Busan

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 13)

It’s back! After a week’s break for this year’s rather lengthy “Chuseok” holiday, racing returns to Korea this weekend. Things get underway at Friday for an 11-race card with the first at 11:30 and the last at 18:00. Time to get stuck in:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Competitive opener. (1) CHANG GONG and (2) BELLAMY GONGJU raced 5th and 6th at 1200M a month ago. It was Chang Gong’s debut and he showed enough to suggest he has some promise, leading early. There were no expectations on (3) DONE IT MY on his debut the same day but he managed a very creditable 3rd and won’t be overlooked this time. (4) SEOGANG JILJU didn’t enjoy the extra furlong last time and may be better dropped back in trip today while the Bart Rice pair of (5) CHRISTIANO and (8) CLOVER QUEEN may also have a say.

 

Selections (1) Chang Gong (4) Seogang Jilju (8) Clover Queen (3) Done It My
Next Best 5, 2
Fast Start 1, 6, 2

 Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 55 Million

Half the field have raced before while the other half make their debuts here. We’ll go with experience and a number of them raced each other last time. (8) SMART DANCER, (9) YEONGGWANGUI BOSS and (5) DIVIDE WIND ran 3rd, 4th and 5th on their own debuts on September 15th. Punters will likely make Kim Young Kwan’s Divide Wind favourite to overturn that today, especially given the draw should allow him to get on speed early but (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 29)

It’s the final weekend of racing before the “Chuseok” holiday one-week break and that means it’s big fields all round! Twelve runners in every race at Busan on Friday. 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 55 Million

We get underway with twelve first-timers here. (8) BLUE FLAG is a “full” sister to Gyeongbudaero, one of the best Korea-bred horses in recent years. Her other three-half-siblings have all been winners as well and she could well kick-off her career with victory today having trialed up well. Main danger looks set to be (4) CHEONYEONUITAEYANG who went through a second trial earlier this month and looked to have come on considerably since originally qualifying in August. Others to catch the eye prior to debut are (12) MAJOR ALPHA and (7) APPLE GOLD, both of whom put in decent times in their heats.

Selections (8) Blue Flag (4) Cheonyeonuitaeyang (12) Major Alpha (7) Apple Gold
Next Best 2, 10, 11
Fast Start 4, 7, 8, 12

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Tricky maiden this but a few of them have started to show some signs of improvement. (9) BLESS YOU comes in following three solid performances in slightly tougher company than this and the step up in distance for the first time could be exactly what she needs to make the breakthrough. (4) GHOST WARRIOR has already shown ability at this distance with a 2nd and a 3rd place. He’s not a quick starter but should get up to come close again. (12) DAEHO MYEONGGA was a much improved 2nd on his own first try at the distance last start while (6) SEDA and (10) QUEEN STEALTH are among others who could find some more today.

Selections (9) Bless You (4) Ghost Warrior (12) Daeho Myeongga (10) Queen Stealth
Next Best 6, 11
Fast Start 2, 9, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 55 Million

Only one of these has raced before and he did ok. (7) THUNDER STRUCK was 3rd of 12 on September 1st having previously impressed in trials and that’s enough for him to be favoured to get the job done here. Pick of the first-timers is (1) SUMMIT TODAY. She won her trial by nine lengths despite a steady start and 1200M looks the ideal debut distance for her. Distant 2nd in that heat was (5) WHINNY WING and he too could go ok first up although (12) DORAON SAEGANGJA, who beat a couple of these when winning a trial at the start of the month, is likely to be a little more favoured. Also winning a trial was Thomas Gillespie’s (8) HANEOL GONGJU and she is another to keep an eye on.

Selections (7) Thunder Struck (1) Summit Today (8) Haneol Gongju (12) Doraon Saegangja
Next Best 5, 11
Fast Start 3, 7, 12

Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(7) ADELE HERO returned from almost six months off at the start of September to put in his best performance to date, running 3rd on what was his first try at a mile. He’s the slight pick to go two better this time. (6) CAPTAIN GUY is the least experienced in the race with just the one outing behind him. He was slowly away but flew home over 1000M on September 1st to finish 4th, albeit some way behind the first three. He gets to stretch out in distance today and may get much closer. (8) GOOD PARK hasn’t been too far away and is another who may benefit from the step up in trip while the same applies to (10) MANSUN. One who does have experience at this distance is (11) ROYAL TRIPLE and she too may be considered here.

