Busan

KRA Cup Mile 2021 Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How they ran:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selections	(4) World Force (5) Jilju Jeonsa (7) Speed Gallop (9) Young Blood
Next Best	2, 6
Fast Start	4, 5, 7, 9

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

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

Selections	(2) Real Concord (1) Gray Cat (3) Double Take (4) Teukgeup Yeowang
Next Best	5, 6
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 9

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

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

Selections	(9) Wonderful K (10) Wonderful Sam (12) Sangseung Haengjin (11) Sinui Hansu
Next Best	1, 3
Fast Start	1, 3, 9, 11

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

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

Selections	(8) Green Speed (5) H. Day (1) B.K. Marshall (3) Stell Luna
Next Best	10, 7
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 8

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

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

Selections	(9) Namsan Sidae (5) Silver Dragon (6) Nonstop Gisang (2) Wonderful Orange
Next Best	7, 12
Fast Start	7, 8, 10, 12

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

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

Selections	(3) Sunset Melody (5) My Destiny (9) Blue Sky (11) Myeongseong Charge
Next Best	8, 4
Fast Start	2, 5, 7, 11

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

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

Selections	(7) Dream Knock (12) Black Rookie (4) K Blade (11) Dancing With You
Next Best	5, 6
Fast Start	4, 6, 7, 11

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

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

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

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

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

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

Selections	(1) Two Two Lime (4) Spring Fire (6) Cheongma Yeongung (7) Suso Engine
Next Best	11, 5
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 5

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

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

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

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

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

Selections	(11) Speed Match (9) Run Fighter (1) Pure King (4) Doctor Texas
Next Best	2, 7
Fast Start	2, 4, 10, 11

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

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

Selections	(10) D’Lovely Queen (1) Storm To Win (3) Banjiui Gijeok (9) April Queen
Next Best	7, 8
Fast Start	1, 2, 10, 11

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

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

Selections	(4) King Of The Match (1) Raon The Power (12) Haneul Ullim (3) Doctor Fashion
Next Best	10, 6
Fast Start	1, 3, 6, 7

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

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

Selections	(3) King Of Glory (1) Pro Consul (6) Baengmunbaekdap (2) Speed Fury
Next Best	9, 12
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 12

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

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

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

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

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

Selections	(4) Saryeoni First (3) Meni Wonderful (6) Cosmo (1) Raon The Jet
Next Best	10, 11
Fast Start	3, 4, 69

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

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

Selections	(5) Byeolui Sungan (9) Green Feelstar (11) Jangsan Laser (12) New Star Yeongcheon
Next Best	10, 6
Fast Start	4, 9, 10, 12

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

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

Selections	(6) Bori Bori (9) Korea Gijeok (1) Seoul Day (2) Mighty Sunshine
Next Best	4, 11
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 10

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

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

Selections	(12) Man Of The Year (11) Cheongho Leader (5) Catch The Sun (2) Saemanguivision
Next Best	4, 6
Fast Start	4, 9, 10, 12

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

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

Selections	(2) Seungbusa (11) Raon Champsely (4) Remember When (8) Eunhye Pado
Next Best	3, 5
Fast Start	2, 4, 9, 10

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

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

Selections	(5) Seongsan Bulkkot (12) Sinbihan Gangja (9) Sinjin Gangho (6) Dongbu Star
Next Best	2, 10
Fast Start	2, 5, 6, 11

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

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

Selections	(5) Viceroy (2) Geosen Power (1) Choin Spark (6) Hwa Ssi Byeok
Next Best	11, 4
Fast Start	2, 5, 6, 9

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 1)

So we move into the final quarter of 2021 still with those in the Greater Capital area unable to have a legal punt. A late season Stakes race schedule will kick off this weekend though with both Seoul and Busan hosting Listed events for Juveniles on Sunday. While Seoul and Jeju remain closed to customers, the Busan Racecourse will be open for limited in-person attendance, as will the OCB’s in Busan, Daegu, Changwon, Gwangju and Cheonan. Advance booking through the MyCard app is required. Here are the previews for Friday’s short six-race card at Busan:

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

Juvenile maidens to start with and seven of the ten race for the first time. Among them is the favourite (8) MAN OF THE STAR, a Menifee colt from the Peter Wolsley stable who impressed in his trial by making all to cross the line well clear of the rest in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, then he will be very hard to beat. (9) BEOMI NAERYO ONDA was a touch slow away on debut on August 27th but rallied very nicely to come home in 3rd place. Expect him to be a bit further forward earlier this time around and he is the main danger and clear second-favourite. (3) FANTASTIC MAGIC came home in 5th place in the same race on what was her debut too. She settled back in the fields and ran on and improvement could be on the cards here. Returning to the first-timers, (2) CHOEGANG FORCE and (10) QUEEN’S DAERO are others who put in solid trial efforts and can go well first-up.

Selections	(8) Man Of The Star (9) Beomi Naeryo Onda (3) Fantastic Magic (2) Choegang Force
Next Best	10, 6
Fast Start	2, 3, 8, 10

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

(9) UNJU EUTTEUM was a touch disappointing at his latest start when from a promising position, he lost his way and ended up well back over 1300M. However, if we go on his first two starts when 3rd and 2nd over this distance and 1300M then he must come under consideration. He does come up in the weights but the benefit of Perovic being aboard should counter that and he has every chance here. (8) NICE WORLD has been consistent across three outings so far. At her latest start on September 19th at this distance she settled in midfield from a wide gate before running on for a solid 3rd place. Her times haven’t been special but with some natural improvement, she should be in the finish here. Those two are the clear standouts and it would be a surprise if they don’t fill the quinella. As for the rest, (4) WONDERFUL DAYS raced twice without distinction in the early part of the year. He hasn’t been seen since April but reappeared in an early-September trial looking much more assured and has placing claims first-up. (3) WONDERFUL DIGGER and (2) WONDERFUL REALTY are others who can improve.

Selections	(9) Unju Eutteum (8) Nice World (4) Wonderful Days (3) Wonderful Digger
Next Best	2, 5
Fast Start	3, 4, 8, 9

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

A really good race with some up and coming juveniles facing some similarly lightly raced but promising older horses with any number looking to have a winning chance. We’ll go with the filly (10) AGAIN TOUCH. After a facile all the way score over 1000M on debut, she ran a solid 3rd place in a valuable juvenile race on September 5th at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She draws wide again, which is not ideal, but she can get on the pace and win this. It won’t be easy though. (2) GLORY KING has the fastest time of any of these at this distance, recorded when 2nd to Doctor Texas on August 1st. He reappeared a month ago to record his maiden win, leading every step of the way over this trip and accordingly comes up in class. He draws beautifully and has every chance. (11) DOCTOR CAESAR was an all the way winner on debut on September 3^rd, scoring by as many as he pleased over 1000M. He is up in class and distance today but he surely measures up. (1) WONDER BLADE races for the first time since June and looked well in a September trial. HE has won twice at the distance already and from the inside gate will be a danger. (6) FLASHY CHARM ran 5^th behind Again Touch in that big juvenile race and is another in the frame here.

