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Busan
Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 7)
The southern part of the Korean peninsula, including Busan, got slammed by a typhoon on Wednesday causing significant damage and disruption. Racing goes ahead, however, and Busan runs 10 races on Friday from 14:20 to 21:00.
English racecards can be found here. Notes on overseas simulcast races (1-7) are below:
Key
| Rating | Top five official rated |
| Fast Starters | Expected to lead the race early |
| Start-200M | Fastest average time for the first 200M (up to 6 most recent races) |
| 200M-Finish | Fastest average time for the final 200M (up to 6 most recent races) |
Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:20
Seven of these are debut-makers but it’s the experienced ones who are likely to be favoured. (2) TIGER SLAM was an improved 3rd on what was his second outing in August and he can make all here. (6) EORIN YEOWANG was behind him that day but came back out an improved 3rd herself a month ago and should be competitive again. Of the first-timers, (5) BANJIUI JANGMI is a half to two really good horses and was encouraging in trials as was (8) AGNES and (4) TAEYANGUI SINHWA.
| Selections | (2) Tiger Slam (5) Banjiui Jangmi (8) Agnes (6) Eorin Yeowang |
| Next Best | 4, 10, 11, 9 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 2, 9, 11 |
| Start-200M | 2, 10, 6, 12, 7 |
| 200M-Finish | 10, 7, 6, 2, 12 |
Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:45
A half-sister of prolific winner Cinderella Man, (5) EVERGREEN TREE debuts here and will be hot favourite to score having won a trial by fifteen lengths two weeks ago. (2) SEGI GANGJA, 5th on debut in July and returns from injury here and is likely to be second favourite while fellow experienced ones (7) TEUKGEUP GAMDONG and (9) STAR GOLD can also improve. (3) ADELEUI JINJU qualified (a considerable distance) behind Evergreen Tree and looks the best of the other debut-makers.
| Selections | (5) Evergreen Tree (2) Segi Gangja (3) Adeleui Jinju (9) Star Gold |
| Next Best | 7, 10 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 2, 5, 7, 10 |
| Start-200M | 7, 2, 8, 10, 9 |
| 200M-Finish | 8, 11, 2, 9, 7 |
Race 3: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:30
Kiwi trainer David Miller sends out his first Korean runner in the shape of (5) WOLHADOKJAK and it could be a winning start. The colt has shown improvement in his last two and was narrowly beaten out of 3rd last time at this distance. The main danger is (9) SAMHYEONGJE, who has two 3rds at this distance so far while (10) SAERON NA also improved last start and can be considered. (4) ISIDAE YEONGGWANG and (7) DONGNAM CHOEGO look best of the rest.
| Selections | (5) Wolhadokjak (9) Samhyeongje (7) Dongnam Choego (10) Saeroun Na |
| Next Best | 4, 12 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 1, 4, 7, 8 |
| Start-200M | 8, 7, 1, 9, 12 |
| 200M-Finish | 5, 4, 9, 6, 3 |
Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 16:15
Small field but should be competitive. (7) MAGIC WINNER hasn’t exactly lived up to his name but has as good a chance as any on what will be his first try at this distance. He beat (8) DON’T STOP as the pair raced 3rd and 5th over 1200M on August and both will be competitive here. (6) VEGA KHAN was an improved 4th two weeks ago and can build on that here while (4) STYLISH and the sole debut-maker (9) BULBIT JEONSA may also be considered.
| Selections | (7) Magic Winner (9) Bulbit Jeonsa (8) Don’t Stop (4) Stylish |
| Next Best | 6, 3 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 2, 5 |
| Start-200M | 2, 3, 7, 5, 4 |
| 200M-Finish | 3, 8, 1, 7, 6 |
Race 5: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 17:00
The final maiden race and (1) HWAJEONG should really be making her breakthrough here. She was 3rd last start, beating (2) PUREUN GANGJA in the process and looks the best of these. (6) HWANHAN SESANG comes in following a pair of 5ths and can improved with the aforementioned Pureun Gangja and (3) DREAM ACE looking the best of a limited rest.
