistent across his eight starts so far, finishing in 4^th place on no fewer than three occasions. His times have been consistent at both today’s distance and at a mile and looks a decent shout for a place here. (9) CAL MARK has also shown consistency in terms of times and comes in off a career best 2^nd on July 9^th over 1300M. He tackles the 1400M for the first time and given the way he has been working home in his races, it may suit. (6) TAMNA HWANGHU is the only previous winner in the race, at this distance three starts back, and that alone must bring her into the calculations.

Selections	(7) Gallant Warrior (2) Echo Lady (11) Major Force (9) Cal Mark
Next Best	6, 12
Fast Start	2, 7, 9, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(9) RAON THE CAPTAIN broke through at start number three on June 26^th, overcoming an even wider draw than today to get close to the pace and then then prove too strong, beating a couple of these in the process as he recorded what was an easy win on the line. That was over a mile so he is back in trip today but he gets in at the same weight and may take some beating. (12) YEONGGWANGUI SPEED has the fastest time among these at this distance. His best finish so far has come when he has gone right back and run on so the gate may not be such an issue for him. He has finished in the top four on five of his seven starts and should be in the frame here. (5) LUCAS SUN came home in 3^rd place behind Raon The Captain in that June 26^th race. That was his third 3^rd place finish from eight starts so far and while he has seven-lengths to find on Raon The Captain, he should be beating plenty of these. (1) TRIPLE STORM and (4) SIMON TOP GUN are others with placing claims.

Selections	(9) Raon The Captain (12) Yeonggwangui Speed (5) Lucas Sun (1) Triple Storm
Next Best	4, 6
Fast Start	4, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies and mares only here and (1) B J MISS is up in class on her solid last start win over 1200M in a good time when she led from gate to wire to score by four-lengths. The filly who ran 2^nd to her that day (Choegang Ilse) came out last week and won herself. She draws the inside here and should measure up in this class. (2) SECOND WIND was a good winner over 1400M at class 6 level two starts back before last time on July 2^nd taking a bump at the start before pulling hard and expending a lot of energy before working home well for 5^th. A couple of today’s rivals finished ahead of her but with a clean getaway she can overturn that form today. (10) HAPPY YOJEONG was one of those who finished ahead of Second Wind on July 2^nd. She settled midfield and then ran out well and the wide draw should fit her pattern of racing. (12) MASTER QUEEN also comes out of that July 2^nd race when she was 3^rd. She has now placed in all three starts at this class since getting her maiden win in April. She has led in all of those meaning the wide draw may not be helpful but she can’t be overlooked. (9) GREAT GO is another who comes out of that July 2^nd race and another in the hunt.

Selections	(1) B J Miss (2) Second Wind (10) Happy Yojeong (12) Master Queen
Next Best	9, 5
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 12

(more…)

Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 31)

Seoul is taking its annual summer weekend off so Busan ploughs a lone furrow. There are 5 races on Saturday from 14:20 to 18:00 (there is also pony racing at Jeju which is simulcast into Busan if you were wondering what the point is of such a short card) while on Sunday there is a bumper 15-race program from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are Saturday’s previews:

This is a very old picture of Busan Racecourse

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Maidens kick us off and (1) HAVE A GOOD TIME enters with the fastest time at this distance and has shown good consistency in his latest outings. He generally sits handy and the inside gate should allow him to pick his spot and he can break through here. (10) PURE KING raced twice last year registering a 4th at 1000M and a 3rd at today’s trip. He has not been seen since but he trialed up very pleasingly at the start of July, putting in a fast time and has every chance of going well first-up here. He doesn’t need to lead so the draw should not be too much of a hindrance. Speaking of the draw, (5) AREUMDAUN GAMDONG took full advantage of finally getting a good one when a much improved 3rd at this distance last time out. The barrier is kind once again and a repeat of that performance should put him in the finish. (7) CROWN KING STAR has shown improvement over three appearances to date, and led for much of the way around before ending up 3rd over 1300M on July 4th. The slight drop back in trip may suit and he has solid claims. Expect him to be competing for the early lead with (8) SONHADOR, who races for only the second time but who has shown good speed and should strip fitter for his debut run just two weeks ago.

Selections	(1) Have A Good Time (10) Pure King (5) Areumdaun Gamdong (7) Crown King Star
Next Best	8, 6
Fast Start	1, 3, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Disregard the latest effort from (1) CHEONGMA HWANGHU on July 9th when from a wide gate, he took a bump at the start and was subsequently out of position and wide all the way around. He should have a much easier run of it from the inside today and if we go on his previous work at this distance with a 3rd and a 4th in fast times then we can expect him to lead here and potentially go all the way. (4) SAEMANGEUMUIVISION was one of those to benefit from Cheongma Hwanghu’s luckless run earlier this month as she finished ahead of him that day. In that race she settled handy and ended up a good 4th but she has come from off the pace to go close as well and she can be a danger here. (12) WONDERFUL LADY worked home well for 3rd at her last start, continuing the upturn in form she has shown over her latest outings. From the widest gate she can run her own race here and reel plenty in late on. (10) CATCH THE SUN has finished in 5th place on both previous outings. He did his best work late on in both so superficially at least, the extra half-furlong today may work in his favour. (3) DREAM DANCER will need her latest two outings forgiven but she draws much better today and should improve.

Selections	(1) Cheongma Hwanghu (4) Saemangeumuivision (12) Wonderful Lady (10) Catch The Sun
Next Best	3, 9
Fast Start	1, 3, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Fascinating clash here between two up and comers who will probably start as nearly co-favourites. We’ll tentatively side with (3) GEUMA STORMING, who debuted with a fast 2nd at this distance on a wet track in June having led almost the entire way around. He then stepped up to 1800M on July 4th and say just behind the leader before proving too strong in the closing stages. He does come up in weights but he draws nicely and can win again. So too can (7) JERA, who has four wins from five starts so far. A year Geuma Storming’s junior but more experienced, the Musket Man colt races for the first time since winning at class and distance on May 1^st. He is versatile in that he can either lead all the way or settle back and run on and he has every chance. (4) ITSMYLUCKYBOY ran 2^nd to Jera on that May race before stepping up to 1800M on June 6^th and leading from gate to wire for his maiden win. He comes up slightly in the weights today but is likely to be on pace and can go close. So too can (12) DUNCAN. He was 4^th behind Geuma Storming in June but has won at class and distance. He too comes up in the weights. (11) QUEEN UP perhaps the best of a competitive rest, carrying a light weight.

Selections	(3) Geuma Storming (7) Jera (4) Itsmyluckyboy (12) Duncan
Next Best	11, 6
Fast Start	3, 4, 10, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A very competitive handicap but (4) ONNURI JILJU coming down a full 6.5kg in the weights from his 2^nd place over 1400M on June 27^th is too tempting to ignore despite him being up in class today. He has finished in the top two on six of seven starts so far, winning well at today’s distance, and looks good to be in the finish again. He gets significant weight from (10) CHOEGANG SSONSAL, who comes in off a good 2^nd place over 1400M at his latest start on June 12^th. He comes back to a trip over which he has run one of the fastest times this year and warrants respect today. (7) MY QUEEN also comes back in trip, in her case after a win over 1400M in April. She is resuming after three months out but has never finished any worse than 3^rd in eight outings to date and has every chance of going well first up today. (12) QUEEN OF THE WORLD beat Choegang Ssonsal, as well as a number of others who go here, at this class over 1400M on June 12^th. She made all that day but will possibly have a harder time from the widest gate today. (11) MACH TITAN joins Onnuru Jilju up in class having won that June 27^th race. Despite there being a big swing in both the weights and in the draw advantage, as well as the shorter distance, he can be competitive again.

Selections	(4) Onnuri Jilju (10) Choegang Ssonsal (7) My Queen (12) Queen Of The World
Next Best	11, 9
Fast Start	5, 8, 9, 12

Busan Race 5: Class 2 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Nice race to finish off with and (3) DOCTOR FAPPIANO can continue her superb run of form, despite jumping up two classes from her latest start. She won that well leading for much of the way before being briefly headed in the home straight and then running on strongly. The time would have been competitive at this level and she carries next to nothing on her back. Coming up just the one class is (7) WINNER’S MAN who, back in early spring when we naively believed racing would be able to return to some sort of normality, was set to be one of the leading contenders for the Triple Crown series. He was a fast winner at this distance two stats back and while he struggled a little under 57kg at his latest start, today’s weight assignment puts him right back in contention. If you value experience at this level, then (5) CURLIN TIME is the one to go for. He runs super consistent times at this distance and will be running on strong late on. (6) YEONGGWANGUI PARTY returned from ten months out to run a creditable 3^rd at this distance on June 26^th leading for most of the race before running out of steam late on. He is another up in class but he should be fitter for that run and the weight again is ideal. (11) DEEP MIND won the Oaks two years ago and hinted at a return to form with a 3^rd place on what was her first start in nine months at the end of May.