Selections	(10) Again Touch (2) Glory King (11) Doctor Caesar (1) Wonder Blade
Next Best	6, 4
Fast Start	2, 4, 10, 11

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

It’s hard to look past (2) WONDERFUL JAZZ for this. He stepped up to a mile at his latest start on September 10^th and beat four of these on his way to a good 2^nd place. He had previously run consistent times over 1400M. He can settle handy here and could well prove too strong. That race is going to be the race of reference as most of the credible dangers also come out of it. (11) DOCTOR TAKE had a poor day at the office in the same race when he was away slowly and scarcely improved. Two starts back though he managed a 4^th place in a good time at class and distance and can be given another chance here. (4) ACE FOUR TEN was a winner at this distance at class 6 level in August before running a decent enough 5^th in that same September 10^th race and from a good draw can close. (7) WAKANDA has loads of experience at this level and ran 4^th in the September 10^th race and a repeat can’t be ruled out. Among those who didn’t go in the September 10^th race, (1) THE FIRST FACTOR looks the best. She drops back in trip following spin around 1800M at her latest start where she led before weakening. She has run decent times over 1400M.

Selections	(2) Wonderful Jazz (11) Doctor Take (4) Ace Four Ten (7) Wakanda
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 5

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

(7) MISS INDIE suffered her first defeat when up to this distance for the first time on August 13^th when she led almost the entire way around only to get taken down late on by Hill More. She comes up in class again here but gets in under a light weight and has every chance of returning to winning ways. (10) GOLD FOUNTAIN win three races in a row between May and August to rise up rapidly in class. He ran 5^th over 1800M at this level at his latest start and can be better for the drop back in trip here. (3) MUJEOK BULPAE tackles the mile for the first time. He has finished in the top two in six of seven starts so far (although five of them have been as runner-up) He has run some consistently fast times over 1400M and from a good draw can sit on pace or handy to the lead and run on strong. He has a big chance. (4) WINNER STAR got his maiden win in a valuable juvenile race on September 5^th. He is up in class and distance here but his running style suggests that the distance will suit and he has solid claims again. (6) ALPHA STAR comes in off a good 2^nd place at class and distance on September 12^th where he overcame a wide draw to lead for much of the way and came home in a time faster than any of these have achieved at a mile so far. He draws much better today and should be in the finish again.

Selections	(7) Miss Indie (10) Gold Fountain (3) Mujeok Bulpae (4) Winner Star
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 6: Class 2 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

(5) JANGSAN DOKKI is set to be hot favourite to return to the winner’s circle here having beaten several of today’s rivals when 2^nd behind the excellent Winner’s Man ay class and distance on September 12^th. Under today’s conditions, he carries just the additional 1kg for that run and is very much the one to beat. (6) RETURN OF SUBSIDY didn’t go in that race but instead comes in for the first time since beating Jangsan Dokki on his way to a strong 3^rd at class and distance on August 22^nd. He tends to settle back and run on strong and will be doing his best work late on again here. (4) CURLIN TIME is ultra-consistent and while he has a big weight again, he will be in the finish. He was 5^th behind Jangsan Dokki last time and two starts back beat the very promising filly Doctor Fappiano when 2^nd to Winner’s Man. (7) DAEHO JILJU was 3^rd in the September 12^th race and can also enter the calculations. The wildcard is (2) SAMSEONG DOKKI. A class and distance winner, he races for the first time since last November and while he offered few clues in a September trial, a good run first-up can’t be ruled out.

Selections	(5) Jangsan Dokki (6) Return Of Subsidy (4) Curlin Time (7) Daeho Jilju
Next Best	2, 8
Fast Start	3, 5, 6, 8

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 19)

It’s the final race day of September what with the Chuseok holiday upcoming and racing taking one of its two weekends a year off next week. Decent cards at both Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 17:00) to go out with. The Seoul meeting is behind closed doors and all capital area betting facilities remain closed but Busan is open as are OTBs in Changwon, Daegu, Gwangju and Cheonan for punters who pre-book through the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens start things off this Sunday with seven of the twelve making their racecourse debut here. There is some useful experience around though as (6) BYEOLBIT MARU has raced twice already and shown ability. She was 4^th on debut over 1200M before dropping back to today’s trip and running 3^rd on August 15^th when she settled back in the field and ran on. She’ll be favourite here and is the one to beat. (2) DREAM SPEED hinted at ability when 5^th on debut in a fair time over this distance. That was a reasonably strong looking maiden and she should improve here. Among the first-timers, (4) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM looks the best. He was away relatively slowly in his trial but once he set to work, he finished off well crossing the line in the same time as the heat winner. (5) LUCKY INDY beat a couple of these on her way to 4^th in her trial. It wasn’t run at an especially fast pace, but she looked competent enough to suggest she has a chance of going well first-up. Returning to the experienced runners, (10) GEOLJAK DREAM only managed 9^th on debut but it was a fair time and a pretty hot race so expect better today.

Selections	(6) Byeolbit Maru (2) Dream Speed (4) All For Your Dream (5) Lucky Indy
Next Best	10, 7
Fast Start	5, 6, 7, 10

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

(11) LAPIEO BAN is set to be warm favourite here. She ran 4^th on debut over this distance before stepping up to 1300M and finishing a good 2^nd. She has come from off the pace both times and while she draws wide, she should have too much for these. (10) FLYING KARA has finished 3^rd in both her starts so far. She was very slowly away at her latest outing before running on well and went back to trial afterwards. She was similarly slow to begin in the trial, but she does have a nice turn of foot and so long as she doesn’t get too far back, she can go close here. (9) PRINCESS DAY beat a couple of these on her way to 3^rd place over this distance on August 22^nd, and while she is yet to run a time, can be considered for improvement again here. (1) SWEET CAMP didn’t do too much wrong when finishing in midfield on debut last month. She draws much better this time around and can improve. There are four debut-makers here and (7) PURGE DAY looks the most likely to make an impression first-up, having run 3^rd in his trial in a decent time and drawing well.