Selections (7) Adele Hero (6) Captain Guy (8) Good Park (11) Royal Triple
Next Best 10, 12
Fast Start 1, 6, 8

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

She has been a touch inconsistent over her seven outings so far but (3) PERFECT DIVA comes in having landed her second runner-up finish on September 1st and looks set to finally get her maiden win here. She won’t lead from the gate but so long as she is handy early, she can win. (6) GABO QUEENS has lost her way slightly in two outings since she beat three of these on her way to her maiden victory in May but she can return to some (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 24)

Two big Juvenile races take centre-stage Sunday, with both Seoul & Busan staging preps for the Breeders’ Cup Championship race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 from 12:40 to 17:05.

Busan’s race is the Gold Circle Trophy and has attracted nine runners. Bart Rice’s unbeaten Task Force looks in with a shout although Kim Young Kwan’s Classic Match is likely to begin as favourite. In Seoul it’s the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup and Icheon Ssal is set to be at the head of the market. Also at Seoul, the exciting Cheongdam Dokki goes in race 10. Here’s the race-by-race preview for Seoul:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

3rd on debut all the way back in June, (8) SKY CAMP finally returns to action today and looks to be the one to beat in the opening maiden. (2) CLEAN FLOWER beat (11) BLACK WIND as the pair ran 4th on 5th on what for both of them was their first time on August 26th. There was just a half-length between them and while they were several lengths behind the winner, both were encouraging enough to suggest they can improve. Already showing some improvement is (3) BABY STAR, 4th on her second outing after a lacklustre debut. (7) HESEDEU and (10) GOLDEN RUNNER others who look like having some potential.

Selections (8) Sky Camp (2) Clean Flower (3) Baby Star (11) Black Wind
Next Best 7, 10
Fast Start 7, 8, 10, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

There were seven months between (5) STAR SINBI’s debut and his reappearance but both efforts showed promise and having briefly led close to home over this distance on August 26th, he just got bested by a neck on the line. He is one of three standouts here and has every chance. (8) SHAR NAO was an improved 2nd over this distance three weeks ago and is in the hunt again while the front-running (1) HWANAE JANGSEONG could well get a soft early lead here and can go all the way. The winner should be one of those three but (10) JUNGDONG JIJON and (11) GOLD SEUTAK are not without claims either, at least of a place.

Selections (5) Star Sinbi (8) Shar Nao (1) Hwanae Jangseong (11) Gold Seutak
Next Best 10, 4
Fast Start 1

Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) MUCH MONEY faded a little late on when stepped up to 1700M last month but was still not too far away and should be much happier dropped back in trip today. He may have a habit of finishing 2nd – five times in ten starts – but he is a slight favourite here, ahead of (10) GEUM BONGHWANG, who also steps back in trip today. (4) HUIMANG POINT consistently comes close and should do so again while (12) IN BORN CHAMP comes in following 2nd place at class and distance on August 27th and carries a very light weight under an apprentice jockey. (3) KING PLUCKY is another who had a hard time around two turns last start but should be better today.

Selections (5) Much Money (10) Geum Bonghwang (12) In Born Champ (4) Huimang Point
Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 1, 3, 6, 9

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

Only two of these have raced before and neither of them (them being (2) FLYING CAR and (7) GAL PYOBEOM) impressed. That leaves us with ten debut-making imports to consider. (4) JEONGSANG BULPAE almost made it to the starting gate back in June but was scratched. He was forced to requalify as a result and he did that with aplomb three weeks ago, running a fast time. Accordingly, we’ll make him favourite here. (1) MYEONGGA JEWANG and (6) BULMYEORUI JEWANG also went well in their heats and (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 22)

The weekend’s racing gets underway on Friday with 10 races at Busan from 11:30 to 18:00. Let’s take a look at them:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Bart Rice’s (8) THUNDER DOME has put in a couple of encouraging performances so far and was superior to a couple of these when running 3rd last start on September 1st. He is very much the one to beat here. One of those behind him last time was (3) HAEDONG YEOGEOL. That was a slightly disappointing showing from one who has shown ability and she can get closer today as indeed could the other one, (4) CHOEGOREULHYANGHAE. However, it may be that (7) B.K. MASTER, who has had an interrupted career so far but did ok on his return from a length absence a month ago, turns out to be the main threat.

Selections (8) Thunder Dome (7) B.K. Master (3) Haedong Yeogeol (4) Choegoreulhyanghae
Next Best 9, 12
Fast Start 4, 5, 12

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Nice and competitive race here and the three main contenders actually raced each other last time on September 1st. (10) PINK BLUE came out on top that day, an improved 4th on what was just his second career start and we’ll side with him. He’s started slowly in both races so far so that is a slight concern but so long as he doesn’t leave too much to do, he can win this. (8) BEONKWAE JANGGUN was 6th that day but has already recorded 2nd (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 17)

It’s Sunday! It’s Soeul & Busan! The capital has 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 6 from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Three debut-makers but it’s the most experienced among the others, (8) FANTASTIC QUEEN, who gets the nod. She was 2nd over this distance on August 20th and should have too much. (3) CHOWON YEOJEONSA and (6) JEONSIN MUKYANG haven’t shown much yet but may be a little more progressed at this stage than the rest although (4) CONKER did show improvement last time. The debut-makers can’t really be backed first-up but at a push, you’d take (7) MACH SEUNGNI as being most likely to run well. 

Selections (8) Fantastic Queen (4) Conker (3) Chowon Yeojeonsa (6) Jeonsin Mukyang
Next Best 2, 7
Fast Start 3, 4, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Tricky one here but (6) SIMON RICH perhaps has the edge. He wasn’t too far away when running 4th of eight over this distance two weeks ago and turns around quickly here. He should be on the early pace. (2) MAGGIEUI CHUEOG also improved last time albeit in weak company and can go well once more while (4) SHUMA and (1) C.K. QUEEN should also be in the hunt.

Selections (6) Simon Rich (2) Maggieui Chueog (4) Shuma (1) C.K. Queen
Next Best 5, 7
Fast Start 5, 6

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

Big field and any number of prospective winners. (3) YEOKJEONUI SUNGAN was beaten six-lengths by a good winner over this distance on August 20th and just about gets the nod here. She’ll need a good start though. (2) NAMWON QUEEN and (7) RAON MAKER are also likely to be away quickly and can go close while an intriguing entry is (12) BARIME CAMP. She got her maiden win at 1300M at the end of July and steps back in trip (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 15)

After last week’s excitement it’s back to more mundane matters this weekend. Racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Here’s the race-by-race summary:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Tricky little opener and (9) BOLD RULES showed enough in her 3rd place on her debut to suggest that she won’t be sticking around at the bottom level for very long. She can get to the front from the outside gate here and can win. (6) STAR LINE was an improved 2nd on what was his third outing a month ago and can match that today while (1) QUEEN OF CAPTAIN and (5) SILVER LINE can also build on by no means poor debuts. 

Selections (9) Bold Rules (6) Star Line (1) Queen Of Captain (5) Silver Line
Next Best 3, 2
Fast Start 1, 5, 9 


Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 55 Million

Six of the eleven race for the first time here and it’s one of them, (1) CHRISTIANO who is the pick to score on debut. He was quick in trials and could well have too much today. Also impressive in trials was (5) DIVIDE WIND. He’s trained by Kim Young Kwan and is therefore sure to be well-backed first-up. Of the experienced ones, both (10) SMART DANCER and (11) ISLE CAT put in promising runs on their debuts and can build on them here.

Selections (1) Christiano (5) Divide Wind (11) Isle Cat (10) Smart Dancer
Next Best 6, 3
Fast Start 1, 4, 5, 7

 Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

 He’s not been too far off in his latest three and (1) HAENGUN STORY is very much the one to beat here. He should be on the early speed and can go all the way. (7) TONGHAP BULPAE and (3) JANGHAN JILJU ran 3rd and 4th when they raced together at this distance (more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 8)

Korea Cup & Sprint weekend is well underway with the barrier draws having been made on Thursday. There is a big day of racing at Seoul on Saturday with five valubale Trophy races and then of course, the big races on Sunday. Visit the official site and twitter for the latest news and we will of course, have a full preview up in time for the big day. In the meantime, we have the pressing issue of 10 Friday races at Busan from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(12) BOUND TODAY put in a much improved performance on August 11th, comfortably defeating a couple of these and with a little bit of continued progress today looks to be the one they need to beat. (3) YES QUEEN put in a career best 2nd on her 19th start the same day and should be close again while in the same race (2) ACE WOMAN also showed improvement with a 4th place and should be in the placing frame here. (4) GIPPEUM SARANG led on her last start before fading for 5th and should be on pace again today while (7) CLOVER QUEEN was solid if unspectacular on debut a month ago and can build on that today.

Selections (12) Bound Today (3) Yes Queen (2) Ace Woman (7) Clover Queen
Next Best 4, 5
Fast Start 4, 11

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

With a 3rd and a 2nd from his first two starts and only just missing out last time at this distance, (10) DAL GEURIDA surely gets it right today. He hasn’t been especially quick out of gates but based on what he has shown so far, should be too strong in the closing (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 3)

It’s Sunday and there’s just a week to go until Seoul Racecourse hosts the international Keeneland Korea Cup & Korea Sprint. Today, however, also sees G3 action at Seoul Racecourse with the Jeju Governor’s Cup. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:10.

A big field of 15 has been attracted by the big prize; 7 are trained in Seoul while 8 have travelled up from Busan. Those southern raiders include last year’s winner Indian Star (left) who is set to be favourite to retain the crown she won on a soaking wet track just under a year ago.

Among her rivals are the shock Oaks winner Jejui Haneul, who is joined by Bright Star and Uju Star, 2nd and 4th respectively in the fillies’ Classic.  Thomas Gillespie saddles Black Sapphire, a full sister of Triple Nine, while there is other foreign interest with Franco Da Silva partnering Bright Star, Djordje Perovic on Happy Sensation, Johan Victoire on Chang Se, Antonio Da Silva on Rain Sky and JP Guillambert riding at Seoul for the first time as he takes the mount on Pink Blade.

Notes on all races at Seoul are below:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

We’ll have a hot favourite to kick things off and that will be (4) DALLYEORA PACHYAI. He comes in following a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two and should have far too much for this lot, leading from gate to wire. The same owner/trainer combination also sends out (1) DORAON PACHYAI and that on can certainly challenge for a place, along with the main danger (5) ARABIA GONGJU. Of the remainder, (7) DEOGI has perhaps done the least wrong.

Selections (4) Dallyeora Pachyai (5) Arabia Gongju (1) Doraon Pachyai (7) Deogi
Next Best 3, 8
Fast Start 4, 5, 2

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(5) CLEO returned from three months off to run a decent enough 5th of 12 over 1300M at the end of July. Dropped back to the minimum and given a good start here, she should be the one they need to beat. (6) CHEON NOK did nothing wrong on debut, coming a much better than expected 3rd and looks in the frame for prize money again but there are other dangers. (9) KAISER QUEEN has shown signs of finally figuring things out over her latest two and has the benefit of Djordje Perovic on board today while (8) BLACK CASHMERE has also come close across her four outings to date an should be in the hunt once more.

Selections (5) Cleo (6) Cheon Nok (9) Kaiser Queen (8) Black Cashmere
Next Best 1, 3
Fast Start 1, 6

 

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Only two of these have raced before and while neither exactly pulled up trees on their respective debuts, that fact probably won’t stop them being favoured here as none of the first-timers leap out. That means (8) AMENDA, a reasonable enough 5th of 12 at this distance on August 13th, is likely to start as favourite. (2) AREUMDAUN SOPUNG, a Hansen filly was well-backed on her first racecourse appearance at the end of July but only managed to beat one home over 1000M. She had previously trialled well and should be given another chance. Of the first-timers. (5) JEONGSANG DOLPUNG, (6) EMERALD KING and another Hansen, (7) O.J.HWAK DAB look the pick.

Selections (8) Amenda (2) Areumdaun Sopung (7) O.J.Hwak Dap (5) Jeongsang Dolpung
Next Best 6, 9
Fast Start 2, 5

 

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

She wasn’t ready on debut in January but having had six months off after that, (3) ECTON SINHWA has shown significant improvement in two starts back. She was 3rd of 12 at this distance last time, coming from well off the pace and she will be favourite today. The only concern is perhaps her not having demonstrated a very fast start and while she has a good draw today, if she does get caught out, the returning (4) RUBY BEOLKIN could be one to take advantage. She races for the first time since a 2nd place in April and put in an eye-catching trial last week. (1) UN SEO was well back behind Ecton Sinhwa last time but can improve while (8) SIMON RICH also has scope for progress.