Selections	(3) Doctor Fappiano (7) Winner’s Man (5) Curlin Time (6) Yeonggwangui Party
Next Best	11, 10
Fast Start	6, 7, 11, 12

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 25)

Seoul will take its summer weekend off next week followed by Busan the week after so this is the last time for three weeks that both tracks will be running on a Sunday. There are 9 races at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:30 to 16:50. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Twelve previously unraced juveniles go around here so it’s to the trial videos that we must head. It’s pretty clear who the favourite is going to be. (3) COMPLETE TIME was an eye-catching winner of her trial, making all in a fast time on a good track. If she shows any natural improvement from that, she will be hard to beat. (10) CHEOLLICHONG placed 3^rd in a trial when on pace and ridden to the line in a fair time. She’s by Hansen, whose progeny have shown speed as juveniles on the track here. (1) WONPYEONG GASOK was 4^th in a trial when he settled last on jumping before making a solid run from the 600M and ran home better than anything else in his heat. He is a half-brother to Jungchubusa, who won her first two races at Seoul. (6) RAON THE SPURT is “full’ sister to Raon Tough Man, who ran 2^nd in the Korean Derby last year. She trialed adequately when awkwardly away and settled handy to the leaders before running home well for 4^th. She has every chance of going well first-up.

Selections	(3) Complete Time (10) Cheollichong (1) Wonpyeong Gasok (6) Raon The Spurt
Next Best	2, 5
Fast Start	2, 3, 6, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies only and the one to beat is (1) CHOEGANG ILSE. She comes in off a career best 2^nd over this trip on June 26^th when she sat in midfield before running on strong and well beaten by a good winner. She can sit handy today from the inside gate and has the strongest finish in the race by some margin. The solitary first-time starter in the field caught the eye in her trial. (12) HAMAN BANGEOSAN sat handy and ran on strong for 2^nd place in a decent time and while the widest gate may not be ideal, she looks well placed here on debut and can be considered. (3) HIT JACKPOT has been on an upward trajectory in terms of times and of finishes in recent starts, culminating in 2^nd place last start at this distance having gone right back at the start and should be running on strong again. (2) STEADY WINNER couldn’t do herself justice from a wide draw over 1300M last start, but she comes back in trip and into a decent gate here and duly enters the calculations.

Selections	(1) Choegang Ilse (12) Haman Bangeosan (3) Hit Jackpot (2) Steady Winner
Next Best	6, 5
Fast Start	1, 3, 7, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

We are going to take on the favourite here with (2) CRAZY TANK simply based on how he went in a trial last week. He’s only raced the three times before, most recently getting bumped early and then racing very wide before a decent enough finish for 4^th. However, in his trial last week he made all to cross the line a full 23 (twenty-three) lengths ahead of anything else in what was, unsurprisingly, the fastest time of the morning. He has a great draw and while there is always the risk that he left his race in that trial, he looks worth taking a chance on. The favourite will be (5) DAESAN TEUKGEUP and deservedly so based on his last start five-length win over 1000M when wide but too strong in the straight. The extra distance won’t be a problem and he will be in the finish. (12) SMART POWER can’t be left out of the calculations as he is a winner at this distance when handy in the run which was followed up with a 4^th place from way off the pace. He resumes for the first time since January but looked well in a recent trial and has placing claims. So too does (3) JISANGUN. He’s a colt who has shown improvement at every start and wasn’t far away when 5^th over 1000M at his latest outing. Further natural improvement form that will bring him into the frame here.

Selections	(2) Crazy Tank (5) Daesan Teukgeup (12) Smart Power (3) Jisangun
Next Best	9, 10
Fast Start	2, 4, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Not the most inspiring of maidens this but a couple of them look as though they have a win in them. (6) FIGHT DREAM is one of two here who have a runner-up finish to their name. His came in April over 1300M and he has since run creditably at today’s distance too with back-to-back 4^th place finishes both times when leading. It might take a bit of time here as others are faster starters, but he can work his way to the front here and could score. (4) DOCTOR TAKE drops back in trip following a 3^rd and a 4^th over 1600M. He has been a bit one-paced in his races but can find a good position from a nice draw and go close. (9) SEONGSAN HERO beat Doctor Take last start when 2^nd over a mile. He led that day until the middle of the home straight and will be expected to be on pace here with claims to go all the way. (8) SMARTY DOLPUNG has shown steady improvement across three starts to date with 4^th place last time her best. She won’t need to improve much to match or better that here.

Selections	(6) Fight Dream (4) Doctor Take (9) Seongsan Hero (8) Smarty Dolpung
Next Best	3, 2
Fast Start	3, 8, 9, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Tricky race but we’ll go with (4) CHOIN SPARK who may be the improver here having placed 2^nd at his last start over 1000M when handy and wide all the way before balancing up nicely in the straight then working home well. Another crack at 1200M may suit and he could be the one to beat. (8) BURUI GASOK has run well at this class and was fair at his latest effort when on the pace and wide all the way. He has the fastest start amongst these and should be able to overcome gate eight to get on pace again. The solitary debut-maker is (10) NEW STAR YEONGCHEON, who was a trial winner at the start of this month. She led and then kicked clear near the finish and crossed the line with plenty in hand. She should strip fitter for that and enters the calculations first-up. (7) ONCHEONHA ran 3^rd last start over this distance, showing speed to be on the pace and while he was well in arrears of the winner, he battled on well and was just pipped for 2^nd. Solid placing chance here.

Selections	(4) Choin Spark (8) Burui Gasok (10) New Star Yeongcheon (7) Oncheonha
Next Best	5, 6
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (3) GOOD TANK enters with a 100% record to maintain having won her first two starts in fine order, leading gate to wire in both. She comes up in class and in trip here but draws a great barrier to get to the lead again and has every chance of making it three in a row. (6) FASHION BLADE is a winner of two from four so far and including her latest on June 20^th, when she settled handy from a wide draw before dropping back and then running on smartly to score in a fast time at this class and distance beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She comes up in the weights as a result but draws better and is a danger. (11) BURNING PARTY ran 2^nd to Fashion Blade in that June 20^th race having been on pace and leading for much of the race. She has won at this distance and has posted consistently fast times so should be a threat again. (5) FIRST STAR was 4^th in the same race and while she may perhaps have less scope for improvement than some of her rivals, she is rarely far away and should be in the mix again.

Selections	(3) Good Tank (6) Fashion Blade (11) Burning Party (5) First Star
Next Best	8, 2
Fast Start	3, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(3) LAGERTHA was a solid winner at this class and distance on her latest start on June 20^th. That day she settled midfield before running on strong late on to beat a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She comes in at the same weights and a repeat of that effort would make her hard to beat. (7) HERO SPEED ran 2^nd to Lagertha in the June 20^th race. After settling on the pace and wide she finished off well and actually led in the final furlong. She may not turn the tables here but should be a strong place chance again. (6) GABO SARANGHAE was 4^th in that same race continuing an upward trajectory of performances. She broke the best that day and was on pace until the end and she will be competing for the early lead again today. (11) AFLEET MARINE shouldn’t be too concerned about the wide draw. She can settle just off the pace and has consistently run competitive times at this distance. She disappointed as favourite last start when 6^th but can be given another chance here.

Selections	(3) Lagertha (7) Hero Speed (6) Gabo Saranghae (11) Afleet Marine
Next Best	4, 9
Fast Start	1, 6, 7, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(4) ACE SOLOMON was a winner of two from four at class 6 level, including at this distance, before running 2^nd on his first try at this class on June 26^th when he settled midfield and finished off well, albeit well beaten by a good winner. He finished ahead of two of today’s rivals and he has solid claims to return to the winner’s circle here. (2) INFINITY POWER was a winner at this distance at class 6 level and ran a good 2^nd at her latest start on June 20^th, sitting off the pace and then running on strong. Jo In-kwon climbing aboard today is in her favour. (1) WONDERFUL KING drops back in trip following two very encouraging spins around 1400M. He is yet to win from eleven attempts but has six top-three finishes and while he is giving away weight, he draws well and should be in the finish again. (3) PARTY INDY steps up in class here following a good win at the distance in May. She made all that day and while this is a stiffer test, she should be on speed again and can measure up against most of these.

Selections	(4) Ace Solomon (2) Infinity Power (1) Wonderful King (3) Party Indy
Next Best	11, 8
Fast Start	3, 4, 5, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(12) GWANGYANG EUTTEUM ran 2^nd on debut before stumbling a bit at the start on his reappearance on June 27^th before proceeding to absolutely bolt in by eight-lengths over this distance. He is up in class here and draws the car park, but neither should be of concern, and he has every chance again. (1) HI HI is ultra-consistent having never been worse than 3^rd in five starts so far and is versatile too having won from behind and also – by a full ten-lengths – when having led from the start. Last time over 1300M he settled midfield and ran on well for 3^rd and he may prove hard to beat from the perfect draw. There appears to be plenty of speed in this race and if there is too much of it, (7) ENERGIZER could prove to be the beneficiary. He came from well back for a good 3^rd place last time over 1300M beating a few of these in the process and he will be given a patient ride again here. (6) NORWAY THIRD is up in class on her last start win over 1000M when she led all the way. This is tougher but she may offer some each-way value.

