Busan

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…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 25)

Just two weeks until the Korea Cup! The final list of accepted nominations will be published shortly but in the meantime, we have racing business to get on with and 10 Friday races at Busan from 14:30 to 21:00. Notes on simulcast races below:

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

1. LUCKY ADELE – Faded to 6th of 10 on debut on July 14th. Can improve today.
2. CHEONHA MANSE – Debut-maker. Average in trials.
3. GOLDEN KNIGHT – Last of 12 on debut in July and sent back to trial. Looked better on re-qualifying but too early to back.
4. SUPER WINGS – Best of 3rd place was just over a year ago. Only beat one home on latest start.
5. B.K. MASTER – Raced twice last autumn. Trialed up ok a couple of weeks ago.
6. MIO – Beaten into 3rd when odds-on favourite two weeks ago. Another chance here.
7. EURO GONGJU – Much improved 2nd of 8 on August 6th. Big chance again

Verdict: Seems a bit of a two-horse race as (6) MIO and (7) EURO GONGJU look streets ahead of the rest at this stage. Euro Gongju was slightly more impressive in defeat last start so we’ll go with that one to get the maiden win as both likely bid farewell to class 6. (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 20)

The Autumn Carnival was officially launched this weekend – see the press release below – but we’ve still got plenty of racing to go before we get to the Korea Cup & Sprint on the second Sunday in September. It’s a wet Sunday morning in Seoul but there are 11 races from 11:45 to 19:00 while at Busan there are 6 from 13:25 to 17:35. See below for form comments on all races for overseas simulcast:

https://twitter.com/KRAOfficial/status/898823464659832832

Simulcast Form Comments:

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

1. YAHO STRONG CAT – First-time starter. Didn’t catch the eye in trials.
2. DALLYEORA PACHYAI – Much improved 2nd on second outing at this distance July 23rd. Big chance here. Could well lead all the way.
3. WHITE ERICA – First time starter. Watching brief first up.
4. WONDERFUL LUCKY – 10th of 12 on debut on July 28th. Not yet.
5. FANTASTIC QUEEN – Best of 5th from six starts so far. Could improve on that here.
6. SEMYEONG KHAN – 2nd on debut in June but could only manage 8th when stepped up to 1300M last time. Should go much better back at 1000M today.
7. PENETRO – Debut-maker from Japanese owner Kadono Shigeo. Looked ok in trials and will be backed first up.
8. SHUMA – Managed a 2nd place over 1300M back in March. First start since April and makes for an interesting outsider.
9. SAEROUN GUNHWANG – Offered little in two efforts so far.
10. GOLD MONT – Well off the pace in two outings so far. Top jockey on today though.
11. STORMY PASSION – Career best 4th over 1000M on muddy track on July 29th ahead of Fapp Cat. Not impossible.
12. FAPP CAT – Only beat a couple home on debut behind Stormy Passion on July 29th. Not ready yet.

Verdict: Two standouts here. (2) DALLYEORA PACHYAI improved a lot on his second start, running a close 2nd. If he can get the early lead here, he could be tough to beat. The other is (6) SEMYOUNG KHAN who put in a solid shift on debut but found it harder when asked to travel further on reappearance. He should be better today. (11) STORMY PASSION looks to be figuring things out while debut-maker (7) PENETRO looks potentially intriguing.

 

Selections (2) Dallyeora Pachyai (6) Semyoung Khan (11) Stormy Passion (7) Penetro
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 2, 5, 6, 7

 

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

1. CRYSTALGACHI – Yet to trouble the judges in five outings.
2. ENJOY MY SHOW – Has had an extremely luckless time but on the rare occasions she’s got to the track, she has shown promise. First start since December, trialed ok and not impossible.
3. KHENDUM POWER – Well backed on debut after promising trial but only beat one home on July 29. Worth another chance here.
4. ONE TWO THREE – Best of 5th from four goes so far. Can at least match that in this company.
5. BLACK TRIGGER – Debut-maker who didn’t catch the eye in trials. Watching brief here.
6. UPDATE – Been showing signs of figuring things out. 5th, ahead of Best Mission on latest and looks among the favourites.
7. SUPER COBRA – Debut-maker. Less than impressive in trials. All half-siblings have won though.
8. BEST MISSION – Managed a 4th place back in January but offered little since.
9. BIG MASTER – Improved 5th last time. Still a bit to find.
10. GIJEOGUI JEWANG – Debuted almost a year ago with a 2nd place but only raced twice since. First start since Christmas Day. Trialed up well.
11. CAPTAIN POWER – 9th of 12 on debut on July 22nd. Lots to find.
12. MR. KING – The most experienced in the race. 6th of 11 last time but has managed a 3rd. Not impossible.

Verdict: Not a strong race and that means a lot could be in the hunt. We’ll go with (6) UPDATE, who looked hopeless in his first few but has shown clear signs of figuring things out. Likewise it’s a fresh start for (2) ENJOY MY SHOW trialed well and has plenty of talent. (3) KHENDUM POWER disappointed on debut but we’ll not give up just yet while (4) ONE TWO THREE could also improve.

 

Selections (2) Enjoy My Show (6) Update (3) Khendum Power (4) One Two Three
Next Best 10, 12
Fast Start 2, 1, 3, 6

 

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

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 18)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday afternoon with a 10-race card from 14:30 to 21:00. Notes on all races (1-6)  for overseas simulcast below:

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

1. SPECIAL POWER – Three slow efforts so far. 9th of 11 on latest at 1300M. Outsider.
2. BEAUTIFUL ACT – Was 200/1 on debut on May 19th but came 4th. Not seen since but could match that.
3. VICTORY ROAD – Only beat one home on debut at 1000M on July 7th. Lots to find.
4. ATOMIJI – Best result a 2nd over 1300M in June. 3rd of 12 last time ahead of Busan Bolt and favourite to score here.
5. SILVER LINE – Took a while to qualify going through a lot of trials. Can’t be backed first-up.
6. EDGE OF WINNER – First-time starter. Trialed up ahead of Silver Line in July. Watching brief here.
7. FULL HOUSE – Beat Atomiji in trials way back in March but only beat one home on actual debut in May. First start since.
8. BLESS YOU – Best a 3rd place ahead of Beautiful Act Atomiji in May and then 5th last start behind a few decent ones. Two months off since and should be looking for career-best here.
9. SEONHO – First-time who trialed up ok. Half sister to some modest ones who were capable of winning at low levels.
10. BOLD RULES – Looks the best of the first-times. Competent in trials.
11. BUSAN BOLT – Best from nine starts so far is 5th but she was less than length behind Atomiji last time on August 6th and can seek a career best here.
12. GOLDEN AGE – Much improved 2nd on return from three months off on July 14th. Can go well again.

Verdict: (8) BLESS YOU, (2) BEAUTIFUL ACT and (4) ATOMIJI raced each other all the way back in May, finishing 3rd, 4th and 9th respectively. However, it’s Atomiji who has appeared to come on the most since then and Thomas Gillespie’s filly gets the nod here. She beat (11) BUSAN BOLT last time and that one can challenge again as can (12) (more…)