Saturday’s racing is at Busan with 10 races from 13:30 to 18:00. Busan Racecourse will be open to punters at 20% of indoor seated capacity. Attendance must be pre-booked through the “My Card app”. Here are the previews:

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

Maidens to kick things off with just five of the fourteen having raced before. Of those, (2) COLOR WIND is the pick with a 2^nd and 3^rd in her record already, both at this distance. She was underwhelming last start but this is softer and Perovic aboard can only be to her benefit. OO the others with prior experience, neither (4) RAPIDO QUEEN or (14) DRAGON ROYAL showed much – the latter in just one start in the middle of last year – but both have recently trialed well and significantly better will be expected today. The stiffest challenges to the selection, however, may come from the first-timers. (8) POKPUNG JILJU looks the likely favourite having shown progress across two trials, recording a very nice time in the latter. (3) THE WIN also looked competent in his heat and has every chance of going close first-up.

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

(1) MR. INDIE was a good winner on debut over 1000M on February 5^th. He steps up a couple of furlongs here but is very nicely drawn and looks to be the one to beat once more. (3) WONDERFUL FAGER ran on strong for 3^rd over 1200M on his debut a month ago. The additional furlong can suit and he should be close today. Similarly, (12) CENTUM THOR finished off well for 2^nd at 1200M on February 5^th, beating three of these in the process and is set to figure once more. Only two of the field have raced at this distance before but both come in with recent form reading well. (10) CHOEGANG LIGER is yet to score in ten attempts but has been in the top four on each of his latest five outings. He is another who comes from off the pace and can’t be ruled out. Likewise, (14) ZERAGE comes in off a decent 2^nd place at the distance last start and while the time was nothing special, he overcame a wide draw to get a good position, something he will need to do again here. (7) HILL MORE, behind Choegang Liger over a mile last time out, is another in the hunt.

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

Fillies only here and we always need to take note of any previous winners in such a race. There is just the one in the shape of (9) LOOKING CAT, who prevailed over 1400M last start. That was her first go at 1400M and her first being ridden handy and she ran on well to score. She looks right in this. (8) TWO TWO CELEB beat three of these on her way to 3^rd place at 1400M on February 5^th. She’s only missed the top five on one occasion from six starts so far and should be a serious player here. (4) KEY PLAYER stepped up to this trip last start and registered her best result to date with a 2^nd place. It wasn’t a fast time but she should be competitive in this company. (2) TEAM SKY and (7) NUN KKOT YEWANG are others who are in at least the placing frame.

Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 42 Million

It’s far from certain that there will be a Triple Crown series this year but if there is, (1) ALPHA AGAIN has the opportunity to put himself firmly in the frame as a leading contender. He has won his latest three, pretty much making all on each occasion and steps up in to the Mile for the first time today. From the inside Jeong Dong-cheol isn’t likely to waste much time getting on pace and he can win again. (8) MACH TITAN is aiming to make it three wins in a row and four in total and he looks the main danger. He ran 4^th in the track’s top juvenile race last November and while he tackles further than six-furlongs for the first time, he will be a big threat and will be challenging Alpha Again for the lead right from the start – if the draws were reversed, he might be favoured. (11) KING DOMBO took a couple of races to get back in to the swing of things following nine months out but has looked good in his latest two. He has recorded a solid time at this distance before and should be in the placing frame. (5) JEONSEOULUI BULKKOT and (14) HONOR QUEEN are both better than their respective latest outings suggest.

Saturday’s racing is at Busan with 10 races from 13:30 to 18:00. The Busan Racecourse as well as all betting locations sought of (and including) Cheonan will be open at 20% capacity (pre-booking required using the My Card app). Locations in the Greater Seoul and Gyeonggi areas remain closed. Here are the Busan previews:

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

A filly maiden to kick things off and quite a tricky one at that. Peter Wolsley sends out a couple of decent looking ones and (13) GOLD LUCK is the preferred pick. She has improved across three starts so far culminating in a runner-up finish last time out in a similar race over this trip. The draw isn’t ideal but Perovic climbs aboard and she can win. The other Wolsley entrant is (4) ARTIE’S GAL After winning a trial she was a solid 3^rd on debut last November before having a tough time on reappearance in January. We’ll give her another chance today. In that race in January, Artie’s Gal was beaten by (11) STARLIGHT. The latter filly was debuting and ran a very good 4^th over the 1000M. She was on pace and should overcome gate 11 to get on the speed again here. (10) USEUNG GANGJA debuted in 5^th place in the same race and has claims for improvement too while (12) HANHYEOLMA is a bit more experienced and while beaten by Gold Luck last start, has proven competitive in this kind of company.