Selections	(12) Gwangyang Eutteum (1) Hi Hi (7) Energizer (6) Norway Third
Next Best	2, 4
Fast Start	2, 6, 8, 12

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 23)

Corona cases continue to reach record highs in Korea on a daily basis, while vaccine stocks have run out and the reopening of Seoul Racecourse looks further away than ever. With tightening restrictions across the entire country, it seems inevitable that at some stage those few places where betting is allowed to remain open will close too. For now though, Busan Racecourse continues to admit a limited number of customers and it is on the south coast where the weekend’s action kicks off with 6 races from 13:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

This class 6 is restricted to three-year-olds and younger and the solitary previous winner is set to be strong favourite to repeat. (4) ENDLESS RUNNING showed promise in two starts over the turn of the year before having five months off. He won a trial in late May before making all to win on his racing return over 1000M on June 19^th. He draws nicely to lead again and should have too much. (7) WORLD CHANGE hasn’t raced since a very encouraging debut last December when he ran 2^nd to Raon The Power at today’s trip. He looked in very good order when winning a June trial in a fast time on a wet track. The jockey and trainer combination will attract plenty and he’s the clear second pick. (6) WORLD FASHIONED didn’t do much in starts last August and this February. He looked well in a front-running trial performance at the end of June and may be a different prospect today. (3) YEOSU TORNADO was a significant improver at his latest start on June 26^th, settling back and then running on for 5^th and he can build on that here.

Selections	(4) Endless Running (7) World Change (6) World Fashioned (3) Yeosu Tornado
Next Best	8, 5
Fast Start	3, 4, 6, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Tricky one here. We’ll take a chance on (11) KING GOLIATH, who overcame gate thirteen on debut over 1400M on June 27^th to run a very creditable 4^th in a good time. The draw has been scarcely any kinder this time around, but he can build on that performance and can get close here. The expected favourite is (5) MYEONGSEONG MAGIC. After an indifferent first couple of outings, she has run two very solid race at 1200M recording good times She gets a good draw today to be the likely leader and she has every chance of leading all the way. (2) DONGBANG CAPTAIN has mixed her form across six starts to date but comes in off a strong 3^rd over 1200M on June 26^th. True her ventures at further than six furlongs so far have been less than fruitful, but she is worth another chance here. (7) HAVANA JANE may be at last figuring things out if the evidence of her 4^th place last start is anything to go by. It was a much more mature performance than she has previously shown, and she is a place chance here.

Selections	(11) King Goliath (5) Myeongseong Magic (2) Dongbang Captain (7) Havana Jane
Next Best	1, 8
Fast Start	3, 5, 7, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) BABY LINE picks himself here as he goes looking for his fourth straight win. The Officer colt’s latest three scores have all been at this distance and in fast times and he even draws well this time. The same apprentice who has ridden him in those wins keeps the weight down again and he should be winning again. (10) RAON THE BOSS comes in off two consecutive wins in good times over 1300M and a mile. True he is rapidly up in class as a result, and this is considerably tougher, but he has overcome wide draws before and he could be a good each-way chance here. (6) VERRA DAY appeared to completely lose his way earlier this year but returned to some semblance of form with a strong 2^nd place over class and distance on June 20^th. He had been getting way too far back in his races, but last time sat midfield and ran on strongly and a repeat of that run puts him in the finish today. (9) CRONUS must also be in the calculations after a fine class and distance win on July 2^nd. He comes up a full 4kg in weight for his troubles but has run consistent times and is a placing chance again.

Selections	(5) Baby Line (10) Raon The Boss (6) Verra Day (9) Cronus
Next Best	11, 4
Fast Start	5, 7, 10, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

After back-to-back runner-up finishes, (11) WILD INDIE got his maiden win at start number three over a mile on June 6^th when he was steadily away before quickly taking command. He comes up in class today, but the wide draw shouldn’t be much of a concern, and the half-brother to Beolmaui Kkum is strongly favoured to win again. (7) JANGSAN PRIDE beat Wild Indie when recording what is to fate his sole victory over a mile two starts back. He ran 5^th on his first try at this class a month ago on a wet track and with Perovic back aboard, he can aim to at least place here. Up in class is (1) YEONGDO GALMAEGI, who got his breakthrough win over 1400M last start. His racing pattern suggests that the step up in trip to a mile will suit and from the inside gate, he should go close. (3) GEUMA GOOD POINT is rarely far away with eight top four finishes from eleven outings so far. He’ll be there or thereabouts again.

Selections	(11) Wild Indie (7) Jangsan Pride (1) Yeongdo Galmaegi (3) Geuma Good Point
Next Best	4, 6
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

A real clash of non-winners with the top three preferences having thirty-two starts between them for a grand total of zero wins. We’ll side – albeit without confidence – with (4) YEONGGWANGUI SAVE, whose 3^rd place at class and distance on June 6^th, coupled with Perovic remaining aboard, puts him in this. He tends to get right back in his races, but he ran on well last time and if he doesn’t give himself too much to do, then he can win. (7) TOP MATE has finished 2^nd on no fewer of six from ten starts so far. True a previous effort at this distance didn’t go well but there were excuses on a sloppy track, and he has otherwise been ultra-consistent. He may well start the betting favourite today. (5) NEWS MAKER has a 4^th place at class and distance to his name and is another with claims to break his maiden today. He will be expected to be on pace and it’s not impossible that he could lead all the way. If you prefer winning experience, then (8) DUMUSAN is probably the way to go, having registered back-to-back wins over a mile in March and April, albeit at local class 6 level. He comes up in class but should hold his own against most of these.

Selections	(4) Yeonggwangui Save (7) Top Mate (5) News Maker (8) Dumusan
Next Best	9, 10
Fast Start	1, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

After nine months on the sidelines, (4) SUCCESS PARTY returned to action with a fine, though quite distance, 2^nd place behind the excellent Golden Winner on May 29^th. From a nice draw, he will be on pace or handy and can prove too strong late on. The logical second choice is (2) DAEMANGUI GIL, even if it is a touch surprising to see him drop back in trip after recent good work around two turns. He was an all the way winner over 1800M last start, and his front-running style surely won’t do him any harm from a good draw here. (6) YES PERFECT races for the first time since February but looked very well when storming through a trial just last week. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, then he should be in the frame. (5) HAWK KING comes in off a creditable 4^th place behind Golden Winner last start and that is something he can aim to match here.

Selections	(4) Success Party (2) Daemangui Gil (6) Yes Perfect (5) Hawk King
Next Best	3, 9
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 8

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 18)

Sunday racing is at Seoul (9 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (11:30 to 16:30). Cheongdam Dokki faces a weighty assignment in the concluding race in the capital. Here are the previews:

It was super weather in the capital on Saturday

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Eight previously unraced juveniles kick off the day’s proceedings. (5) PURPLE K will be the favourite and is the top pick. She won her trial comfortably and while she was a touch ungainly early, she settled down and ran well under hands and heels in a fast time. She’s very much the one to beat. (1) GREENBACK won her trial in fine style, cruising to the lead and then being ridden out all the way to the line. A similar performance puts him squarely in the finish here. (2) PINE FARM trialed on a very wet track and appeared to hang out a lot, putting her rider at a disadvantage. She still ran well though in a useful time and if she has learned from the experience then a place may not be beyond her on debut. (7) SEUNGBUSA perhaps looks an outside chance based on his trial placing but he veered sharply inward to the running rail on jumping, losing ground and settling a long last. With that in mind, his performance in the closing stages was commendable.

Selections	(5) Purple K (1) Greenback (2) Pine Farm (7) Seungbusa
Next Best	8
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 5

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

A maiden for three-year-olds and down and (2) PUREUN JANGMI should have the beating of these. She ran 3^rd on debut and then 2^nd on her re-appearance, both at this distance and both times having raced on pace. At her latest start she led until the closing stages and recorded a fast time. Both of those were in restricted fillies’ company but she draws well again to lead and she should make it third time lucky here. (11) GLORY SONG has done nothing too much wrong in two starts so far, including a good 2^nd place on debut over the 1000M. The extended trip today may work in her favour today. (7) DRIVE TOWN debuted all the way back in January, settling handy and running on for 2^nd over 1000M. He came back to trial in decent order in June and comes into placing contention here . (1) AREUMDAUN GAMDONG has improved across three starts so far. Last time out she crossed from gate ten to briefly lead before ultimately finishing 4^th but today, for the first time, she draws well. This should give her an easier run and she can match or better that 4^th.

