It’s International Weekend in Korea! Racing gets under way with an 8-race afternoon and evening card at Busan on Friday from 15:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the nine racing for the first time. We generally prefer experience in these kinds of races, and this is no exception as (2) DOCTOR ACE has raced twice, improving to 3^rd place at start number two over this distance on August 9^th. He draws well and third up he can be peaking. The best of the first-timers is (4) YURIM ACE. She was an on pace trial winner in mid-August and if she brings that form to the races, she will be in the finish. (8) SAENAE HILL has run 5^th and 4^th in her two outings to date and like Doctor Ace, she can be fitter here. Newcomers (1) TOHAMSAN ONE and (9) FANTASTIC EAGLE hinted at ability in their respective trials.

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

(4) SEINE GANG has raced three times with his best being his latest when 3^rd at this distance on August 2^nd, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. In this company and well-drawn, he should be among the early leaders and looks the one to beat. (8) QUEEN THE GOLD was 5^th behind Seine Gang two starts back and then ran 4^th on August 15^th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. That was her best in eleven attempts but among this company, she should be aiming to better it. (7) SKY BOY raced a couple of times in the spring with a best of 4^th on debut. He returns after nineteen weeks off having trialed fairly and with Tanaka on, he can go well. (3) HIT WINNER and (11) WONDER MOCCASIN others in the hunt.

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

Very competitive looking maiden. (5) FINAL HIT enters off a best so far 2^nd over 1300M on August 22^nd, settling handier than in previous outings and running on well. A previous go at 1400M didn’t go especially well but he can be ready for another crack and has as good a chance as any. (8) DOCTOR SOLAR has been knocking at the door recently with his latest being a 3^rd place over this distance on August 10^th. His best finish of 2^nd also came at this distance, and he can be a danger from off the pace. (4) UNJU MAGIC was a much-improved 4^th at start number two on August 10^th and he can continue to make progress here. (9) SOMANGUIGIL and (10) MUHAN NAREUSHA among plenty of others in with a shout.

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

(2) ONE WAY was a winner at this class and distance on August 1^st, racing handy throughout and running on. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but that’s balanced by drawing the same gate, and she can repeat. (3) BURUI TONGCHI got his sole win to date all the way back at start number two, but he has a 2^nd and a 4^th among his latest three, the latter on his latest on August 2^nd when on pace throughout. From gate three he is a possible leader here, and a potential winner. (9) TRIPLE AXEL is a winner at this distance and hinted at a return to form when 5^th on August 9^th. Franco being booked catches the eye. (1) THUNDER PASSION and (6) HEAVY DUTY are others to consider.

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

The twilight schedule begins at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 15:00 to 21:00. 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. (3) LEGEND HIT beat two of today’s rivals when 4^th on debut of July 18^th. It wasn’t the most fluent of performances as he laid both in and out throughout to the extent that he was sent back to trial, which he came through in good style. With better manners today, he is the one to beat. (7) TRICK SHOT also finished 4^th on debut, in his case over 1000M on July 4^th. She should have come on for the run, the step up in trip can suit, and he can be a danger. Among the first timers (4) TOHAMSAN DRAGON was a front-running 2^nd in his trial and from a good draw, he can be in this a long way. (1) DEIMOS and (10) MUJEOKYI are others who can improve from their respective debuts.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) K ROYAL had eight months between his first and second starts but o his 3^rd in June, he was 2^nd over 1200M, well beaten by a good winner but showing improvement. The step up to 1400M can suit, and third-up he can be peaking fitness wise. (2) WORLD TAEYNAG is yet to finish in the top two after fourteen attempts, but she has run 3^rd to 5^th on six occasions. She has got a decent finish on her and in this company, she can be aiming for a best to date placing. (4) FAST QUEEN has a 2^nd place to her name at this trip and hinted at a return to some kind of form when 4^th last time out and she can be in the mix from off the pace here. (10) GRACE CAL and solitary debut maker (7) OASIS RUBY are others to look out for.

