The summer season gets underway at Busan today with 9 races from 14:30 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Eight previously unraced juveniles make their racecourse debuts here. Catching the eye in the pedigree stakes is (7) TOP DAY. He’s the second foal out of 2013 Korean Derby winning filly Speedy First to make the track and the other one, Friday, is a winner of three from seven. Top Day trialed the fastest of these, albeit on a muddy track and is with top trainer Kim Young-kwan, so all signs point to him being a strong favourite. (4) YEONGSEONG BRAVO offered some hints of ability when further back in the same trial on June 8^th and looks one of the most likely to challenge here. (5) MARK ONE and (8) YEONGWON DYNAMO are others who showed promise in their respective heats and could go well.

Selections	(7) Top Day (5) Mark One (8) Yeongwon Dynamo (4) Yeongseong Bravo
Next Best	3, 1
Fast Start	1, 7, 8

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

(5) HIDDEN BOY has made steady progress across five starts so far, culminating in 2^nd place over this distance on June 7^th with a couple of his rivals here back down the track behind him. Lim Sung-sil partners him for the third time and today could be breakthrough day. (6) GRAND JILJU was sent up to a mile in late May and struggled to the extent that he was forced back to trial. He looked sharp when winning his heat in mid-June and back at 1300M today, he should be a different prospect. (4) WILD GUY improved considerably last start and can continue to make progress today. (3) ACRA and (9) BORYEONG HWANHO, the latter possibly appreciating the step up in trip, others to look out for.

Selections	(5) Hidden Boy (6) Grand Jilju (3) Acra (4) Wild Guy
Next Best	9, 11
Fast Start	4, 6, 11

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

(4) STOLEN BEAUTY ran 3^rd ahead of a couple of these over 1000M on June 14^th. Bart Rice’s filly has looked to have been figuring things out in her last couple of starts and she steps up in distance for the first time today with a good chance of going very close, likely looking to lead all the way. (8) ZET KING was a slightly disappointing 4^th when favourite over this distance three weeks ago. He previously has a 2^nd place at this trip, albeit in muddy conditions, and can be given another chance on him here – Lee Hyo-sik, who rode him in his best finish to date, returns to the ride. (7) WONDERFUL SUPAH has shown some aptitude for this trip and can be in the palcing hunt while (10) RINGING FLYING has come home in 4^th place in four of her last five outings – she could very well finish in the same position today.

Selections	(4) Stolen Beauty (8) Zet King (7) Wonderful Supah (10) Ringing Flying
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	4, 6, 10

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

(1) AMOR FATI ran on very nicely indeed on debut over 1300M. Well back early, he ended up in 2^nd place and the step up to a mile today looks set to suit. That’s true too for (4) DONGBANG NARAE, who finished off well for 2^nd last start over 1300M and also stretches out in trip today for the first time. Both those will look to come from off the pace while the likely early leader is (5) ETERNAL TRON, whose best performance so far by some margin came at this distance in early May. It’s hard to see anything challenging him for the early lead so the only question is how well he stays on. (2) SUPER GREAT also ran creditably on his first attempt at the mile last start and can build on the 5^th place he managed. (8) SILVER BEST is another trying the distance for the first time and who could slide into some minor money.

Selections	(1) Amor Fati (4) Dongbang Narae (5) Eternal Tron (2) Super Great
Next Best	8, 6
Fast Start	5

Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(10) TRUE VALOR won three in a row in fine fashion between March and May enabling him to take his chance in the Minister’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Crown, at Seoul three weeks ago. He was 7^th over the 2000M that day, but back in trip here and back in more amenable company, he’s the one to beat. The main danger is (2) POWER AMAZING. He is yet to win at this class but comes in following a decent 2^nd over this distance last time out and is well drawn to get to his preferred position at the head of the pack. (3) WHITE POINT finished 2^nd behind True Valor over 1800M on May 3^rd at lengthy odds and while inconsistent, could be a threat again today. (5) VEGA KHAN and the up in class last start winner (7) TEXAS SIDAE are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(10) True Valor (2) Power Amazing (7) Texas Sidae (3) White Point
Next Best	5, 9
Fast Start	1, 2, 10

Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(9) WONDERFUL TALE returned from seven months out to win well over 1000M on May 31^st. She’s up in class and in distance here but neither should be too much of a concern and she can win again, likely trying to lead all the way. She’ll be joined on the early speed by (8) NEOLBEUN GOEUL, who similarly returned from a lengthy spell out to record his maiden win four weeks ago and comes up in both class and trip today with potential for more. (10) FINE TRUMPET was sent back to trial after being very reluctant to go to the barrier when a hot favourite over 1300M three weeks ago. He won the resulting heat and can be given another chance here. So too can (11) SUCHEOJAKJU, who was scarcely involved over 1000M two weeks ago but is better than that and can aim for the places here. (1) PERFECT ACE is another up in class following a maiden win on his latest start. Today’s assignment is considerably stiffer but he can be competitive.

Selections	(9) Wonderful Tale (10) Fine Trumpet (8) Neolbeun Goeul (1) Perfect Ace
Next Best	11, 5
Fast Start	8, 9, 10

Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) ULTRA POWER comes in having made all to win by five-lengths at this distance on June 2^nd. He’s up in class today but is accordingly very nicely weighted and with Seo Seung-un aboard again, can win again. (5) CHEONNYEONUIJILJU ran 5^th behind unexpected winner (9) MYEONGSIN POWER on June 2^nd. Thomas Gillespie’s colt is yet to win in nine attempts but has run 2^nd on no fewer than five occasions and should be in at least the placing hunt again. (4) CEEYOUDOWNTHETRACK began his career very promisingly and while he seemed to have a bit of a wobble in March and April, he showed signs of returning to form with a 4^th place last start and should figure here. (7) SUPER GOLD made a promising return from a lengthy absence at the end of May and is another who can go close. There is one debut-maker and with (1) SYDNEY MANGCHI being trained by Kim Young-kwan and having done nothing wrong in his trial, he has every chance of going well first-up. Watch the market for additional clues about him.

Selections	(2) Ultra Power (4) Ceeyoudownthetrack (5) Cheonnyeonuijilju (1) Sydney Mangchi
Next Best	7, 9
Fast Start	2, 5, 8

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

(3) TOHAM ACE comes in here having won his latest three in an extremely pleasing manner. That’s sent him up to class 3 for the first time here and he’s also asked to stretch out to the 1800M for the first time. Both should be within his capability though and he looks the one to beat. It took (6) FIRST VICTORY a little while to figure things out but he’s won three of his seven to make it up to this class today. Crucially, he has experience of winning at this distance too and he’s a danger here. (1) FRIDAY has just gone off the boil a little in his latest two but returns after six weeks off and can be given another chance. (5) ALPHA RUNNER and (8) STORM GOLD are others whose respective latest appearances don’t reflect their true ability and they may go better here.

Selections	(3) Toham Ace (6) First Victory (1) Friday (8) Storm Gold
Next Best	5, 4
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 8

Race 9: Class 2 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(10) A PURE GOOD MAN beat four of these on his way to a two-length win over 1400M on May 19^th. He carries an additional 3.5kg today but he’s won over this distance under similar in the past and he looks the one to beat again. (1) YES PERFECT is a winner of three from seven so far and comes on off a close 3^rd place, less than a length behind the winner, in a similar race to this on June 9^th. He was on pace for much of that race and should be again here with solid claims of going close. (2) CHERRY VANQUISH was an also-ran in the Ttukseom Cup over 1400M at Seoul last month but was a good class 3 winner prior to that. She tries the mile for the first time and is under a nice light weight. (12) MAKING SEUNGNI and (5) THUNDER FLY finished 4^th and 5^th behind A Pure Good Man last time out with just a nose separating them. Both should be competing for the places today.

Selections	(10) A Pure Good Man (2) Cherry Vanquish (1) Yes Perfect (5) Thunder Fly
Next Best	12, 9
Fast Start	1, 4, 8, 10

This week’s feature race in Korea is Sunday’s Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup at Seoul, which sees the nation’s top three-year-old fillies re-convene following last month’s Korean Oaks. That race’s winner, Deep Mind, heads the field. Before that though the weekend’s action kicks off at Busan on Friday with a nine-race card from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) 2YO Allowance / KRW 75 Million 

The first bunch of Busan two-year-olds for the new season will take to the track in the first on the card. (2) TOP ACE showed early speed in his trial when going on for a solid victory. He ran a slick 1.02.0 and was not over exerted. Choi Si-Dae has been in good form and will partner with the son of Thunder Moccasin. (3) ACE JACKPOT hit the line strong in her trial. She was asked to extend at the top of the straight and ran home well when second in her trial. She ran a handy 1.02.5 in her trial. Francisco Da Silva will ride her after Choi Si-Dae who was aboard for the trial elected to ride Top Ace. (4) BLUE POWER jumped away well in his barrier trial. He was beaten by a big marking but ran through the line fairly. (8) ECHO SUN looks a place chance after finishing fourth in his trial running 1.03.4.

Selections	(2) Top Ace (3) Ace Jackpot (4) Blue Power (8) Echo Sun
Next Best	7, 6
Fast Start	2, 4

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

There is a lack of speed engaged in the second which suggests that (11) BANJIUI JILJU will be able to pounce out of the gates and find the lead with ease. You Hyun-Myung should be able to dictate the speed in the affair and if she gets a cheap sectional she will take some running down. (9) SUN MOUNTAIN looks the main threat. The Simon Pure colt is coming off a solid performance when coming from well back and finishing third over the 1300m. (4) DANDI QUEEN ran home fairly last time out when finishing fifth in similar company. The Limitless Bid filly is having her eighth career start with Jung Do-Yun remaining aboard. (10) TURBO SPEED sat behind the leading division last time out and ran into third. Lee Sung Jae rides for the first time.

Selections	(11) Banjiui Jilju (9) Sun Mountain (4) Dandi Queen (10) Turbo Speed
Next Best	1, 5
Fast Start	10, 11

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

A field of ten three-year-olds go around in the third on the card. (4) MORNING TAEYANG performed well at his second career start when finishing second behind Perfect Ace. The Colors Flying colt will have the services of Choi Si-Dae who will benefit from a better draw in this event. (3) MILLION BEAT has run third at two of his three career starts. He was beaten a substantial thirteen lengths last time out but expect improvement at his fourth start. (1) CASTEL CORE improved last time out when midfield in a 1300m event. He has drawn the inside today for the first time so will be aided by and economic run. (8) NANSAN YEOJE is having her second start after running out of gas up the straight last time out. The Ecton Park filly originally trialed well and should be better for the run.

Selections	(4) Morning Taeyang (3) Million Beat (1) Castel Core (8) Nansan Yeoje
Next Best	2, 6, 10
Fast Start	4, 6, 7, 8, 10

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

There appears to be plenty of speed engaged in the fourth and one of those with early pace is (5) OCEAN PHEONIX. The Menifee filly ran a strong second last time out behind the well-performed Brown Pie. She has been mighty consistent this preparation. The four-year-old should sit in the first three and prove hard to beat. In contrast (6) ORANGE MARINE is yet to break maiden status but has been consistent this preparation finishing in the top four at all four starts. The import has a solid turn of foot and can be considered an each-way chance. (9) YEONGUNG ILGI should settle rearwards and steam home late. The six-year-old produced one of the fastest sectionals in his race last time out when finishing third behind Nakita. (8) USEUNG TICKET saluted in Class 5 company last time out. She drops two kilograms on last run but may struggle from a wide draw.

Selections	(5) Ocean Phoenix (6) Orange Marine (9) Yeongung Ilgi (8) Useung Ticket
Next Best	7, 2
Fast Start	1, 2, 5, 7, 10

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

A lackluster field of maidens go around in the fifth where (8) DOCTOR MIMI gets her best opportunity to break maiden status. The three-year-old has ran some respectable races this preparation including a last start fourth over the mile. The Colors Flying filly has settled both forwards and rearwards in her eleven start career so Jin Kyum will have options when she jumps. (9) HAENGBOK KOREA finished a distant third in his last race start over the 1600m. He has since had a trial at the start of the month when well back. The outside gate combined with the 56kg appears to be the hurdle but his competition lacks depth. (3) LISTEN TO ME showed speed last time out over the mile. The chestnut jumped well from the outside gate before taking up the early lead. The filly started to tire at the top of the straight and plugged away for fifth. She looks the likely leader. (1) WORLD SLAM looks next best coming off a fourth over the 1300m. The good draw won’t necessarily help the three-year-old’s chances as he is normally tardy out of the gates. (more…)

There has been quite a bit of rain across the peninsula over the past 24 hours including at Busan which is where Friday’s racing takes place. There are 9 races from 11:30 to 18:00:

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

(7) PAGEUKCHEON has finished 4^th in both starts so far. Bart Rice’s colt should be on speed from the gate and is favoured to make his breakthrough today. (11) CHOEGANG WINNER ran an improved 3^rd last start and while he has drawn wide can continue to make progress today. (1) NEOLBEUN GOEUL raced three times without distinction last year but returns following six months off having looked a different horse when winning a trial in a fast time at the end of April. He’ll be expected to go well first-up here. (5) LUCKY TOGETHER and (10) ARA MYUNGMA are others who can improve in a weak race.

Selections	(7) Pageukcheon (11) Choegang Winner (1) Neolbeun Goeul (5) Lucky Together
Next Best	10, 3
Fast Start	1, 7, 8, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

After an inauspicious debut at the end of last year, (8) BARAMGWA GUREUM has run well in three subsequent outings, all at this trip. He was a touch disappointing when finishing 5^th as favourite last time out but looks worth another chance here. (10) SPERO SPERA was the longest shot on the board that day but managed to finish 4^th, half a length in front of Baramgwa Gureum. He’ll warrant more respect today. (9) FUNKY struggled at 1300M last start but should be better dropped back to the minimum today. Debut-makers (1) THE SUN OF GOD and (2) FOREVER RUNNER did nothing wrong in trials and can be competitive here. Watch the market with both.

Selections	(8) Baramgwa Gureum (9) Funky (1) The Sun Of God (10) Spero Spera
Next Best	2, 4
Fast Start	2, 8, 9

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

(5) LEGACY returned after over a year out to run 3^rd at this distance on May 17^th. He was favourite that day but should have come on for the run and should be sent off at the top of the market here too. He should lead all the way. (1) FINAL WIND has a 2^nd place to his name at this trip and is set to be one of the principal dangers while (12) ACRA improved last start and looks ready to try this extended trip once more. (10) HIDDEN BOY steps back in distance after a solid showing over a mile last start and should be in at least placing contention while (6) NOVELLA races for the first time since last November and showed some promise over the course of a couple of recent trials.

Selections	(5) Legacy (1) Final Wind (10) Hidden Boy (12) Acra
Next Best	6, 7
Fast Start	1, 4, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens only here. (11) HUSE JEWANG is the slight pick. He’s shown steady – if somewhat sedate – progress across three outings so far and could be the one to step up here. Plenty of other candidates too. (9) TIZ JOYFUL was an improved 4^th over 1000M in decent company last time out, running on well, and should appreciate the step up in trip today. (4) GEUMGANG CHILBO ran poorly last start in April but has since been through two trials in eye-catching fashion and enters consideration. (3) TIZBE and (7) CHARGE POWER are others in the hunt.

Selections	(11) Huse Jewang (9) Tiz Joyful (7) Charge Power (4) Geumgang Chilbo
Next Best	3, 6
Fast Start	4, 5, 7

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) LUCKY NUMBER ONE is up in class having made all to secure her second career win over a mile two weeks ago. Intriguingly she’s dropped all the way back to the minimum distance today but she’s a front-runner who can get forward from the inside and can win again. (3) HALLA HWANGHU also steps up in class following an eye-catching five-length win over this distance on May 10^th and should be firmly in the hunt again. (7) LUCKY ADELE was 2^nd that day and comes u in grade as well with the potential to be competitive. Continuing the theme of those taking on class 4 company for the first time, (5) BLACK SHIELD returned from nine months off in March to make all and win over 1200M and looks very nicely in here. As for those with experience of this level, (2) BUGYEONG STORY looks the best of them.

Selections	(1) Lucky Number One (3) Halla Hwanghu (5) Black Shield (2) Bugyeong Story
Next Best	7, 6
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 8

Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) HANSEN DREAM was a battling winner over this distance on debut on May 3^rd. He’s up in class today but is nicely drawn to get on speed from the start and could win again. The main danger is (4) KAHEKILI. She led all the way to win by six-lengths on what was (more…)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:30 to 18:00. With two big Stakes races at Seoul on Sunday in the shape of the SBS Sports Sprint and the Ttukseom Cup, lots of jockeys are missing from Busan this weekend so Seo Seung-un looks set to be the man to follow down South on both Friday and Sunday:

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

Tricky maiden for three-year-olds to kick things off with. (3) GIJEOGUI JILJU weakened late on debut over 1300M just two weeks ago. She returns quickly here and dropped back in trip should go much better today. (11) WONDERFUL TALE raced twice last autumn showing promise with a 4^th and a 3^rd. She came through a trial in good order at the beginning of this month and should go well first-up here. (12) STOLEN BEAUTY was an improved 4^th on her second outing at this trip three weeks ago and can continue to make progress today. There are four first-time starters and a couple look to have potential. (4) USEUNGUI PARANGSAE and (9) MISS UP both went well in trials and are likely to have backers here – watch the market for clues with both.

Selections	(3) Gijeogui Jilju (11) Wonderful Tale (12) Stolen Beauty (9) Miss Up
Next Best	4, 8
Fast Start	4, 9, 12

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

More three-year-old maidens. (9) ETERNAL TRON has had a stop start career so far but is to outings into his current campaign and comes in having run a good 2^nd over a mile at the beginning of this month. Back down in tip today, he’s likely to be on pace early and looks ready to make his breakthrough. (3) TWO TWO WAY has been inconsistent across her seven attempts so far but comes in off a useful 3^rd place over 1000M three weeks ago and can continue to make progress here while (5) TRUE SIGNATURE was an improved 3^rd at this trip on April 26^th and can go well again. (8) SPICE ROCK has been well supported in the market in all five of her races so far. She’s yet to go any better than 3rd but should be at least matching that here. (11) RAON FLYING did nothing much wrong on debut on May 3^rd and is another in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(9) Eternal Tron (8) Spice Rock (3) Two Two Way (5) True Signature
Next Best	11, 12
Fast Start	3, 9

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

Yet more three-year-old maidens. (5) ROYAL SOLDIER did well on debut in early April, finishing 4^th and running through the line well over 1000M. He steps up in trip today following eight weeks off and it could well suit. (6) MILLION BEAT also returns for the first time since the start of April. She ran an improved 3^rd that day and has since been back to trial, coming through that well two weeks ago. She’s up in trip for the first time and has a chance. (9) GRAND YEONGUNG comes in off the back of two solid performances at 1000M and steps back up to this trip with cause for confidence. (1) TOHAM STAR, a good 4^th on debut a month ago, and (10) PERDIDO ROCKET, are others in the hunt.

Selections	(5) Royal Soldier (6) Million Beat (9) Grand Yeongung (1) Toham Star
Next Best	10, 8
Fast Start	2, 6

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

A winner of two from five so far, (10) BROWN PIE is up in class after a good win on her first try at this distance at the beginning of this month. She looks to have plenty of potential for more improvement and can win again here. (7) OCEAN PHOENIX has raced at this class five times and has only once finished outside the top three. Seo Seung-un rides her for the first time and she should be close again. (11) K PLUS WON is better than recent results suggest with them having been in tough company. Things looks more amenable today and he can improve. (2) STAR LINE Is another who can be competitive in this company while the wildcard is (12) SUPER GOLD. He returns to action for the first time since January and looked sharp in a trial at the end of last month.

Selections	(10) Brown Pie (7) Ocean Phoenix (11) K Plus Won (12) Super Gold
Next Best	2, 6
Fast Start	3, 5, 7, 9

Race 5: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Back to maidens here and a small field going over a mile. (7) EL DRAGON was 3^rd at this distance on her return from almost six months off four weeks ago. She already has a runner-up finish at this distance and is favoured to make her breakthrough here.  (5) DAEHEUNG SIDAE has been slowly figuring things out and his 3^rd place last start suggests he’s finally starting to get it. He steps up to the mile for the first time and it may well suit. (4) TWO TWO HAMMER ran well for a class and distance 3^rd last start three weeks ago and should be aiming to at least match that here. (1) DOCTOR MIMI and (3) BAENGNYEON JIJON are others with potential to improve.

Selections	(7) El Dragon (5) Daeheung Sidae (4) Two Two Hammer (1) Doctor Mimi
Next Best	3, 2
Fast Start	4, 5

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

(8) MAGIC FLYING has raced well in three attempts at this class since getting his maiden win in February. His latest two tries have been at this distance ending in 3^rd and 4^th and he looks the one to beat here. (10) BOBAE DREAM also comes in looking in good shape and while a previous attempt at this distance didn’t go well, she looks like being one of (more…)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 9 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Note that a number of Busan jockeys are away in Seoul in advance of Sunday’s YTN Cup. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) TITLE CODE has shown promise across four starts so far and comes in following two creditable showings in better company than this, both at today’s distance. From gate 7 he should be on pace early and he’s favoured to win here. (2) ECTON SMILE was behind Title Code last time but has previously beaten a few of these and should be looking for a career-best finish here as should (5) DARK TEMPLAR, who steps back up in trip after an encouraging spin around five-furlongs just two weeks ago, running on well, and should go close here. (1) GOLDEN MANE PARIS and (4) SUN MOUNTAIN are others with the potential to improve.

Selections	(7) Title Code (2) Ecton Smile (5) Dark Templar (4) Sun Mountain
Next Best	1, 9
Fast Start	1, 6, 7

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

(2) PERFECT ACE retired from almost nine months out to run a dead-heated 3^rd at this distance on March 29^th. He’s well drawn to get on pace from the start and should be the one to beat here. (10) TAMNA LIST has been no worse than 4^th in three outings so far and looks to have scope for more improvement here. (9) MORNING TAEYANG did nothing wrong when 5^th in debut at a mile three weeks ago and can come on for that run back in trip today. (4) CHOEGANG CLEAR hinted at some improvement last start and can maintain that momentum today while (5) DANDI QUEEN struggled at a mile last start but was 3^rd on her most recent effort at this distance and can be in the hunt today.

Selections	(2) Perfect Ace (10) Tamna List (9) Morning Taeyang (5) Dandi Queen
Next Best	4, 8
Fast Start	2, 6, 8

Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) USEUNG TICKET has been knocking at the door in recent efforts and comes in following a useful 5^th in better company than this a month ago. A second win looks set to arrive sooner or later, and it could be here. This is a competitive race though. (1) EURO SHINHWA also comes in off the back off some positive recent form and was a very close at hand 3^rd last time out. He’ll be on pace from the start and is a big danger. So too is (4) HUNTER PARK. He’s still a maiden but drops back in trip following a solid effort over 1200M three weeks ago and while he’s not always the quickest off the mark, should be in contention here. (3) REALLY ONE and (7) GOP DDA are others in the frame.

Selections	(6) Useung Ticket (1) Euro Shinhwa (4) Hunter Park (3) Really One
Next Best	7, 2
Fast Start	1, 3, 8

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

(6) RAON TOWN has a 2^nd and a 3^rd from just two starts so far, the latter of which was at this distance on April 26^th with a couple of these behind him. He’ll most likely be close to the pace from the start here and is the one to beat. (3) ROYAL TICKET was 4^th behind Raon Town in that race a month ago and while he has a couple of lengths to find, that continued a run of good form at this distance and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise were he to improve. (1) BORNE MATTA was 5^th that day and while he has plenty to find on the other two, he can still beat plenty once more. (2) GRAND JILJU steps back up in trip following two positive showings at 1300M and can be considered, likely after a fast start. (5) YEONGWON CHAMP looks best of the rest.

Selections	(6) Raon Town (3) Royal Ticket (2) Grand Jilju (1) Borne Matta
Next Best	5, 10
Fast Start	2, 6, 7

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

(7) LUCKY NUMBER ONE was just beaten a head at class and distance on May 5^th having led for much of the way around. He was favourite that day but should be on pace again and can be given another chance to win. (3) TORNADO KING was 3^rd in that race, just over a length in arrears and he looks set to be the principal threat. He remains a maiden but has been getting closer and can close late here. The one-paced (5) BULMYEORUIMARIPGAN finally got his maiden win at the 23^rd time of asking last start. His reward is an additional 3kg on his back but while he might not win again, he’ll run on as usual and can pass plenty late. (1) DAEROUI KKUM and (12) GIPPEUM DAY are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(7) Lucky Number One (3) Tornado King (5) Bulmyeoruimaripgan (12) Gippeum Day
Next Best	1, 10
Fast Start	2, 7, 10

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

(1) EURO GONGJU led for much of the way around on her latest start, ultimately finishing a close at hand 5^th. That was a good race and should stand her in good stead for this slightly softer affair. From the inside gate, she can sit handy and finish strongly. (9) (more…)

After last week’s Derby in Seoul, attention switches to the South Coast and the fillies as the 2019 Korean Oaks takes place at Busan Racecourse this Sunday. And it’s at Busan where the weekend’s action gets underway with 9 races on Friday running from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(1) MAJOR PUNCH debuted all the way back last September but had a number of setbacks before finally returning three weeks ago and running 2^nd over 1000M. She’s up in trip today and will be one of many looking to get on pace early but she should have too much for this field. (8) TOHAM IMPACT ran 3^rd behind Major Punch last time and is set to be a danger again while (4) TIZBE ran well for 4^th on debut a month ago, beating a couple of these in the process and can build on it here. (9) TWO TWO SIMON and first-time starter (11) GIJEOGUI JILJU are others who should be in the hunt.