Selections	(2) Pureun Jangmi (11) Glory Song (7) Drive Town (1) Areumdaun Gamdong
Next Best	8, 12
Fast Start	2, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies only here. (10) DREAM KNOCK is the favourite, coming back into action twelve weeks after the latest of three encouraging runs at this level which included a 2^nd and a 3^rd. She trialed up nicely at the end of May and her running style suggests she doesn’t need to lead so the draw is not too disadvantageous. She has every chance. (7) MISS CAMP is worth thought based on her last start 2^nd when she led before being caught near the line. The apprentice claim keeps her down in the weights and in the picture. (1) WONDERFUL GEUMSUNG has shown improvement across her four prior starts culminating in 2^nd place last time out at this distance when she was handy throughout and then ran on, registering a good time. She draws the same gate today and it won’t take much improvement for her to be in the finish. There are a couple of newcomers. (11) LAPIEO BAN is an unraced filly who did reasonably well across three trials. The jockey booking will attract plenty.

Selections	(10) Dream Knock (7) Miss Camp (1) Wonderful Geumsung (11) Lapieo Ban
Next Best	4, 2
Fast Start	2, 4, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

The sole previous winner is (3) WHITE GALLOPER, who scored three starts back over this distance, She settled back and then ran on well as is her style, and while in two subsequent starts she has left herself a bit too much to do, coming home 5^th and 4^th, she should be in the frame today under a very light weight. (10) A ONE PLUS looks ready to win after back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1300M, both in good times. At her last start, from an even wider draw than today, she settled midfield and then ran on strong, getting close to a good winner and a similar run could see her home on top here with the slightly added trip a plus. (1) CHOEGANG BEONJJEOK was much improved last time when from the inside gate, he managed to lead before ultimately running 2^nd in a decent time over 1200M. He comes up in trip today but gets the same advantageous draw and can build on that progress. (2) DAEHOMA too got his best result to date at his latest outing when 4^th at this trip. He too can take advantage of a good draw to get close to the pace and is not without a chance.

Selections	(3) White Galloper (10) A One Plus (1) Choegang Beonjjeok (2) Daehoma
Next Best	12, 11
Fast Start	1, 2, 5, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(6) THUNDER CHAMP had good recent form prior to his latest start when he got caught in a duel for the lead early and appeared to suffer for it, ending up well back behind a couple of today’s rivals. Draw a line through that and go on hos previous start over 1300M when he had a soft, relaxed lead only to go down by the narrowest of margins. He has the best start of any of these and is right in this. (11) NAUI SINHWA comes into the calculations based on his last start 2^nd when he was squeezed a little soon after the start and then settled back before running on strong. He has mixed his form but has five top five finishes from seven starts and can go close here. (10) POLKA has the fastest time of these at this distance and he has been consistent in his recent form without breaking through. He can lead or come from midfield and the draw shouldn’t trouble him too much. (4) CHEONJON can have is latest start disregarded when he dipped soon after the start before settling handy but ultimately fading. His 2^nd at the start before was much more in character and he is worth another chance here. (7) STAR RUSH the best of the rest.

Selections	(6) Thunder Champ (11) Naui Sinhwa (10) Polka (4) Cheonjon
Next Best	7, 3
Fast Start	6, 7, 10, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

It’s about time (8) HORAENGI made her breakthrough. Form seven previous starts, she has missed the top five on only one occasion and has consistently recorded good times. She has raced on pace and also come from behind and has been beaten by better foes than she faces today. This time she should get it right. (4) QUEEN OF HEARTS has been getting quite far back in her races but finished off nicely for an improved 5^th in an all-filly affair over 1200M on June 20^th. The manner in which she finished off suggests that the additional trip today will be in her favour and she can continue to improve. (5) SORI OREUM ran 2^nd on debut and then 5^th when running on late on his reappearance a month ago. Both of those were over 1000M so he gets the chance to get stuck into a bit of distance today and it may well suit. (12) TAMNA HWANGHU is just one of two runners here who have previously won a race. It came at this distance two starts back and while the draw does her no favours here, she can go close.

Selections	(8) Horaengi (4) Queen Of Hearts (5) Sori Oreum (12) Tamna Hwanghu
Next Best	8, 9
Fast Start	3, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(10) JEOLMEUN YEONGUNG ran on very pleasingly at start number two over 1200M on June 19^th. He should strip fitter for that and his first run and with Munro aboard again and with an extra furlong to play with, he could breakthrough here. That means we are going to take on the favourite, which will be (7) SILVER DRAGON. He is always competitive and last start after being a little slow away, he finished off strongly for 4^th. He has beaten plenty of these in recent outings, including Jeolmeun Yeongung and he has every chance of breaking through at what will be start number nine today. (6) LONDON HEAT is one of those who has finished behind Silver Dragon before, but she showed her ability at her latest start when 3^rd over 1300M. She was handy in the run before finishing strongly and a repeat of that run should put her in the finish today. (5) PURGE QUEEN was poor when previously tried at this distance but looks ready for another crack after a fair 4^th at 1200M when she stuck to her task well. Her times have been on the slow side, but she won’t need to improve too much to challenge for the places here.

Selections	(10) Jeolmeun Yeongung (7) Silver Dragon (6) London Heat (5) Purge Queen
Next Best	1, 8
Fast Start	3, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) MAN OF TOP finally made his winning breakthrough at start number fifteen on June 27^th after a strong of near-misses. That came at a mile as he sat handy before Ioannis Poullis roused him home in the closing stages. He goes back up to 1800M today, a distance he has performed well at and while he is up in class, this isn’t the most intimidating class 4 field that you’ll find, and he comes down a full 5kg in the weights. He will be strong favourite and is hard to oppose. (6) RAPID GAME ran 3^rd behind Man Of Top two starts back at this distance before finishing 4^th at a mile on his latest start. He carries even less weight under in-form jockey Kim Hye-sun and can push the favourite hard. (7) SEONGSAN POWER was a winner at this distance at class 4 level two starts back before running a very good 2^nd at this class and distance on May 30^th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She likes to lead and will force the rest to come past her. Running in 3^rd place that day was (3) GIJEOGUI JEOKTOMA and he is one of a number capable of challenging for places.

Selections	(4) Man Of Top (6) Rapid Game (7) Seongsan Power (3) Gijeogui Jeoktoma
Next Best	8, 1
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 7

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

(9) ACHIM GISANG picks herself here having won all three previous starts by big margins and in good times. The barrier is of no concern due to her prodigious early speed, and she will lead again regardless. She’ll be hot favourite. Mot winning streaks come to an end at some point and (6) BRAVO MAY is the one with the most chance of bringing Achim Gisang’s to an end today. His win came at class 6 three starts back and in two outings since, he has run 2^nd both times settling midfield and running on. Given his draw, we can expect him to settle handy to the leader today and wait for an opening. (4) ALCHAN NURI showed improvement last start when 3^rd at this distance sitting midfield and running on. A repeat of that effort can get him into the placings again. In a race with such a hot favourite, we might as well go for an each-way one at big odds too. (1) PERFECT POWER has had excuses for his two latest failures but has put in some decent performances as well. He is a 1300M winner and has a nice draw on the inside.

Selections	(9) Achim Gisang (6) Bravo May (4) Alchan Nuri (1) Perfect Power
Next Best	11, 3
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

After winning well on debut, (10) GOLDEN BYEORAK was on pace but ended up 3^rd on reappearance over 1400M on May 22^nd. He has had eight weeks off since and should be right for his step up to a mile today. The draw isn’t a concern, and he can return to winning ways here. Quite a few are capable of stopping him on their day though. (7) MONOPOLY has won at the distance and ran 2^nd on his first try at this class last time out. He likes to settle midfield and should be coming on strong late here. (3) GALAXY ROAD has the fastest time of any of these at the distance. He is up in class and racing for the first time since a solid score at over 1400M in April and should be competitive here. Rarely uncompetitive is (8) B.K JOHN, who beat a couple of these on his way to 2^nd place at 1400M on June 13^th. His one previous start at this distance didn’t go well but he has impressed since and looks ready for another crack today.

Selections	(10) Golden Byeorak (7) Monopoly (3) Galaxy Road (8) B.K. John
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	3, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Many chances in this race but (4) HIDDEN DOLPUNG is the standout, favourite and pick. He won on debut and has since finished runner-up on three occasions. He settles handy to the leaders and runs on which suggests that the 1400M may suit him and he draws nicely for Moon Se Young to pick his spot. (3) ROYAL ELVIS comes in off 2^nd and 3^rd in his two latest starts and is the likely early leader here. The good draw will assist his chances. (5) GREEN DARC was a somewhat surprising winner at class and distance in a good time at her latest start. She was on pace early then handy and ran on for a good score. A repeat of that effort and a nice barrier bring her into contention again. (6) HEUNGROK DAEBU was 3^rd last start over 1700M but is perhaps better suited to today’s trip. He likes to sit just behind the leaders, which is what he has done in both wins to date and he can go close today.