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

More maidens here and two of them come in having put in strong runner-up finishes on their respective debuts. (7) COOL GUY is our pick, the Bart Rice trainee having been a front-running 2^nd over 1000M on January 29^th. That followed on from a similarly fast trial and he can make the breakthrough today. (11) DOCTOR FAPPIANO came from the middle of the pack to run on strong for 2^nd also over the minimum distance on her own January debut. The additional furlong should suit and she is a real danger. (13) FIRST CHANCE beat a few of these on his way to 3^rd place on debut two months ago and he too has the ability to build on that here. (2) WONDERFUL JAZZ and (5) GIANT CAL are others who also put in encouraging debuts and can be involved in the finish.

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

(4) BEAUTIFUL KING was an impressive winner at start number three making all to score by four lengths over 1200M. He is up in trip here and is likely to be a strong favourite to win again. We’re going to take a chance and take him on though. (5) RAON THE BOSS beat three of these on his way to a much improved 3rd at this distance on January 29th. True the time wasn’t exactly fast but he looks to have potential for more and the experience may stand him in good stead here. (7) SUNLIGHT BOY and (6) GANGJAUICHEONGCHUN came home 4^th and 5^th respectively behind Raon The Boss in that race and both should be in the placing frame again here. (3) B.J. KING was a winner two starts back over 1200M and while he was well back behind Raon The Boss last start, can be given another chance here.

Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

This filly and mare affair is far too strong for class 5. After running 2nd on debut, (5) GODDESS MOON has won three in a row scarcely being behind another horse. She finally has to come up in class today but that shouldn’t be an issue and she can win again. Also up in class is (2) NEW LUX. She’s won two of three so far, running on strong from off the pace each time, beating Gold Luck, who we saw in race 1, in her latest. The step up in trip is set to suit and she is a big danger. Those two look set to fight out the quinella but there is a good deal of other talent here. (14) GREY ANGEL won her first two starts in fine form and while she only managed 6^th in a decent race on reappearance in January can be competitive here on her first try at the distance. (11) RAON THE STAR remains a maiden but has never been worse than 5^th in four outings to date. She got within less than three-lengths of Goddess Moon when 2^nd last start and can go close again.

Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 42 Million

(4) YEONGUNG LOUIS was a fine winner on debut at this trip before running a good 2nd when stepped up to a mile on reappearance. The Violence colt is well drawn to get on the early speed and looks very hard to beat here. (12) GLOBAL TOP was a last start class and distance winner, beating three of these in the process. She likes to be close to the pace so will need to work to overcome the wide draw but she should go close again here. (6) ROYAL TICKET had a poor day at the office behind Global Top last start but is also a class and distance winner and has the fastest time of any of these to his name. Don’t rule out. (5) SMART MOD began his career with a bang but while he hasn’t quite managed to maintain his early momentum, he looks to be on the right track again following a strong class and distance 3^rd in February.

Saturday’s racing is at Busan with 10 races from 13:30 to 18:00. The Jeju and Busan Racecourses will be open to customers at 20% of indoor seating capacity as will the Off Track Betting centres in Busan (both of them), Daegu, Changwon, Daejeon, Gwangju and Cheonan. Seoul Racecourse and all off-track locations in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province will remain closed. Here are the previews for Busan:

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

Competitive maiden to begin with. (11) HAENAM HAMMER finished a reasonable 5th of fourteen on her only start to date last October. She hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialing up two weeks ago and returns as one of a number of strong hopes here. The draw isn’t ideal as she will want to lead but she has a top jockey aboard and a real chance. (2) ACE GUY was less noteworthy on debut, failing to run on over 1000M all the way back last July. He looked a completely different prospect when finishing 2nd on a fast February trial and should be much better today. Coming out of the same trial as Haenam Hammer is (9) REAL CHARM, who makes his racing debut here. The Cowboy Cal colt ran on well in the heat and should go well first up. (5) DOCTOR FAITH has hinted at ability over two starts so far including a 3rd place on debut and should go close here while (7) BUSAN ACE is inconsistent but has proven capable of running a time and may figure.

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

There are two previous winners in this field and both have credible claims to score again. (14) ACE DAY struck on debut with a comprehensive all the way win over 1200M. He followed up with a 2nd place at the same distance before running 4th over a mile. The draw may be an issue but the trip should suit and he has a chance. (2) BABY LINE broke through at start number four over 1200M in December. He stepped up to this trip on January 22nd and ran a useful enough 5th. He is drawn well and can lead here. Four of today’s runners went in that January 22nd race. The best finisher that day was (9) MIDNIGHT QUEEN, who came 3rd, overturning the form on Baby Line who had beaten her the start before. She is yet to win in four attempts but has never been worse than 4th and today could be her day. That also applies to (6) ECHO RUSH. After running 7th on debut, he’s followed up with back to back runner-up finishes beating three of these in the process and is set to be a big factor here.

