It’s behind closed doors once more with no betting available in Korea but Busan kicks off the weekend’s proceedings with a short 6-race card on Friday from 13:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
Juveniles kick things off with eight of the twelve racing for the very first time. We’ll side with experience though and (8) DOCTOR PHAROAH ran well on debut on August 1st, when he broke from gate seven and was on pace throughout, ultimately finishing 3rd in a good time. With some natural improvement from that experience, he looks the one to beat. (5) BEOMI NAERYO ONDA went through a couple of trials and in the most recent of them he led early before finishing a competent 4th behind three experienced racehorses in a fair time. If he can bring that form to the races, then he will go close first up here. Among the other debut-makers, (4) FANTASTIC MAGIC and (6) PURPLE MANGO both did enough in their respective trials to suggest that they can be competitive first-up. (2) INDY CHOICE has hinted at ability across his two starts so far and draws much better today than he did last time when caught back and wide.
Selections
(8) Doctor Pharoah (5) Beomi Naeryo Onda (4) Fantastic Magic (6) Purple Mango
Next Best
2, 3
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
A maiden but a good one. More than seven months separated the first two outings of (4) WORLD CHANGE but he did well in both, running 2nd on debut last December over 1200M before finally returning on July 23rd to be 3rd at the same distance. From a slow start he ran on pleasingly and should strip fitter for that run. The additional trip can suit and he has every chance. (9) YEONGGWANGUI SPEED comes in on a string of consistently good times at this distance. His racing pattern suggests the wide draw is no problem and he should be firmly in the finish here. (3) KING GRACE is another who is putting together a consistent record. He settled right at the back on his latest outing on August 1st, at this distance but ran on very well to finish 4th. If he can be a little handier earlier then he can go even closer. (6) GIANT CAL was a much improved 2nd over 1300M at his latest start when he was well back before running on strong. (11) LANE KILLER was an encouraging 3rd on debut over 1300M on August 1st and is another with claims to go close.
Selections
(4) World Change (9) Yeonggwangui Speed (3) King Grace (6) Giant Cal
Next Best
11, 8
Fast Start
4, 7, 9, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
A good race for the level. Four of these raced each other at class and distance on August 1st when (3) FLAT BABE was sent off as favourite but having settled to the rear of midfield, could only make it up to 3rd place on the line. She has demonstrated good consistency though as well as the ability to run fast times at the distance and with Perovic climbing aboard today, can be given another chance. (1) NEW LUX finished 2nd in that race, beating Flat Babe by just under a length. She too has run consistently good times for the distance and from the same draw as last time, will be a big danger again. (5) CAL MARK comes up in class after a good win at this distance class 6 level when he ran on strong from midfield to win going away. His winning time should measure up at this class and he has at least placing claims here. (4) GALLANT WARRIOR comes up in class too after emerging from the same race as Cal Mark where he was 2nd. He is yet to get his maiden win but has never been worse than 5th and has demonstrated plenty of speed and he comes down in the weights here. (12) TWO TWO FAIRY among a number of others with placing claims.
Selections
(3) Flat Babe (1) New Lux (5) Cal Mark (4) Gallant Warrior
Next Best
12, 11
Fast Start
4, 6, 9, 11
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) GEOMEUN SSONSAL was a super class and distance winner on August 1st when stepped up to this trip for the first time. He settled in midfield before accelerating in the straight to score by three-lengths in a fast time. He does have to carry an additional 2kg today meaning he is giving significant weight to all of his rivals, but he should be equal to the task and can make it three wins in a row. (12) BABY LINE had a poor day at the office when sent off as favourite at class and distance on July 23rd, beginning poorly and then getting caught back and wide. He had previously won three in a row and while the draw is not great today, the apprentice keeps his weight down and if he gets a better start he will be worth another chance. (7) TOHAM STAR was just over three-lengths behind Geomeun Ssonsal when 3rd in that August 1st race at class and distance. He meets him with a full 6kg weight advantage this time and can potentially get closer. (3) DAEAM JANGGUN ran 6th in that same race on what was just his second appearance. He was on pace early but weakened a little late on and should have come on for that run. He can get closer here too. A last start class and distance 2nd, (11) TOP BEST is another with claims.
Selections
(2) Geomeun Ssonsal (12) Baby Line (7) Toham Star (3) Daeam Janggun
Next Best
11, 6
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
(5) WILD INDIE is rapidly up in class following back to back wins over a mile at classes 6 and 5, both times having settled back and run on. He comes up in trip as well but is a half-brother to Beolmaui Kkum, who won a graded race at this distance and also to Kkakjaengi, who won a class 1 at this distance. He can continue his rapid progress today. (2) JEONGSU SIDAE is proven at the trip and comes in with his recent form reading consistently. From a good draw, he can settle handy and will have a strong challenge late on. (1) DOCTOR GIANTS comes up in trip following a couple of solid performances over 1400M at this level. His racing pattern suggests that can cope with the additional turn and he too draws very nicely indeed. It’s a similar story with (4) ADELE PUPIL, who ran 3rd on her first try at this level over 1400M last start. She has proven tactically versatile across her six outings to date, in which she has never been any worse than 5th, and under a very amenable weight, she looks firmly in the frame. (3) CHANGE BACK can mix his form but is proven at the class and the distance and is equal top-rated with genuine placing claims.
Busan Race 6: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(6) HEAT YEGAM is proving to be a serious horse. A winner of six from seven so far, he comes in off a scorching victory over 1400M on August 1st when he left highly thought of import Yeongung Louis trailing in his wake. He is up in class here but he comes down in the weights and while he drops back to the distance at which he suffered his only defeat to date, he can be on the pace here and win again. (1) BANJIUI YOJEONG comes in off a fine 2nd place at class and distance back on June 27th. True he was a long way behind the excellent (and now unfortunately long-term lame) Golden Winner but he has three of today’s rivals back down the track behind him. He is lightly weighted and draws exceptionally well and has solid claims to go close once again today. (2) TOP DAY races for the first time since finishing 5th behind Banjiui Yojeong back at the end of May when he overcame a very wide draw. He draws much better today and an apprentice is put up which takes plenty of weight off. (7) HIDDEN STAR and (11) OCEAN PHOENIX among other each-way chances.
Selections
(6) Heat Yegam (1) Banjiui Yojeong (2) Top Day (7) Hidden Star
There has been a lot of rain across the peninsula so far this weekend so keep that in mind when handicapping the SUnday cards at Seoul (9 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:30):
It was pretty bleak at Seoul on Saturday
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
Twelve juveniles here and all but one of them race for the very first time. That one went well on her debut to such an extent that (4) SPEED FALCON is the pick. She settled towards the back of a small field on debut on July 18th before running on well for 3rd place. Granted she was a long way behind a very good winner and never looked like getting 2nd either but there as a decent gap to 4th and she should have benefitted a lot from the experience. (8) DREAM SPEED took two trials to qualify and was greatly improved in the second of those when overcoming the widest gate to run on for a good 3rd. (1) THE REAPER was a close at hand 4th in his trial in a fair time and the inside gate puts him right in this first-up. (7) COMPLETE LUCKY essentially ran a different trial to his heat’s speed-merchant winner, but he went around competently and along with (5) GIANT KILLING is another place chance.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
A maiden with very little in the way of convinving form and accordingly (2) MY DESTINY leaps out. She comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd place finish from her latest two outings, both of them at this distance and both times sitting handy and running on. She draws very nicely here and should have too much. (3) SAVE US showed close to the front for much of the way around at this distance on debut, ultimately finishing back in 7th among a field of twelve. She should have benefited from that experience and with some natural improvement can go close today. (1) HAEUNDAE BLUE can take advantage of the inside gate to get on the early speed and should be ready to make progress from her first two appearances while (9) TRIPLE JILJU too has registered a couple of promising performances and can aim to at least match his best to date finish of 4th. Apart from My Destiny, (8) ANY LINE is the only one in the field to have a top-three finish in his record and he drops back in trip and into the placing frame here.
Selections
(2) My Destiny (3) Save Us (1) Haeundae Blue (9) Triple Jilju
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million
A maiden where the talent doesn’t exactly leap off the page. Five race here for the first time. (2) RUBY STAR put in a good trial, settling in midfield and then ran on for 3rd without being asked for too much, ending in a fair time If she brings that form to the races, she has solid claims first-up. Of the experience, not a huge amount of it is positive although (9) PRINCESS DAY didn’t do a whole lot wrong on debut, albeit she only beat two home. It was certainly better than anything else here has produced and she won’t need to improve on it too much to be in the finish. (4) P N S HAENGBOK ran well in his second trial despite having plenty going against him from a wide draw. The jockey booking gives some cause for optimism. (8) M J DOLPUNG and (11) GIJEOGUI HIM are others with experience who may improve for their previous runs but really, most here will have to be taken on trust that they can get better.