Selections	(4) Hidden Dolpung (3) Royal Elvis (5) Green Darc (6) Heungrok Daebu
Next Best	8, 2
Fast Start	2, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 2 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(8) BARBARIAN has six wins and a further four runner-up finished from eleven career outings to date. He comes in off a last start class and distance victory on June 13^th against what was an arguably tougher set of opponents than today. He does come up slightly in the weights but that shouldn’t be an issue and he should win again. (4) MAPLE CLASSIC comes back up in trip following a good 3^rd over 1200M three weeks ago. He can sit handy and run on strong here. Coming back in trip is (3) WORLD TOP. He won at this distance in March in a very fast time before weakening in his first two goes at this class, both over 1800M. This should suit better. Also back in trip is (5) WORLD TODAY. He mixes his form but has a solid record at this distance and should be in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(8) Barbarian (4) Maple Classic (3) World Top (5) World Today
Next Best	6, 1
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 5

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) VICTOR MOON is a filly going places with two wins and a 2^nd from three starts so far, all of them at today’s distance and all in good times. She is up in class but comes down in the weights and with a nice draw looks hard to beat. (10) LEVEL TAP is a 1200M specialist and was a big winner at class and distance last start when, as is his racing pattern, he led. Two starts back he posted a phenomenal time when 2^nd to Legend Day. He has to contend with a weight increase, a wide draw and a tough opponent, but don’t rule out him overcoming all three. (1) SPRING KING has shown improvement at recent starts and is worth thought based on his latest outing when 3^rd at this distance in a good time. He can maintain that momentum here. (3) BIG TO THE BIG has done her best work at a little bit further but accordingly, you can be sure she will be strong at the finish and can place.

Selections	(5) Victor Moon (10) Level Tap (1) Spring King (3) Big To The Big
Next Best	2, 6
Fast Start	3, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Small field but a tricky one. (7) DAEHAN JILJU has never been outside the top three in six outings to date. He comes in off back-to-back wins in good times over 1400M, with the latest especially impressive. He is up in both class and distance today but should be equal to both and can make it three in a row. Already with three in a row is (2) ACE HAMSEONG. He too steps up in class following his hat-trick with the latest two having been over 1700M. He comes in well at the weights, is versatile in his racing style and from a nice draw, can settle where he pleases. (4) FIRE ROAD has three wins from five starts including one around two turns. At his latest outing, his first at this class, he didn’t run badly, given his barrier and that he was forced wide throughout. He is worth another chance for a place here. (3) MANSE is worth consideration too. He is yet to try this distance, but his racing pattern suggests it may suit.

Selections	(7) Daehan Jilju (2) Ace Hamseong (4) Fire Road (3) Manse
Next Best	5
Fast Start	3, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 9: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(6) CHEONGDAM DOKKI has been one of Korea’s best racehorses for several seasons and is still in form. Disregard his last start when back in distance to 1400M and up against some super one-turn horses, but instead on his two-turn form. He has won two out of his last three at 1800M, carrying 60kg in both. Doubt may have been sowed by that April defeat to the extent that he may not even start as favourite, but his class can see him through here. If he does get turned over then (1) LIL’ PATRON perhaps has the best chance. He was a last start 2^nd at this distance in a good time and performs best when handily placed which should be assisted by the inside barrier. (4) HEUNGHAENG JILJU is an up and comer who has won his last two races over 1800M at class 2 level to come up to the elite level for the first time. The likes of Cheongdam Dokki is a different prospect but he comes down in weight and should measure up to the majority of this field. (7) WONDERFUL EVIL may sneak a place based on recent 1800M form including a huge class 2 win on a good time. He wasn’t disgraced first-up in class 1 either.

Selections	(6) Cheongdam Dokki (1) Lil’ Patron (4) Heunghaeng Jilju (7) Wonderful Evil
Next Best	11, 10
Fast Start	4, 7, 6, 11

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 11)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (7 races from 11:10 to 16:40). Eoma Eoma faces Morfhis and Raon First in Seoul’s feature race. Here are the previews:

Morfhis got the better of Eoma Eoma in last year’s SBS Sports sprint but concedes a huge amount of weight on Sunday

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

We’re go-go on (3) BOGO TTO BOGO here following his last start win at this distance when he settled handily behind the leaders before running on strongly in the straight. He didn’t win by much, but he gets a slightly better draw today and has solid claims to follow up. Likely favourite is (11) JANGSAN GUARD. He is an improving type who ran a close 3^rd to Bogo Tto Bogo last time when ridden to the lead early. He may need a bit of luck today from a wide draw but it’s clear he has potential. (12) SOEWAKKOT scored a soft win over 1000M last start. She led all the way and was too strong, registering a fast time. She steps out to 1200M here and doesn’t get much luck with the draw but with some luck can feature in the finish. (5) ICE STAR was a narrow winner at this distance two starts back. He only managed 6^th when returning to action on June 19^th but can aim for a place here. (4) JILJU BORN another in the placing hunt.

Selections	(3) Bogo Tto Bogo (11) Jangsan Guard (12) Soewakkot (5) Ice Star
Next Best	4, 6
Fast Start	1, 4, 11, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

We’ll take a chance on a first-timer starter here. (6) DONGTEUJA BOY. His dam is a half-sister to Dongbanui Gangja, one of the great runners in Korea of the early 2000s and she herself was a precocious talent winning her first six races. Her first foal to make the track was similarly good early on. Dongteuja Boy ran 3^rd in his trial in a fast time behind two experienced racehorses and he has every chance of scoring first up. If you prefer experience, then (2) DOCTOR TEXAS is the one for you. He was 5^th on debut over this distance before running a solid 4^th over 1300M second-up on June 12^th when he was on pace throughout. Back in trip and with a good gate he should be on pace again and has every chance of going all the way. (11) K CHUJKE was a significantly improved 2^nd at his third start on June 13^th and can build on that here while (1) SPEED MAST and (8) B J SONG have potential for improvement.

Selections	(6) Dongteuja Boy (2) Doctor Texas (11) K Chukje (1) Speed Mast
Next Best	8, 9
Fast Start	2, 4, 9, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

There is just the one unraced entrant here and we’re going to take a chance on him. The only two-year-old in the race, (4) BULBANGUL is a Hansen colt who trialed up very nicely, working home well three-lengths behind international Listed winner Dolkong. He should have derived great benefit from that excursion and with Moon Se Young aboard, is worth serious consideration first-up. (3) GEOLJAK WOMAN has placed at 1200M and returned to form lats start when 2^nd over 1000M in a good time She was hard ridden that day to be handy and then ran on well in the straight and did her best work near the finish. A repeat of that run puts her in the mix. (11) REMEMBER WHEN is sure to have backers based on her latest outing when 2^nd over 1200M, taking an early bump and then making up ground in the straight. She’s never been worse than 6^th in seven appearances and surely goes close again. (1) RUN TO GOAL is worth thought based on her last start 2^nd over 1000M, which was a big improvement. She looks ready to step back up in trip and should be competitive.

Selections	(4) Bulbangul (3) Geoljak Woman (11) Remember When (1) Run To Goal
Next Best	5, 6
Fast Start	1, 8, 11, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(12) MISS INDIE debuted over 1300M on May 30^th, quickly working her way to the front from gate eleven and then running on for a comfortable win. Neither the step up in trip or the even wider draw should give her too many problems and the half-sister of Mr. Afleet, a winner of seven from twelve so far, should be maintaining her 100% record here. (3) B.K. KING STAR is likely to be the clear second favourite. He comes in off his maiden win at start five on June 5^th when he settled handy before running on strong over this distance. He draws well and can give the favourite a scare. (4) HONEY STAR has hinted at some ability with his best so far being a smart 3^rd at this distance back in May and he has placing claims here as does (5) TRIPLE JILJU, who improved last start when 4^th in a decent time over 1000M. He tries this trip for the first time today. (2) BLUE OAK the best of the rest.

Selections	(12) Miss Indie (3) B.K. King Star (4) Honey Star (5) Triple Jilju
Next Best	2, 7
Fast Start	5, 7, 9, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(4) THE FIGHTING has shown ability and last start it began to all come together with a 2^nd at this trip in a good time. He worked hard to be on the pace all the way and battled on well. He draws closer today which should assist him. (11) BLUE HAMMER is potentially the betting favourite. Last start in the wet, he was handy before drifting back and working home adequately in the straight. Previously he raced handily on the rails and made-up good ground to be 2^nd and could nail this race if he repeated that run although he may need some luck from the wide draw. (7) BEST FORCE has finished close at hand in recent starts in fair times. Last time out he was ridden hard to be midfield before running wide and running on. He can figure in the finish here. (5) DAESEUNG GAON improved to 3^rd last time when settled well back in the field and working her way through the field late on. She along with (6) WONDERFUL ORANGE have placing claims.

Selections	(4) The Fighting (11) Blue Hammer (7) Best Force (5) Daeseung Gaon
Next Best	6, 10
Fast Start	2, 6, 7, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(8) HAENAM HAMMER registered back-to-back wins over 1200M and a mile in March and April before running 2^nd at this distance on her first crack at class 5 on May 29th, beaten by Sunlight Boy. She can be on pace or handy and looks to have the potential for further development. (7) HILL MORE comes in off consecutive runner-up finishes, the latter of which was at this class. He tends to go back and then run on strong and while he does carry an extra couple of kilos today, he should be in the finish today but may have to settle for yet another near miss. (5) FLAT BABE ran 3^rd behind Hill More at class and distance on June 6^th. Just like Hill More she is yet to win, but she is also yet to miss the top three in four starts. She gets a better draw today and can sit just behind the early speed. That speed may be set by (4) ECOPIA. Having run 3^rd on debut, the Colonel John filly broke through at start number two over 1000M on June 12^th. She comes up in both class and distance here, but from a good draw can get to the lead and cause problems. (12) SEOBU QUEEN among others with placing claims.