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

(7) JEMA FORTUNE stepped up to 1400M on January 22nd and came from well back to record his best finish to date, running a fast-finishing 2nd and beating three of his rivals here. He steps up to the mile for the first time and looks to have fair claims to make his breakthrough. (11) GEUMA GOOD POINT ran 4th in the same race. He’s been consistent across seven starts to date and while he will probably find one or two too quick again today. (2) YEONGGWANGUIRUNNER is another who has been consistent. He didn’t overly impress on a previous try at this distance but has mixed it in better company than this and should be there or thereabouts today. (3) TOP ADELE showed improvement when 4th on his second career start. He is likely to be on pace from the start and can stay on at the business end of the race. (13) DAMYANG JEWANG is another with a fast start and while the draw isn’t the best, also looks to have good claims here.

Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

(6) GALAXY ROAD took a couple of goes to figure things out but then won his next two in fie order, the latter at this distance. He is up in class finally today but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem and he looks the one to beat. (3) STAR EYE also steps up in class following a maiden win at start number five over 1400M three weeks ago. The distance may suit and the Violence filly can be competitive again. (12) GOLDEN KAISER completes the trio of last start winners and steps up after a front-running score over 1400M. He will look to be on pace again here. The main danger to all of them is (11) PINEUI KKUM. After nine blanks he broke through at the tenth time of asking and evidently enjoyed it as he followed up immediately with another win. He then beat four of these on his way to 2^nd place at this class and distance on January 22^nd and has solid claims here. As for the rest, (4) SEUNGNI TOUT remains a maiden but has three-runner-up finishes from six attempts to date including at this class and has at least placing claims again.

Saturday’s racing is at Busan with a 10-race card from 13:30 to 18:00. Racecourses and OTB’s in the south of the country will be open to spectators with advance reservations (made through the MyCard app) at 20% of the indoor seated capacity. The open locations are Jeju Racecourse and Busan Racecourse as well as the off-track betting centres in Busan (both of them), Changwon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju and Cheonan. All betting locations in the Greater Seoul area remain closed. Here are the Busan previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Twelve previously unraced three-year-olds tackle the opener and we have plenty coming in off good trial performances. The fastest was (4) MUJEOK BULPAE, who responded well when asked and ran 2^nd in his heat to an already established racehorse. It bodes well for his debut here. (12) AMAZING FOOT was green in the home straight in his trial but was able to pull himself together and go up a gear to cross the line 1^st. He looks like he has a nice – if not yet amazing – turn of foot and can go well under Seo Seung-un. You Hyun-myung rode both of those horses in their respective trials but he jumps aboard (1) WIND HARPOON and that alone will probably be enough for local punters to make the Thunder Moccasin filly the favourite. She led her trial, ultimately finishing a close at hand 3^rd and from the inside gate, should be able to lead again. Also attracting attention will be the combination of trainer Kim Young-kwan and jockey Djordje Perovic with (2) OLD CHEONHA. He ran well in a competitive heat and has every chance of going close. (7) ADELE SMART and (8) PICTURE JASPER are others who showed promise in trials.

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

Fillies only here and the solitary previous winner among them is set to be the warm favourite. That’s (6) SAGARMATHA, who was a winner on debut last October with a front-running performance and who has since followed up with back to back 3^rd places. She’s much better than class 6 and should be proving that here. (13) A PLUS ONE ran 4^th to Sagarmatha on debut, running on strong from well off the pace. She was 4^th on her return too in November and comes back in after three months off as one of the primary dangers. Other dangers include (1) SECOND WIND, who has the second fastest time among these at the distance. All her four races were last summer but she comes in here having looked strong in a January trial and should be very much in the hunt. (9) BAEK SEOL QUEEN has some speed about her but has just failed to hit top gear in her latest two. She’s perhaps worth another chance for a place here while (14) MASTER QUEEN led in her last start before ending up in 4^th and while she has the outside gate to contend with, is another who could go close.

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

We have three nailed on favorites across the card and this is the first of them. (13) MILLION MAKER came from just behind the speed to get his maiden win over 1200M on November 29^th. While he’s not raced since and does have a wide draw, the additional furlong should only suit and it is hard to see him being beaten here. If he does slip up, then (10) YEONGGWANGUI TEUKG is most likely to advantage He’s yet to win in eleven attempts but has steadily improved and beat three of his rivals here on his way to a solid if unspectacular runner-up finish over this distance on January 8^th. (8) CHEONMA HASEO was 3^rd in that same race having previously recorded the fastest time of these at this distance – although it has to be said, it wasn’t especially swift – and he looks next best. (11) LEGEND BOSS and (12) MAGIC STEALTH also came out of the January 8^th race – 5^th and 4^th respectively – and they too look set to be in the placing frame today.

Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

Cases can be made for a few of these. Given the draw though, we’re going to put (1) TWO TWO WILD THING on top. The Modern Cowboy colt has never finished worse than 4^th and runs best when he gets an early lead. He can certainly do that here and while he is carrying more weight than he has done to date, he looks well placed to get his third career victory. The draw has been less kind to another front-runner, (14) MACH TITAN. That said, he managed to overcome gate 11 to win well last start at class 6 over this distance. That took his record to two wins from four starts and if he can cross the field early, then he has a chance again. (2) JEONGMUN POWER ran 2^nd to Mach Titan in that race having previously won on debut at this distance back in November. He is another front-runner and can challenge Two Two Wild Thing for the early lead. One of Mach Titan’s defeats was in a top class juvenile race last November when he was 4^th, one ahead of (5) B.K. LOOKS. The latter comes in off a useful class and distance 2^nd a month ago and is another in the hunt here. So too is (10) ROCK PEGASUS, already a winner at this class, as well as (9) QUEEN VRONSKY, an excellent winner at class 6 last start but facing tougher opposition today.

Busan flies solo on Saturday with 10-races from 13:30 to 18:00. A reminder that Busan Racecourse as well as Off-track betting centres across the south of the country will be open (attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app, Seoul Racecourse and all locations in the Greater Seoul area remain closed. The meeting is on the international simulcast. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies only to kick things off. Six of the twelve have raced before and one of them is a prior winner. That’s (2) DONGBANUI SIJAK, who scored on debut back in October over 1200M. She ran poorly on reappearance but bounced back with a 3^rd place just before Christmas. She drops back to the short course for the first time today and is in with a shout. So too (7) SEOBU QUEEN. A half-sister to the outstanding Seobu Cat, she ran 3^rd on debut at this distance before running out of steam a little second-up at 1200M but drops back today and into contention. As for the first-timers, the standout is (4) BLACK OLIVE. She was an accomplished 3^rd in a fast trial behind two experienced racehorses and should go well first up. (1) RAON THE BLUE did absolutely nothing in her two trials but she is a half-sister to an Oaks winner (as well as a few ordinary ones too) and has a top jockey on so may attract some interest. Returning to those with experience, (6) PARTY INDY has two 5^th place finishes among three starts to date and can aim for some minor money again.

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

(1) AFLEET TAPIT didn’t do an awful lot on debut over 1200M back in October but returned with a positive trial two weeks ago and looks set to improve today. Likely favourite and one to beat though is (3) DONGNAM BULPAE. While he hasn’t shown a lot in the way of speed across three starts to date, he impressed with a front running 2^nd over this distance last time out from a favourable draw again, can go one better this time. Also expected to be on pace will be (6) KING BID. He came home 5^th last start beating a couple of these in the process, having previously run 3^rd at 1000M. Seo Seung-un remains aboard and he should go close. Plenty of others have the potential to step up into the placing frame with (9) DREAM DANCER and (8) WONDERFUL SMARTY perhaps the best credentialed to do so.

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

After running 4^th on debut all the way back last July, (13) ETERNAL HERO returned in November and closed out the year with back to back runner-up finishes over 1200M. He gets another crack at class 6 today and stepping up to 1400M for the first time, can defy the wide draw to make the breakthrough. (10) KING BROTHER comes in off a 2^nd place last start when he beat a couple of his rivals here. He has mixed his form over seven outings to dare but does have experience of the distance and looks a solid place chance. So too does (3) GREAT GO. She too beat two of these on his way to a useful 4^th continuing a positive run of form. The filly can settle in midfield and finish strongly and having a 5^th to her name over a mile already means there shouldn’t be any questions about the trip. (4) K K WON came from off the pace to run a much improved 3^rd on his latest start and is another who can be considered for the minors. (7) FIRST WIND and (8) STAR EYE should also be in the hunt.

Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (1) ADELE PUPIL was a smart winner on debut back in July last year over 1200M. She’s not raced since but trialed two weeks ago in adequate fashion. The trip looks likely to suit and it’s not impossible she could win first-up again, despite being up in class. She may need this though so punters may be tempted by a couple of others. (7) MARK ACE is perhaps the most likely. She’s never been worse than 5^th in five starts to date and comes in off a strong 3^rd over 1200M. (9) ACHIM BIT is similar, having run on well for 3^rd in both her latest two outings and the additional trip may suit here. (11) PORRIMA has been the bane of punters – or at least tipsters – in the past, frequently looking like she is just one race away from breaking through only to just come up short. A couple of months off may have done her good and while she can’t be put on top, she may well place. (2) JANGMI GONGJU, a last start 3^rd, is another in the frame.

Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 42 Million

Competitive race here. (3) RAON SKY MAN won his first two and while it has seemingly taken him a couple of races to get to grips with this level of racing, he comes in here following a strong 3^rd place over this distance in a decent time just before Christmas. He has experience of the distance and shouldn’t be far away today. (5) YESULUI GYEUNGJI likewise began her career in a hurry with two wins from her first three before stuttering a little. She too is back in form with a front-running 2^nd last start and has claims to go one better today. (6) WINNING DANCER is two from four so far and her class and distance 7^th last start was no disgrace at all. She should have come on from that and has the combination of a top jockey and a very light weight on her back. The only last start winner in the field is (14) CAPTAIN STEALTH. He came from well off the pace to score at this class over 1200M on December 19^th. The outside gate shouldn’t cause too many problems and he can go close again. 

As usual racing in Korea is confined to Friday this week with all three of Seoul, Busan and Jeju hosting cards. At Seoul, Korea Cup and Grand Prix Stakes winner Moonhak Chief returns to action and he runs straight into Tiz Plan in the 2000M class 1 feature on what is set to be a bitterly cold day in the capital – just for good measure, the great mare Silver Wolf is among the twelve lining up too. However, the Seoul meeting will have no attendance and no betting so we will once more focus on Busan, where there are 10 races from 10:4o to 15:20 and which will be available on international simulcast:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Only four of these three-year-olds have raced before. Of those four, (4) RAON THE POWER is the clear pick having won on debut on December 12^th with a front-running performance. It was no surprise as he had previously looked sharp in a trial and due to the reduced prize money on offer that day, he gets another crack at class 6 here with every chance of winning again. None of the others with previous experience really caught the eye although (10) GOSUUI POWER didn’t run badly and could improve second up here. That leaves the first-timers and a couple did well in their trials. (6) COOL GUY registered the fastest time when running 2^nd in his heat back in October. He showed good speed out of the gate and can challenge for the lead early here. (5) NEW FIRE and (11) GLORY KING are others who looked well in their respective hearts and have every chance of being competitive first-up.

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

Fillies only here. (5) JILJU MANYEO was a very solid winner on debut at this distance on December 5^th having previously blitzed a trial. She gets another crack at the level today under a similarly light weight and has every chance of scoring again. (12) NEW LUX is another who gets another chance at this class having won at start number five a month ago. The wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a problem as she doesn’t need to lead and she looks to have solid claims to go close again. (3) HANHYEOLMA has been getting closer across six starts so far culminating in a runner-up finish on December 6^th. Djordje Perovic takes the mount today and she has strong claims to continue her positive run of form. (7) HAPPY WOMAN hasn’t shown much in the way of speed so far but has a 4^th and a 2^nd from two starts and should be in at least the placing frame.

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

(8) CATCH THE VICTORY broke through at start number three on December 12^th, making all to win comfortably over 1200M. He tackles this distance for the first time – although so do all but one of these – and he has every chance of being successful again. (6) SKY MORE ran 2^nd to Catch The Victory on debut last month. He finished six-lengths in arrears but should have come on for the run and can get closer today. (10) B.J. KING was a good winner on December 12^th too, also over 1200M. He can come off the pace here and should be a significant factor. There are others with promise too. (4) WONDERFUL BOBCAT was 4^th on debut behind B.J. King and should come on for that run while (7) TWO TWO CARLTON is the only one on the race who has previously tried 1400M. He did rather well at it as well, with a much improved 3^rd place and he can aim to match that today.

Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

(6) MR. FUSION got his maiden win over this distance on debut back in July last year and has followed up with three very solid showings at this class, beating three of these when 3^rd last time out on December 12^th. He is giving weight away but he seems to have a bit of quality and he could win again here. (7) CHOEGANG SSONSAL looks a big danger. He got his maiden win over 1300M in November before following up with a 2^nd place at 1400M on December 12^th and he looks nicely in to go close again today. (1) CHEONNYEONUIYAKSO races for the first time since last February. He made all to win a trial two weeks ago, looking sharp and can go well first-up today. (5) STRONG MIND and (12) NUMBER ONE STAR are others who look firmly in at least the placing hunt.

Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 42 Million

(5) NICE ONE came from slightly off the pace to score his third win in five starts at class and distance on December 12^th beating a few of these in the process. All of his wins have come at this distance and staying under a nice light weight today, he has every chance of another. (2) FASHION KEY has been very consistent, finishing no worse than 5^th across his nine starts to date. He drops back in trip here but well into contention. Loads of others have placing chances. (7) SINBIHAN YEOIN is inconsistent but does have the fastest time at the distance among these and could be considered for improvement. (1) BAENGNYEON SIDAE and (9) LUCKY NUMBER ONE are others who should be in the hunt.

Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (1) ULTRA PHOENIX was a touch disappointing when 6th of fourteen at class and distance on December 6th. That was a better race than this and she did beat a couple of today’s rivals though. Two starts back she was a class and distance winner and she has strong claims here. (5) KINGS LANDING enters with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two. She’s likely to be ridden on pace here and should be going close. (4) CHEONNYEONUI GIL was a good 3rd first-up in November over 1300M. She’s not raced since and while she remains a maiden, expect her to be running on strong late and she can place again. The rest of them are going to need to show an upturn in form with (2) DOCTOR MAX perhaps the most likely to have a say in the placings.

The behind closed-doors Covid-Relief racing continues in Korea with Seoul, Busan and Jeju all hosting simultaneous cards on Friday. We’ll focus on the Busan card which is available on international simulcast with 10 races from 10:40 to 15:30. The feature is a heavyweight clash over 1400M as Today races for the first time since running 2nd in the Curlin Handicap at last year’s Dubai Carnival. He’s not going to find it easy either as he faces the up and coming Ssonsal.

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Tricky little filly maiden to begin with where just four of the twelve have raced before. (2) ARTIE’S GAL was well supported in November having won a trial in a fast time. She led for much of the way around over 1200M before running out of petrol and finishing 3^rd. She can be given another chance today. (12) B.K. POWER similarly led in his latest two races only to end up 2^nd and 3^rd over 1000M and 1200M respectively. The draw is not ideal here but if he can overcome it, then he has a fair chance of finishing on top this time. (1) BARAM GONGJU didn’t really catch the eye in three appearances, the most recent of which was in February of last year. She did though look well when leading all the way in a December trial and we can expect improvement today. Among the first-timers there aren’t really any standouts. (3) DOCTOR FAPPIANO and (6) STARLIGHT registered the best trial times and can be expected to go well first-up here.

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

(7) MIRACLE SON won at start number three on December 6^th, coming from just off the pace to prevail by four-lengths at this distance. He gets another crack at the same level today and while he is carrying an extra 1.5kg, he can win again. There are a couple of credible challengers though. (12) ECHO RUSH may not have win to his name but he recorded a faster time over this distance in similar conditions when 2^nd on December 5^th having briefly led in the home straight. He has the wide draw to contend with but if he can get up close relatively early then he has claims. So too does (8) LUCAS SUN. He was a little bit slow off the mark last start on his first try at today’s distance but rallied well for 3^rd place and today’s jockey booking catches the eye. (5) DAMYANG JEWANG is another in contention having returned from five months out to run 2^nd at this distance in December. He’s drawn well to get on the early speed and should be a factor at the business end too.

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

This is a tricky one. The only previous winner is (10) BABY LINE who broke through at start number four on December 5^th. That was over 1200M and he was ridden a touch more patiently than he had been in his opening three efforts. The additional trip may suit. (8) GOLDEN KAISER was a long way behind a good winner when 3^rd on debut at the end of November. He should have come on for thee run and has claims to go closer today. (11) DIVINE QUEEN and (2) KING OF JOY came home 3^rd and 5^th when they raced each other over 1200M on December 5^th. They are the only pair to have previous experience over this trip and both have at least placing chances today. (4) MIDNIGHT QUEEN ran 5^th to Baby Line last start but in all three of her outings to date, she has run on well late and may appreciate the opportunity of more distance today. (1) THE FIRST FACTOR too has shown some ability and can’t be ruled out.

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

(2) TOP OF KOREA is a winner of two from three so far including his latest which came at this class and distance on December 12^th. He’s drawn well to get close to the early speed and with less weight on his back than last time, he is favoured to score again. He faces a few useful ones though. (9) QUEEN UP was 6^th behind Top Of Korea in that race but she was racing for the first time since January and evidently needed it. She can improve today. (7) BARAMEUI KKUM beat three of these on his way to class and distance 3^rd on December 5^th, running on strong and he too can have designs on at least a place again. (10) GOBLIN was well back in that race but he was first-up and today carries 4.5kg less and can improve. (1) WONDERFUL KING and (11) DOCTOR KHAN are also better than their respective latest appearances suggest.

Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 42 Million

Fillies and mares only here. Both (1) ILNYEOM TONGCHEON and (4) MY QUEEN have done their best work – and scored their victories – at 1400M. They both step back in trip today and find themselves amongst a competitive field. That said it would be no surprise were they to end up battling for top honours. Both are front runners and of the pair, My Queen is marginally favoured to prevail. (3) YEONGGWANGUI TIME has the speed to beat them both as she showed when winning at class and distance last October. She was slowly away from a dreadful gate in her only start since but still rallied for 5^th. Much better drawn today, she should be a big factor. (2) QUEEN MARVEL IJI is also capable of running a competitive time and can be aiming for a place while (6) MY TIZ GEM and (12) HANBIT YEONGGWANG are among others in the frame for a money finish.

Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

After last weekend’s sub-zero and then some unpleasantness, the temperature has warmed up significantly in Korea where once more, all three tracks will run Friday cards at the same time. There is no local attendance or betting. East Jet and Alan Munro renew their successful partnership in Seoul’s feature but once again we will focus on Busan (10 races from 10:35 to 15:15) which is available on international simulcast in the usual places.

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A maiden to kick things off with eight of the twelve racing for the very first time. Of the ones with experience, (5) FIRST EDITION is set to be favourite. Having impressed in his trial, he was well fancied first-up on November 20^th but having led for much of the way, ultimately finished a rather well-beaten 2^nd. Nevertheless, he’ll be favourite again today and should get things right this time. None of the others with experience caught the eye so we’ll turn to the first-timers. (7) FIRST CHOICE first trialed up all the way back in May of 2019 and after a string of setbacks finally makes it to the track. She registered the quickest trial time and goes straight into contention. (6) WONDERFUL JAZZ didn’t offer too many clues in his heat but did nothing wrong and given the stable, he will be backed first-up. (2) S.L. KING and (9) GEUMBIT SKY similarly looked well in their respective heats.

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

(2) JEONGMUN POWER led from gate to wire on debut to record a very smart looking win over this distance. He gets another crack at class 6 here and has every chance of repeating from a good draw. It looks to be between Jeongmun Power and another previous winner, (11) MACH TITAN. He made his breakthrough at start number two and it was a similar all the way performance in a decent time in October. That encouraged connections to take a chance in Busan’s top juvenile race at the end of November and while he couldn’t get close to Heat Yegam or Winner’s Man, he did finish 4^th in a reasonable time and back in shallower waters today is a real threat. (10) MONEY BAG improved on his second start in November and the booking of Seo Seung-un catches the eye. (12) TOP ADELE did nothing on debut last July but looked better when trialing up on Chirstmas Eve and gets a fresh start here.

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

Fillies (and one mare) only for this maiden. (7) LOOKING CAT improved on what was her second career start on December 6^th. She ran on well for 5^th and may appreciate the chance to get a bit of extra distance today. (10) LADY LOVE has been a touch one-paced across her two starts so far but she did improve in the latest of them and shapes to be a factor here. Also improving second up was (2) BAEDARI ICON, who came from off the pace to run a few down for 3^rd place over 1200M and is another who may find the extra furlong suits. (1) NEW GLORY DAY led on her debut a month ago before weakening to 5^th and may be fitter for that run today. (3) KKOTMURI is another who hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but also hasn’t done too much wrong in two starts so far and can improve here. There is just one debut-maker and in such company (6) FLAT BABE merits consideration after an adequate enough trial.

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

Uncharted territory here with all twelve tackling a mile for the first time. (2) ACE DAY is a half-brother to Today, a winner of eleven races in Korea who has also placed in visits to Singapore and Dubai. For his part, Ace Day was an all the way winner on debut over 1200M before making a very slow start on his return to action at the end of November, giving himself far too much to do and ultimately finishing 2^nd. The step up in trip should be fine and he can win here. (7) TRIUMPH KING ran a solid 2md on debut on December 12^th. He ran on well and should also be able to cope well with the mile. Those two look the clear standouts with everything else needing to show improvement. (1) ROCK HARD DANCER hinted at some ability when running on well behind Ace Day last start while (6) DAEHO PYEONGJEONG showed a bit of promise in his first two starts before losing his way a little. The change in distance may be good for him too.

Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (5) GREY ANGEL has won both her two starts so far, running on well both times to score by handsome margins at this distance. Today she has to step up in class for the first time but the task should be well within her ability and she has solid claims again. (9) MAJOR PUNCH beat four of these on her way to a solid 2^nd place at class and distance on November 27^th. That came following a poor performance two starts back but she is a class and distance winner and can be in the hunt again today. (7) GEUMA BONNY was a good winner on debut back in August and while she could only manage 4^th on her November return, this looks a bit easier and she has claims. It’s a similar story with (8) NAMDO QUEEN who ran on well for 4^th on her second start having won on debut. (4) BODE BLADE and (12) ACHIM BIT are others in at least the placing hunt.