Selections	(1) Major Punch (8) Toham Impact (4) Tizbe (11) Gijeogui Jilju
Next Best	9, 6
Fast Start	1, 8, 9, 11, 13

Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) ULTRA POWER is up in class following a two-length score at this distance to secure his maiden win on what was his fourth career start on April 19^th. He made all that day and is nicely drawn to get to the lead again with potential for another win. Just shy of a year separated (12) JEONGUIUI GITBAL’s first and second career starts. He came back with a flourish though, registering a five-length victory over this distance on April 12^th. He came out of the same wide gate that day and while this is tougher, a repeat isn’t impossible. (2) GAMDONGUI SUNGAN remains a maiden but joins the other two up in class following a couple of near-misses and should be competitive at this level. Of those who have class 5 experience already, (3) YEOWANGUI TANSAENG and (9) NORMAL CLASSIC look the most capable.

Selections	(5) Ultra Power (12) Jeonguiui Gitbal (2) Gamdongui Sungan (3) Yeowangui Tansaeng
Next Best	9, 7
Fast Start	3, 5, 9, 12

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens here with only five of the fourteen having raced before. Three of those five did reasonably well so we’ll cover them first. (7) YESULUI GYEUNGJI was perhaps the most impressive, running a useful 3^rd in a competitive race at this distance on April 19^th. HE can have learned from that and can push on here. (10) PAGEUKCHEON too did nothing wrong when 4^th on his own debut back in January and while he has had one or two setbacks since, returns here in good shape and can go well. (14) VEGA THUNDER came from off the pace to run 2^nd at the beginning of April. She was scratched from a scheduled run two weeks ago when she refused to load into the gate but has since passed her stalls test and if she jumps, she should be close. As for the first-timers, (8) NANSAN YEOJE and (2) PAI BLADE looked best in trials.

Selections	(7) Yesului Gyeungji (10) Pageukcheon (8) Nansan Yeoje (2) Pai Blade
Next Best	14, 1
Fast Start	4, 8, 10, 12

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

(9) YEONGGWANGUI CHEER ran an improved 2^nd last start on April 19^th (beaten by Ultra Power who we saw in race 1) by two-lengths with a couple of these behind him. Under Kim Yong Geun today, he’ll likely look to get forward early and can go one better. (11) CHANGE BACK was 3^rd in that race, three-lengths back and can get closer today although the main danger may ultimately be (2) ZET KING. He was an improved 2^nd on April 12^th and from gate 2, can sit handy and finish strongly. (1) DYNAMIC BOLT and (3) HAENGBOK KOREA are others who should be in at least the placing frame.

Selections	(9) Yeonggwangui Cheer (2) Zet King (11) Change Back (3) Haengbok Korea
Next Best	1, 8
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 9

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

(12) FUSION PARK has been 3^rd in both his latest two outings at 1300M and a mile. He was a beaten favourite last time, but Bart Rice’s colt looks worth another chance to get things right today. (14) NAEGA SAEGANGJA is another who has found himself beaten when market leader, but he’s ever been worse than 4^th in five outings to date and surely maintains that record today. While the wide draw does him no favours, he has generally run in stiffer company than this and a breakthrough is not impossible. (1) SMART WINNER and (7) USEUNG STORY are both better than their latest respective results suggest and can improve here while (5) LEGACY is the wildcard. His solitary start was more than a year ago, but he looked handy enough when trialling up in April and the jockey/trainer combination will tempt some.

Selections	(12) Fusion Park (14) Naega Saegangja (1) Smart Winner (5) Legacy
Next Best	7, 11
Fast Start	2, 3, 5

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) JOY OF LUCK was last seen running 8^th in the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown. Neither company nor distance seemed to suit that day but back in class 4 and back at 1300M, he should be far happier and looks the one to beat. (10) OCEAN PHOENIX (more…)