| Selections | (1) Hwajeong (6) Hwanhan Sesang (2) Pureun Gangja (3) Dream Ace |
| Next Best | 5 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 3, 5 |
| Start-200M | 3, 7, 4, 1, 2 |
| 200M-Finish | 1, 6, 2, 7, 5 |
Race 6: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:50
Nine of these imports are unraced. (2) POINT LUCK was the fastest in trials and accordingly will be one the favourites to strike here. Also looking good in preparation was (8) AMERANCE FASHION and (7) SPEED MARK, the latter winning his trial. (4) MORNING PARK beat a couple of the others in his trial and can be considered. The only one of these with racing experience is (3) BAEDARI SAMCHONGSA. He hasn’t shown much in two starts so far but has a top jockey booking and can show improvement.
| Selections | (2) Point Luck (7) Speed Mark (8) Amerance Fashion (4) Morning Korea |
| Next Best | 3, 6, 5 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 2, 6, 8 |
| Start-200M | 3 |
| 200M-Finish | 3 |
Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:30
Finally we get to see some horses who have actually won some races. (1) WONDER WALL was 2nd last month in a valuable race for juveniles who passed through the domestic sales and he can get back to winning ways here. (10) BAEKDUBONG is up in class and distance following his maiden win a month ago and warrants consideration while (4) LIMITLESS WIN seems to be getting to grips with this class and can improve on his last two outings. (6) REALLY QUEEN and (8) BOUND QUEENS look best of the rest.
| Selections | (1) Wonder Wall (10) Baekdubong (4) Limitless Win (6) Really Queen |
| Next Best | 8, 2, 12 |
| Rating | 4, 1, 2=8, 11 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 6, 8 |
| Start-200M | 1, 6, 8, 7, 12 |
| 200M-Finish | 10, 1, 4, 6, 12 |
Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 2)
It’s a big day of racing in the peninsula as Oaks winner Ottug Ottugi heads the line-up in Seoul in the Jeju Governor’s Cup, a race that brings together some of the top Korean bred fillies on the peninsula. At Busan, Macheon Bolt is the one they have to beat in a top class feature handicap.
Ottug Ottugi and Choi Si Dae, seen here at the Korea Sprint, return to Seoul Sunday (Pic: Ross Holburt)
English Racecards are here. All Seoul races are available on the TAB in Australia.Race-by-race preview (except Busan race 1) below:
Key
| Rating | Top five official rated |
| Fast Starters | Expected to lead the race early |
| Start-200M | Fastest Average time for the first 200M (up to 6 most recent races) |
| 200M-Finish | Fastest average time for the final 200M (up to 6 most recent races) |
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:40
Two standouts here and we’ll go with (11) SMART PARK to beat (9) LEAD MONEY. The latter would perhaps have won last time had he not shifted inwards away from the whip in the closing stages and gets another chance here. Among the rest, (6) CUPID FLOWER was beaten by Lead Money on debut in August and can improve for it while (2) LUIBAN, (3) RAON ROCKY and (10) GOLDEN STEP look best of the first-timers.
| Selections | (11) Smart Park (9) Lead Money (6) Cupid Flower (3) Raon Rocky |
| Next Best | 10, 2 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 1, 2, 3, 6 |
| Start-200M | 9, 4, 5, 11, 6 |
| 200M-Finish | 11, 8, 6, 9, 5 |
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 11:05
(6) NHA TRANG has improved on each start so far and was 2nd in a weak race over 1000M a month ago. He tries 1300M for the first time today and can win from on the early speed. Main danger is (4) HAWK EYES, narrowly beaten into 3rd last start and with a strong finish. The rest look indifferent at best. It’s not a good sign to still be at class 6 after 23 starts but (1) DREAM KING should be capable of beating a few of these while (2) PROUD and (9) NONGBON OREUM can also compete for places.
| Selections | (4) Hawk Eyes (6) Nha Trang (2) Proud (1) Dream King |
| Next Best | 9, 3 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 6, 9 |
| Start-200M | 6, 4, 8, 2, 9 |
| 200M-Finish | 4, 6, 2, 3, 8 |
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 11:30
(3) NO MERCY was 2nd on debut at the beginning of September, having briefly led close to home and he is one of the main contenders here. He’ll look to lead all the way. (5) BINNANEUN TALLYEOK was a much improved 2nd on what was her fourth start at the end of August. She’s not a fast starter and may appreciate the extra half furlong today. (1) I AM CAPTAIN was a slightly disappointing 6th last time but gets another chance while (4) SUNNY SKY and (6) HIMCHAN CHULBAL look best of the rest.