Selections	(11) Lapieo Ban (10) Flying Kara (9) Princess Day (1) Sweet Camp
Next Best	7, 3
Fast Start	2, 4, 9, 11

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

(9) SOBERANIA picks herself here following a 4^th and a 2^nd from two starts so far including her latest at this distance on July 3^rd when she led for much of the way only to be passed in the closing stages by a good winner. She has had eleven weeks off since then but will be expected to be on pace again and this time to go all the way. (2) JAY EAGLE ran well for 2^nd place over 1300M on August 8^th, her best finish in seven starts so far. Two starts back she ran a decent time when 4^th at this distance and can be considered here. (11) DESK TAP has been putting in some consistent performances with five top five finishes from six races to date although the maiden win has remained elusive. His times have been fair, and he prefers to sit handy so while the draw is not ideal, it isn’t insurmountable. (7) FINAL ACE and (5) PERFECT LIGHT were beaten by Desk Tap on August 8^th, but both have hinted at ability and can be in the minor money mix today.

Selections	(9) Soberania (2) Jay Eagle (11) Desk Tap (7) Final Ace
Next Best	5, 4
Fast Start	4, 8, 9, 11

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

(6) PURE KING returned from nine months out to run a good 2^nd first-up on July 31^st at this distance when he settled midfield and ran on. Seven weeks on, he should have come on for that run and shapes as the one to beat here. (3) BEST HAMSEONG is one of three first-time starters in the race and the Peace Rules filly looked very competent leading all the way in her trial, responding very well to one reminder in the home straight. She can be competitive first-up. So too can (10) MILLION BANK who won her trial, leading for most of the way around on a wet but drying track and similarly responded well when asked for some exertion. (9) SONHADOR ran 4^th behind Pure King on July 31^st, building on what had been a promising debut earlier in the same month. She came from off the pace that day and is likely to do similar here with the trainer/jockey combination ensuring she receives plenty of support. (8) DROMOS won a trial in July before running 3^rd on debut on August 20^th when she led until the home straight. It was an encouraging performance, and she should be in the hunt here too.

Selections	(6) Pure King (3) Best Hamseong (10) Million Bank (9) Sonhador
Next Best	8, 11
Fast Start	3, 4, 8, 10

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

(9) SPEAR GUN is the one to beat here, dropping back to a distance at which he ran 2^nd two starts back in fast time having sat handy before dropping back to midfield and then running on well. Since then, he has run a solid 3^rd over 1400M and can be on pace here and win. (8) WONDERFUL ORANGE has the fastest time of any of these at this distance, recorded at her latest start when 4^th on a very wet track on August 21^st. She is yet to win in seventeen starts and will probably find one or two too quick again but shouldn’t be too far away. (6) ONCHEONHA seems to be working towards a win having significantly improved in his latest two outings with a 3^rd and a 2^nd both at 1200M. He briefly touched the front in the home straight last time out and while up in trip, should be in the finish here. (1) SMART JEONSA almost managed to make all over 1200M last time out but was passed by a very good winner in the final furlong. He can aim for a place again. (12) FLYING FULL MOON is another in the placing frame.

Selections	(9) Spear Gun (8) Wonderful Orange (6) Oncheonha (1) Smart Jeonsa
Next Best	12, 11
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 9

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

Competitive race here. (7) LANE KILLER has raced just the twice so far, registering a 3^rd over 1300M and a 4^th over today’s distance. While we will need to take him a little on trust here that there is some improvement in the tank, he gets a better draw today and has claims. Probable betting favourite is (1) ECHO LADY. She has the fastest time among these at this distance by a considerable margin, achieved three starts back when 2^nd having led through the early stages. She drops back in trip from a last start 4^th over a mile and is firmly in the hunt here. (6) HORAENGI was beaten by Echo Lady two starts back but has consistently run competitive times over this trip, generally settling back and finishing strongly. She has three 5^th place finishes in a row coming into this and should be aiming for better this time around. (9) NORTHERN LIGHTS beat Lane Killer when 3^rd last start and on that alone has to be considered while (2) SPEED MATCH is another with a chance of at least a place.

Selections	(7) Lane Killer (1) Echo Lady (6) Horaengi (9) Northern Lights
Next Best	2, 10
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 8

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

It’s about time (10) FIGHTING NOW made his breakthrough and got his maiden win. He has finished 2^nd on no fewer than five occasions with a further two 3^rd place finishes. He steps back in trip following decent efforts at 1400M in his latest appearances and he can overcome the wide draw to sit midfield or better early and then run on. If Fighting Now does find one too quick again – and let’s face it, he might – then (1) FASHIONED PASSION is one of a number who could take advantage. She has mixed her form since a class and distance win back in April but draws very nicely on the inside here and an apprentice jockey takes 4kg off her back compared with her last start. She can go close. (11) TIZ BLACK has won two of his latest three, the most recent at class and distance on June 20^th. He overcame gate twelve to get on pace today so the draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue and while he is up in the weights, he can be considered again. (5) FANCY PANTS, up in class, and (12) RUNNING KING are others in the hunt.

Selections	(10) Fighting Now (1) Fashioned Passion (11) Tiz Black (5) Fancy Pants
Next Best	12, 9
Fast Start	7, 9, 11, 12

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

(4) ECOPIA has a win and three 3^rd place finishes from four starts to date and comes in off back-to-back 3^rd places at this class and distance. From a nice draw she should be on the early speed here and has the potential to go all the way. (1) FIRST STAR was a class and distance winner two starts back before running 4^th at her latest appearance on August 22^nd. She draws well here, and an apprentice jockey keeps the weight nice and low. She is a big danger. (10) GALLANT WARRIOR is developing a bit of case of “second-it is” being yet to win in seven but having finished runner-up in his latest three, including his last start at class and distance He seems tactically versatile so the draw shouldn’t be an issue and he will be running on strong late here. (6) DOCTOR FAITH is another yet to win but who is ultra-consistent with six top three finishes from seven outings. He steps up to this trip for the first time and has claims. (12) HAMAN BANGEOSAN was a smart winner over 1300M at start number two on August 22^nd. She comes up in class and distance here and is the wildcard.

Selections	(4) Ecopia (1) First Star (10) Gallant Warrior (6) Doctor Faith
Next Best	12, 7
Fast Start	2, 4, 7, 12

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

We’ll draw a line through the latest offering from (1) HI HI when slowly away over 1200M before making up ground for an uninspiring 6^th place. That was his first time outside the top three and he had previously been running fast times up to 1300M. This is his first try at 1400M, but it should suit, and he gets another chance here. (9) FIGHTING DADDY led for much of the way around 1300M last start on August 29^th before getting swept up by a decent set of runners and finishing 5^th. Expect him to be on pace again here and to be competitive. (11) ACHIM HAMSEONG didn’t do himself justice on his first try at this class four weeks ago when he got a long way back and didn’t run on. He does possess the fastest time of any of these for the distance though and should be afforded another opportunity here. (4) HARUON is a front0runner who comes into the calculations following a good 2^nd in a decent time over 1300M on August 15^th when only narrowly beaten She’ll contest the early speed and has run well at this distance in the past. (10) GHOST VILLAGE is another who should have designs on at least a place.