Selections (3) Ecton Sinhwa (4) Ruby Beolkin (8) Simon Rich (1) Un Seo
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 4, 1

 

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

Good little filly race this. (8) EXCELLENT QUEEN does have a bit of a case of “second-it is” having been runner-up in four of six outings to date, but if anyone can cure her of it, it’s Djordje Perovic, who gets the leg-up on her for the first time. Her one previous outing at this distance resulted in her worst finish so far but it can be a different story today. She’ll be favourite but she’s no sure thing and (6) BRAVE UP, 4th at class and distance on July 23rd has claims as does (7) STAR PERFECT who, like Excellent Queen has never finished better than 2nd but unlike Excellent Queen, she has done it at the distance, beating a couple of these in the process. (1) SHINE QUEEN and (10) BONNET BLUE others in with a shout.

Selections (8) Excellent Queen (7) Star Perfect (6) Brave Up (10) Bonnet Blue
Next Best 1, 9, 2
Fast Start 9, 4, 5

 

Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Interesting contest again. (3) JEOKBYEOK SHINHWA was 3rd on debut on July 30th in a very quick time over 1000M having led for much of the way. He’s up in distance and the conditions are likely to be very different this time but he could well do it. So too could (4) TRICKER. He got his maiden win at the 7th time of asking on July 16th at 1300M but does carry an extra 3kg today. Nevertheless, he can repeat. There are others to consider too. (2) EOMJI GANGHO had a bad day at the office last time out but is worthy of another chance for at least a place while (12) CROWN ME BOSS gets the services of Moon Se Young and can improve on her three consecutive 5th placed finishes. There are also a couple of first-time starters involved and (5) BROWN CHAMPION can expect to attract some support first-up.

Selections (3) Jeokbyeok Sinhwa (4) Tricker (12) Crown Me Boss (2) Eomji Gangho
Next Best 5, 1
Fast Start 3, 2, 4

 

Race 7: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It would be slightly unfair to accuse (9) BULHUUI MYEONGGOG of a severe case of second and even “third-it is” as the truth has been that he’s always come up against one or two a bit too good and has run to of above expectation each time. Today though, following three 3rd places and two 2nds, the expectation will be of victory. Taking on 1700M for the 2nd time and having beaten three of these on the first occasion, he should do it. If he’s to be stopped, it’s (7) CUPID BOY, who he beat last time who is perhaps the most likely to do it although (3) BIG SKY was also 2nd at the distance on his latest start and should be involved. Trying the distance for the first time is (8) COLORS QUEEN and although yet to win, she looks capable of challenging for the places.

Selections (9) Bulhuui Myeonggog, (7) Cupid Boy (3) Big Sky (8) Colors Queen
Next Best 1, 2
Fast Start 8, 11

 

Race 8: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) FIRE DREAM was a class and distance winner on July 23rd but up in the weights and in different conditions, he’s going to have to work very hard to repeat. Instead we have two standouts in the shape of (1) SPERO and (6) GANGDAEGANG. Spero is a class and distance winner in the past and comes in following two very solid outings at shorter distance while Gangdaegang comes in after a strong 2nd place at the distance last time. It’s tough to split them but well side with Gangdaegang and his slight weight advantage. Among the rest, (2) JIGONG BULPAE and (7) SUPER BROAD look to have the best claims.

Selections (6) Gangdaegang (1) Spero (4) Fire Dream (7) Super Broad
Next Best 2, 5
Fast Start 1, 5

 

Race 9: Class Open (1400M) The Jeju Governor’s Cup / Allowance / KRW 350 Million

One of the most valuable races of the season for Korean bred fillies and mares sees eight from Busan travel up to capital to take on 7 from Seoul. Last year’s winner (12) INDIAN STAR returns to defend her title and she has every chance of doing so following an encouraging warm up race against stiff opposition in July. Thomas Gillespie’s (9) BLACK SAPPHIRE may be more suited to further but looks set to mount a strong challenge while Korean Oaks winner (14) JEJUI HANEUL also must be respected. 2nd in the Oaks was (2) BRIGHT STAR and she too has claims along with 4th placed that day (5) UJU STAR. Jockey JP Guillambert gets his first taste of Seoul and (4) PINK BLADE is one of a number of interesting outsiders in a fascinating race.

Selections (12) Indian Star (9) Black Sapphire (2) Bright Star (5) Uju Star
Next Best 14, 7, 15
Fast Start 10, 12

 

Race 10: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A few decent ones here but (6) IBAEGJEOM should have the beating of them. He was 3rd in a quick race over 1300M last start, his first try at this class and can go two better today. (4) SAMJEONG MAGNUM comes in following back to back 3rd places over 1000M and could well be ready to try further once more while (8) BLACK SUGAR was a decent 4th at class and distance on his last start a couple of months ago and looks in the placing frame too. The main danger, however, looks set to be (7) OUR CAT who makes his 40th starts today and enters in very solid form. He was a quick 2nd over 1000M last time out and should be looking to at least match it here.