Selections	(8) Haenam Hammer (7) Hill More (5) Flat Babe (4) Ecopia
Next Best	12, 1
Fast Start	4, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies only here. Likely favourite is (5) YULONG STAR who put in a much-improved run last start at class and distance when she recovered from an awkward start to settle midfield and run on resolutely. She looks ready to win here. (9) SARYEONI QUEEN is up in class following a four-length score last time out on May 29^th. She has been consistent and run good times and if she can get on the pace here, she has winning chances again. (2) WONDERFUL HEART is a winner at 1300M and hasn’t been too far away in recent efforts. She is an on-pace type of runner so the barrier brings here into play here. (8) CATCH CHARM has been the beaten favourite at both of her latest two starts. In the first of them she led then weakened in the straight while in the second she was midfield throughout without quickening. She’ll not be favourite today but there is talent there and she’s worth keeping safe in the wider numbers. (11) RUBICON another in the frame.

Selections	(5) Yulong Star (9) Saryeoni Queen (2) Wonderful Heart (8) Catch Charm
Next Best	11, 6
Fast Start	2, 3, 6, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Plenty on the hunt here. We’ll go for (5) DUNCAN to prevail though. He holds the fastest time of any of these which he achieved when registering his maiden win back in January and has since acquitted himself competently enough in starts at 1800M and again at a mile. In this company he should be able to get close to the early pace and this can be his day. (7) POKPUNG EONDEOK beat Duncan last time out as the pair finished 3^rd and 4^th respectively at class and distance. He likes to go back in his races and then run on and while that does mean he sometimes needs some luck to avoid trouble in running, he can be a big danger here. The experienced (4) MAGIC FLYING looks like he is coming back into form. He ran a close 2^nd to Man Of Top when sent off at decent odds just two weeks ago when he worked forward early from a wide draw and with Seo Seung-un taking the ride today, he has every chance. (3) TWO TWO LEADS and (10) SINBIHAN YEOIN are among others with placing hopes.

Selections	(5) Duncan (7) Pokpung Eondeok (4) Magic Flying (3) Two Two Leads
Next Best	10, 12
Fast Start	2, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(1) ON POINT broke through for a class 5 win at his latest start over this distance on June 12^th. He had the widest gate that day and settled in midfield before running on strong to beat a useful field that contained a couple of today’s rivals. He has shown himself capable of running on pace too, so the inside gate gives jockey Kim Dong-soo plenty of options. He’s the one to beat. (7) JOY BROTHER was 3^rd to On Point in that June 29^th race. He settled midfield and then ran on, meeting a bit of interference at the 500M. With a clear run today, he can get closer. (9) CHOEGANG BLACK comes up in class after a last start win over 1300M. Her time was competitive, and she appears to have scope for further development. Another last start class 6 winner and possible each-way option here is (10) RULES CLASS. He won by a good margin over 1200M when settling midfield and running on, indicating that he may fancy this distance. (8) FEDERAL EYE is another with solid claims to at least a place.

Selections	(1) On Point (7) Joy Brother (9) Choegang Black (10) Rules Class
Next Best	8, 2
Fast Start	4, 5, 7, 9

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 9)

The Seoul Racecourse and Capital region OCBs remain closed to customers for the foreseeable future – more on that tomorrow – but Busan is open to pre-bookings and there are 7 races on Friday from 13:20 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

The likely favourite here is (2) ADELE SOFT who has taken a somewhat unusual route up to this point, having debuted at a mile and finishing midfield, before dropping back to 1400M and running 2nd having overcome the widest draw. He drops back even further here and for the first time draws well with every chance of overcoming this small field. (8) MY DESTINY has improved across three starts so far. Last start at this distance she settled handy before running on for a good 2nd place and while drawn in the outside gate today, with such a small field, it shouldn’t be a concern. (6) HAVE A GOOD TIME has looked much better this preparation with a 3rd and a 4th place. He has proven capable of running a competitive time at this distance and should be on pace from the start. (7) DIA FORCE and (5) CATCH THE SUN are others with placing hopes.

Selections	(2) Adele Soft (8) My Destiny (6) Have A Good Time (7) Dia Force
Next Best	5
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Tricky one. (8) SWEET BAND has been running very consistent times over her recent starts, all of them at 1400M. She can be one-paced but dropping back in trip slightly her may be in her favour. (11) CHEONGMA HWANGHU has the fastest time among these at the distance. That was recorded at her latest start when as favourite, she worked hard to get on pace from a wide draw before ultimately finishing 5th. She doesn’t draw well again but most of the speed here looks set to come from wide gates anyway and she does get an apprentice taking 2kg off. She should go close. (10) INTO MARINE looks to be on the improve. He came from a handy position to run 3rd over 1200M at his last start and can step back up to 1300M with confidence. His times haven’t been world-beating but he has mixed it with some decent horses and looks to have as much chance as any here. There is one solitary debut maker. (1) GOOD STAR has been through two trials and while he was relatively anonymous when qualifying in May, he went through a second one on June 18th and after a slow start ran on strong in a decent time to finish close to some good horses. This looks a good distance for him first-up and he has claims.

Selections	(10) Into Marine (11) Cheongma Hwanghu (8) Sweet Band (1) Good Star
Next Best	5, 12
Fast Start	2, 9, 11, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(10) CRYSTAL THINKING comes in off the back of consecutive runner-up finishes including at her latest start on June 19th when she beat several of today’s rivals. She settled handy that day having drawn the inside but the time before she came from off the pace so the widest gate shouldn’t be a problem and the only filly in the race can go one better today. (7) B J’S TERMS came home in 3rd place that day continuing his consistent run of form at this distance. He usually settles back and runs on and should be close again. (2) CHEONGDAM DRIVE has a 2nd place at the distance to his name and enters off a last start 4th over 1400M in a good time and beaten by good horses. He draws nicely here and is set to be a danger. (3) WONDERFUL WORLD looks like he is figuring things out after four starts. He ran on strong for 3rd over 1300M last time out and gives every indication that he is looking for further, which he gets today. (8) CENTUM THOR the best of the rest.

Selections	(10) Crystal Thinking (7) B J’s Terms (2) Cheongdam Drive (3) Wonderful World
Next Best	8, 6
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 8

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

Two horses here come up in class seeking a hat-trick of wins. We’ll side with (3) COOL GUY who after finishing 2nd in both his first two starts, registered back to back wins, both at 1200M and both by convincing margins. He generally sits handy in the early stages before taking command and the step up in trip should suit. (11) DOCTOR GIANTS has also won two in a row to be rapidly promoted in class and just like Cool Guy, they came at 1200M. He has a slightly different running style in that he has tended to sit midfield and then run on. One concern is that when he attempted a mile back in February it didn’t go well, but he looks ready for 1400M here. (2) MR. HANSEN hasn’t quite managed to recapture the explosive form of the very beginning of his career, when he recorded some very fast times at this distance. He showed signs of a return to form at his latest start when a close 6th over 1200M and with an apprentice taking some weight off today, he can get closer still. (5) SUNLIGHT BOY was a good winner at this distance two starts back at class 5 level and ran a strong 4th in a fast time on his first go at this class on June 20th. He’ll be on pace and has every chance again.

Selections	(3) Cool Guy (11) Doctor Giants (2) Mr. Hansen (5) Sunlight Boy
Next Best	6, 8
Fast Start	2, 3, 6, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

The banker favourite of the day goes here. (3) KING OF THE MATCH won a trial in a fast time in May before coming from off the pace to win well on debut on June 5th. He does come up in the weights here but he should have come on for the experience and if anything this is a weaker field than the one he defeated first-up. (9) K.B. BOSS had a poor day at the office at his latest start, capitulating having led into the straight. She is better than that though and is worth another chance for a place in this company. The most intriguing entrant is (1) MARK ONE. His recent efforts have been at a mile and 1800M and he ran well for 4th at the latter distance at his latest start a month ago. He has shown ability at sprint distance too and should be competitive here. Not much else arrives in anything much resembling form, so (7) SKITTER could take advantage and improve on recent appearances. He has won at class and distance before.

