Friday is a Korean public holiday and there are 8 races at Busan from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (5) WORLD GOAT took two goes to qualify but was significantly better in his second when runner-up in a quick trial on July 19^th settling midfield and running on. If he brings that form to the races, he should go close. (7) GEUMSEONG similarly took two trials to measure up but when he did, he showed some style. Franco is on and he will be a threat. The sole one with experience is (6) SAENAE HILL and he ran fairly for 5^th of eight over this distance on August 1^st. He makes a quick return here and surely comes on for the run. (8) DREAM RACER and (2) TIGER UPPERCUT are others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden.  We’ll take a chance on the solitary debut maker as (1) I AM HAPPY looked good in her trial, settling midfield and running   on. 1200M should suit first-up and in the absence of any impressive exposed form, she has as good a chance as any. (2) GUREUM BIT has two ordinary outings sandwiching a 3^rd place at this distance at the end of June. That 3^rd is enough to have her in the mix here. (8) HIT WINNER comes in off an improved 4^th place last time and may still have some progress in the tank. (5) WORLD BLUE PIN CAT has a complicated name but has suggested some ability and along with (4) MOTHER WONDERFUL is probably the best of a limited rest.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) GLORY ALPHA enters off a best to date 2^nd at this distance on August 1^st, settling midfield and running on. Hye-sun stays on, she draws nicely, and she won’t need to improve much to go one better. (8) PERFECT HAN beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 2^nd place at this distance on July 18^th. He has mixed his form over his five starts so far but on that evidence, he is figuring things out and should be in the mix again. (5) DIA MATE was 4^th in that July 18^th race, having been sent off as favourite. He is yet to finish in the top two in fifteen attempts but has eight finishes between 3^rd and 5^th and he should be there or thereabouts again. (3) HIGH LEVEL and (7) CHAMP KING others in the frame.

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

(3) ROAD TO PARTY returned from seven months off in June to win at class 5 level in a quick race at this distance and then followed up with a 3^rd place in a similarly fast race. That brings him up in class today but he is down 4kg in weight and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness wise. (1) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK enters off back-to-back 3^rd places at this class over 1300M, racing on pace both times. He has won at today’s trip and from the inside gate, he should be on pace and in this a long way. (6) DOCTOR KAREN was 2^nd at this class and distance on August 1^st. She makes a quite return here and is another who should be on or close to the speed. (4) HAPPY TAEYANG and (5) ROAD TO THUNDER are the other place chances.

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(1) YONGBI PAEWANG was an also-ran in the Korean Derby in May but after a couple of months off, he returned to shallower waters on July 20^th and came from off the pace to score over 1400M at this class. He comes up 4kg in weight but having finished 3^rd at this distance in the KRA Cup Mile earlier this year, he will be a hot favourite to win again here. (2) BEOLMAUI ANGEL is a four-timer winner and looks to be coming back into form with 2^nd place at this class over 1200M last time out a month ago, He was 7^th in the KRA Cup Mile and should be closer today. (4) AMAZING KHAN was 3^rd behind Yongbi Paewang on July 20^th and can be in the hunt again. (5) MUDEUNGSAN and (7) PEGACORN others who can compete for the minors.

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Busan is the only game in town on Sunday with 14 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the ten racing for the first time. (5) ENCORE won a June trial and was accordingly sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on July 4^th when he raced on pace but ultimately ran 5^th, beating a couple of today’s rivals. He should have come on for the run, he’ll be on pace again, and he will be favourite to win. (7) BREEDO SOL ran on fairly enough in his trial, posting a decent time. 1200M can suit first up and he looks the best of the first-timers. (3) HEUIMANG DANBI was one of those behind Encore on debut in that July 4^th race and can improve. (9) OASIS GIJEOK and debut-maker (1) P.D SPECIAL others who can compete for the minors.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) FLEX TAP has been getting closer across recent starts, culminating in 2^nd place over 1200M on July 6^th when handy all the way. She’ll be on pace or handy again here and will be a short price to go one better. (7) SEOGWI CHOWON enters following 3^rd place at this distance on July 20^th. With not much early speed in this race, she too can get to the front early and be in this a long way. (2) QUEEN RACE returned from a couple of months off to run 2^nd over this distance on June 20^th. She has had another seven weeks out since then but from a good draw can be in the mix. (1) REAL RESPECT and (10) SEUNGNI YEYAK others in line for the places.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Tricky one. (8) DIA KNIGHT led for much of the way around over a mile on July 11^th, ultimately finishing a close 2^nd but with three of today’s rivals behind him. He comes back in trip today and can go one better. (1) WORLD TAEYANG was 4^th in that race on July 11^th, overcoming her customary slow start to run on. She remains a maiden after thirteen attempts, but this is the kind of race she can find the money in. (3) OWNER CHAMP enters off a 3^rd place at 1200M on July 10^th, settling back and running on. She has shown progress across each of her four outings and the step up in trip can suit. (5) DOCTOR SOLAR and (4) BIGBANG CLASS others in the hunt.

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

(6) SCYTHAI didn’t have the run of the race after a poor start on what was her first try at this class and distance on July 13^th. Instead, we’ll go on her 2^nd place on her previous outing which while it was at class 6, showed that if she can be on the speed then she has some ability. She draws better here and with Franco climbing on, she is worth another chance. (9) PLUTO has won his latest two at 1200M and 1300M, racing handy both times. He carries his fair share of weight and is up to 1400M for the first time, but a hat trick isn’t out of the question. (7) SUCCESS COW led all the way to get his maiden victory at this distance on June 27^th, He is up in class here but can measure up in this company. (8) RALLY MAN and (4) MARIA’S CALL are both better than their respective latest efforts.

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only here. (9) RIPPLES MARINE was an all the way winner on debut over 1000M on July 11^th. She is up in class and in distance, but the manner of that win suggests that there can be more to come. (5) QUEEN SPICY got her maiden win at this distance at start number two and enters off a 3^rd and a 2^nd from her latest two, again both at this distance. She can settle behind the speed here and be a danger. (6) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL is still a maiden but the only time she has finished outside the top five was on her debut. She was an on pace 2^nd at this class and distance last time out on July 11^th and she should be in this a long way again (7) GLOBAL HEROINE and (1) DAESUNG DOLPUNG are others to consider.

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Seoul takes a weekend off (although the racecourse is open for simulcasting from Busan and Jeju) so Busan holds a Saturday card with 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the eight racing for the first time. (3) NONPAREIL led for much of the way around in his trial, ultimately crossing the line 2^nd in a good time albeit well behind the winner. He should be on pace here in this small field, and if he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first up (6) SPEED BUMP ran 5^th of twelve on debut on July 11^th, racing in midfield throughout. She should have come on for that run and can be a danger. (5) YONGBI SHARK similarly led for most of the way in his trial, finishing a very close 2^nd to an experienced racehorse and that’s enough to put him in the mix. (8) SWEET POWER and (4) BORYEONG ONE ROAD are others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) GRAND MORE was an on pace 2^nd at start number two over this distance at the end of May, only going down by a very narrow margin. He hasn’t raced since but he looked good when winning a trial last week and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up and will be favourite. (5) JIJONSANBANG ran 2^nd on debut over this distance in June 29^th, settling back and running on. He was seventeen-lengths adrift of the winner (World Top Tier, who has since been beaten) but it was an encouraging first-up effort and with some natural improvement, he should be close. Debut-maker (1) ACE SUN improved in the second of two trials and from the inside gate, can make an impression. It took (9) WONDERFUL BAND took three goes to qualify but when he finally did, he looked competent enough on July 19^th and he should certainly be fit for this. (7) FLYING SHOOTER – who trialed up well last week -is among those with experience who can improve.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Weak maiden. (8) GREAT LUCKY raced twice without distinction at the end of last year but hasn’t been seen since December. She trialed in late June, leading every step of the way and stopping the clock in a quick time. If she can bring that form in here, then she can win, probably from the front as there is little other obvious early speed. (5) SEONGSIL JEIL was a fair 6^th of twelve over 1000M on debut on July 11^th, finishing off well from off the pace. The step up in trip can suit and she can get closer here. (2) ALL THE BEST showed well in a trial before having a hard time from the widest gate on debut on July 4^th. She draws better here and similarly, the step up in trip from the minimum can be in her favour. (1) BREEDO GALLANT and (4) WE STRONG others who can improve.

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) WONDERFUL JONES was 4^th in Busan’s Classic Trial back in February before an indifferent run in the KRA Cup Mile saw him off the Triple Crown trail. Since coming back into this class he has run 3^rd and 5^th at 1400M but coming back slightly in trip and drawing well, he is very much the one to beat today. (3) CHEONPUNG had been working up to a win and it arrived on July 6^th when he led all the way over 1200M. He comes up in class bit is down 2.5kg in weight, he draws well, and he can measure up. (5) YONGAM BLACK got his maiden win over this trip in May when leading from gate to wire. He has since run 6^th and 4^th in two tries at this class and can be in the finish again. (8) MEGA MACHINE and (7) DAEGIL HERO others who can compete for the minors.

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

With the Jeju ponies taking their summer weekend off, Busan hosts a bumper 14-race Friday program from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with five of the eight racing for the first time. (1) BEOLMAUI GANGJA laid in repeatedly on debut over this distance on June 13^th but still managed to run 3^rd and beat the other two here who have experience. With a more mature effort today, he will be very much the one to beat. (3) HOLY NIKE and (6) HEY BROTHER were 5^th and 6^th in that race, the former coming from off the pace while the latter was handy. Both should have come on for the run and their experience can tell here. Among the newcomers, (2) SO POWERFULL won’t be winning any spelling bees but she, along with (4) WINNER CUP looked the best in trials.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) MOTHER WONDERFUL returned to racing on June 22^nd for the first time since last September, and ran a solid 4^th over this distance, showing on pace throughout. She can be on pace again here and stripping fitter for that run, she can win. (2) GOLDEN CARD enters off a best to date 3^rd place over 1400M on July 4^th. In this company, she can sit just behind the speed, Tanaka climbs on for the first time, and she can be a danger. There are three debut-makers and (11) GLOBAL FORCE looked very good in her trial, leading for much of the way before ultimately crossing the line in 2^nd in a quick time. She has the challenge of the widest gate but if she brings that form to the races, she has every chance. (9) WORLD TRIPLE CAT and (7) SEONGSIL WORLD others in the hunt.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) SWEET BELLE was 2^nd on debut at the end of May before running 5^th on July 11^th when failing to get to the lead from the gate. She is worth another chance here and if she can lead, she can win. (9) DOCTOR CHRIS went through three trials, improving in the latest of them to 3^rd in a quick time (it was voluntary so may not be in all racecards, but it was on July 19^th in a time of 62.6 seconds). That form at the races will see him very close. (6) SEOBU GAMBLE didn’t do a lot in two starts around the turn of the year, but he was much better when an on-pace 3^rd on his return on July 4^th. He should have derived benefit from that run and can match or better it today. (3) FINAL HIT and (1) CARAT KING are others to consider.

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) STUKA was a strong on pace maiden winner over 1400M on June 27^th. We won’t pay much attention to the very fast time as the track was lightning quick that weekend, but we will to the margin of ten-lengths and while she is up in class, she is down in weight, and she can win again. (11) BROWN ROOKIE has only won once but has been consistent with back-to-back 3^rd places from her latest two, both at this class. She likes to come from off the pace so the wide draw is no problem, and she can be in the finish again here. (8) SEOBU CAPTAIN has a poor day at the office when well supported but slow away and never a factor on July 6^th. We’ll instead go on his prior effort when a class and distance winner from the front and give him another chance here. July 6^th winner (7) SEOGWI STAR along with (1) CHOEGANG MUJIGAE are others in the frame.

Busan Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE enters off a 3^rd place over 1400M on June 27^th when sitting midfield and running on. Third-up this preparation, he can be peaking and coming back up to the mile can suit. (7) HOUND POKER is yet to finish in the top two in eight attempts but has five finishes between 3^rd and 5^th. He ran a fair 4^th on his first try at a mile on June 27^th coming from well off the pace and he can be finishing strongly again here. (6) SEATTLE DREAM beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 3^rd when stepped up to a mile on July 11^th and she can be in the mix here. (5) HEAVY DUTY was well fancied for that race but was fractious and difficult to control throughout. He does have a 2^nd to his name over the mile and may warrant another chance. (2) GLORY ALPHA another in the hunt.

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. Debuting last September with a 2^nd place, (5) NICE BUDDY finally returned in June and was a front-running winner over 1200M. She followed up with a 2^nd place on her first try at this class on July 6^th, having led for most of the way around, and she will be hot favourite to go one better today. It’s not a strong set of rivals. (1) CHEONHAJIYU is yet to win in seven attempts but has three runner-up finishes to her name, including one at this class. She draws well and can place. (8) WE LIKE MONEY returned from six months out to run 4^th at this class over 1300M on July 4^th. She can strip fitter here and be close. (2) TRIPLE DREAM and (4) ROAD TO SPRING are other place chances.

Busan Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

It’s been a wet week on the peninsula but racing is set to get underway on Friday at Busan with 8-races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Ten previously unraced juveniles so we must head to the trial videos. By some margin (10) SUPEX WINNER was the standout leading for most of the way in his trial and crossing the line 1^st in a quick time. The track was running very fast that week nevertheless, the manner of that effort means he has to go on top. (7) CLEARLY WINNER ran a close 2^nd in her heat, settling midfield and running on well. If she brings that form to the races, she can go close first up. (3) JEONGMUN SKIP showed on pace in his trial and from a good draw can do similarly here. (8) POWER HIT and (1) SUCCESS DAY are others who hinted at ability. As ever in these kinds of races, watch the market for further clues.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden, with five of the eleven racing for the first time. There isn’t a huge amount of convincing form but (1) NAMYANG RUBY does have a 3^rd and a 2^nd on her record, and while they were recorded in her first two starts last year before a five-month layoff, she showed signs of returning to form with a 5^th place last time out. She won’t need to improve much to win this and in a race with zero obvious early speed, might as well lead from the inside gate. (8) OWNER CHAMP has a pair of 5^th places. She was well back behind a god winner in a very quick race on June 29^th, but a similar effort will see her in the mix here. (7) TOP BLUE improved at start number three on June 20^th and can continue to make progress in this company. The debut-makers do not catch the eye so (5) CHAMPUI SIDAE and (2) WONDERFUL WIND are probably the safest other alternatives.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After taking a couple of goes to figure things out, (1) SUN LIGHT has come from well off the pace to register a 3^rd and two 4^th place finishes from her latest three starts. The step up to a mile can suit, and she can win here. She may have more improvement in her than probable favourite (3) DIA MATE. The latter enters off back-to-back 3^rd places, both at this distance and with Seo Seung-un staying on seems sure to start as the market leader. (8) COME ON GLORY ran 2^nd on her only previous try at this distance in March and in this company should be close to the pace with every chance of being in the finish. (9) DOCTOR CARA and (5) CHAMP KING others in the frame.

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only here and very competitive. (6) DOCTOR KAREN comes in having run 2^nd at this class over 1200M at big odds on July 4^th, leading for much of the way. Her win came at 1400M so she can lead again with every chance of staying all the way. (10) STAR FORCE comes up in class having led all the way over a mile on June 27^th. She is down 3kg in weight and can measure up. (11) BREEDO MIRACLE was a winner at this class over 1200M in a similar all-filly race on June 15^th. She only comes up 1.5kg in weight, the wide draw shouldn’t matter, and she has solid claims again. (8) QUEEN SPICY and (4) JINJU BIT among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

The weekend’s racing kicks off at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with all twelve racing for the first time. (2) MAGIC TREE was as good as any in trials, settling in midfield and running on well for 3^rd. She draws nicely and bringing that form to the races, she should be close. (3) CRYSTAL MULGYEOL ran 2^nd in her heat having been handy throughout. Her time too was good and well drawn she is a potential leader here. (1) RIPPLES MARINE and (5) GLOBAL ONE PICK both posted respectable times in their heats and will have backers at least on a place line. (12) MISS SNIPER is the wildcard as while she didn’t catch the eye in her trial, the booking of Seo Seung-un aboard will make plenty take note.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) SWEET BELLE led for most of the way around on her debut over this distance on May 30^th ultimately being passed – and well beaten – late on by the favourite. She should have come on for that run, she can lead again, and this time, she can go one better. (4) LADY OF WIN had the challenge of the widest gate on her debut on June 6^th but overcame it well to sit midfield before running of for 3^rd place. She too should have derived benefit from the experience and can get even closer today. (7) CHOEGANG LOUIS did nothing on debut but has since been back to trial (when he beat Magic Tree from race 1) and he can be given another chance here. (2) WORLD HANI has similarly been back to trial since the latest of her very ordinary appearances so far and hinted she was ready to get better. Of the three debut-makers. (8) SUCCESS PYEONGHWA looked the best in trials.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) WORLD TAEYANG missed the break last time before running on for what was, in the circumstances, a fair midfield finish over 1400M. At the start before he overcame a wide draw to run 3^rd at this distance and from a better gate and with Franco back on, she has as good a chance as any. (4) REMENT was beaten by a couple of these at this distance on June 6^th but he is another who has placed at 1600M as recently as May and he should be in the mix here. (10) BABYLON FOX finished 3^rd in that June 6^th race, showing on pace and he can be in the mix again. (1) GLORY ALPHA and (8) CRUELLA are other place chances.

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

(3) B.K DANCING GIRL enters having run 2^nd in the fastest ever race at Busan at this class and distance on June 22^nd when the track was lightning fast. She is a two-time winner over 1200M, se is lightly weighted and drawn well, and in this company, she shapes as a short price favourite. Clear second favourite is (7) BUSAN TODAY. She has two wins and three further placings at this trip including last time out when 2^nd at this class on June 13^th, racing on pace. In this small field, she will be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (8) SMART SHAMAL is an import who began at this class and while he needs a line through his latest, does have a 2^nd and a 3^rd to his name and that’s enough to put him in line for the minors here. (2) PRIME ROCK and (1) BLUE SKY are the other plausible place chances.

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million