Selections (6) Ibaegjeom (7) Our Cat (4) Samjeong Magnum (8) Black Sugar
Next Best 2, 3
Fast Start 2, 4

 

Race 11: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(6) OP SEVEN was a very quick winner on debut and on July 30th and while he is up in both and class and distance today, he will be expected to score once more against this moderate opposition. He should really lead gate to wire. He’ll be a strong favourite and those with the best potential to get close to him will emerge from either end of the gate with both (1) CHEONJAEILU and (8) SMOKEY VALE having proven competitive in this kind of race. Meanwhile (2) ÉCLAIR HUMOR had a tough time on his first outing at this level back in July but could improve today.

Selections (6) OP Seven (8) Smokey Vale (1) Cheonjaeilu (2) Éclair Humor
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 5, 6

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 1)

International horses have begin arriving for next weekend’s Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint with Hong Kong’s Circuit Land and Lucky Year, The Truth Or Else from the USA and Wimbledon from Singapore already in residence at the international stables Seoul Racecourse. We still have a weekend of racing to get through before our attention can turn to that though and it begins on Friday at Busan with 10 races from 11:30 to 18:00. Time to get stuck in:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(5) HAEDONG YEOGEOL enters in the best shape having disposed of both (4) YEONGUNG JEWANG and (8) CHOEGOREULHYANGHAE on her way to 2nd place over this distance on August 6th. She was just beaten a neck that day and can finally get it right here. Yeongung Jewang should be on the early speed and could well be the biggest threat but there are others in with a chance too. (6) THUNDER DOME put in an encouraging debut in May before fading on re-appearance over 1200M. He’s had eleven weeks off since and gets a fresh start here. (2) OKDAN YEOGEOL also enters off the back of consecutive 4th places and can match those.

Selections (5) Haedong Yeogeol (6) Thunder Dome (4) Yeongung Jewang (2) Okdan Yeogeol
Next Best 8, 1
Fast Start 4, 8

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 55 Million

Nine of the twelve race for the very first time but it will be one of the three with prior experience who begins as favourite. That’s (9) HAWK KING, who was 3rd on debut four weeks ago, showing enough in the process to suggest that he has wins in him. (12) MAY STAR also demonstrated some ability on his debut and will need to be considered (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 27)

It’s Sunday! 11 races at Seoul from 11:45 to 19:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:25 to 17:35. All races will be simulcast overseas so here’s the full preview:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

1. CREMOA POWER – Well backed on debut following successful trial but only managed 7th of 12 behind Phoenix Heart.
2. MASK – Good 3rd of 12 on debut despite almost slipping on the home turn. Big chance
3. HAE HU – Debut-maker who won his trial. Will have some backers.
4. SPEED CAPTAIN – Last of 12 on debut on July 30th behind Phoenix Heart.
5. CLEAN UP SECRET – 5th of 11 on debut on July 15th, quickening pleasingly enough. A chance.
6. K.N BLUE – First-timer. Did ok in trials and champion jockey’s presence ensures plenty of support.
7. CHEONHA HYEONGGUK – Debut-maker. Ok in trials but watching brief the best idea first-up.
8. PHOENIX HEART – He’ll be strong favourite following a quick 2nd place on debut on July 30th beating a couple of these in the process. Extra distance should suit.
9. I B S MAN – Trialed well and debuts here. Not impossible but won’t be among favourites.
10. SPECIAL LIGHT – 7th of 12 on debut behind Mask. Plenty to find.
11. LUCKY BONGHWA – 5th and 4th in two outings so far. Could get even closer.
12. AMAZING PEACE – Trialed up in average fashion.

Verdict: (8) PHOENIX HEART ran a strong 2nd on debut a month ago and has to be the one to beat here. (2) MASK almost fell on debut but managed to recover and finish a very good 3rd behind Icheon Ssal who has already gone on to better things. He looks the main danger. (5) CLEAN UP SECRET and (11) LUCKY BONGHWA others who could play a role.

 

Selections (8) Phoenix Heart (2) Mask (5) Clean Up Secret (11) Lucky Bonghwa
Next Best 3, 6
Fast Start 8, 2, 3, 7, 9

 

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million (more…)