The 2021 racing season gets underway in much reduced form on Friday with cards planned at all three racecourses. It is possible the weather may intervene in the Seoul meeting with Friday’s morning temperatures set to dip as low as -16C. We’ll focus on the Busan meeting anyway which has 10 races from 10:35 to 15:15. There is no local admission or betting but the races will be on international simulcast. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Twelve three-year-olds here all of them going round for the very first time. So it’s to the trial videos we head to try and make head or tail of it. (10) APRIL QUEEN beat three of her rivals here when trialing on December 12th. She led early in the heat that day before ending up in 3rd place. The draw isn’t ideal here but she looks to have solid claims. (5) BAEDARI CHOEGANG and (1) FANTASTIC LEADER came home 4th and 5th respectively in the same heat, both running through the line well and should be able to make an impact first up here too. The fastest time any of these recorded in trials was by (4) SECRET MAGIC. She went around tidily enough and while she didn’t really quicken, she stuck to her task well and looked to have plenty of running in her. Among the others, (2) BLACK ROMANCE also looked well enough in his heat beating a couple of the others who go here while (7) JILPUNG KOREA did nothing wrong either.

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (4) MARK ACE is already a winner but gets another crack at what is ostensibly a maiden race because it fell during the reduced stakes racing period. She returned in November to run 3rd, admittedly well back behind a good winner but showed enough again to suggest that in this company she is going to be very dangerous. He will sit on or close to the early speed. (12) PEACE BAEK has the fastest time of these at this distance albeit recorded in very different conditions last August. She maintained her form well on two outings in October and November and despite the gate, looks a big danger here. (3) COLOR WIND and (5) SEUNGNI QUEEN both come in following 3rd place finishes in their respective latest starts and should be in the hunt for places as well. (7) QUEEN VRONSKY was a touch disappointing over 1400M last start but should be better dropped back in trip here.

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

A pretty ordinary maiden here. (2) ENDLESS RUNNING has only raced the once and did quite well, leading for much of the way around before ultimately coming home 4th over 1300M. From gate 2, he’ll be on pace again and can go all the way. (12) CHEONMA HASEO has been knocking on the door for a while with three 4th place finishes including his latest which was at today’s distance in November. The widest gate shouldn’t be an issue and he should be up there. (11) YEONGGWANGUI TEUKGEUP’s name is too long to fit fully into the English race card. He did though beat a couple of these on his latest outing and has previously registered a semi-competitive time at this distance so should be in the hunt today. (8) RAPTOR MAN has the fastest time of these at this distance and is also the only one to have a runner-up finish to his name and he shapes to be competitive here. The wildcard is (7) CHEONMA BRAVO who last time out looked like he needed a bit further and can improve under Ioannis Poullis today.

Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

After finishing 4th on debut, (1) ONNURI JILJU made all to score second-up over this distance on November 11th. He won by a full sixteen-lengths in a fast time and while he is up in class here, he has to be favoured to prevail once more. (5) ALPHA AGAIN actually beat Onnuri Jilju on what was the latter’s debut as they came home 3rd and 4th in October. Alpha Again then dropped back to 1000M to blitz the field for his maiden win. Up in class, he’s never been worse than 4th and will challenge Onnuri Jilju for the early lead. If he gets in front it may get interesting. (10) HAPPY WIND is also up in class following a maiden win at this distance. In her case it came at start number seven but it had been coming after a couple of near-misses. She probably has a bit too much to find on the other two fancies but should have the beating of most of the rest. (4) EAGLE STAR is already a class and distance winner. He was only ordinary when stepped up to 1400M last start but should be better today and carries next to no weight at all. (6) NORTHERN DREAM and (11) QUEEN OF ADELE are among others with placing claims in what is a tasty looking race.

Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 42 Million

Intriguing little race this with a couple of promising first-timers mixing it with some established winners. One of only three Korean bred runners in the race, (9) QUEEN OF THE WORLD is a winner of three from eight so far. She found herself unsuited and overmatched in the Korean Oaks over 1800M last August but in her only run since, she dropped back to this distance to record an all the way win in November in a good time for the level. Based on that performance, she is the one they need to beat with a good apprentice taking some weight off. (8) SONIC KING IJI is also a class and distance winner having scored last November before running 2nd three weeks ago. You Hyun-myung returns to the mount today and he has every chance. Of the others with experience, (2) CHEONNYEONUI QUEEN, with only one start so far, looks to have potential to improve but there are a couple of live looking debut-makers. (6) MY BABY GIRL won her trial in good fashion a month ago. The Python filly ran through the line strong and this should suit first up. (12) SNYDER has been through three trials dating back to last July. The Paddy O’Prado colt led for much of his latest heat in December recording a fast time in 2nd place and with the services of Franco Da Silva can overcome the wide draw to go close.