Selections	(1) Hi Hi (9) Fighting Daddy (11) Achim Hamseong (4) Haruon
Next Best	10, 12
Fast Start	1, 4, 9, 12

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

Racing will take a break for the Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) holidays next weekend so it’s full fields all round this week. The action kicks off at Busan on Friday with a seven-race card from 12:35 to 18:00. While betting outlets in the Capital region and Jeju Island remain closed, those in Busan, Daegu, Changwon, Gwangju and Cheonan are open for pre-booked punters (through the MyCard app). Here are the previews:

Hopefully this will soon be just a bad memory

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

Juvenile maidens go around here with five of the ten racing for the very first time. There are two standouts among the ones with experience. (1) GREAT BLUE is set to be favourite having raced twice already, the latter time running a good 2nd to the promising newcomer Adele Touch in a fast time, running through the line strongly. He draws nicely on the inside and has winning claims here. (7) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT has raced just the once on August 14th when he was smartly away and leading before dawdling a little in the home straight and ultimately finishing 2nd. Hopefully he has learned from that and with some improvement in terms of finishing the race off, he can win. Among the first-timers, there is plenty of promise. It took (4) H. DAY a couple of trials to figure things out but once he did, he qualified smartly in a fast time and should be on pace here. Bart Rice and Seo Seung-un is a formidable combination at the moment and the pair here send out (8) JEONGMUN DRAGON, who qualified in a reasonable time on a wet track running on strong and should come into the calculations. (3) MAHAMERU similarly trialed up very nicely in the wet and gets in well drawn under an apprentice claim.

Selections	(1) Great Blue (7) Goldenthunderbolt (4) H. Day (8) Jeongmun Dragon
Next Best	3, 10
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll stick with experience again. (9) MISS GO picks herself here based on how she ran on debut on July 16th when she settled midfield and ran on well for 4th in a fast time on a dry track. She’s had nine weeks off since then but won’t need to improve too much on that showing to win here. (7) FANTASTIC LOVE ran a good 2nd to Doctor Pharaoh on debut on August 27th when handy and running on. It was a run full of promise and under a light weight again, she should be a big danger. (1) ADELE BOSS may have finished well back on debut but the run itself wasn’t bad and he should have come on for the experience. Expect improvement today. As for the first-time starters, (3) SHAKA is sure to have plenty of support, given the stable. He didn’t offer too many clues in his trial but posted an adequate time and will have plenty of backers. (12) CHOEGANG MARINE was slightly slowly into stride in his trial but ran on strong to finish 3rd in a reasonable time, suggesting he can overcome the wide draw here.

Selections	(9) Miss Go (7) Fantastic Love (1) Adele Boss (3) Shaka
Next Best	12, 2
Fast Start	2, 3, 7, 11

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

(8) GWANGDAESEUNGCHEON has shown significant improvement in his latest two appearances running 3rd in both of them, both at 1300M. He likes to settle midfield and run on and it could be third time lucky here. Trainer Peter Wolsley has been on 599 Korean winners for a few weeks now but the breakthrough 600 may come here with (1) LE CONCORD. The three-year-old has only raced twice, once last October and then this May, finishing a good 3rd in the latter over 1200M. He ran on well that day and the step up in trip may suit. He will probably need this run but in a race of few chances, he has as good as any. (4) ANY LINE has mixed his form but ran well enough for 4th over 1200M last start. His best result so far came at a mile and he looks a place chance here. (3) UNJU BULPAE ran a fair race on debut over 1000M and the step up in trip may suit. (10) CROWN KING STAR another in the placing frame.

Selections	(8) Gwangdaeseungcheon (1) Le Concord (4) Any Line (3) Unju Bulpae
Next Best	10, 2
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 10

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

Tricky race with most of the main chances having drawn wide. (12) MARK ACE doesn’t exactly win out of turn, but she has finished in the top five on nine of eleven starts so far and comes in with very consistent recent form. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled a mile before and while she does draw the car park, she overcame gate eleven to run 3rd over 1400M last start. She comes down slightly in the weights for that and Perovic climbs aboard meaning there is plenty to like. (9) KING GOLIATH ran on strong from off the pace to score his maiden win at start number four just two weeks ago. That victory had been coming and while up in class, if anything the additional trip should suit even better and he has claims again. (11) WORLD CHANGE has only raced three times and comes up in class following a solid front-running victory over 1400M on August 27th. This is his first try at a mile but there is no reason why he can’t measure up and he should be in the finish. (8) UNJU SESANG is another up in class following a good win over 1400M. Her times have been consistent and while she may need to step up a little here, she looks to have each-way claims. (5) NEW LUX has loads of experience at the level and is more than capable of sneaking a place.

Selections	(12) Mark Ace (9) King Goliath (11) World Change (8) Unju Sesang
Next Best	5, 10
Fast Start	7, 8, 10, 12

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

Expect (1) ENDLESS RUNNING to jump as the shortest priced favourite of the day and for good reason. He is up in class here and he does carry 57kg but the manner in which he has won his latest two, especially last start on July 23^rd over this distance when he led from gate to wire for a seven-length win under 56kg, suggests he can cope. He draws perfectly and should win. Beyond the favourite this is a pretty average line-up for the level. (7) HANSEN MULGYEOL parted company with his jockey coming out of the gate at his latest appearance but he does have some decent form in his record. He has a fast start so if he gets on pace he can beat a few. (3) SEOBU QUEEN is not a fast starter but beat a couple of these on her way to 5^th over 1300M last start and should beat plenty again. (11) B.K. POWER and (4) FANTASTIC LEADER are others with placing claims.

Selections	(1) Endless Running (7) Hansen Mulgyeol (3) Seobu Queen (11) B.K. Power
Next Best	4, 8
Fast Start	1, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Fascinating match-up here as two horses both very much on the improve meet. (6) GOOD TANK won her first two at class 6 before recording a pair of runner-up finishes over 1400M at class 5 level, leading on both occasions before ultimately ending up in 2^nd place. She comes up in class here but down in the weights and draws well and it’s for those later two reasons that we marginally prefer her to (12) DAEAM JANGGUN, who draws the car park and carries a full 6kg more than he did when winning at class and distance on August 27^th. His time that day was sensational having sat handy and struck the front just over a furlong out. Another win isn’t impossible. (4) DOCTOR GIANTS actually beat Daeam Janggun when they met two starts back and comes down in trip following a decent effort around 1800M at his latest start. (1) BUCATINI and (7) QUATTRO MAX are others with at least placing chances.

