Racing returns at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be booked in advance through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Racing gets underway on Friday with an 8-race card at Busan from 12:00 to 18:00. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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