Selections	(3) King Of The Match (9) K.B. Boss (1) Mark One (7) Skitter
Next Best	10, 11
Fast Start	6, 7, 9, 12

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Two turns is unchartered territory for the majority of these runners and the ones that have tried it before do not enter in good form. There are a couple who should be able to make the step up though. (11) SEUNGNI GLORY was a fine front-running winner over a mile on May 29th and comes up in class as well as distance today. The widest gate at the 1800M start at Busan is never ideal but he doesn’t need to lead and if Seo Seung-un can find a decent spot for him, he has every chance. The main danger is (8) GOLDEN KAISER. He got his maiden win back in January at 1400M and has since run well in three attempts at this class with a very good 3rd behind Raon The Boss and Mr. Indie at his last start over a mile. He can be close to the pace or further back and run on and the additional trip can suit. (3) YEONGWON POWER was 7th behind Golden Kaiser last start on what was his first try at class 5. He has won at a mile before and he too looks like he can take to two-turns well. (2) KING BROTHER comes up in class and while he remains winless, his recent form has been consistent and he could find the minor money here.

Selections	(11) Seungni Glory (8) Golden Kaiser (3) Yeongwon Power (2) King Brother
Next Best	6, 7
Fast Start	2, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 7: Class 2 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(3) JANGSAN DOKKI is up in class following a good win over this distance on May 30th when from a handy position he hit the front in the straight and ran on for an easy victory. He enters here under a light weight of 52kg and that could give him the decisive advantage over (4) THE SABER, who will carry a full 6kg more. He is already a class 2 winner having scored over 1400M in February and he races here for the first time since running 4th over this distance in a really good race on April 25th. He is tactically versatile and regardless of the weight, is sure to be in the finish. Those two are the standouts but (6) THUNDER KING, who has previously posted a fast time at this distance comes back into action for the first time since April. He looked very well when winning a trial in June and can go well under a light weight today. Continuing the theme of light weights. (8) GYEONGJUUI DUREBAK returned to form with a very good class and distance 3rd last time out on June 13th and can aim for the money again here.

Selections	(3) Jangsan Dokki (4) The Saber (6) Thunder King (8) Gyeongjuui Durebak
Next Best	1
Fast Start	1, 4, 6, 8

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 4)

It’s going to be a wet one! The monsoon season arrived in Korea during racing on Saturday and it’s expected to keep on raining for the foreseeable future. There are Sunday cards at Seoul (9 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:30). Blue Chipper faces Doctor Carson once more at Busan while at Seoul there is a heavyweight clash too in the shape of Heuk Jeonsa vs Dia Road. Here are the previews:

It’s been a while since we had some really foul weather

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Three-year-old fillies get proceedings underway. (6) MODERN TIMES comes in off a good 2^nd on debut when after a bump at the start she showed speed to be on pace and ran on well. She twitched her tail a little every time the jockey urged her forward with the crop but responded well to hands and heels. Hopefully she has learned from that and can improve here. (3) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE has improved at every start and showed a nice effort last time when 2^nd over 1000M showing plenty of speed to be at the front and finishing off pleasingly. She returns to the filly ranks today, gets a nice barrier and her jockey’s confidence will have been buoyed by a good win last week. (4) HAPPY DAY has placed in two of three starts to date. Her latest was her first since last summer and she could well have come in for it. (2) MAGIC TIDE’s worst finish to date was at this distance but she hung in at the start and took a bump before finishing well and may be worth some though. (5) PRINCESS SOCKS is the only filly in the field with a win to her name and comes into the calculations based on that.

Selections	(6) Modern Times (3) Namsan Chocolate (4) Happy Day (2) Magic Tide
Next Best	5
Fast Start	2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(7) AMAZING FOOT is set to be favourite here. He has two runner-up finishes from four starts so far, his latest being a fast race over 1000M on a wet track when he led for much of the way around. He’ll be on speed again here and can go all the way this time. (2) SEOBU WONDERFUL made an inauspicious start to his career but went back to trial in June and looked a very different prospect. From a good draw, expect to see him on speed here. (1) KING BID has been knocking on the door for a while. He was a good 2^nd over 1300M two starts back before leading and then weakening late over 1400M last start. Back in trip today and drawn on the inside can help him go close. The rest of the form in this race is patchy but (5) OMEGA GIRL and (9) QUICK WIND, the latter like Seobu Wonderful having shown promise in a trial since her latest race, which was all the way back last summer, are others to consider.

Selections	(7) Amazing Foot (2) Seobu Wonderful (1) King Bid (9) Quick Wind
Next Best	5, 10
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(1) SAENAE WIN looks ready to win after placing at his last two starts. He has tended to be a little bit slow away, but his most recent performance was good one and with a little bit of luck today, he can make the breakthrough. (9) K N LIGHT is a winner at 1200M already. He has had to work hard from wide draws to get to a decent position and has perhaps paid for it in the later stages of his subsequent two races, but he looked well when winning a June trial and can go close here. (4) MAIN OF KING is worthy of consideration based on his last start over 1200M when he settled well back in the field in the field then ran on really well and doing his best work near the finish. (8) GEUMA FLAWLESS has been there or thereabouts in recent starts. He met some interference early last time out over 1200M and then settled back before running on strong in the straight. 1300M should suit and with an easier run he can be competitive again. Solitary debut-maker (3) KING CRUSH trialed up in 2^nd place behind K N Light and has every chance of going well on his racecourse debut.

Selections	(1) Saenae Win (9) K N Light (4) Main Of King (8) Geuma Flawless
Next Best	3, 11
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

(4) RUN FIGHTER has a 3^rd and a 2^nd to his name from two starts so far, both times coming from off the pace and finishing off well. Those races were at 1200M and 1400M respectively so he splits the difference today and under the in-form Perovic can find a nice sport from a good barrier and be too strong late on. The main danger is (7) WINNER STAR. He’s raced just the once so far when he jumped midfield then settled handy and ran on for 2^nd behind Wonder Blade. He should have come on for that experience and the additional half furlong today may suit. (1) FANTASTIC LEADER has two 3^rd place finishes and while he only managed 6^th on his first try at this distance last start, he draws better today and can be competitive. (2) USEUNG MELODY and (9) CROWN KING STAR are others with the potential to improve.

Selections	(4) Run Fighter (7) Winner Star (1) Fantastic Leader (2) Useung Melody
Next Best	9, 8
Fast Start	1, 2, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(2) K BLADE is perhaps due a change of luck after three 3^rd place finishes at distances out to 1300M. Her racing pattern is to be handy or on the pace and a nice draw here puts her into prime contention. (1) JEONGMUN PRINCE can have his latest start disregarded and instead we’ll look to his previous effort over 1400M when soon after the start he knuckled over but regained his footing before settling near the back and then working home very well for 3^rd. He should be in contention here. (6) CHEONDUNGSEJA is the least experienced in the race with five prior outings, but he is showing improvement with a last start 3^rd over 1000M. Going out to 1300M here may be a query but his racing pattern to date has been to settle midfield to handy which may suit the longer trip. (8) YEONGUNG DAEMA comes into the picture having been close at his last two starts. Last time over 1300M he was only fairly away but ran on well in the straight. (9) BIG RED the best of the rest.

Selections	(2) K Blade (1) Jeongmun Prince (6) Cheondungseja (8) Yeongung Daema
Next Best	9, 7
Fast Start	2, 3, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(7) MUJEOK BULPAE tops all the indicators here. Fastest average first furlong, fastest average final furlong, fastest time at this distance. That latter record was recorded two starts back when beating a few of these when 2^nd to Adele Pupil on a wet track and he followed up with another runner-up finish when dropped back to 1200M on June 13^th. He carries top weight but should be too good. (5) TEAM SKY was well back behind Mujeok Bulpae two starts ago from a horrible draw but stepped up to a mile last time and made all for a narrow win. Ioannis Poullis isn’t likely to hang about here so expect him to lead again and be in the finish. (4) CHOEGANG LIGER was very slowly away last start before rallying for 6^th. He is better than that and has placing claims here along with (6) ROCK PEGASUS and (8) YEONGGWANGUIRUNNER.

Selections	(7) Mujeok Bulpae (5) Team Sky (4) Choegang Liger (8) Yeonggwanguirunner
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	1, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) THE QUEEN JUSTICE ran a good race on her first try at this class when she settled midfield and ran on wide in the straight over 1300M. She comes back to 1200M after a seven-week freshen up and looks nicely in here. The faovurite will be (4) MORNING HILL. He was a good winner of his opening two races but weakened having led over 1400M on his first try at class 5 level on June 5^th. Back at 1200M and very nicely drawn, he has every chance of returning to winning ways. (9) CHEONBISEONG comes in after a good 2^nd when he settled handy to the leaders and then ran on well on the rails beating a number of these in the process. The draw isn’t ideal but he looks a placing chance. Further back in that race was (6) GREEN POKJU. We’ll give that filly another chance based on her win to starts back at class 6 level when she made all over this distance. (10) STREET GANGJA another in at least the placing frame.