Selections	(6) Good Tank (12) Daeam Janggun (4) Doctor Giants (1) Bucatini
Next Best	7, 5
Fast Start	4, 6, 8, 11

Busan Race 7: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Really good race to finish with. (10) GEUMA MYSTIC has a great record at this distance and was a super winner at it two starts back at class 3 level. He ran 2^nd to the class 1 bound Barbarian over 1800M on his first try at this level on August 22^nd and comes in here nicely weighted, if drawn a little wide. He has excellent claims. (1) WORLD TOP is already a class 2 winner, prevailing two starts back in an excellent performance over a mile. This is his first start at this distance since last December and he does give weight away but he draws well and will be in the finish. (9) MIRACLE DREAMING hasn’t won for more than a year but comes up in class off the back of a consistent run of form including a runner-up finish at his latest start at this distance in a fast time. He carries a light weight and while he would need significant improvement to win, can measure up for a place. (3) SONIC KING IJI has run some very good times at this distance and enters the calculations while (11) I’M YOUR FASHION races for the first time since May but looked good when trialing only last Saturday and is another in the placing frame.

Selections	(10) Geuma Mystic (1) World Top (9) Miracle Dreaming (3) Sonic King Iji
Next Best	11, 2
Fast Start	1, 5, 11, 12

Seoul & Busan Juvenile Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 5)

This year’s juvenile crop finally get the opportunity to race for big prizes as the “Rookie Stakes” takes place at both Seoul and Busan. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 17:00. Both meetings will take place behind closed doors. Here are the previews:

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

(12) FLYING KARA returns to action for the first time since January when he registered the second of his consecutive 3^rd place finishes. Since then, nothing in this race has beaten his time at the distance and while he didn’t exactly set the world alight in an August trial the jockey booking will raise eyebrows and he can win this, regardless of the wide draw. (3) JISAN KKOT did nothing on debut in April and was then put away. She looked more accomplished when running 2^nd in a trial on August 20^th and from a good draw can be on pace here and competitive. (8) WONDERFUL GEUMSUNG has mixed her form to say the least but his 2^nd place two starts back at this distance in a fair time is enough to make her a chance here. (4) BEST BIG BANG and (7) BITNANEUN JILJU are others who can improve.

Selections	(12) Flying Kara (3) Jisan Kkot (8) Wonderful Geumsung (4) Best Big Bang
Next Best	7, 5
Fast Start	2, 5, 6, 11

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

(5) BORI BORI comes in off two strong showings at today’s distance in which she finished in 2^nd and 3^rd. She has the fastest time among these at the distance and is well drawn to sit handy and run on strong. She can win. (10) REAL PACK was a much-improved 2^nd when tried at this trip in what was his first race this year on June 13^th. From an even wider gate than today, he came from well off the pace to swoop home. Kim Yong-geun is booked today and he looks a real chance. So too (1) FEDERAL WIN, who was beaten by Real Pack in that June race but rallied on her return on July 18^th when she overcame gate twelve to run a good 4^th at this distance. An apprentice keeps the weight light, and she draws a much better gate today. (2) KOREA GIJEOK drops back in trip following a couple of spins around 1400M, one of which yielded a 4^th place. He is unspectacular but is rarely too far away and looks a place chance here. (9) MAGIC MANJEOM, an improved 2^nd at 1200M last time is another in the frame.

Selections	(5) Bori Bori (10) Real Pack (1) Federal Win (2) Korea Gijeok
Next Best	9, 6
Fast Start	1, 7, 8, 9

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

Plenty in the frame here but we’ll take a chance with (2) KING SIMBA. Slowly away in all three starts so far, he came from well back to run 3^rd over 1300M on August 8^th. The extra distance may well be what he needs. (7) WONDERFUL K also steps up in trip having been consistent in recent efforts at 1300M and 1200M. His running style is to settle handy or in midfield and then to run on and today may suit. (6) SOUJU can mix his form, but he has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin. From a central draw expect him to be on pace and stay on to be in the finish. (9) COOL PRINCESS is yet to finish in the top two but has five top five finishes to her name. She comes in off a strong 4^th over 1300M and with Moon Se Young climbing aboard, is sure to have plenty of backers. (8) JEONGMUN POKJU is the only runner in the race to have experienced victory and it was at this distance too which on its own, brings him into the calculations.

Selections	(2) King Simba (7) Wonderful K (6) Souju (9) Cool Princess
Next Best	8, 1
Fast Start	6, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Good race to kick us off on the south coast. (12) KING GOLIATH has drawn the car park, but he ran well at this distance from even wider when 4th on debut and followed up with a 3rd and a 2nd at shorter distances. He has beaten a few of these already and should be settling back and running on for his first win here. (10) CATCH THE SUN has improved across three starts so far, culminating in 4^th place in a fast time over 1300M on July 31^st. She came from well off the pace that day so the draw may not be an issue and she can go close. (3) YEONSEUNG BRAVO drops back in trip having led for part of the way around over a mile on August 13^th, ultimately finishing in 3^rd. The same apprentice who rode him that day keeps the weight down here and he warrants consideration. (2) DAEHOMA enters off three consecutive 4^th place finishes, all of them at this distance. Perovic returns to the mount, and he can match or better those finishes today. (6) RHIANNON POINT beat Daehoma last time out when running a significantly improved 3^rd and can’t be ruled out today.

Selections	(12) King Goliath (10) Catch The Sun (3) Yeonseung Bravo (2) Daehoma
Next Best	6, 8
Fast Start	3, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Class 5 racing can be quite tasty these days and this is no exception. (6) DAESAN TEUKGEUP is up in class following two wins, the latest of which saw him fairly bolt up by eleven-lengths over 1200M, settling on the pace and running on. The slight increase of distance is of little concern and could easily win again. (8) BURUI YEOWANG has two wins and has finished no worse than 4^th in four starts. She didn’t have much luck at her latest when inconvenienced at the start and then caught wide but still ran on well for 4^th over 1300M. No surprise if she goes better here. (1) GOLD K has placed 3^rd in both starts at this class and distance and appears to be working up to another win at some stage. He likes to lead, and the inside gate should assist him with this. (3) ENERGIZER and (5) EAST JILJU are among others with strong placing chances.

Selections	(6) Daesan Teukgeup (8) Burui Yeowang (1) Gold K (3) Energizer
Next Best	5, 2
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(6) FASHION BLADE was a class and distance winner two starts back when she crossed from gate twelve to sit on the speed before pulling clear on in the final furlong to win in a fast time. She then ran 3^rd in all-filly company on her reappearance on July 25^th at the same distance under the same weight she carries today. She draws well, has a strong finish and has every chance. (7) DOCTOR TEXAS comes up in class having beaten Glory King last start who himself went on to win on Friday. He sat just behind the leader that day and ran on to win well and is firmly in the mix again here with the step up in trip likely no problem. (2) RUN FIGHTER also steps up in trip following victory over 1300M at class 6 level. That was just his third start and having shown progression in each of them, he can measure up today. (10) QUEEN OF HEARTS ran a solid 4^th place over 1300M on her first try at this level three weeks ago. She can overcome the gate to challenge for a place here. First-up since April, (5) KKOTGWA GUREUM trialed up well and is the wildcard with a light weight and a great draw.

Selections	(6) Fashion Blade (7) Doctor Texas (2) Run Fighter (10) Queen Of Hearts
Next Best	5, 1
Fast Start	1, 5, 7, 9

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

Small field here and while (2) ROYAL ELVIS is up in class here, he comes down a whopping 7kg in the weights. He has placed in all four of his last starts, all at 1400M, winning one of them and with the draw ideal to get on pace and Kim Yong-geun climbing aboard, everything looks to be in his favour here. (1) MUNHAK MOON is the main danger. He won over this distance at class 4 level two starts back before running 4^th on his first try at class 3 on August 7^th when he raced handy throughout. Both were in good times. He too draws well and will be challenging from the start. (3) SHU LEUB drops back in trip from the staying ranks where she had been enjoying some success. While she runs on pace around two turns, she probably won’t be able to match the early speed of the afore-mentioned pair but has every chance of running into a place late on. (4) CHEMI BLUE remains a maiden but caught the eye last start when overcoming gate twelve to run a slashing 2^nd and can be competitive again. (7) MEOTJIN WANGJA another with placing chances.

Selections	(2) Royal Elvis (1) Munhak Moon (3) Shu Leub (4) Chemi Blue
Next Best	7, 5
Fast Start	1, 2, 5, 6

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

(2) DOCTOR FAPPIANO is a top-drawer filly who tried her luck at class 2 last start and came close to pulling off a remarkable win, beaten only by Winner’s Man and Curlin Time. In a normal season, she would have been hot favourite for the Korean Oaks but instead she finds herself in here, beautifully weighted and drawn. She has won at this distance already and she should win again. She’s not the only talented three-year-old here though. (5) ONNURI JILJU has never finished outside the top four and comes in off a fast win at this class over 1200M at the end of July. He comes up a full 4.5kg in the weights as a result and there will be question marks over the distance, but he can’t be ruled out. There are no such distance questions for (7) SEONGSAN POWER. He has the fastest time of any of these over the 1800M which he recorded when winning three starts back at class 4 level. Draw a line through his latest effort at a mile and he is in the hunt. (10) DOCTOR SKY and (11) GIJEOKUI JEOKTOMA are others with placing chances.

Selections	(2) Doctor Fappiano (5) Onnuri Jilju (7) Seongsan Power (10) Doctor Sky
Next Best	11, 6
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

After taking a couple of races to find her feet, (9) MIGHTY BOOM has been a model of consistency with a win and four placed finishes from her latest five. Her win came at 1400M, but she has the fastest time of any of these at this distance too and while she is up in weight she is back to restricted fillies and mares company and she can win. (6) NUNBUSIN HANSEN is a winner at this class and distance two starts back when making all and then last start ran 3^rd with a decent effort from the outside gate in a small field of eight. Her consistency makes her a solid place chance here. (10) MJ POINT is a striking looking mare with four white feet, and she comes into calculations on her last start 4^th when settled well back in the field and ran on resolutely. If there is speed on early, then she will be the one poised to take advantage. (3) BAEKSAN THUNDER is a mare who has shown ability and resumes here after sixteen weeks out following a terrific run over this distance on a wet track when she raced handy to the lead and ran on for a close 3^rd. (11) MY MEMBER beat Nunbusin Hansen when 2^nd two starts back and while she mixes here form and doesn’t draw well, with luck she can be in the money.

Selections	(9) Mighty Boom (6) Nunbusin Hansen (10) MJ Point (3) Baeksan Thunder
Next Best	11, 1
Fast Start	3, 6, 9, 11

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

We finally get some Stakes action in Korea this weekend as the juveniles at both Seoul and Busan get a chance to compete for a decent prize for the first time. In the meantime, the weekend’s action kicks off at Busan on a Friday with a short and sharp seven-race card running from 13:50 to 18:00. Unfortunately, all meetings in Korea this weekend will take place behind closed doors and there will be no legal local betting markets open. Here are the previews:

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

Juveniles to start with and eight of the twelve race for the very first time. (4) DOCTOR CAESAR put in an underwhelming trial in July but returned a couple of weeks late and looked extremely competent as he was held together well and ran on with minimal urging to cross the line significantly ahead of the rest and in a good time. He draws well here and can win on debut. (11) B. K. MARSHALL is one of the four with prior experience. He debuted on August 14th when he managed to quickly find the rail and run on well for 3rd place behind Again Touch. The draw isn’t so favourable today but he should have benefited from that experience and is a real chance. (9) MONGTTANG too should have come on for his debut when he finished in midfield in a fair time on July 16th. He may be looking for further but should improve second-up. (10) STELL LUNA and (12) MENIFEE SONG are among other debutants who trialed well and have money chances.

Selections	(4) Doctor Caesar (11) B.K. Marshall (9) Mongttang (10) Stell Luna
Next Best	12, 2
Fast Start	2, 4, 6, 11

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

(4) GLORY KING did nothing on debut in January but was then put away for six months and having blitzed a June trial, ran a front-running 2nd on his return to racing on August 1st leading for much of the way before going down to the promising Doctor Texas in a good time. From a good gate, he will be on pace again and in a race of little form, he should be far too good. (1) MYEONGSEONG CHARGE trialed up in the same heat as Doctor Caesar (who was due to run in race 1). She was close to the pace throughout and while she was passed by a few late on, has every chance of going well on debut from a nice inside draw. (11) WIND HIGH debuted in that same race on August 1st and while unspectacular didn’t do a huge amount wrong. She had previously shown some speed in a trial and with natural improvement can get closer today. (12) DAEJI CHOICE is done no favours by the draw but hinted at ability with a 4th place over 1000M last start and can be in the mix here. (6) GREAT ELL comes down a full 4kg in the weights due to an apprentice up and can be given a chance.

Selections	(4) Glory King (1) Myeongseong Charge (11) Wind High (12) Daeji Choice
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	1, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(4) ADELE SUCCESS has been knocking on the door with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two outings, most recently when leading from the gate until the 200M over this distance on August 13th before ultimately going down to K Chukje. That’s two fast times in a row now, the weight remains light and she draws nicely with every chance of going one better this time. (7) MY DESTINY has a couple of decent runs to her name at this distance with a 2nd and a 3rd in competitive times. She weakened a little late on at her last start but can be given another chance here. (9) MANY CASH was a significantly improved 3rd at start number four last time out when she broke well, then settled back in the field before running on strong. She can build on that today. It took (1) MORE THAN SKY three goes to qualify but she looked well when finally doing it on July 30th, winning her heat in a fair time and nicely drawn on the inside, she can be a factor first-up. (2) UNBRIDLED QUEEN is first up and will need this but trialed adequately.

Selections	(4) Adele Success (7) My Destiny (9) Many Cash (1) More Than Sky
Next Best	2, 12
Fast Start	1, 4, 5, 7

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

Super race. (11) SUCCESS MACHO is three from three so far and comes in off a fourteen-length demolition job at this distance at class 5 level on July 4th. He is up in class today and he has drawn wide but he has overcome the latter before and he can maintain his 100% record here. This should be a stern examination though. (7) DOMINATION is resuming for the first time since March when he got the most recent of a hat-trick of front-running wins. He trialed up very nicely two weeks ago, winning his heat in a fast time and draws nicely to steal a march on Success Macho and also meets him at favourable weights. He has a chance but it is his first try at the distance. (2) ROCK PEGASUS is a proven class and distance winner having beaten a couple of these on his way to a good score on August 1st when he settled in midfield and ran on well. He comes up in the weights today but should be competitive. (4) ACE SOLOMON comes up in class following a good win over 1200M. He is up in trip but down in the weights and can measure up in tough company. Plenty of others have at least placing chances with (10) MUJEOK BULPAE, who has run very consistent times, chief among them.

Selections	(11) Success Macho (7) Domination (2) Rock Pegasus (4) Ace Solomon
Next Best	10, 8
Fast Start	4, 7, 10, 11

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

A very competitive race and with an evenly matched field it may be that those who can get an easy run early have the best of it. With that in mind, we’ll side with (2) SEONGSAN HERO, who while still a maiden is proven at this distance with a solid 4th place last time out on August 20th when he beat a couple of these. He comes in at the same weight and from a great draw should be on the speed with every chance. On his inside is (1) BULMYEORUI GIL He ran 6th in that race on August 20th when he got well back and then ran on. He is up in weight but well drawn and has recorded solid times at this distance. (6) CHEONGDAM DRIVE is another who remains a maiden but has finished in the top four on seven of twelve occasions. He has run well at 1400M and over a mile and while he comes up in class, he is down in the weights and will likely be on the early pace here. (12) CENTUM THOR beat Cheongdam Drive as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at a mile at class 6 level in July before running 4th over 1400M on his first try at class 5 on August 1st. He came from well off the pace that day and can potentially overcome the widest gate. (10) DUMUSAN, under a light weight and with the fastest time among any of these who have tackled the distance, is another one with placing claims.

Selections	(2) Seongsan Hero (1) Bulmyeorui Gil (6) Cheongdam Drive (12) Centum Thor
Next Best	10, 9
Fast Start	2, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Another race of many chances. (4) SEUNGNI TOUT was a winner over a mile at class 5 level two starts back before proving he measures up at this class with a good 4th at today’s distance on July 4th. Seo Seung-un returns to the mount today and from a good draw, she has as much chance as any of coming home on top here. (1) GOLD FOUNTAIN is a real danger. A winner of three from six so far, he tackles 1800M for the first time but he has won over a mile and his racing style suggests two turns will suit. He comes up in the weights but looks to have more wins in him and it would be no surprise were he successful today. (9) ACE JACKPOT is a winner at 1800M at class 5 level and while he comes up in class looks sure to run the distance out/ The draw is not in his favour but he comes down in the weights. (3) TOP MATE is thoroughly consistent and enters off an excellent 2nd place at class and distance on August 13th when he beat a couple of today’s rivals. He carries even more weight today but is a tough competitor and can measure up again. The wildcard is (8) LUCKY BREAK, who is rapidly up in class. She has plenty of ability and a nice light weight although the draw is not in her favour and it is her first go at the distance.

Selections	(4) Seungni Tout (1) Gold Fountain (9) Ace Jackpot (3) Top Mate
Next Best	8, 10
Fast Start	2, 3, 7, 10

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

(9) YEONGUNG LOUIS is a winner of three from five so far and was runner-up in the other two including last time when over 1400M he couldn’t quite match up to Heat Yegam. There was no disgrace in that at all as that horse went on to win again very easily last Friday and Yeongung Louis, despite the wide draw and the big weight, is favoured to return to the winner’s circle today. Drawing even wider is (11) AKER’S DREAM. He beat four of these when scoring at class and distance on July 31st and while up a full 3kg in the weights, should be going close again. (6) CHOEGANG SSONSAL had a poor day at the office last time out but has a couple of scorching performances to his name, including the fastest time of any of these at this distance and from a good central draw, can return to some form here. (12) ADELE SPIKE and (2) WONDERFUL PEACE are among others in the frame in a competitive finale.

Selections	(9) Yeongung Louis (11) Aker’s Dream (6) Choegang Ssonsal (12) Adele Spike
Next Best	2, 7
Fast Start	4, 6, 10, 12

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 29)

We round out August with behind-closed-doors Sunday card at Seoul (9 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:30). Here are the previews:

Do Kki Blade goes in Seoul’s Sunday feature (Pic: KRA)

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

Two and three-year-old maidens open Sunday’s show and (9) YEONGWANGUI CAPTAIN was sent off as favourite on debut on August 7^th on the back of some promising trials. From the inside gate he made it to the lead but ultimately ended up in 3^rd place. He should have come on for that run and should be favourite to go two better this time. (7) LONDON POWER was a decent 3^rd on debut over 1000M all the way back in February. She has only raced twice since then but has shown near the front on both occasions before weakening a touch late on. She’s had six weeks off since her last start and with just a bit of natural improvement she should be right in this. (4) NEW STAR YEONGCHEON was a touch disappointing when well backed on debut having won a trial. He draws much better today so should have to use up less energy getting to the front early and should improve. (12) WONDERFUL HAWAII showed improvement when 5^th at the distance on June 26^th. The wide draw shouldn’t affect her too much. (8) HWARYEOHAN MISO likewise finished off well on debut and can improve.

Selections	(9) Yeongwangui Captain (7) London Power (4) New Star Yeongcheon (12) Wonderful Hawaii
Next Best	8, 11
Fast Start	4, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(7) UNJU EUTTEUM has a 3^rd and a 2^nd from two starts so far with the latter being at class and distance on August 1^st when prominent throughout in a fast time on a day when races in general were being run quicker than usual given the dry track. The same apprentice keeps the weight nice and low, and he can go one better today. (11) SLIM QUEEN was slowly away on debut at 1200M on August 1^st but made excellent ground to run 4^th. The draw shouldn’t be a problem and the slight increase in trip may be a bonus. (6) CHEONGMA POWER improved at start number two, running on strongly for 4^th and his running pattern indicates that he too may appreciate a bit more distance here. (8) SPEED MATCH and (1) BANJIUI GIJEOK are both first-up after layoffs of twenty and thirty-eight weeks respectively. Both had hinted at ability in the past and both looked well in recent trials with Speed Match slightly favoured to make a more immediate impact.