Selections
(2) Ruby Star (9) Princess Day (4) P N S Haengbok (8) M J Dolpung
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
1, 7, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (8) CHEONGMA HWANGHU comes in off a solid 2nd place over this distance on July 31st when she settled on pace and ran on well with no chance of getting to the winner but well clear of the 3rd place-getter. Her draw isn’t quite so good today but she has the fastest start of these and should be on pace again with every chance of going all the way. (3) HAMAN BANGEOSAN drew the widest gate on debut at 1200M on July 25th and proceeded to go ever wider once they opened and took a long time to find cover. He ran on pleasingly enough though and natural improvement from the experience along with a much better gate and an additional half-furlong make him an each-way prospect here. (1) RUN AND GUN made similarly good ground late on in the same race and she too should be running on strong at the business end. (4) IRON GIRL and (7) POWER WOLF dead-heated for 4th at 1200M on July 25th and are among others in at least the placing frame in what is a competitive race.
Selections
(8) Cheongma Hwanghu (3) Haman Bangeosan (1) Run And Gun (4) Iron Girl
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
3, 4, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
(8) RUN RUN RUN comes in after a significantly improved showing at star number four when he ran 2nd on what was his first try at this distance. He was away slowly but rattled home nicely and a similar run will see him go close here. (5) BEST FORCE comes in off the back of some good recent form at shorter distances, most recently sitting handy and then running on for 4th in a decent time over 1300M. She is drawn well so may look to be on or close to the pace here. (1) TINA comes up in trip after a much-improved 2nd over 1200M on July 10th when for the first time she was ridden to the front early. From the inside gate she can get forward again and could go close. (2) ADELE NARAE’s form reads well, especially his last start 5th at class and distance. However, he is first-up here after almost five months out and offered few clues in a trial on August 6th. (11) SOUTH BAN has registered a couple of good times at the distance and is another in the placing hunt.
Selections
(8) Run Run Run (5) Best Force (1) Tina (2) Adele Narae
Next Best
11, 3
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
Fillies only here. (4) FIRST STAR was a good class and distance winner on July 25th, racing handy and then running on in a very similar all-filly race. The engagement of an apprentice jockey means that she meets some of her rivals from that day on even better terms and with another good draw, she can win again. First Star’s victory consigned (10) GOOD TANK to a first defeat, although the Officer filly went down by less than a length. She has led all three of her races so far so the draw is not ideal, but she remains a big threat and with a bit of improvement, can overturn the form. (11) MARK ACE has been a model of consistency with six top three finishes from ten starts. Last time at class and distance, she was handy to the lead and briefly touched the front before ending up in 2nd and she has at least placing claims again. (6) ECHO GOOD comes in off a solid 3rd place over 1300M last start. She can mix her form but looks nicely in here. Up in class but down in weight and well-drawn, (5) TAMNA HWANGHU is another in the placing frame.
Selections
(4) First Star (10) Good Tank (11) Mark Ace (6) Echo Good
Next Best
5, 9
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
Three last start winners come up in class here while there are a whole host of horses with prior experience at this level who also have very solid claims. We’ll try to find some value and take a chance on apprentice Lim Da-bin and (2) ALCHAN NURI. He comes in off the back of two very good performances in quick times at this distance and coupled with the light weight and the great gate, he has a real chance. (6) FIGHTING NOW is top-rated off the back of his consistency which has seen him to six top-three finishes in ten starts, including back-to-back runner-up finishes in good times in wet tracks at this distance. He is yet to win though and does give weight away to everything else. (9) QUEENS TOUR is consistent and was a good class and distance 2nd last start having made all to win at class 6 level the time before. She may need a bit of luck from her gate but is a contender. Another contender and also drawn wide is (10) BEST TAP. He has the fastest time of any of these at the distance in his record and is another who enters in good form. (1) WONDERFUL DEVIL got a soft win last start and while she is up in class, she still has scope for a bit of natural improvement and from a nice draw, shapes as an each-way chance.
Selections
(2) Alchan Nuri (6) Fighting Now (9) Queens Tour (10) Best Tap
Next Best
1, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
Another very competitive class 5. (12) MIRACLE SON beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance on July 25th when he was prominent throughout. His time on a dry track that day was faster than any of the others here have achieved at the distance. He gets a terrible draw but if he can overcome that then he can go one better today. (4) B J SONG was a winner at start number two over this distance on July 11th, pretty much making all. He comes up in class but with some natural improvement and from a good draw, he should be able to lead again and be in the finish. Joining him on the early speed should be (3) D’LOVELY QUEEN. She too comes up in class following a maiden victory last start and has every chance of measuring up. (7) WONDERFUL KING was a beaten favourite behind Miracle Son last start. Yet to win in twelve, he has a good placing record and is worth another chance here. (2) HIT THE ROAD among plenty of others with placing claims.
For the time being racing will continue as scheduled for prize-money only with all betting outlets now closed in Korea due to the latest round of Covid restrictions. That situation is likely to be reviewed in September although few are optimistic about the government allowing reopening this year. With all three tracks back from their summer break, this weekend sees a normal schedule. There is a 6-race card at Busan on Friday from 13:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Busan in better times
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million
Three-year-olds and one juvenile and a very interesting match-up it is too pitting a couple of promising debut-makers against some experienced horses who look ready to win. We’ll take a chance on the debut-maker (2) DROMUS though. The Dominus filly was imported in-utero last year and wasn’t ready when trialed all the way back last December. She re-appeared in a heat on July 24th and led all the way while held together very nicely, looking to have a good six or seven-lengths up her sleeve. If she brings that form to the races, she can win. (11) GLORY SONG scores well on all indicators. Last start she had the same gate as today and was wide for most of the way around running on well enough for 4th. She can go close today. (1) KING GOLIATH drops back in trip after encouraging runs at 1400M and 1300M. Crucially he finally draws a decent gate as well and he is another with winning chances here. The one juvenile is (8) B. K. HANA and she trialed up pleasingly, leading early and then running on well under urging to finish up alongside some talented experienced racehorses. She too should be in the finish. (3) CARIBBEAN DAY another with placing chances.
Selections
(2) Dromus (11) Glory Song (1) King Goliath (8) B. K. Hana
Next Best
3, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
(4) UNJU SESANG has two runner-up finishes and a 4th from three starts to date. Last time out at this distance on June 5th, she sat handy and ran on well to almost catch the winner, only going down by a nose. A similar run here from a good draw may make her hard to beat. Jockey Park Jae-I is in a bit of a purple patch at the moment and he actually ride Unju Sesang to that 2nd place last time. Today he partners (5) NICE WORLD, who may end up the main rival. She has raced just once, when 4th over 1200M back in April when she overcame gate fourteen to run on well. She looked well when trialing up again just last week and so long as she didn’t leave her race on the track then, she should go well here. (9) SINJIN GANGHO is a hold up horse who while he does leave himself too much to do, has the best finish of any of these and will be coming on strong in the closing stages. (6) BLUE OAK is yet to win in sixteen attempts but her recent form is her best and she finished alongside Sinjin Gangho last time. She has a better draw today and can aim to place. (1) FIRST WIND is the only previous winner in the field and is another with placing hopes.
Selections
(4) Unju Sesang (5) Nice World (9) Sinjin Gangho (6) Blue Oak
Next Best
1, 12
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 7
Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) GOLD FOUNTAIN has won his latest three, one at a mile and two at today’s distance, to be rapidly promoted up to this class. He has won from handy and from the back of the field and he comes down significantly in weigh here with every chance of making it four in a row. (9) KINGS LANDING comes in off a very strong 2nd place at class and distance on August 1st when she sat handy and ran on. While she didn’t get close to a good winner, the time she recorded was faster than any of her rivals here have over the distance and is a contender here. So too is (8) BABEL DREAMER. He came from a handy position to get his maiden win at start number six over class and distance on July 16th and while he does come up in the weights, he has every chance of going close again. (4) SUNLIGHT BOY has won at this distance at class 5 level and has been very consistent across three subsequent class and distance. He continues to get in under very light weights and will be competitive again here. (6) B.K. LOOKS was a winner at this class over 1200M last start and has previously run well at this trip too. With an apprentice keeping the weight down, he is another in the frame.
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Good little race this and plenty have winning chances. (5) ACE DAY was a very nice class and distance winner on July 17th, making all to score by as many as he pleased. He does come up in the weights today but that is mitigated a little by him drawing a much better gate and he can win again. It’s the opposite case for (11) SECOND WIND who gets a much worse draw than when she won on August 1st but she does come down 3kg. That’s because she is up in class today but while that race was an all-filly affair, he winning time was the same as that of Ace Day and she should measure up here. (9) RAON THE POWER is a winner of three from seven so far and is sure to be a danger. He comes in off a good 2nd at class and distance and is likely to sit on pace or handy today. Also on pace will be (6) DOCTOR FASHION. He drops back in trip after running 3rd over 1400M on July 16th but he is a class and distance winner as recently as May and warrants respect today. (12) BURNING FLY came home 3rd behind Ace Day last time out and while she draws the car park here, shouldn’t be completely ruled out of another place.
Selections
(5) Ace Day (11) Second Wind (9) Raon The Power (6) Doctor Fashion
Next Best
12, 3
Fast Start
6, 8, 9, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
(9) RAON THE CAPTAIN steps up in class and in distance following back to back class 6 scores over a mile and 1400M, both times getting to handy positions from wide draws before winning easily. There is no reason why he can’t be competitive here and a hat-trick of wins looks very much on the cards. Having won at a mile at class 6 level, (1) SEUNGNI GLORY was sent off as favourite for his first try at class and distance on July 9th. He ended up coming home 4th – beaten by three of today’s rivals – having sat midfield and then not kicked on perhaps as much as expected. Nevertheless, he should have learned from the experience and can go close again today. (6) ACE JACKPOT was the somewhat unexpected winner of that July 9th race. Unlike in previous recent outings, he got off to a very good start that day and while he does come up in the weights, he warrants a little more respect this time around. (10) CRYSTAL THINKING is up in class following a gritty win over a mile last month and can be competitive too while (11) GEUMA GOOD POINT has solid experience at this class and tries the distance for the first time. He is one of a number with placing claims.
Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
Good race to finish and (6) MR. VALOR is a winner of three from his latest four with his last two races both being class and distance victories, both times sitting handy and proving too strong late on. He draws well and what would have been a significant weight increase is mitigated a little by a good apprentice taking the mount. He can complete his hat-trick here. (10) GEUMA STORMING is still relatively unexposed with two wins from three and he steps up in class and in distance after a strong all the way win over a mile on July 31st. The start before he won at this distance and down in the weights today, he has solid claims to complete a hat-trick of his own. (4) POKPUNG EONDEOK came from well off the pace to score in a fast time over a mile at class 4 level last start and is another who can measure up at this class and distance. (9) FREEDOM KNIGHT and (7) FANTASTIC MAN among others in at least the placing frame.
Selections
(6) Mr. Valor (10) Geuma Storming (4) Pokpung Eondeok (9) Freedom Knight
It’s one of those rare Saturdays where both Seoul and Busan hold cards. Both meetings are behind closed doors with no legal betting available to punters in Korea. Blue Chipper and Doctor Carson face off in the feature at Busan. There are 9 races in Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:30 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens kick us off with five of the ten making their racecourse debuts. We’re going to put a couple of ones with experience on top though. (5) BENCAL PRINCESS was a trial winner in June and then Debuted on July 3rd when the Cowboy Cal filly settled midfield before running on strong for a good 2nd place finish in a fast time behind a good winner who ran 3rd at class 5 level last weekend. Three of today’s rivals were behind her. With natural improvement out of that race, she can win today. (9) YUKWAEHAN SEONTAEK ran 3rd on own debut at this distance back on June 20th. He settled close to the pace that day and ran on and can go close again with Antonio Da Silva climbing aboard. (1) ROAD ACE was 5th behind BENCAL PRINCESS running on pleasingly enough from a midfield position. He can improve today. There were a few promising trial performances from the newcomers with (6) SPEED GALLOP and (8) GEOLJAK DREAM the main eye-catchers.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens go around here with six of the eleven making their racecourse debuts. One of the first-timers is set to be the favourite in the shape of (8) AGAIN TOUCH. A half-sister to last year’s KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup winner Touch Star Man through their dam, Korean Oaks winner Useung Touch. She trialed very nicely in a fast time on a good rated track on July 17th finishing a very close 2nd to a horse that went on to win first-up a couple of weeks ago. If she brings that form to the races, she will win. Among those with experience, (2) GREAT BLUE is the pick. He didn’t catch the eye in his trial but came from well back to run 6th on debut at this distance in a decent time and with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. With a bit of natural improvement, he can get closer today. (11) MONGTTANG, a stablemate of Again Touch, was 7th on debut in that race and will also be expected to improve second-up. Returning to the first-timers, both (6) B.K. MARSHALL and (7) UNJU BULPAE registered decent times and competent performances and are worth keeping an eye on.
Selections
(8) Again Touch (2) Great Blue (11) Mongttang (6) B.K. Marshall
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
(3) SOEWAKKOT was a winner at start number two over 1000M on June 12th when he made all in a fast time on a wet track. He then lost his way from the widest gate on his reappearance over 1200M on July 11th but still rallied well enough to finish in 4th place. He draws much better today and looks very much the one to beat. Korea’s all-time leading jockey in terms of winners Park Tae-jong returns from injury and on his first ride back has a decent prospect in the shape of (6) GEUMGUKHWA. She’s posted the fastest time among these at the distance and should be looking for a career best finish here. She will challenge Soewakkot for the early lead as will (5) K N TEUKGEUP, who has a 3rd place to her name at this distance. Her last start was underwhelming but she comes down in the weights with an apprentice aboard and into the frame. (7) SINUI HANSU and (1) OKDONG GONGJU are others with placing hopes.
Selections
(3) Soewakkot (6) Geumgukhwa (5) K N Teukgeup (7) Sinui Hansu
Next Best
1, 10
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
More juvenile maidens here this time with five of the ten racing for the first time. There are a couple of standouts and to choose between them we will side with experience and (7) YEONGGWANGUILEGEND. He won a May trial before placing 2nd in a fast time on debut on July 16th at this distance when he sat handy and then ran on. He draws the same gate today and should have come on for that debut run. The primary danger is a first-timer. (4) GOLDENTHUNDERBOLT was a front-running 2nd in his trial on July 24th coming home in a good time. From a nice draw he can be on pace again and will be running on strong at the business end of the race. The rest will have to be taken on trust somewhat. (8) SEOGWI POINT was on pace early but weakened for 6th over 1200M on debut on July 9th. She drops back in trip today and may improve for that run. (6) BARBELL STORM went through a couple of trials improving in the second of them and he may go ok here. It was hard to judge (3) ADELE BOSS on his trial as it was very slowly run but the trainer/jockey combination will tempt some.
Selections
(7) Yeonggwanguilegend (4) Goldenthunderbolt (8) Seogwi Point (6) Barbell Storm
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
(3) IMUGI has been getting closer over the course of his five starts so far and comes in having run 3rd over 1400M when he led until the closing stages. He comes back in trip here and draws very nicely to lead again with solid claims to break through. (11) ROSEDAY MARINE has by some margin the quickest time of any of these at the distance, recorded when 2nd back in April. Since then she has three consecutive 5th places to her name, all at this distance and having led in two of them. While the gate may not be ideal if she can sit close to the pace, she will be in the finish. (6) DDATTEUTHANBIT and (10) YAS both showed signs of figuring things out in the respective latest outings. Ddatteuthanbit comes up in trip after running on well for 3rd over 1000M on June 12th while Yas comes down after running 4th at 1300M on July 10th. Both have placing claims here. Along with Roseday Marine, (7) MEOTJIN GUY is the only other onw in the field with a runner-up finish to his name, achieved three starts back at 1300M and while his times have not been spectacular, that in itself puts him in the frame.
We’re back to the bad old days. With Covid cases continuing to reach record levels in Korea, the rest of the country has joined the Capital region in ordering doors closed on all betting locations. So, while fans of track cycling can bet and watch from the safety and comfort of their living rooms this weekend, racing, which supports 26,000 jobs across the horse industry and which plows billions of won into the rural economy every year, is forced once more to accrue more losses by racing for prize money only as its fans have no legal avenue to place a bet. Nevertheless, with the Jeju pony racing taking a week off for its summer break, there is a bumper 12-race card at Busan on Friday for overseas simulcasting. Here are the previews of a competitive day’s action:
Dynamic Busan
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
A competitive maiden to kick things off. (2) TWO TWO LIME ran 8th behind a couple of these on debut over 1000M on June 19th before stepping up to today’s distance on her reappearance on July 18th. That day she sat midfield and then ran on strong to finish 2nd, albeit well beaten by a good winner. She draws better today and with some natural improvement can win this. (1) ADELE SUCCESS returns for the first time since finishing 3rd in that June 19th race over 1000MThat was her best finish in five starts so far but marked a continuation in progress in terms of performance. She too draws much better today and could well get a soft lead. She is a “full” sister to Success Story and surely has a win in her at some stage. (4) K CHUKJE has the fastest time of any of these at the distance recorded when 2nd two starts back on a wet track. He followed up with a 5th place a month ago and has placing claims again. (5) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN will be expected to improve on his debut 7th in June. He ran on strong late on and should be better for the experience. (10) SPRING FIRE another capable of placing although may need some luck from a wide draw.
Selections
(2) Two Two Lime (1) Adele Success (4) K Chukje (5) Haman Yeohangsan
Next Best
10, 11
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
Another maiden and they’re all fillies except for one rogue gelding. We’ll side with (6) A ONE PLUS, who needs to be forgiven a dismal showing at her latest start over 1400M on July 18th when she began quickly from gate ten but quickly capitulated to the extant that she was sent back to trial. She looked well when re-qualifying two weeks ago and if we go on her latest two outings at this distance, both in June when she picked up a pair of runner-up finishes in good times, then she is surely in this. (3) HAPPY WOMAN has been consistent across her four outings so far, never finishing any worse than 5th. From a good draw here, she can sit just behind the early pace and run on strong, and the jockey engagement will certainly encourage plenty. That’s true too with (10) WORLD FLOWER who comes in off encouraging runs over 1200M and 1300M in her latest two and can figure again while (7) HOLLYWOOD QUEEN was a much-improved 4th last start coming from off the pace to finish in a fast time at this distance. A repeat is possible here. (2) WONDERFUL LADY among a number of others with minor money hopes in a weak race.
Selections
(6) A One Plus (3) Happy Woman (10) World Flower (7) Hollywood Queen
Next Best
2, 8
Fast Start
1, 6, 9, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
Another maiden and the vast majority enter with distinctly ordinary form. That makes (4) STEADY WINNER the top pick as, barring her effort two starts back when she was drawn in the car park over 1300M, she has managed to consistently put in creditable efforts. She has the fastest time of these at this distance and comes in off a decent enough 3rd over 1200M last time out. From a nice draw, Perovic can pick his spot and she should be too strong at the business end of the race. (7) SEONGSIL SONYEO has been getting a bit too far back in her races, but she generally runs on well enough. She is the only runner here with a 2nd place on her resume and the step up in trip may benefit. (3) QUEEN HARLEY came from well back to run 6th over 1300M at her latest start. She has had a couple of months off since and can go well first up here. (11) HAVANA JANE has hinted at figuring things out this preparation. She tackles the distance for the first time, and it could well suit. (1) MACH UNI possibly the best of a very limited rest.
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
A maiden of many chances over the mile. (4) TRIPLE STORM is the tentative top pick having shown good consistency in recent starts over 1400M with a 2nd and a 3rd among his efforts so far this year and with some solid times posted along the way. He tends to go right back and run on, and he tackles a mile for the first time. (2) YEONSEUNG BRAVO has the fastest time among those who have tried this distance before. He comes back up in trip after a good 4th over 1300M three weeks ago when he ran on well and he gives jockey Shin Yun-seob a good opportunity on his first day race riding in Korea. (11) MAJOR FORCE has a couple of 4th place finishes to his name at this distance and comes back up in trip following two creditable 5th places over 1400M. He is tactically versatile so the wide draw shouldn’t be too problematic, and he should enter the calculations. (9) ECHO LADY finished behind Major Force last start but previously ran 2nd with a front-running performance in a fast time over 1400M. She will probably be on pace here and can go close. (10) STORM BROWN one of several others with at least minor money hopes in what is a nice competitive affair.
Selections
(4) Triple Storm (2) Yeonseung Bravo (11) Major Force (9) Echo Lady
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
2, 8, 9, 11
Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
Super race for the level. (8) MISS INDIE comes up in class after winning her first two starts, the second of which was an all the way six-length score over 1400M on July 11th. She comes up in trip as well, but her half-brother Mr. Afleet followed a similar trajectory and recently won a class 1 at 1800M so she should be able to cope with it. This is a tough race, but she can maintain her 100% record. (1) K K WON is yet to win after eleven attempts but enters in good form with two runner- up finishes from his latest three outings, both of which were at today’s distance. From the inside gate, he can sit handy and run on strong and he should be in the finish again. (3) YEONGDO GALMAEGI came home in 4th place behind K K Won on what was his first try at this class and distance on July 23. He led for much of that race and could well have come on for the experience. (7) WHITE GALLOPER and (11) DOCTOR TAKE both come up in class following last start wins over 1400M. The running style of both can suit the extended distance today and both can measure up in this company.
Selections
(8) Miss Indie (1) K K Won (3) Yeongdo Galmaegi (7) White Galloper
Next Best
11, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
Another good race for this level with many chances. (1) LUCKY BREAK was an all the winner by no fewer than ten-lengths on July 18th. She does come up in class, but she registered the fastest time among any of these at the distance for good measure and it was on a dry track. She draws nicely today and must be given every chance. Lucky Break has tended to be an all or nothing performer though with two wins her only top-three finishes from eight starts so far. If you prefer proven consistency, then (4) BURNING PARTY may be the way to go. Her latest outings, all at this distance have been very solid with a class 6 win among them. She has a 2nd and a 4th at this level to her name already and from a nice draw should be challenging for the lead right from the start. (12) ECOPIA doesn’t get the best of luck with the draw but there is no doubting her speed as shown when she posted a minute-flat for the 1000M in June. She was a class and distance 3rd in a good time at her latest outing and if Franco Da Silva can find a good spot for her, then she should be in this. (3) WONDERFUL JAZZ ran on strong for a close at hand 4th at class and distance last start and can be in the mix again. (5) B. K. KING STAR was a winner at this distance two starts back and ran well for 2nd on his first try at this class a month ago.
Selections
(1) Lucky Break (4) Burning Party (12) Ecopia (3) Wonderful Jazz
Racing makes its way into August and with Seoul off this weekend there is a bumper 15-race card at Busan from 11:00 to 18:00. with some really good races along the way. Here are the previews:
King Of Glory – seen in better days all round – goes in Busan’s Sunday feature
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
Juveniles here racing for boosted prize-money and it’s wide open. (10) MAN OF THE YEAR was arguably the best in trials when sitting just off the pace and running on for 2nd in a fast time on a dry track. The wide draw may not be ideal but if Perovic can get a decent position, the Federalist colt may have too much. Both trainer Bart Rice and jockey Franco Da Silva had good Julys and they kick off August with a serious contender in the shape of (1) FLASHY CHARM. He led in his trial and finished off pleasingly enough for 5th in a decent time with some experienced horses among those ahead of him. He draws well here and has every chance. (4) WONDERFUL RAISE also trialed up alongside experienced ones and didn’t look out of place. Expect improvement from the trial and given the stable, he will have plenty of backing. There is only one runner with previous racecourse experience. (8) DONGBU STAR didn’t exactly set the world alight when 8th of 11 over 1300M a month ago but previously trialed well at today’s distance and can improve. (9) HANEUL GANGJA another to look out for.
Selections
(10) Man Of The Year (1) Flashy Charm (4) Wonderful Raise (8) Dongbu Star
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million
(2) DONGTEUJA BOY was a beaten favourite on debut at today’s distance on July 11th, but ran pleasingly enough for 3rd having briefly struck the front at the top of the stretch. He should have come on for that run and You Hyun-myung climbing aboard certainly won’t damage his chances. He is therefore favoured to overturn the form on (5) DOCTOR TEXAS, who ran 2nd in that same race. That continued an upward trajectory for Doctor Texas, who has shown improvement at each start, and who looks like the main danger here. Both should be competing for the early lead. It’s a fresh start today for (4) GLORY KING, who made one solitary start back in January without troubling the scorers. He looked a completely different prospect when bolting up in a trial in late June, leading from gate to wire. He will be expected to improve significantly on that January effort today. (9) SORI OREUM and (10) TRIPLE JILJU are others in at least the placing frame while (7) WIND HIGH looks the most promising at this stage of the three first-time starters.
Selections
(2) Dongteuja Boy (5) Doctor Texas (4) Glory King (9) Sori Oreum
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
(8) DANCING DRAGON has mixed her form across her four starts so far but she has now run a couple of good times for this distance and today gets the assistance of Perovic in the saddle. She can sit behind the early speed here and could well prove too strong late on. The main danger and probable betting favourite is (4) UNJU EUTTEUM. He ran a very promising 3rd debut over 1200M on June 26th, when he was on pace throughout. He should have benefited from that experience and will surely be in the finish again today. (11) BAEK PUNG left himself far too much to do at his latest start on June 26th, crossing to the rail early but racing ungenerously and looking as though he resented the kickback. Once he found clear ground in the straight, he worked home well enough and while the draw is even worse today, if Seo Seung-un can keep him out of trouble, he has placing claims here. (2) QUEEN OF HEARTS has run well in her latest two starts for 5th and 3rd at 1200M and 1400M respectively and she can go well from a nice barrier here. (12) RAPIDO QUEEN is another who has been up and down but has recorded a fast time at this distance and may sneak some minor money.
Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
(7) GALLANT WARRIOR is the pick here, coming in off a last start runner-up finish when he settled back before improving to midfield and then running on strong to record what is the fastest time of any of these who have attempted the distance. He has a good start on him too so from a central gate, You Hyun-myung should have plenty of options and the pair can go one better today. (2) ECHO LADY also comes in off a last start runner-up finish. In her case it was just her second appearance and it marked a big improvement. From the same gate as she draws today, she was quickly on the speed, only relinquishing it a furlong out and then battled on well. She has every chance here. (11) MAJOR FORCE has been consistent across his eight starts so far, finishing in 4th place on no fewer than three occasions. His times have been consistent at both today’s distance and at a mile and looks a decent shout for a place here. (9) CAL MARK has also shown consistency in terms of times and comes in off a career best 2nd on July 9th over 1300M. He tackles the 1400M for the first time and given the way he has been working home in his races, it may suit. (6) TAMNA HWANGHU is the only previous winner in the race, at this distance three starts back, and that alone must bring her into the calculations.
Selections
(7) Gallant Warrior (2) Echo Lady (11) Major Force (9) Cal Mark
Next Best
6, 12
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 10
Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
(9) RAON THE CAPTAIN broke through at start number three on June 26th, overcoming an even wider draw than today to get close to the pace and then then prove too strong, beating a couple of these in the process as he recorded what was an easy win on the line. That was over a mile so he is back in trip today but he gets in at the same weight and may take some beating. (12) YEONGGWANGUI SPEED has the fastest time among these at this distance. His best finish so far has come when he has gone right back and run on so the gate may not be such an issue for him. He has finished in the top four on five of his seven starts and should be in the frame here. (5) LUCAS SUN came home in 3rd place behind Raon The Captain in that June 26th race. That was his third 3rd place finish from eight starts so far and while he has seven-lengths to find on Raon The Captain, he should be beating plenty of these. (1) TRIPLE STORM and (4) SIMON TOP GUN are others with placing claims.
Selections
(9) Raon The Captain (12) Yeonggwangui Speed (5) Lucas Sun (1) Triple Storm
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 10
Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
Fillies and mares only here and (1) B J MISS is up in class on her solid last start win over 1200M in a good time when she led from gate to wire to score by four-lengths. The filly who ran 2nd to her that day (Choegang Ilse) came out last week and won herself. She draws the inside here and should measure up in this class. (2) SECOND WIND was a good winner over 1400M at class 6 level two starts back before last time on July 2nd taking a bump at the start before pulling hard and expending a lot of energy before working home well for 5th. A couple of today’s rivals finished ahead of her but with a clean getaway she can overturn that form today. (10) HAPPY YOJEONG was one of those who finished ahead of Second Wind on July 2nd. She settled midfield and then ran out well and the wide draw should fit her pattern of racing. (12) MASTER QUEEN also comes out of that July 2nd race when she was 3rd. She has now placed in all three starts at this class since getting her maiden win in April. She has led in all of those meaning the wide draw may not be helpful but she can’t be overlooked. (9) GREAT GO is another who comes out of that July 2nd race and another in the hunt.
Selections
(1) B J Miss (2) Second Wind (10) Happy Yojeong (12) Master Queen
Seoul is taking its annual summer weekend off so Busan ploughs a lone furrow. There are 5 races on Saturday from 14:20 to 18:00 (there is also pony racing at Jeju which is simulcast into Busan if you were wondering what the point is of such a short card) while on Sunday there is a bumper 15-race program from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are Saturday’s previews:
This is a very old picture of Busan Racecourse
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
Maidens kick us off and (1) HAVE A GOOD TIME enters with the fastest time at this distance and has shown good consistency in his latest outings. He generally sits handy and the inside gate should allow him to pick his spot and he can break through here. (10) PURE KING raced twice last year registering a 4th at 1000M and a 3rd at today’s trip. He has not been seen since but he trialed up very pleasingly at the start of July, putting in a fast time and has every chance of going well first-up here. He doesn’t need to lead so the draw should not be too much of a hindrance. Speaking of the draw, (5) AREUMDAUN GAMDONG took full advantage of finally getting a good one when a much improved 3rd at this distance last time out. The barrier is kind once again and a repeat of that performance should put him in the finish. (7) CROWN KING STAR has shown improvement over three appearances to date, and led for much of the way around before ending up 3rd over 1300M on July 4th. The slight drop back in trip may suit and he has solid claims. Expect him to be competing for the early lead with (8) SONHADOR, who races for only the second time but who has shown good speed and should strip fitter for his debut run just two weeks ago.
Selections
(1) Have A Good Time (10) Pure King (5) Areumdaun Gamdong (7) Crown King Star
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
Disregard the latest effort from (1) CHEONGMA HWANGHU on July 9th when from a wide gate, he took a bump at the start and was subsequently out of position and wide all the way around. He should have a much easier run of it from the inside today and if we go on his previous work at this distance with a 3rd and a 4th in fast times then we can expect him to lead here and potentially go all the way. (4) SAEMANGEUMUIVISION was one of those to benefit from Cheongma Hwanghu’s luckless run earlier this month as she finished ahead of him that day. In that race she settled handy and ended up a good 4th but she has come from off the pace to go close as well and she can be a danger here. (12) WONDERFUL LADY worked home well for 3rd at her last start, continuing the upturn in form she has shown over her latest outings. From the widest gate she can run her own race here and reel plenty in late on. (10) CATCH THE SUN has finished in 5th place on both previous outings. He did his best work late on in both so superficially at least, the extra half-furlong today may work in his favour. (3) DREAM DANCER will need her latest two outings forgiven but she draws much better today and should improve.
Selections
(1) Cheongma Hwanghu (4) Saemangeumuivision (12) Wonderful Lady (10) Catch The Sun
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
Fascinating clash here between two up and comers who will probably start as nearly co-favourites. We’ll tentatively side with (3) GEUMA STORMING, who debuted with a fast 2nd at this distance on a wet track in June having led almost the entire way around. He then stepped up to 1800M on July 4th and say just behind the leader before proving too strong in the closing stages. He does come up in weights but he draws nicely and can win again. So too can (7) JERA, who has four wins from five starts so far. A year Geuma Storming’s junior but more experienced, the Musket Man colt races for the first time since winning at class and distance on May 1st. He is versatile in that he can either lead all the way or settle back and run on and he has every chance. (4) ITSMYLUCKYBOY ran 2nd to Jera on that May race before stepping up to 1800M on June 6th and leading from gate to wire for his maiden win. He comes up slightly in the weights today but is likely to be on pace and can go close. So too can (12) DUNCAN. He was 4th behind Geuma Storming in June but has won at class and distance. He too comes up in the weights. (11) QUEEN UP perhaps the best of a competitive rest, carrying a light weight.
Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
A very competitive handicap but (4) ONNURI JILJU coming down a full 6.5kg in the weights from his 2nd place over 1400M on June 27th is too tempting to ignore despite him being up in class today. He has finished in the top two on six of seven starts so far, winning well at today’s distance, and looks good to be in the finish again. He gets significant weight from (10) CHOEGANG SSONSAL, who comes in off a good 2nd place over 1400M at his latest start on June 12th. He comes back to a trip over which he has run one of the fastest times this year and warrants respect today. (7) MY QUEEN also comes back in trip, in her case after a win over 1400M in April. She is resuming after three months out but has never finished any worse than 3rd in eight outings to date and has every chance of going well first up today. (12) QUEEN OF THE WORLD beat Choegang Ssonsal, as well as a number of others who go here, at this class over 1400M on June 12th. She made all that day but will possibly have a harder time from the widest gate today. (11) MACH TITAN joins Onnuru Jilju up in class having won that June 27th race. Despite there being a big swing in both the weights and in the draw advantage, as well as the shorter distance, he can be competitive again.
Selections
(4) Onnuri Jilju (10) Choegang Ssonsal (7) My Queen (12) Queen Of The World
Next Best
11, 9
Fast Start
5, 8, 9, 12
Busan Race 5: Class 2 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Nice race to finish off with and (3) DOCTOR FAPPIANO can continue her superb run of form, despite jumping up two classes from her latest start. She won that well leading for much of the way before being briefly headed in the home straight and then running on strongly. The time would have been competitive at this level and she carries next to nothing on her back. Coming up just the one class is (7) WINNER’S MAN who, back in early spring when we naively believed racing would be able to return to some sort of normality, was set to be one of the leading contenders for the Triple Crown series. He was a fast winner at this distance two stats back and while he struggled a little under 57kg at his latest start, today’s weight assignment puts him right back in contention. If you value experience at this level, then (5) CURLIN TIME is the one to go for. He runs super consistent times at this distance and will be running on strong late on. (6) YEONGGWANGUI PARTY returned from ten months out to run a creditable 3rd at this distance on June 26th leading for most of the race before running out of steam late on. He is another up in class but he should be fitter for that run and the weight again is ideal. (11) DEEP MIND won the Oaks two years ago and hinted at a return to form with a 3rd place on what was her first start in nine months at the end of May.
Selections
(3) Doctor Fappiano (7) Winner’s Man (5) Curlin Time (6) Yeonggwangui Party
Seoul will take its summer weekend off next week followed by Busan the week after so this is the last time for three weeks that both tracks will be running on a Sunday. There are 9 races at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:30 to 16:50. Here are the previews:
East Jet goes on Sunday
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
Twelve previously unraced juveniles go around here so it’s to the trial videos that we must head. It’s pretty clear who the favourite is going to be. (3) COMPLETE TIME was an eye-catching winner of her trial, making all in a fast time on a good track. If she shows any natural improvement from that, she will be hard to beat. (10) CHEOLLICHONG placed 3rd in a trial when on pace and ridden to the line in a fair time. She’s by Hansen, whose progeny have shown speed as juveniles on the track here. (1) WONPYEONG GASOK was 4th in a trial when he settled last on jumping before making a solid run from the 600M and ran home better than anything else in his heat. He is a half-brother to Jungchubusa, who won her first two races at Seoul. (6) RAON THE SPURT is “full’ sister to Raon Tough Man, who ran 2nd in the Korean Derby last year. She trialed adequately when awkwardly away and settled handy to the leaders before running home well for 4th. She has every chance of going well first-up.
Selections
(3) Complete Time (10) Cheollichong (1) Wonpyeong Gasok (6) Raon The Spurt
Next Best
2, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
Fillies only and the one to beat is (1) CHOEGANG ILSE. She comes in off a career best 2nd over this trip on June 26th when she sat in midfield before running on strong and well beaten by a good winner. She can sit handy today from the inside gate and has the strongest finish in the race by some margin. The solitary first-time starter in the field caught the eye in her trial. (12) HAMAN BANGEOSAN sat handy and ran on strong for 2nd place in a decent time and while the widest gate may not be ideal, she looks well placed here on debut and can be considered. (3) HIT JACKPOT has been on an upward trajectory in terms of times and of finishes in recent starts, culminating in 2nd place last start at this distance having gone right back at the start and should be running on strong again. (2) STEADY WINNER couldn’t do herself justice from a wide draw over 1300M last start, but she comes back in trip and into a decent gate here and duly enters the calculations.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
We are going to take on the favourite here with (2) CRAZY TANK simply based on how he went in a trial last week. He’s only raced the three times before, most recently getting bumped early and then racing very wide before a decent enough finish for 4th. However, in his trial last week he made all to cross the line a full 23 (twenty-three) lengths ahead of anything else in what was, unsurprisingly, the fastest time of the morning. He has a great draw and while there is always the risk that he left his race in that trial, he looks worth taking a chance on. The favourite will be (5) DAESAN TEUKGEUP and deservedly so based on his last start five-length win over 1000M when wide but too strong in the straight. The extra distance won’t be a problem and he will be in the finish. (12) SMART POWER can’t be left out of the calculations as he is a winner at this distance when handy in the run which was followed up with a 4th place from way off the pace. He resumes for the first time since January but looked well in a recent trial and has placing claims. So too does (3) JISANGUN. He’s a colt who has shown improvement at every start and wasn’t far away when 5th over 1000M at his latest outing. Further natural improvement form that will bring him into the frame here.
Selections
(2) Crazy Tank (5) Daesan Teukgeup (12) Smart Power (3) Jisangun
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
2, 4, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
Not the most inspiring of maidens this but a couple of them look as though they have a win in them. (6) FIGHT DREAM is one of two here who have a runner-up finish to their name. His came in April over 1300M and he has since run creditably at today’s distance too with back-to-back 4th place finishes both times when leading. It might take a bit of time here as others are faster starters, but he can work his way to the front here and could score. (4) DOCTOR TAKE drops back in trip following a 3rd and a 4th over 1600M. He has been a bit one-paced in his races but can find a good position from a nice draw and go close. (9) SEONGSAN HERO beat Doctor Take last start when 2nd over a mile. He led that day until the middle of the home straight and will be expected to be on pace here with claims to go all the way. (8) SMARTY DOLPUNG has shown steady improvement across three starts to date with 4th place last time her best. She won’t need to improve much to match or better that here.
Selections
(6) Fight Dream (4) Doctor Take (9) Seongsan Hero (8) Smarty Dolpung
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
3, 8, 9, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million
Tricky race but we’ll go with (4) CHOIN SPARK who may be the improver here having placed 2nd at his last start over 1000M when handy and wide all the way before balancing up nicely in the straight then working home well. Another crack at 1200M may suit and he could be the one to beat. (8) BURUI GASOK has run well at this class and was fair at his latest effort when on the pace and wide all the way. He has the fastest start amongst these and should be able to overcome gate eight to get on pace again. The solitary debut-maker is (10) NEW STAR YEONGCHEON, who was a trial winner at the start of this month. She led and then kicked clear near the finish and crossed the line with plenty in hand. She should strip fitter for that and enters the calculations first-up. (7) ONCHEONHA ran 3rd last start over this distance, showing speed to be on the pace and while he was well in arrears of the winner, he battled on well and was just pipped for 2nd. Solid placing chance here.
Selections
(4) Choin Spark (8) Burui Gasok (10) New Star Yeongcheon (7) Oncheonha
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 8
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (3) GOOD TANK enters with a 100% record to maintain having won her first two starts in fine order, leading gate to wire in both. She comes up in class and in trip here but draws a great barrier to get to the lead again and has every chance of making it three in a row. (6) FASHION BLADE is a winner of two from four so far and including her latest on June 20th, when she settled handy from a wide draw before dropping back and then running on smartly to score in a fast time at this class and distance beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She comes up in the weights as a result but draws better and is a danger. (11) BURNING PARTY ran 2nd to Fashion Blade in that June 20th race having been on pace and leading for much of the race. She has won at this distance and has posted consistently fast times so should be a threat again. (5) FIRST STAR was 4th in the same race and while she may perhaps have less scope for improvement than some of her rivals, she is rarely far away and should be in the mix again.
Selections
(3) Good Tank (6) Fashion Blade (11) Burning Party (5) First Star
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
3, 7, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
(3) LAGERTHA was a solid winner at this class and distance on her latest start on June 20th. That day she settled midfield before running on strong late on to beat a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She comes in at the same weights and a repeat of that effort would make her hard to beat. (7) HERO SPEED ran 2nd to Lagertha in the June 20th race. After settling on the pace and wide she finished off well and actually led in the final furlong. She may not turn the tables here but should be a strong place chance again. (6) GABO SARANGHAE was 4th in that same race continuing an upward trajectory of performances. She broke the best that day and was on pace until the end and she will be competing for the early lead again today. (11) AFLEET MARINE shouldn’t be too concerned about the wide draw. She can settle just off the pace and has consistently run competitive times at this distance. She disappointed as favourite last start when 6th but can be given another chance here.
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
(4) ACE SOLOMON was a winner of two from four at class 6 level, including at this distance, before running 2nd on his first try at this class on June 26th when he settled midfield and finished off well, albeit well beaten by a good winner. He finished ahead of two of today’s rivals and he has solid claims to return to the winner’s circle here. (2) INFINITY POWER was a winner at this distance at class 6 level and ran a good 2nd at her latest start on June 20th, sitting off the pace and then running on strong. Jo In-kwon climbing aboard today is in her favour. (1) WONDERFUL KING drops back in trip following two very encouraging spins around 1400M. He is yet to win from eleven attempts but has six top-three finishes and while he is giving away weight, he draws well and should be in the finish again. (3) PARTY INDY steps up in class here following a good win at the distance in May. She made all that day and while this is a stiffer test, she should be on speed again and can measure up against most of these.
Selections
(4) Ace Solomon (2) Infinity Power (1) Wonderful King (3) Party Indy
Next Best
11, 8
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
(12) GWANGYANG EUTTEUM ran 2nd on debut before stumbling a bit at the start on his reappearance on June 27th before proceeding to absolutely bolt in by eight-lengths over this distance. He is up in class here and draws the car park, but neither should be of concern, and he has every chance again. (1) HI HI is ultra-consistent having never been worse than 3rd in five starts so far and is versatile too having won from behind and also – by a full ten-lengths – when having led from the start. Last time over 1300M he settled midfield and ran on well for 3rd and he may prove hard to beat from the perfect draw. There appears to be plenty of speed in this race and if there is too much of it, (7) ENERGIZER could prove to be the beneficiary. He came from well back for a good 3rd place last time over 1300M beating a few of these in the process and he will be given a patient ride again here. (6) NORWAY THIRD is up in class on her last start win over 1000M when she led all the way. This is tougher but she may offer some each-way value.
Selections
(12) Gwangyang Eutteum (1) Hi Hi (7) Energizer (6) Norway Third
Corona cases continue to reach record highs in Korea on a daily basis, while vaccine stocks have run out and the reopening of Seoul Racecourse looks further away than ever. With tightening restrictions across the entire country, it seems inevitable that at some stage those few places where betting is allowed to remain open will close too. For now though, Busan Racecourse continues to admit a limited number of customers and it is on the south coast where the weekend’s action kicks off with 6 races from 13:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Dynamic Busan
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million
This class 6 is restricted to three-year-olds and younger and the solitary previous winner is set to be strong favourite to repeat. (4) ENDLESS RUNNING showed promise in two starts over the turn of the year before having five months off. He won a trial in late May before making all to win on his racing return over 1000M on June 19th. He draws nicely to lead again and should have too much. (7) WORLD CHANGE hasn’t raced since a very encouraging debut last December when he ran 2nd to Raon The Power at today’s trip. He looked in very good order when winning a June trial in a fast time on a wet track. The jockey and trainer combination will attract plenty and he’s the clear second pick. (6) WORLD FASHIONED didn’t do much in starts last August and this February. He looked well in a front-running trial performance at the end of June and may be a different prospect today. (3) YEOSU TORNADO was a significant improver at his latest start on June 26th, settling back and then running on for 5th and he can build on that here.
Selections
(4) Endless Running (7) World Change (6) World Fashioned (3) Yeosu Tornado
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
Tricky one here. We’ll take a chance on (11) KING GOLIATH, who overcame gate thirteen on debut over 1400M on June 27th to run a very creditable 4th in a good time. The draw has been scarcely any kinder this time around, but he can build on that performance and can get close here. The expected favourite is (5) MYEONGSEONG MAGIC. After an indifferent first couple of outings, she has run two very solid race at 1200M recording good times She gets a good draw today to be the likely leader and she has every chance of leading all the way. (2) DONGBANG CAPTAIN has mixed her form across six starts to date but comes in off a strong 3rd over 1200M on June 26th. True her ventures at further than six furlongs so far have been less than fruitful, but she is worth another chance here. (7) HAVANA JANE may be at last figuring things out if the evidence of her 4th place last start is anything to go by. It was a much more mature performance than she has previously shown, and she is a place chance here.
Selections
(11) King Goliath (5) Myeongseong Magic (2) Dongbang Captain (7) Havana Jane
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 12
Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) BABY LINE picks himself here as he goes looking for his fourth straight win. The Officer colt’s latest three scores have all been at this distance and in fast times and he even draws well this time. The same apprentice who has ridden him in those wins keeps the weight down again and he should be winning again. (10) RAON THE BOSS comes in off two consecutive wins in good times over 1300M and a mile. True he is rapidly up in class as a result, and this is considerably tougher, but he has overcome wide draws before and he could be a good each-way chance here. (6) VERRA DAY appeared to completely lose his way earlier this year but returned to some semblance of form with a strong 2nd place over class and distance on June 20th. He had been getting way too far back in his races, but last time sat midfield and ran on strongly and a repeat of that run puts him in the finish today. (9) CRONUS must also be in the calculations after a fine class and distance win on July 2nd. He comes up a full 4kg in weight for his troubles but has run consistent times and is a placing chance again.
Selections
(5) Baby Line (10) Raon The Boss (6) Verra Day (9) Cronus
Next Best
11, 4
Fast Start
5, 7, 10, 12
Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million
After back-to-back runner-up finishes, (11) WILD INDIE got his maiden win at start number three over a mile on June 6th when he was steadily away before quickly taking command. He comes up in class today, but the wide draw shouldn’t be much of a concern, and the half-brother to Beolmaui Kkum is strongly favoured to win again. (7) JANGSAN PRIDE beat Wild Indie when recording what is to fate his sole victory over a mile two starts back. He ran 5th on his first try at this class a month ago on a wet track and with Perovic back aboard, he can aim to at least place here. Up in class is (1) YEONGDO GALMAEGI, who got his breakthrough win over 1400M last start. His racing pattern suggests that the step up in trip to a mile will suit and from the inside gate, he should go close. (3) GEUMA GOOD POINT is rarely far away with eight top four finishes from eleven outings so far. He’ll be there or thereabouts again.
Selections
(11) Wild Indie (7) Jangsan Pride (1) Yeongdo Galmaegi (3) Geuma Good Point
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 6
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
A real clash of non-winners with the top three preferences having thirty-two starts between them for a grand total of zero wins. We’ll side – albeit without confidence – with (4) YEONGGWANGUI SAVE, whose 3rd place at class and distance on June 6th, coupled with Perovic remaining aboard, puts him in this. He tends to get right back in his races, but he ran on well last time and if he doesn’t give himself too much to do, then he can win. (7) TOP MATE has finished 2nd on no fewer of six from ten starts so far. True a previous effort at this distance didn’t go well but there were excuses on a sloppy track, and he has otherwise been ultra-consistent. He may well start the betting favourite today. (5) NEWS MAKER has a 4th place at class and distance to his name and is another with claims to break his maiden today. He will be expected to be on pace and it’s not impossible that he could lead all the way. If you prefer winning experience, then (8) DUMUSAN is probably the way to go, having registered back-to-back wins over a mile in March and April, albeit at local class 6 level. He comes up in class but should hold his own against most of these.
Selections
(4) Yeonggwangui Save (7) Top Mate (5) News Maker (8) Dumusan
Next Best
9, 10
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 9
Busan Race 6: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
After nine months on the sidelines, (4) SUCCESS PARTY returned to action with a fine, though quite distance, 2nd place behind the excellent Golden Winner on May 29th. From a nice draw, he will be on pace or handy and can prove too strong late on. The logical second choice is (2) DAEMANGUI GIL, even if it is a touch surprising to see him drop back in trip after recent good work around two turns. He was an all the way winner over 1800M last start, and his front-running style surely won’t do him any harm from a good draw here. (6) YES PERFECT races for the first time since February but looked very well when storming through a trial just last week. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, then he should be in the frame. (5) HAWK KING comes in off a creditable 4th place behind Golden Winner last start and that is something he can aim to match here.
Selections
(4) Success Party (2) Daemangui Gil (6) Yes Perfect (5) Hawk King
Sunday racing is at Seoul (9 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (11:30 to 16:30). Cheongdam Dokki faces a weighty assignment in the concluding race in the capital. Here are the previews:
It was super weather in the capital on Saturday
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
Eight previously unraced juveniles kick off the day’s proceedings. (5) PURPLE K will be the favourite and is the top pick. She won her trial comfortably and while she was a touch ungainly early, she settled down and ran well under hands and heels in a fast time. She’s very much the one to beat. (1) GREENBACK won her trial in fine style, cruising to the lead and then being ridden out all the way to the line. A similar performance puts him squarely in the finish here. (2) PINE FARM trialed on a very wet track and appeared to hang out a lot, putting her rider at a disadvantage. She still ran well though in a useful time and if she has learned from the experience then a place may not be beyond her on debut. (7) SEUNGBUSA perhaps looks an outside chance based on his trial placing but he veered sharply inward to the running rail on jumping, losing ground and settling a long last. With that in mind, his performance in the closing stages was commendable.
Selections
(5) Purple K (1) Greenback (2) Pine Farm (7) Seungbusa
Next Best
8
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 5
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million
A maiden for three-year-olds and down and (2) PUREUN JANGMI should have the beating of these. She ran 3rd on debut and then 2nd on her re-appearance, both at this distance and both times having raced on pace. At her latest start she led until the closing stages and recorded a fast time. Both of those were in restricted fillies’ company but she draws well again to lead and she should make it third time lucky here. (11) GLORY SONG has done nothing too much wrong in two starts so far, including a good 2nd place on debut over the 1000M. The extended trip today may work in her favour today. (7) DRIVE TOWN debuted all the way back in January, settling handy and running on for 2nd over 1000M. He came back to trial in decent order in June and comes into placing contention here . (1) AREUMDAUN GAMDONG has improved across three starts so far. Last time out she crossed from gate ten to briefly lead before ultimately finishing 4th but today, for the first time, she draws well. This should give her an easier run and she can match or better that 4th.
Selections
(2) Pureun Jangmi (11) Glory Song (7) Drive Town (1) Areumdaun Gamdong
Next Best
8, 12
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies only here. (10) DREAM KNOCK is the favourite, coming back into action twelve weeks after the latest of three encouraging runs at this level which included a 2nd and a 3rd. She trialed up nicely at the end of May and her running style suggests she doesn’t need to lead so the draw is not too disadvantageous. She has every chance. (7) MISS CAMP is worth thought based on her last start 2nd when she led before being caught near the line. The apprentice claim keeps her down in the weights and in the picture. (1) WONDERFUL GEUMSUNG has shown improvement across her four prior starts culminating in 2nd place last time out at this distance when she was handy throughout and then ran on, registering a good time. She draws the same gate today and it won’t take much improvement for her to be in the finish. There are a couple of newcomers. (11) LAPIEO BAN is an unraced filly who did reasonably well across three trials. The jockey booking will attract plenty.
Selections
(10) Dream Knock (7) Miss Camp (1) Wonderful Geumsung (11) Lapieo Ban
Next Best
4, 2
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
The sole previous winner is (3) WHITE GALLOPER, who scored three starts back over this distance, She settled back and then ran on well as is her style, and while in two subsequent starts she has left herself a bit too much to do, coming home 5th and 4th, she should be in the frame today under a very light weight. (10) A ONE PLUS looks ready to win after back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1300M, both in good times. At her last start, from an even wider draw than today, she settled midfield and then ran on strong, getting close to a good winner and a similar run could see her home on top here with the slightly added trip a plus. (1) CHOEGANG BEONJJEOK was much improved last time when from the inside gate, he managed to lead before ultimately running 2nd in a decent time over 1200M. He comes up in trip today but gets the same advantageous draw and can build on that progress. (2) DAEHOMA too got his best result to date at his latest outing when 4th at this trip. He too can take advantage of a good draw to get close to the pace and is not without a chance.
Selections
(3) White Galloper (10) A One Plus (1) Choegang Beonjjeok (2) Daehoma
Next Best
12, 11
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
(6) THUNDER CHAMP had good recent form prior to his latest start when he got caught in a duel for the lead early and appeared to suffer for it, ending up well back behind a couple of today’s rivals. Draw a line through that and go on hos previous start over 1300M when he had a soft, relaxed lead only to go down by the narrowest of margins. He has the best start of any of these and is right in this. (11) NAUI SINHWA comes into the calculations based on his last start 2nd when he was squeezed a little soon after the start and then settled back before running on strong. He has mixed his form but has five top five finishes from seven starts and can go close here. (10) POLKA has the fastest time of these at this distance and he has been consistent in his recent form without breaking through. He can lead or come from midfield and the draw shouldn’t trouble him too much. (4) CHEONJON can have is latest start disregarded when he dipped soon after the start before settling handy but ultimately fading. His 2nd at the start before was much more in character and he is worth another chance here. (7) STAR RUSH the best of the rest.
Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
It’s about time (8) HORAENGI made her breakthrough. Form seven previous starts, she has missed the top five on only one occasion and has consistently recorded good times. She has raced on pace and also come from behind and has been beaten by better foes than she faces today. This time she should get it right. (4) QUEEN OF HEARTS has been getting quite far back in her races but finished off nicely for an improved 5th in an all-filly affair over 1200M on June 20th. The manner in which she finished off suggests that the additional trip today will be in her favour and she can continue to improve. (5) SORI OREUM ran 2nd on debut and then 5th when running on late on his reappearance a month ago. Both of those were over 1000M so he gets the chance to get stuck into a bit of distance today and it may well suit. (12) TAMNA HWANGHU is just one of two runners here who have previously won a race. It came at this distance two starts back and while the draw does her no favours here, she can go close.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million
(10) JEOLMEUN YEONGUNG ran on very pleasingly at start number two over 1200M on June 19th. He should strip fitter for that and his first run and with Munro aboard again and with an extra furlong to play with, he could breakthrough here. That means we are going to take on the favourite, which will be (7) SILVER DRAGON. He is always competitive and last start after being a little slow away, he finished off strongly for 4th. He has beaten plenty of these in recent outings, including Jeolmeun Yeongung and he has every chance of breaking through at what will be start number nine today. (6) LONDON HEAT is one of those who has finished behind Silver Dragon before, but she showed her ability at her latest start when 3rd over 1300M. She was handy in the run before finishing strongly and a repeat of that run should put her in the finish today. (5) PURGE QUEEN was poor when previously tried at this distance but looks ready for another crack after a fair 4th at 1200M when she stuck to her task well. Her times have been on the slow side, but she won’t need to improve too much to challenge for the places here.
Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) MAN OF TOP finally made his winning breakthrough at start number fifteen on June 27th after a strong of near-misses. That came at a mile as he sat handy before Ioannis Poullis roused him home in the closing stages. He goes back up to 1800M today, a distance he has performed well at and while he is up in class, this isn’t the most intimidating class 4 field that you’ll find, and he comes down a full 5kg in the weights. He will be strong favourite and is hard to oppose. (6) RAPID GAME ran 3rd behind Man Of Top two starts back at this distance before finishing 4th at a mile on his latest start. He carries even less weight under in-form jockey Kim Hye-sun and can push the favourite hard. (7) SEONGSAN POWER was a winner at this distance at class 4 level two starts back before running a very good 2nd at this class and distance on May 30th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She likes to lead and will force the rest to come past her. Running in 3rd place that day was (3) GIJEOGUI JEOKTOMA and he is one of a number capable of challenging for places.
Selections
(4) Man Of Top (6) Rapid Game (7) Seongsan Power (3) Gijeogui Jeoktoma
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 7
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) ACHIM GISANG picks herself here having won all three previous starts by big margins and in good times. The barrier is of no concern due to her prodigious early speed, and she will lead again regardless. She’ll be hot favourite. Mot winning streaks come to an end at some point and (6) BRAVO MAY is the one with the most chance of bringing Achim Gisang’s to an end today. His win came at class 6 three starts back and in two outings since, he has run 2nd both times settling midfield and running on. Given his draw, we can expect him to settle handy to the leader today and wait for an opening. (4) ALCHAN NURI showed improvement last start when 3rd at this distance sitting midfield and running on. A repeat of that effort can get him into the placings again. In a race with such a hot favourite, we might as well go for an each-way one at big odds too. (1) PERFECT POWER has had excuses for his two latest failures but has put in some decent performances as well. He is a 1300M winner and has a nice draw on the inside.
Selections
(9) Achim Gisang (6) Bravo May (4) Alchan Nuri (1) Perfect Power
Next Best
11, 3
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 9
Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
After winning well on debut, (10) GOLDEN BYEORAK was on pace but ended up 3rd on reappearance over 1400M on May 22nd. He has had eight weeks off since and should be right for his step up to a mile today. The draw isn’t a concern, and he can return to winning ways here. Quite a few are capable of stopping him on their day though. (7) MONOPOLY has won at the distance and ran 2nd on his first try at this class last time out. He likes to settle midfield and should be coming on strong late here. (3) GALAXY ROAD has the fastest time of any of these at the distance. He is up in class and racing for the first time since a solid score at over 1400M in April and should be competitive here. Rarely uncompetitive is (8) B.K JOHN, who beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place at 1400M on June 13th. His one previous start at this distance didn’t go well but he has impressed since and looks ready for another crack today.
Selections
(10) Golden Byeorak (7) Monopoly (3) Galaxy Road (8) B.K. John
Next Best
6, 2
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Many chances in this race but (4) HIDDEN DOLPUNG is the standout, favourite and pick. He won on debut and has since finished runner-up on three occasions. He settles handy to the leaders and runs on which suggests that the 1400M may suit him and he draws nicely for Moon Se Young to pick his spot. (3) ROYAL ELVIS comes in off 2nd and 3rd in his two latest starts and is the likely early leader here. The good draw will assist his chances. (5) GREEN DARC was a somewhat surprising winner at class and distance in a good time at her latest start. She was on pace early then handy and ran on for a good score. A repeat of that effort and a nice barrier bring her into contention again. (6) HEUNGROK DAEBU was 3rd last start over 1700M but is perhaps better suited to today’s trip. He likes to sit just behind the leaders, which is what he has done in both wins to date and he can go close today.
Selections
(4) Hidden Dolpung (3) Royal Elvis (5) Green Darc (6) Heungrok Daebu
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 10
Busan Race 6: Class 2 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(8) BARBARIAN has six wins and a further four runner-up finished from eleven career outings to date. He comes in off a last start class and distance victory on June 13th against what was an arguably tougher set of opponents than today. He does come up slightly in the weights but that shouldn’t be an issue and he should win again. (4) MAPLE CLASSIC comes back up in trip following a good 3rd over 1200M three weeks ago. He can sit handy and run on strong here. Coming back in trip is (3) WORLD TOP. He won at this distance in March in a very fast time before weakening in his first two goes at this class, both over 1800M. This should suit better. Also back in trip is (5) WORLD TODAY. He mixes his form but has a solid record at this distance and should be in at least the placing hunt.
Selections
(8) Barbarian (4) Maple Classic (3) World Top (5) World Today
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 5
Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(5) VICTOR MOON is a filly going places with two wins and a 2nd from three starts so far, all of them at today’s distance and all in good times. She is up in class but comes down in the weights and with a nice draw looks hard to beat. (10) LEVEL TAP is a 1200M specialist and was a big winner at class and distance last start when, as is his racing pattern, he led. Two starts back he posted a phenomenal time when 2nd to Legend Day. He has to contend with a weight increase, a wide draw and a tough opponent, but don’t rule out him overcoming all three. (1) SPRING KING has shown improvement at recent starts and is worth thought based on his latest outing when 3rd at this distance in a good time. He can maintain that momentum here. (3) BIG TO THE BIG has done her best work at a little bit further but accordingly, you can be sure she will be strong at the finish and can place.
Selections
(5) Victor Moon (10) Level Tap (1) Spring King (3) Big To The Big
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million
Small field but a tricky one. (7) DAEHAN JILJU has never been outside the top three in six outings to date. He comes in off back-to-back wins in good times over 1400M, with the latest especially impressive. He is up in both class and distance today but should be equal to both and can make it three in a row. Already with three in a row is (2) ACE HAMSEONG. He too steps up in class following his hat-trick with the latest two having been over 1700M. He comes in well at the weights, is versatile in his racing style and from a nice draw, can settle where he pleases. (4) FIRE ROAD has three wins from five starts including one around two turns. At his latest outing, his first at this class, he didn’t run badly, given his barrier and that he was forced wide throughout. He is worth another chance for a place here. (3) MANSE is worth consideration too. He is yet to try this distance, but his racing pattern suggests it may suit.
Seoul Race 9: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
(6) CHEONGDAM DOKKI has been one of Korea’s best racehorses for several seasons and is still in form. Disregard his last start when back in distance to 1400M and up against some super one-turn horses, but instead on his two-turn form. He has won two out of his last three at 1800M, carrying 60kg in both. Doubt may have been sowed by that April defeat to the extent that he may not even start as favourite, but his class can see him through here. If he does get turned over then (1) LIL’ PATRON perhaps has the best chance. He was a last start 2nd at this distance in a good time and performs best when handily placed which should be assisted by the inside barrier. (4) HEUNGHAENG JILJU is an up and comer who has won his last two races over 1800M at class 2 level to come up to the elite level for the first time. The likes of Cheongdam Dokki is a different prospect but he comes down in weight and should measure up to the majority of this field. (7) WONDERFUL EVIL may sneak a place based on recent 1800M form including a huge class 2 win on a good time. He wasn’t disgraced first-up in class 1 either.
Horse Racing in Korea 