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

(8) DOCTOR CHRIS went through plenty of trials, but it was worth the wait as he was a solid 2^nd on debut over 1300M, overcoming a slow start to run on strongly. He should have come on for that run, the mile looks good for him, and he can win. (5) SEOBU GAMBLE was 5^th in that same race following on from a 3^rd place at the start before. He tackles the mile for the first time and is third-up this preparation. (6) CAPTAIN DRAGON races for the first time since finishing a fair 6^th at this distance back in April, coincidentally with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He looked well when 3^rd in a quick trial two weeks ago and can be a factor here. (7) REMENT and (4) SEATTLE DREAM are the other main contenders.

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) BORYEONGJEOKTOMA is yet to win in fourteen attempts, but he has placed in three of his last four including last time out at this class over a mile. He draws well, Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and today can be the day. (4) GOOD DADDY enters off back-to-back 3^rd place finishes at this class and distance. He likes to race on-pace, and from an excellent draw can be the early leader and be in this a long way. He will need to overturn form on (8) SWORD WING who beat Good Daddy when the pair ran 2^nd and 3^rd at this class and distance on August 1^st. He likes to settle right back and run on and he can be a danger again late. (5) BABEL DREAMY and (10) FLASH RUN among plenty of other place chances.

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

The final weekend before racing switches to an afternoon and evening schedule to run through September sees the action kick off at Busan on Friday with 8 races between 11:25 and 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with all but two racing for the first time. We’ll just about side with the experience and (7) TWIN RAINBOW ran 4^th on debut over this distance on July 11^th, overcoming a slightly slow start to run on. She should have benefited from the experience and Seo Seung-un getting on will attract attention. Given that the other one who has raced before didn’t do much, we head to the trial videos and (2) WORLD EAGLE CAT beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 2^nd in her heat and from a good draw and with Franco on, must be a chance. (9) GRAND TREE posted a decent time when 3^rd in her trial and if she brings that form to the races, she can be in the finish. (3) HUIMANG SARANG and (11) NICE POWER, 3^rd behind World Eagle Cat in their trial, others who can make an impact.

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

Small field and (2) VICTORY STORY gets the nod. He has mixed his form but his last start 3^rd place on July 13^th when settling midfield and running on is enough to suggest that he is ready to win here. (7) GAMDONGUI DOLPA has shown steady progress across four starts to date, culminating in a 3^rd place finish at 12000M on June 13^th. She comes in fresh after ten weeks off and shapes as the main danger. (3) BAEKPAL BOEUN is yet to finish any better than 3^rd in twelve starts but this is not exactly a tough race and if she can get off to at least a fair start, she can be in the finish. (4) FINAL HIT and, given it is such a weak race, newcomer (5) OASIS CHAMP, are others to consider.

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

(6) MUHAN NAREUSHA ran 3^rd on debut over 1200M on July 18^th, coming from well off the pace. That was his style in trials too, so we are going to be very superficial and assume that the additional half furlong is what is required to get him home on top. The sole debut-maker is (3) EXCELLENT RUN. He was an on-pace 3^rd in a fair time in the second of his trials and in this limited company, that’s enough to make him a chance. (8) EOKSAE has hinted at ability with an improved 4^th place last time out, (1) BLUEORCHID and (7) TOP BLUE others in line for the places in what is a very ordinary race.

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) BEOLMA WINNER raced twice last autumn and showed promise but then didn’t return until this August 2^nd when he beat several of today’s rivals on his way to 2^nd place at 1300M. He should strip fitter for that run and is favoured to go one better today. (6) HWANHUI BANK was 3^rd in that race, coming from off the pace to score his best finish to date. The slight step up in trip can suit, and he can be a danger. (8) HEAVY DUTY has a 2^nd place to his name and comes back in trip after recent work at a mile and he can be on pace and in the finish. (7) CRUELLA and (1) GANGSEO GENIUS are others who can contend for the places.

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

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