Selections	(7) Unju Eutteum (11) Slim Queen (6) Cheongma Power (8) Speed Match
Next Best	1, 2
Fast Start	1, 7, 8, 9

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

Absolutely wide-open race with a number of the leading contenders stepping up to this trip for the first time. The only previous winner in the race is (3) K N LIGHT and he looks capable of winning again. His victory was all the way back in January, but he returned from three months off in July to run a good 4^th at 1300M and from a good draw should go close here. (10) VIKING HEART has steadily improved across four starts so far. He comes in off a 2^nd place on a very wet track over 1300M when for the first time he didn’t give too much ground away early. The draw may not be ideal, but he has claims. (5) SUPER BIRD looks like he needs some distance. He made good ground to get up to 3^rd at his latest start over 1300M on July 25^th and with a little less to do and an extra half-furlong to do it in, he surely goes close today. (11) NUBIGO and (4) PEPE RUN among many others with at least placing chances.

Selections	(3) K N Light (10) Viking Heart (5) Super Bird (11) Nubigo
Next Best	4, 7
Fast Start	1, 3, 11, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Three of these come up in class following last start maiden wins and all three should be able to measure up in this company. (9) SEUNGNI MAGICQUEEN had a near-miss on debut in April before getting it right at start number two on June 6^th over 1200M when she overcame gate twelve to get on pace and then prove too strong in a fast time. The 1300M shouldn’t be a problem and while the draw is still less than optimal, she can win again. (4) MYEONGSEONG MAGIC pretty much made all to win at this distance on July 23^rd. While it was at class 6 level, the time was more than good enough to mix it here and from a great draw, she should be on pace and has can go all the way. It took (2) DREAM DANCER nine goes to make her own breakthrough, which she did with an all the way score on July 31^st in what is the fastest time recorded by any of these at the distance. It’s true there were a lot of fast ties that weekend but nevertheless, she warrants respect here and has a great draw to get on pace again. Among those with experience at this level, (8) JEONSEOLUI PUNCH has a decent record at the distance while (11) FANTASTIC LEADER could also improve.

Selections	(9) Seungni Magicqueen (4) Myeongseong Magic (2) Dream Dancer (8) Jeonseolui Punch
Next Best	11, 5
Fast Start	2, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(1) SKY MANGCHI picks himself here. His win at class 6 came at this distance and he has solid class 5 for in two starts since with a 2^nd and a 3^rd at 1300M and 1400M and both in fast times. Last time out he led to the 200M and back in trip and with the inside gate to assist, he looks hard to beat. (10) STEAL THE FASHION is yet to win in six attempts but has finished runner-up on no fewer than four occasions, including his latest start, which was his first try at this level. He led that day and while the fate is not in his favour this time around, he has placing claims again. (5) THUNDER CHAMP comes up in class following an all the way victory over this distance on July 18^th. His winning time very much measures up here and while he may not get such an easy lead this time, he draws well again and should be competitive. (8) FIGHTING DADDY resumes for the first time since May and along with (9) BYEOLBIT BOSEOK looks a placing chance.

Selections	(1) Sky Mangchi (10) Steal The Fashion (5) Thunder Champ (8) Fighting Daddy
Next Best	9, 2
Fast Start	1, 5, 8, 10

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

(3) B J MISS registered her maiden win two starts back leading gate to wire at this distance before running 2^nd, also at 1200M, on her first try at this level on August 1^st when once more she was on pace throughout although ultimately succumbing to a good winner. She draws well again and while there is plenty of early speed here, she should be close to the pace again and every chance. (11) QUEEN OF THE QUEEN steps back in trip following recent efforts over 1400M, including back-to-back wins at class 6 level. The draw may not be ideal, but she looks nicely in here and can be competitive. (10) MAN OF THE WORLD is yet to win in seventeen attempts but has seven top three finishes and with an apprentice keeping his weight low, has claims on another place here. (9) HIT JACKPOT is up in class despite still being a maiden but his times at this distance measure up and he can be competitive. In a race with plenty of unknowns, several are first-up after some time away. (12) STORM TO WIN has won at this distance and trialed up very nicely.

Selections	(3) B J Miss (11) Queen Of The Queen (10) Man Of The World (9) Hit Jackpot
Next Best	12, 6
Fast Start	3, 6, 8, 12

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

(5) WONDER K has a solitary win from ten starts so far but it was at this class and distance in May, and he has since run well twice again. He was 2^nd at his latest start when on pace and drifting out a little and he is the one to beat here. (12) JUNGCHUBUSA suffered her first defeat at start number three on July 24^th when up in class and out to 1300M for the first time. She raced handy to the leaders but ran out of steam and finished 7^th. It’s tempting to disregard that given that this looks a weaker race at a more suitable distance and despite the widest gate, she looks to have a real chance. (6) REMEMBER WHEN has placed at her latest two starts and is accordingly up in class today She comes down significantly in weight and should be able to measure up in this company. (1) WOL YEONG I is another with solid class 6 form and there was nothing wrong with her 6^th place over 1300M on her first try at this level last start. Back to the 1200M and drawing the inside are both to her advantage. (11) LONDON ACTIVE has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and is better than her latest couple of outings suggest.

Selections	(5) Wonder K (12) Jungchubusa (6) Remember When (1) Wol Yeong I
Next Best	11, 8
Fast Start	1, 5, 8, 12

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

Fillies only here. It’s going to be a tough ask for (12) WORLD SOCKS with both the widest gate and with an additional 4.5kg on her back compared with when she won at class and distance on August 1^st. Nevertheless, the Midshipman filly looks to still have improvement in her and if she can get to a prominent position early, then she has a chance. It took (9) WORLD REMEMBER nine goes to get her maiden win, but she evidently enjoyed it as she promptly followed up with another. They came over 1300M and 1400M so she drops back in trip today, but she is nicely weighted, and the draw shouldn’t be an issue. She can go close. There is one solitary debut-maker and it’s a promising one. (2) UNBONGSAN, like World Socks, comes up considerably in the weights following an all the way win on August 1^st when she was headed a furlong out but rallied back to win well. She draws well to get to the front once more. Debut-maker (10) HIDDEN CHARLIE fairly bolted up in her trial, leading all the way and this looks a nice race to start out in. Speaking of trials, (5) YEONGGWANGUI TIME had a shocking day at the office at 1400M last start when she led early but capitulated to the extent she was forced back to trial. She won her requalification in a facile manner and has posted fast times at this distance in the past so is worth another chance here.

(more…)

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