Selections	(8) The Queen Justice (4) Morning Hill (9) Cheonbiseong (6) Green Pokju
Next Best	10, 2
Fast Start	4, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(8) SUCCESS MACHO has won both his starts so far in fine fashion with front running performances over both 1200M and 1300M with winning margins of six and five-lengths respectively. He is up in both class and slightly in distance today, but neither should present any issue and he will be hotly favoured to complete a hat-trick of victories. (1) DONGBANUI SIJAK also comes up in class in her case after a less spectacular, but commendably solid start to her career. She comes in after a good 2^nd in a fast time to Miss Indie over 1300M and the additional half furlong may suit under a light weight. (2) WONDERFUL KING is yet to score in ten attempts but has four runner-up finishes ad was a decent 4^th at this class and distance having led last time out. He draws nicely and can be on pace early. (6) WONDERFUL JAZZ comes up in class and in distance after a decent win over 1200M on June 12^th. He can sit on the pace or handy and can be competitive at this level. (9) CHEONNYEONUIGUREUM another with placing hopes.

Selections	(8) Success Macho (1) Dongbanui Sijak (2) Wonderful King (6) Wonderful Jazz
Next Best	9
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 8

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

(5) RAPIDO ARES gets the nod here. Disregard her latest start when she was caught a little wide early from less-than-ideal barrier. She had good form prior to that when on the pace or settled in a handy position and today’s draw helps her chances. (1) LOVE RACE is competitive at most distances. She has tended to get back in her races but from the inside gate here, Antonio Da Silva may opt to have her handy and she comes into the calculations. (6) MONEY SILK is a hard horse to get too enthused over but, in this field, he is a genuine place chance based on times he has run. Last time he was wide but still ran on and should go better here. It’s been a while since (8) MAMMA ROMA placed but she does seem to prefer this distance, and this isn’t the toughest of races. He racing pattern is to settle midfield and run on, she has light weight and looks a money chance. (3) IL MARE mixes his form but is another one who in this company, can aim for a money finish.

Selections	(5) Rapido Ares (1) Love Race (6) Money Silk (8) Mamma Roma
Next Best	3, 9
Fast Start	3, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

It’s rare in Korea for a horse to tackle 1800M at just his second start but (8) GEUMA STORMING is a four-year-old who went through a good number of trials before making his debut at a mile on June 13^th and running a very creditable 2^nd having led for much of the race. He should have learned a bit from the experience and is from the track’s top stable. He looks to have an excellent chance of winning here. (9) SEUNGNI TOUT was a last start winner at a mile on May 22^nd. That was his maiden win but he has finished in the top four in seven of nine attempts to date and is set to be one of the main dangers here, most likely sitting handy and then running on. That day in May he beat (10) TWO TWO CARLTON, who himself was a class and distance winner in April (with Seungni Tout in 4^th). Two Two Carlton likes to settle midfield so the draw should not be a problem. With Perovic taking the ride, there was a chance in tactics on (4) DOCTOR SKY and it did the trick has with a front-running performance he recorded a good 2^nd over a mile in a fast time and that brings him into contention here. (5) TOP BEST the best of a competitive rest.

Selections	(8) Geuma Storming (9) Seungni Tout (10) Two Two Carlton (4) Doctor Sky
Next Best	5, 6
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 2)

In the least surprising news of the year so far, the reopening of Seoul Racecourse as well as capital region OTBs will not now go ahead from this weekend.

Due to a rise in the number of Covid positives in the Seoul and Gyeonggi area, local governments have decided to hold off on altering their social distancing guidelines for at least another week. This means that while baseball and football stadiums in Seoul may accommodate 30% of capacity (including the completely enclosed Gocheok Skydome), racing is permitted 0%. However, outside of Seoul, the new levels will come into effect meaning the permitted capacity level in those locations has risen to 50%.

Open this week will be the racecourses in Busan and Jeju as well as OTBs in Busan (two of them), Changwon, Daegu, Cheonan and Gwangju. A total of approximately 11,000 punters will be allowed across the south of the country.

At the same time, the bill to permit online betting on horse racing once more failed to pass the National Assembly Agriculture Committee last week. Online betting on track cycling as well as lottery and sports betting is now legal, however, they are overseen by different ministries.

For the first Friday thoroughbred meeting of 2021, there are just 5 races (local punters will be betting on simulcast pony racing from Jeju as well) abd here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A distinctly average set of gallopers line up in race 1. (8) TAEPUNGI was a distant 3rd on debut behind King Allie when racing prominently throughout before running a less convincing 7th over the same 1000M distance on reappearance in June. She did run on though and the step up in trip for the first time may be to her benefit. The trainer/jockey combination will attract plenty and she will probably start as favourite. (6) BUSAN ACE has recorded the fastest time of these at the distance, although that is perhaps faint praise. She mixes her form but based on her effort two starts back when she led for much of the race, ultimately finishing 2nd and beating Doctor Giants, who has subsequently gone on to win twice, she warrants consideration. (10) WONDERFUL LADY came from well back to run on for 5th place over 1300M on May 30th. She’s nicely weighted again and while she drops back in trip, should be looking for a career-best finish here. (1) K.B. HONOR and (2) INDY DANCER are others who have hinted at ability and also may improve.

Selections	(8) Taepungi (6) Busan Ace (10) Wonderful Lady (2) Indy Dancer
Next Best	1, 3
Fast Start	3, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Good little race this with three standouts. Not much to choose between them but (5) POKPUNG JILJU might be the improving one. He ran a decent 3rd working home strongly behind Gold Fountain on his first try at this distance on May 30th. It was a decent time on a good rated track and he can better it here. (2) YEONGGWANGUI SPEED has managed to maintain good consistency over six starts spread across eighteen months. At his latest start he came from off the pace to run home strongly for 2nd place to Queen Of The Queen in a fast time, albeit assisted by a sloppy track. A similar performance today puts him in the finish again. (3) FIGHT DREAM led for much of his latest outing at this distance, being passed ultimately in the final 300M to finish 4th. He has shown he is capable of running decent times and merits some thought here. (1) SIMON TOP GUN flew home late for 4th over 1300M last time out and may appreciate the step up in trip.

Selections	(5) Pokpung Jilju (2) Yeonggwangui Speed (3) Fight Dream (1) Simon Top Gun
Next Best	7, 8
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies and mares only here and the banker favourite is among them. (4) SAGARMATHA has finished no worse than 3rd in any of her five starts to date with two wins among them. Last time out on May 8th, she beat four of these on her way to 2nd place in a very similar class and distance race. She carries an additional kilo today but she draws better and should be winning this. Having said that, she only narrowly finished ahead of (10) MASTER QUEEN in that race and the latter filly has gone on to since put in another good performance, finishing 2nd at class and distance on June 5th. She led that day as is her style and while the barrier may not be in her favour today, she has a good start on her and we can expect here to work around to challenge for the early lead again. (7) SECOND WIND comes up in class following a breakout victory over 1400M three weeks ago. She had mixed her form prior to that and this is a stiffer test but further improvement can’t be ruled out. (3) HANHYEOLMA and (5) GREAT GO are other potential dangers.

Selections	(4) Sagarmatha (10) Master Queen (7) Second Wind (3) Hanhyeolma
Next Best	5, 9
Fast Start	3, 4, 8, 10

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

(5) MR. FUSION ran out a three-length winner at class and distance on May 29th. That was his second career win but he has never finished worse than 4th. He has performed well when both handy or from coming from further back and while he does go up 3kg today, he has every chance of scoring again. Meeting him at better weights than last time is (4) SMART MOD, who was 3rd in that May 29th race. He settled back and then ran on strong and while that day he was conceding 1kg to Mr. Fusion, today he is getting 1.5kg. He has three-and-a-half lengths to overturn from last time and can be a danger. (2) CRONUS is a two-time winner at this distance and comes in off a good 3rd place last time out. He is nicely weighted again and he’ll aim to come from off the pace and hit the line strong. (3) MINYEOBONG finished in midfield on her first try at this class over 1200M on May 22nd. She ran well enough on her only previous try at this distance last year and could be a place chance in this small field.

Selections	(5) Mr. Fusion (4) Smart Mod (2) Cronus (3) Minyeobong
Next Best	8, 6
Fast Start	3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) GREAT BOSS was a beaten favourite over 1200M last on May 22nd, hitting the front in the straight but ultimately being worn down by Doctor Fashion. That continued his impressive run of form with eight top-two finishes from nine starts so far and was enough to push him up in class here. This is his first attempt at a mile although he has run well over 1400M already and he comes down a full 6kg in the weights. That gives him a big advantage in that respect over the other standout (4) GEUMA CAVALRY who comes up a full 4kg for his super win at this class and distance on April 24th. That day the Violence colt practically made all and cruised away for a five-length victory in a fast time on a dry track. Regardless of the additional weight, He looks a talent and if he can deal with the weight, he has every chance of following up. (3) YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT beat a couple of these on his way to a solid 2nd place at class and distance on June 5th. He doesn’t win out of turn but is a prolific place getter and can be in the finish again. (5) MY TIZ GEM and (9) MALIBU BYEOL are others in at least the minor money hunt.

Selections	(1) Great Boss (4) Geuma Cavalry (3) Yeonggwangui Fight (5) My Tiz Gem
Next Best	9, 11
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 12

No need to click “more” that’s it!

Horse Racing in Korea

Korea Racing Blog

Busan

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 13)

Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 1)

Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 31)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 25)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 23)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 18)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 11)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 9)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 4)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 2)

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: