The 2020 racing season gets underway ay Busan on Friday with 11 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Not the strongest of maidens to kick off 2020 with and accordingly it could well be (8) CHOEGANG CLEAR, who managed to drift winless through his juvenile and three-year-old campaigns, who gets off to the best possible start for his four-year-old term. He comes in having recorded his best finish to date when 2^nd to Sanbang Any Day last start and while he is one-paced, that may well be enough here. (11) ECHO MOON and (3) YESSA QUEEN came home 4^th and 5^th respectively on what was for both their debut on December 6^th. Echo Moon was superior by four-lengths that day and is the preferred of the pair, but both can show improvement. (10) DAEGYO has hinted at ability across her eight starts so far and dead-heated for 3^rd last time out. She’s now shown much in the way of speed but may not need to in order to run into some money here. (4) FOREVER RUNNER perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections: (8) Choegang Clear (11) Echo Moon (3) Yessa Queen (10) Daegyo

Next Best: 4, 9

Fast Start: 1, 2, 3, 4

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A field of twelve maidens will line up over the five furlongs in the second on the card. In a field that appears to lack depth, (10) LINCHPIN looks the one to beat. The Colors Flying Colt has had just one start to date when sixth behind Save The World back in July. He was then sent for a spell and resumes in this event after winning a trial in fair time. He jumped fairly in the trial and recovered quickly to lead and win. He’s a big imposing individual and although his trial was far from amazing, this looks an easy kill. (4) SEUNGRIUI BULGIL has been running in stronger maiden events of late and looks another of the main chances. Whilst never finishing closer than fifth in five career starts the filly has ran much better time on dry tracks and for that reason she appears an each-way hope. (2) NANSAN MUJEOK is a potential improver running in to some minor prize money last time out. The Gyeongbudaero colt has drawn better for his assignment and can settle closer to the speed. (8) WONDERFUL SMARTY wasn’t ready for the 1300m last start and is a potential place chance with the drop back to the 1000m

Selections (10) Linchpin (4) Seungriui Bulgil (2) Nansan Mujeok (8) Wonderful Smarty

Next Best 3, 7

Fast Start 8, 11

 

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens go around here and (1) MINYEOBONG was nice and encouraging on debut, beating three of these on her way to 2^nd place on December 6. She led throughout the early stages of that race and while she ended up a full five-lengths behind a useful looking winner, she showed enough to suggest that she has wins in her. She’ll lead again here and is favoured to go all the way. (3) FLYING KINGS is the most experienced runner in the race with four starts under his belt already. The best of those was his latest when he was 2^nd at this distance in a very similar strength race to this. He’s been slow off the mark in each of his latest two but if he can get away a bit better today, he can go very close. (12) FANTASTIC WINNER has acquitted himself well in two outings to date, narrowly beaten into 2^nd on debut over 1000M in October before following up with 4^th in a good race at this distance on November. He’ll want to be close to the pace, so the draw hasn’t done him many favours here, but he is good enough to overcome it and get close. (2) JEMA TUJI and (11) JEONSEOLUI BOSS didn’t do much on debut but both can make progress here.

Selections: (1) Minyeobong (3) Flying Kings (12) Fantastic Winner (2) Jema Tuji

Next Best: 11, 5

Fast Start: 1, 3, 12

 

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A field of twelve maiden gallopers will line up in the fourth over the 1300m. (6) INDIAN CHUJANG looks ready to break through after placing at his past two starts. The lightly raced five-year-old come out of a stronger Class 6 event when finishing third to Thunder King. He sat on speed last start and with limited speed engaged expect the Hawk Wing gelding to sit in the top three in running and be given every chance by Jung Do-Yun who has been in great form of late. (9) RAINBOW PARK will be stretched out the 1300m for the first time after ten career starts. The Ecton Park colt has been running some nice races finishing in the top four at his past three starts. It appears there is only two or three in this race that can set the pace, as a result Kim Dong-Young is likely to settle forward as his mount has shown early speed in recent runs. (2) TRIPLE TIARA handed in a better performance last time out when going over the 1300m for the first time. The Hansen fill finished fifth in the event, the same race where the top elect Indian Chujang finished third. (7) MYEONGGA DAERO looks one that collect some minor money after finishing in the top five at his past two starts. He was one paced through the line last start, but we know he can run out a reasonable 1300m.

Selections (6) Indian Chujang (9) Rainbow Park (2) Triple Tiara (7) Myeongga Daero

Next Best 3, 4

Fast Start 1, 6, 12

 

Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Eleven maidens tackle the mile and it’s (9) BORNE MATTA who is the one they’ll need to beat. The Testa Matta gelding returned from almost seven months out to finish 2^nd at 1300M on December 13^th, well behind a good winner, but very promising first-up, nonetheless. He’s previously gone well at this distance and the booking of Seo Seung-un suggests he is ready to score today. (5) CHEONNYEONUIHEUIMA has been knocking at the door for some time. She overcame a poor start to run on very strongly over 1300M three weeks ago and step back up to a mile – combined with hopefully a better break from the gate – can see her go close once more. (7) MULTI POWER is another who ran on strongly last time and the opportunity to run over a bit of distance could be to his benefit today. (1) TIZ LINE and (3) SUPER GALAXY are among others with the potential to improve.

Selections: (9) Borne Matta (5) Cheonnyeonuiheuima (7) Multi Power (3) Super Galaxy

Next Best: 1, 10

Fast Start: 1, 4, 5

 

Race 6: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

The sixth on the card will be watched with interest as we have two very nice progressive horses engaged. It was a flip of the coin between Golden Winner and Blue Power who both come off sensational victories last time out. (9) GOLDEN WINNER ended up the top (more…)

The final day of racing in Korea for 2019 sees a bumper standalone meeting at Busan with 15 races from 10.45 to 18.00. All the fields are big and there are some really competitive races. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

A field of lightly raced Korean-breds will kick off proceedings on a bumper Busan card with fifteen races. (6) PINEUI KKUM looks the goods in the first and should get punters off to a winning start. The Old Fashioned colt lines up for his fourth start coming off a fourth in relatively quick time on a dry-rated track. Leading Busan rider You-Hyun-Myung will jump aboard the juvenile for the first time and is likely to work forward on him early. He comes out of a much stronger event and will appreciate the lack of depth engaged in this race. (11) FUTURE KING drops back to the five furlongs after finishing midfield over 1300m last time out. He did run well two starts back over this distance, he is likely to settle further back in this due to a wide draw. (10) GABO TODAY lines up for his second start after finishing midfield on debut. The Ecton Park colt drops back to the 1000m after failing to make an impression over the 1300m. He is worth including in your wider selections as he performed fairly in a soft trial over 1000m. (1) ZENITH POWER looks best of the rest after a midfield performance on debut.

Selections (6) Pineui Kkum (11) Future King (10) Gabo Today (1) Zenith Power

Next Best 7, 8

Fast Start 6, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

An absolutely wide-open maiden is second up on the card. We’ll go with (14) HAPPY YOJEONG, who did nothing wrong when 2^nd on debut over 1000M on October 25^th. She ran on strongly, improving through the line against a set of opposition at least as good as this one and while being drawn in the car park may not be ideal, she should be able to overcome it. (6) NAMYANG SEUNGNI ran well for an improved 4^th on what was his second start three weeks ago and should be a danger. (4) POWER TRAIN failed to quicken when well fancied on his second outing earlier this month but saw out the trip ok and can be competitive coming from off the pace here while (12) BUGYEONG MISO has shown slow but encouraging improvement across three starts so far and can continue to get closer today. The wildcard is (2) FUSION PARK. He hinted at some ability in six starts up to May this year with a best finish of 3^rd coming at a mile. He’s been off since then but returns today having been adequate if unspectacular in a trial a couple of weeks ago.

Selections: (14) Happy Yojeong (4) Power Train (12) Bugyeong Miso (6) Namyang Seungni

Next Best: 2, 3

Fast Start: 8, 9, 12, 14

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

A field of fourteen maidens will take to the track in the third over 1300m. (12) BURNING STAR lines up for his third career start after handing in a solid performance last start when second behind Yeongseong Victory last time out. They ran a good time on that occasion, and he settled off the speed which is an important trait as he may be forced to settle further back in this assignment. (2) MONOPOLY was sent out favourite at his most recent start when he only managed to finish third. He was somewhat one paced to the line, but he looks to have a maiden victory in him soon. (7) GOLDEN RAIN is third-up in his current preparation. The chestnut comes off a fourth over the same distance behind First Star. He should be at peak fitness for this, so punters can expect further improvement. (8) SMILE WINNER has been sent out at rather short odds his last two starts and managed to finish second and fourth most recently. The Color Flying filly retains the services of You Hyun-Myung which should be seen as a good lead.

Selections (12) Burning Star (2) Monopoly (7) Golden Rain (8) Smile Winner

Next Best 1, 10

Fast Start 2, 7, 12

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) TOP BEST has run twice and finished 3^rd twice, at 1000M and 1300M respectively, both times finishing off well. He steps up to a mile for the first time here and it’s possible that could be what he needs in order to make his breakthrough. This time he’ll most likely be ridden closer to the pace from the start and he can go all the way. Four of these raced each other over the distance on December 6^th, a race emphatically won by the promising Blue Power. The best of those who go here was (9) BAEDARI CAPER in 3^rd. He performed above expectations that day but can go well again although that day’s 4^th placed (8) TWO TWO DAY may be able to overturn the form. The latter will join the favourite in making the early running. (1) CHEONNYEONUI GIL has a best of 2^nd in three starts so far, all of them at 1300M. He achieved that on debut in September and steps up in trip for the first time today. (13) JEONSEOLUI FIGHT has been beaten by both Top Best and Cheonnyeonui Gil but is another who may appreciate trying the mile for the first time.

Selections: (7) Top Best (8) Two Two Day (1) Cheonnyeonui Gil (13) Jeonseolui Fight

Next Best: 9, 5

Fast Start: 5, 7, 8, 11

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

There’s an abundance of speed engaged in the fifth on the card where a field of twelve will line up over the five furlongs. (8) NANSAN YEOJE won in good style last time out when settling just off the speed. The chestnut goes up 2.5kg on her last win but she still looks a good chance based on her last start performance. The face that she has won in this grade goes a long way in this race as there is a lack of depth. (4) TOP ACE has placed on two occasions in similar company since breaking maiden status mid-year. The juvenile has speed to burn early in his races, with barrier four Jeong Dong-Cheol will have every chance to sit on speed and hold on for some cash. (3) PULL OFF went off the boil for quite some time after his maiden win. His last two starts have been better and she has clocked some reasonable times. (2) BYEOLBIT OREUM is lightly raced with just the five starts under her belt. She has managed to win once and finish in the top five on two other occasions from five career starts. She is unlikely to match the early dash of her counterparts here, but she should park behind them and run on late.

Selections (8) Nansan Yeoje (4) Top Ace (3) Pull Off (2) Byeolbit Oreum

Next Best 5, 11

Fast Start 3, 4, 7, 12

Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

With three runner-up finishes and a 3^rd from four starts so far, it’s time that (3) BANJIUI JEONSEOL registered a win. In that time, he’s found himself up in class and has finished behind good horses, most recent Daemangui Gil just two weeks ago. There are some decent opponents here too but from gate 3, Seo Seung-un should make the front early and lead all the way. (1) WONDERFUL PEACE weakened badly late on when tried around a mile a month ago. She is a winner at this distance though and should prove a much different prospect today. (14) JEONSEOLUI BULKKOT has drawn wide but if he can overcome that to get a decent position, then he should go well – he led until the closing stages, ultimately having to settle for a close 3^rd at class and distance four weeks ago. (4) FIRST STAR and (5) MASTER KING both step in class following their respective maiden wins at this distance and both have the tools to be competitive at this level.

Selections: (3) Banjiui Jeonseol (1) Wonderful Peace (14) Jeonseolui Bulkkot (4) First Star

Next Best: 5, 2

Fast Start: 3, 12, 13, 14

Race 7: Class 5 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The main chances in the seventh appear to be back markers suggesting tactics early in the race will likely decide the race’s outcome. (13) TWO TWO FAIRY won in good style last time out with a perfect rails-hugging ride by Jung Do-Yun. The Hansen filly looked dour running through the line which is a good indication as she steps up to the mile for the first time in her short career. (1) ECHO WHITE backed up her Class 6 victory with a second last time out when behind King Dombo over 1600m. She’s drawn the inside and sits on speed in her races, several of the other galloper’s connections will be hoping she goes helter-skelter early on setting up a genuine speed in the race. (10) NAGWON DAERO comes out of the same race as Echo White where he finished fourth. The son of Menifee broke through over this distance two starts back and followed it up with a fair performance. (14) QUEEN UP has improved at her past couple of starts with a placing and a win in Class 6 company. She seems to have clicked when it comes to racing, displaying a good turn of foot at her past couple of starts. Given she settles back, barrier fourteen should not be too much of a problem.

Selections (13) Two Two Fairy (1) Echo White (10) Nagwon Daero (14) Queen Up

Next Best 5, 9

Fast Start 1, 2, 4

Race 8: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(14) RAON TOWN got his maiden win in May since when he has specialized in near-misses, including three consecutive runner-up finishes leading into today, all of them at this distance. He’s had some narrow reverses along the way and has posted some fast times. The widest gate may not be ideal, but he doesn’t need to lead so if Choi Si-dae can find him a nice spot then he has every chance. It’s another good race though and both (4) TOP FIRE and (7) MAJOR GUY find themselves rapidly up in class having both won their respective latest two outings. Top Fire’s have been especially impressive and under a nice light weight, Thomas Gillespie’s juvenile looks dangerous again here. Another contender is (6) HAPPY DRAGON. A class and distance winner two starts back before running 2^nd to the handy Socks Go last time out. He has to carry 57kg today but has a chance. So too does (12) BLACK SHIELD. She ran out a six-length winner over 1200M at this class a month ago and while it is slightly surprising to see her tackle a mile for the first time here, she can go close. Breeders’ Cup also-ran (9) MARK ONE is another in at least the placing hunt.

Selections: (14) Raon Town (4) Top Fire (6) Happy Dragon (7) Major Guy

Next Best: 12, 9, 13

Fast Start: 4, 9, 10, 12

Race 9: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A mixture of Korean-bred and imports will face the starter in the ninth over the short course. (7) FANTASTIC ROAD looks hard to beat on his two starts to date. The Elusive Quality colt won on debut when pouncing out of the gates in quick fashion, going on to win well. He then backed it up with a midfield performance in the Gyeongnam Domin Ilbo Cup behind Doctor Carson. He looks well placed in this field with 55.5kg and Choi Si-Dae sticks with him which is a ggood sign. (1) ROCKY SKY comes out of the same race as Fantastic Road where he finished last in the principal juvenile race. On debut the Sky Mesa gelding got away quickly and took care of a reasonable Class 4 field. He has the inside barrier which suggests he will map on speed. (6) HEUIMANG YEOJEONSA was poleaxed out of the gates last start which resulted in her settling well back and having too much ground to make up. We suggest putting a line through her last run and her form prior to that reads well including three wins from four starts. (3) DIAMOND MARINE finished behind Fantastic Road last time out. Expect improvement at his second start after clocking a reasonable time on debut.

Selections (7) Fantastic Road (1) Rocky Sky (6) Heuimang Yeojeonsa (3) Diamond Marine

Next Best 4, 12

Fast Start 3, 6, 7

Race 10: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Pegasus Stables bred and owned horses are having a wonderful end to 2019, powered by their stallion Thunder Moccasin. He looks to have gotten another decent one in the shape of (4) KAHEKILI, who produced a bullet all the way win on a dry track at class and distance on December 15^th. If that didn’t take too much out of him then he can defy the additional 3kg here and win again. (2) CHOEGANG TOUCH is a winner of two from four so far and steps up in class here after a very nice score over this distance last time. She hasn’t posted the kind of times that Kahekili has but she’s fast and will be on pace early. So too should (7) DONGTEUJA DAY. She’s had a hard time in her latest two starts – the Breeders’ Cup Trial and then the Breeders’ Cup itself, but dropped back to the minimum trip today, she should be a different prospect. (6) EURO GONGJU and (9) TWO TWO TURBO are others to consider for the places.

Selections: (4) Kahekili (2) Choegang Touch (7) Dongteuja Day (6) Euro Gongju

Next Best: 9, 12

Fast Start: 1, 2, 4, 7

Race 11: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

The eleventh on the card is a Class 4 event for the fillies and mares. We are seeing the development of a lovely filly in (10) RAON YEOGEOL. The two-year-old has had just the four starts which she breezed through the restricted Korean grades and followed it up with some handy performances in the juvenile series against the colts and imported types. Back in Class 4 company she looks ready to blitz this field and she appears one of the best on the card. (11) TWO TWO GREAT comes out of a Class 5 race where she won in good style posting a quick time. Jung Do-Yun stays aboard the Simon Pure filly who is shooting for her third win at just her fourth start. (9) AMAZING WINNER has been thereabouts in similar company. The three-year-old is not the quickest out of the gates but has displayed a nice turn of foot recently. The 56kg makes it tough for her but she can run into some money. (6) LOVE LETTER steps into Class 4 company for the first time. The Koo Young-Jun trained four-year-old has won just one race from nineteen starts but has placed at her past four starts posting some good times.

Selections (10) Raon Yeogeol (11) Two Two Great (9) Amazing Winner (6) Love Letter

Next Best 4, 12

Fast Start 3, 6, 7

Race 12: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(8) ROYAL SOLDIER is turning into a really nice gelding and enters here having won his latest four in fine style, leading all the way in the most recent three of them. He’s won under this weight before, albeit in more limited company, and he can make it five in a row today. (10) BANJIUI YOJEONG has a winning streak of her own to defend with three wins dating back to June. She’s won her last two by a combined fourteen lengths and while she carries 4.5kg extra today, she shall be a danger. (5) JAEDOYAKUI BANSEOK was 2^nd to Banjiui Yojeong last start and is capable of placing again while (7) TANGENT may be up in class but has run the type of times to suggest that he has little to fear at this level and he too has strong placing claims. (12) RAPTOR CORE, who races for the first time since running 2^nd Royal Soldier, beaten four-lengths, is another who can compete for minor money.

Selections: (8) Royal Soldier (10) Banjiui Yojeong (7) Tangent (5) Jaedoyakui Banseok

Next Best: 12, 11

Fast Start: 8, 10, 11, 12

Race 13: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

A capacity field of fourteen will line up in the thirteenth with some progressive types engaged. (4) YEONGGWANGUI SECRET is a Korean-bred who has won five of his nine starts. He won in this grade last start over the same distance when running a solid time of 1:25.9 on a dry rated track. He has drawn ideally to position in the first half of the field which will be important with the top weight of 57kg on his back. (5) OCEAN PHOENIX is third up since a spell and showed significant improvement last time out. The Menifee filly finished second behind Royal Soldier when they ran a very fast time for the six furlongs. In previous preparations she has been best suited by these shorter sprint races and she looks ready to peak. (9) DIAMOND KING was a surprise winner last time out in this class. The return to form was good to see as the gelding showed plenty of promise when commencing his career in brilliant fashion. (10) CLINCHER is a promising two-year-old import who found the Gyeongnam Domin Ilbo Cup a bit tough last start, prior to that though he saluted in Class 4 company in good style.

Selections (4) Yeonggwangui Secret (5) Ocean Phoenix (9) Diamond King (10) Clincher

Next Best 8, 13

Fast Start 8, 10

Race 14: Class 2 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 90 Million

(4) MR. AFLEET is an outstanding colt with five wins from seven starts to date. He races for the first time since dispatching no fewer than seven of his rivals here when winning at class and distance on October 27^th. He trialed up earlier this month and looked in very good shape so while he has 57kg on his back, he’s very much the one to beat. (12) SMART PRINCE got to within a head of Mr. Afleet that day. He’s not exactly a prolific winner but is a very useful hose at this level and he will be a danger again. (3) WORLD POWER is an up and comer from Kim Young-kwan’s stable. He’s up in class following his third win in seven starts – a dead-heat in a fast time at this distance on December 1^st. He has a fast finish and is in with a shout. (10) ALPHA RUNNER ran out a thirteen-length winner at this distance at class 3 level at the beginning of November and can’t be completely ruled out here. (2) DUBAI TEUKGEUP, another of those behind Mr. Afleet in October, best of the rest.

Selections: (4) Mr. Afleet (3) World Power (12) Smart Prince (10) Alpha Runner

Next Best: 2, 11, 13

Fast Start: 2, 4, 7, 12

Race 15: Class 1 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

We save the best for last on the big Busan race card with fourteen to line up over six furlongs at Class 1 level. With the big spread in the weights it is an interesting affair however (12) ACE KOREA still looks the one to beat. He has returned to good form winning in Class 1 company two starts back and then backing it up with a third in the Kookje Shinmun behind Baengmunbaekdap. The 59kg is obviously the biggest hurdle but he is racing well and did defeat Mujeok Yeongung by three lengths in that Class 1 event two starts back. (8) MUJEOK YEONGUNG is the second elect finishing runner-up at his past two starts in similar grade. With the featherweight of 51kg he will give a good sight and will take some running down. (1) MORNING DAERO is a last start Class 1 winner and has been a brilliant horse for connections. He sat on speed last time out when winning, given the inside draw one would imagine Choi Si-Dae will elect to urge him out of the gates and avoid the kickback. (4) DOCTOR THUNDER has done good things in her twelve-start career to date. She did find the Jeju Governor’s Cup somewhat tough but prior to that she was racing well including a third in this grade behind Core Blade. She’s a natural frontrunner and will be in this for a long way up the straight. (10) KING OF GLORY and (5) HI SEXY are both winners in this grade of late and cannot be ignored.

Selections (12) Ace Korea (8) Mujeok Yeongung (1) Morning Daero (4) Doctor Thunder

Next Best 10, 5

Fast Start 1, 4, 8, 12, 14

With Seoul taking a week off there is a rare (as in twice a year rare) Saturday card at Busan! 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00 and big fields all round. It should be a very good day’s racing:

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

A field of twelve two-year-old debutants will face the starter in the first over the short course. There were two smart trials identified when looking over the replays. The on top selection is (8) MUJEOK YONGBYEONG who won his trial in the softest of fashions. The Mupae Gangja gelding raced in a professional manner when pouncing out of the gates and running through the line in cruise control. Lee Hyo-Sik didn’t pull the whip on him and he looks a nice type on debut. (5) SECRET ILLUSION is the other galloper engaged that impressed in her trial. The daughter of Thunder Moccasin was fast out of the gates before having the pressure applied by other runners for the length of the straight. She also was not struck with the whip once and looked to have plenty more to offer. She ran the fastest time when qualifying and should be considered a winning chance. (4) STRONG MIND trialed in good fashion when finishing third. He was urged along in the straight and responded duly. If he takes some improvement out of the trial, he can run into the money. (7) SEONGSIL SONYEO ran a fair trial when qualifying. She was beaten a big margin but did line up against some more experienced types.

Selections (8) Mujeok Yongbyeong (5) Secret Illusion (4) Strong Mind (7) Seongsil Sonyeo

Next Best 10, 12

Fast Start 5, 7

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

 

Juvenile maidens here with just four of the fourteen having previously appeared on the racecourse. And in fairness, all four of them acquitted themselves well. That, combined with the fact we have some promising first-timers as well, makes for a very competitive affair. (5) ONE PICK is the slight pick. He debuted at this distance on December 6^th and ran well for 3^rd place in a good time behind a couple of useful looking prospects. He can come from just off the pace here and run on well. (7) BANJIUI MAGIC debuted impressively back in September, running 2^nd at 1000M. He’s not been seen since but returned to trial two weeks ago and looked in fine order, running a controlled 2^nd. Among the first-timers. (13) TOP OF TOP looks most likely. By a Korean Derby winner and out of a multiple Korean Stakes winning mare, he led for much of the way in his trial, ultimately finishing 2^nd in a quick time and should go well first up today. (1) PERFECT JEWANG and (3) GEUMA KAIROS are others who caught the eye in the mornings and look in with a chance,

 

Selections: (5) One Pick (7) Banjiui Magic (13) Top Of Top (1) Perfect Jewang

Next Best: 3, 12

Fast Start: 1, 7, 9, 13

 

 

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

A capacity field of fourteen will line up in the third all looking for their first win. (8) DONGNIP YEOLGANG looks mighty hard to beat coming off a last start second behind Master King. The Any Given Saturday colt sat on speed in the 1300m event and went down less than a length. He clocked a good time for this class and should prove hard to beat. (7) SPACE POWER showed some improvement last start. The two-year-old Clear Attempt colt settled well back before running on fairly. He comes out of a tougher affair and will appreciated the drop in class. (2) SPEED KINGDOM comes out of the same event as Space Power where he finished midfield. Leading Busan rider You Hyun-Myung takes over which must be seen as a positive. He should take improvement out of his last start run and he is drawn well to sit in the first four in running. (9) WONDERFU EI placed last time out behind Queen Up. The chestnut showed early speed to overcome barrier eleven and sit on speed. He has drawn wide once again so expect Park Jae-I to work forward from the wide draw and position on speed.

Selections (8) Dongnip Yeolgang (7) Space Power (2) Speed Kingdom (9) Wonderfu Ei

Next Best 3, 4, 9

Fast Start 3, 8

 

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

 

He may be up in class but (9) YEONGSEONG VICTORY is the one to beat here. Having run 2^nd over 1000M on debut in October, he stepped up to this distance and saw off a strong group of rivals for a battling win on November 22^nd. It’s a stiffer ask again here but he looks o have plenty of improvement in him and he should prevail. Yeongseong Victory will be looking to cross and get on pace early and a couple of his main rivals have a tougher task as they try to do the same from wider draws. (11) CAPTAIN STEALTH led for much of the way around on his first try at this level last start, only to be denied late and has serious claims to go close again. Meanwhile (12) LISTEN TO ME and (13) YEONGGWANGUI TIME also come in off runner-up finishes in their respective latest outings and will aim to get across and on to the early speed. Of that pair, Yeonggwangui (more…)

+++PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL RACES SCHEDULED FOR BUSAN RACECOURSE ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29, 2019 HAVE BEEN CANCELLED++++

Da Silva also gets a ride in the weekend’s big race, the Breeders’ Cup for Juveniles on Sunday afternoon. That race will see Seoul’s top two-year-old Roller Blade, facing off with his Busan counterpart Save The World for the first time. We’ll have plenty more on that race as the weekend progresses but in the meantime, here’s Royce with Friday’s previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A field of twelve maiden two-year olds will line up over the 1300m in the first at Busan. (7) OASIS GIRL looks ready to breakthrough after a solid performance last time out when finishing second over the 1000m. The Thomas Gillespie trained filly parked just behind the speed before running through the line strong. She was beaten less than a length and steps up to the 1300m for the first time at her fourth career start. (10) HAPPY YOJEONG ran on impressively on debut over the short course. The grey filly is being stretched out to the 1300m at her second start which should not be a problem based on her first run where she sat off speed and ran on strong. (6) MASTER BELLA was encouraging on debut when overcoming a wide draw to settle just off the leading division. The Colors Flying filly finished off well finishing third behind Unbongsan and Oasis Girl. (11) BLUE POWER has placed over the 1300m previously. Whilst it was in weaker company the Blue Pin colt should be kept safe in your selections.

Selections (7) Oasis Girl (10) Happy Yojeong (6) Master Bella (11) Blue Power

Next Best 1, 2

Fast Start 5, 7

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The second on the card has another field of maiden where there is a severe lack of depth engaged. (3) FIRST STAR appears to bring the strongest form lines into the race. The Simon Pure filly has had three starts for two top four finishes including a reasonable fourth placed performance last time out when she passed a few in the straight. She has drawn favourably and should be in a position to strike when they swing for home. (12) TWO TWO DAY has placed at his past two starts. The Any Given Saturday colt has bounced out of the gates well at his past couple of starts. He should have the speed to overcome the outside draw and settle in a forward position. (11) MR. VALOR is debuting after a soft trial. His dam produced Smart Valor, Couragio and True Valor who have all won multiple races for Isidore Farm. He wasn’t fully asked for in his trial and can figure first-up. (6) SPEED KINGDOM was far from disgraced last time out when finishing sixth over the 1300m. This assignment looks easier, keep the Clear Attempt colt safe in your wider selections.

Selections (3) First Star (12) Two Two Day (11) Mr. Valor (6) Speed Kingdom

Next Best 4, 2

Fast Start 6, 11, 12

 

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

The third on the card will see twelve maidens trying to break maiden status over the short course. (5) GOLDEN RAIN looks mighty hard to beat in this based on him much-improved last start effort. The Tiz Wonderful chestnut ran 1:02.9 last time out on a dry track for the five furlongs, with that time looking superior to his counterparts engaged. Choi Si-Dae retains the ride with the three-year-old carrying the same weight as last start. (7) NORTHERN DREAM is having her third career start. The lightly weighted filly finished fourth last time out when settling in the first half of the field.  Expect further improvement and a positive ride from Jeong Dong-Cheol. (9) FAMILY DANCER finished midfield last time out over the same distance. In a race that lacks depth she can collect some prizemoney. (2) CHEONJI DOKJU was somewhat one-paced last time out when running finishing fifth behind Big Picture. She is second-up and looks a place chance on her effort first-up.

Selections (5) Golden Rain (7) Northern Dream (9) Family Dancer (2) Cheonji Dokju

Next Best 3, 12

Fast Start 3, 5, 7

 

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

There looks to be an abundance of speed engaged in the fourth on the card. (8) SEOBU GENTLEMAN has finished in the top five on five occasions from nine starts suggesting a maiden victory cannot be far away. The Hansen colt ran a fair time for this grade last time out and his early speed should see him get every chance. (6) WORLD SLAM is another that has been trying to breakthrough for quite some time. He led before they balanced up for the run home last time out and eventually let a few pass him. He will be competitive in a field that has limited strength. (11) PARTY LION will jump from the outside at her seventh career start. You Hyun-Myung will jump aboard the three-year-old for the first time. She ran a respectable time last start and is a top three chance. (7) TOHAM STRONG managed to place last time out in a weak field and can pick up some minor money once again.

Selections (8) Seobu Gentleman (6) World Slam (11) Party Lion (7) Toham Strong

Next Best 5, 3

Fast Start 1, 3, 6, 11

 

Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

The term “throw a dart” has never been more appropriate when analysing the field for the fifth on the card. With little confidence (5) FLYING KINGS is the on top selection. The Colors Flying colt missed the start hopelessly last time out and with a clean break in this he has to be considered one of the main chances. He ran a good time for this class two starts ago and should sit in a good position from barrier five. (4) MAX POWER should be kept safe given it appears to be one of the easier assignments she has lined up in. There’s very little speed engaged so she can sit in the first two if Jung Do-Yun chooses to do so. (11) BORNE MATTA is first up since May. The three-year-old ran an average trial time going into this preparation but has had three top five placings from five career starts. (3) BAEDARI CAPER has the ability to collect some minor prize money in a race lacking strength. (more…)

It’s President’s Cup weekend up at Seoul but before that, November’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an eleven-race card from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden with only four of the twelve having raced before. (3) JEONSEOLUI BULKKOT is set to be firm favourite having run 3^rd and 2^nd in his two starts to date. He’ll be leading early and it’s hard to see anything stopping him here. Of the others who have raced before, (2) SPRING WALTZ was perhaps the most promising but greater threats should come from the first-timers. (10) JANGMI GONGJU ran 3^rd in a trial (eight-lengths behind Triple Nine) in early October while (5) DOCTOR GREY and (7) QUEEN GRACE also hinted at some competence. As every with the debut-makers, watch the market for additional clues.

Selections	(3) Jeonseoului Bulkkot (5) Doctor Grey (7) Queen Grace (10) Jangmi Gongju
Next Best	2, 9
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 8

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens here and ten of the eleven are fillies. Four of them have raced before. The slight pick is (4) OASIS GIRL. Having run 4^th on debut, she was 6^th on her reappearance at the end of September. She was less than a length behind 2^nd and this looks to be a simpler task so she could well come out on top today. (3) WONDERFUL SMARTY did nothing wrong when 4^th on debut at the beginning of October and can build on that here, but there are some promising first-time starters. (11) MASTER BELLA ran 2^nd in a trial on October 5^th in a fast time. She’s drawn wide but if she brings that form to the track, then she should go well first up. (9) KKUMEUL NEOMEO ran a fast time in what was a slightly unusual trial and looks to be in the hunt. (2) SIMON LADY was another mature looking trial performer.

Selections	(4) Oasis Girl (11) Master Bella (2) Simon Lady (3) Wonderful Smarty
Next Best	9, 5
Fast Start	2, 8, 10, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) SMILE WINNER ran an improved 3^rd on what was her fourth career start on September 20^th. It was her first try at this distance and she can build on it today. The one she’ll need to beat is (5) ACE JACKPOT. She was considered good enough to be allowed to take her chance in the Gold Circle Trophy at the end of September and while she only managed 6^th of 9, didn’t run badly. She can run well from the front today. (2) WILD GERANIUM drops back in trip following a couple of useful spins around a mile since returning from five months out in September. (1) CENTER FORWARD and (9) DAESAN GAPBU are others in the placing hunt.

Selections	(8) Smile Winner (5) Ace Jackpot (2) Wild Geranium (1) Center Forward
Next Best	9, 7
Fast Start	4, 5

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) WORLD TODAY ran 4^th on debut over 1000M on October 8^th. He started steadily and ran on well and stepping up to 1300M here should be in his favour. He’ll probably be ridden on pace this time and looks the one to beat. (3) WORLD SLAM and (4) RAON FLYING came home 3^rd and 5^th respectively when they raced each other over this distance on October 4^th. Both should be competitive again here with World Slam again (more…)