| Selections | (3) No Mercy (5) Binnaneun Tallyeok (1) I Am Captain (6) Himchan Chulbal |
| Next Best | 4, 7 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 3, 7 |
| Start-200M | 3, 7, 1, 2, 4 |
| 200M-Finish | 6, 5, 8, 4, 9 |
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 12:10
(9) RAON CONDOR was a three-length winner on debut a month ago and while she had little to beat that day and is up in class here, she will be competitive. (5) STORM RYKER has been knocking on the door of the places at this class and should be going close here while (3) GEUMBIT ROAD returns after nine months off and looked sharp in a trial in the summer. (7) SUPER ROCKET and (8) SAEBYEOCK BULKKOT both improved last start and may be considered.
| Selections | (5) Storm Ryker (9) Raon Condor (7) Super Rocket (3) Geumbit Road |
| Next Best | 8, 11 |
| Rating | 1, 5, 7, 4=9 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 7, 8, 9 |
| Start-200M | 9, 7, 3, 5, 8 |
| 200M-Finish | 3, 11, 4, 2, 1 |
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:15
Really open race all-filly race. (1) PUREUN JILJU was a winner on debut last month but will have to find plenty if she’s to repeat. Just as likely to make the step up is (11) GEUMSAEKJO, who looked good making all to get her own maiden win on August 28th. (7) EONJE EODISEONA and (8) MARI have both run twice at this level and should be competitive while (2) ECTON GAYA and especially (3) DOLCE VITA are others to consider.
| Selections | (11) Geumsaekjo (7) Eonje Eodiseona (3) Dolce Vita (1) Pureun Jilju |
| Next Best | 8, 2, 10 |
| Rating | 7, 8, 11, 1, 2 |
| Fast Starters | 6, 7, 8, 10 |
| Start-200M | 8, 7, 10, 6, 5 |
| 200M-Finish | 2, 11, 10, 9, 1 |
Busan Race 2: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:40
(11) GASOK ACE is up in class following his maiden win last time and looks nicely in for a repeat today. Rivals are (9) GOLDEN KINGS returned from five months off to record a solid 5th place earlier this month and should have come on for the run and (10) KWAESEOK BOLT, already a winner at this level and top weight here. The inconsistent (3) ACE POWER looks best of the rest.
| Selections | (11) Gasok Ace (10) Kwaeseok Bolt (9) Golden Kings (3) Ace Power |
| Next Best | 1, 5, 6 |
| Rating | 10, 6, 11, 3, 9 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 11 |
| Start-200M | 3, 11, 9, 1, 8 |
| 200M-Finish | 11, 9, 7, 2, 10 |
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:05
Only one previous winner amongst this lot and that’s (12) GYODUBO, who races for the first time since that victory, achieved on a muddy track in July. He’s top weight but has claims again. (1) BROOKS comes in following a 3rd and a 2nd from his last two and should place again while (2) TOTAL WALKER is always well-supported and may find conditions more favourable today. (8) SINGIPARANG is one start into a comeback following over a year off and can improve with (7) MUSTANG STRONG, (9) ALL KILL and (11) GUKJE MYEONGPUM among a number of others to watch.
| Selections | (12) Gyodubo (1) Brooks (2) Total Walker (7) Mustang Strong |
| Next Best | 8, 11, 9, 10 |
| Rating | 8, 12, 10, 1, 2 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 7, 8, 12 |
| Start-200M | 7, 8, 6, 10, 12 |
| 200M-Finish | 12, 8, 10, 2, 11 |
Busan Race 3: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:30
(2) CAPITAL GANGJA comes in following three consecutive 2nd place finishes and taking her chance against imports can go one better here. She beat (5) KKEUTPAN BOOSTER into 3rd last time out and both should be in contention with the latter carrying 3kg less today. Main danger is Kim Young Kwan’s (8) MATCH POWER, 3rd on his second start a month ago and surely a winner at some stage. (10) DEVIL KING and (11) YEGEURINA are also to be considered.
| Selections | (5) Kkeutpan Booster (8) Match Power (2) Capital Gangja (11) Yegeurina |
| Next Best | 10, 4 |
| Rating | 11, 6=9, 7, 4 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 3 |
| Start-200M | 1, 2, 5, 11, 3 |
| 200M-Finish | 11, 4, 6, 5, 8 |
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55
Competitive race here. (1) MISUJAE and (3) DANGCHANBISANG are up in class after slightly unexpected wins at 1200M and 1300M respectively. They’ll have a bit to find today but can be competitive. (2) SPECIAL ROAD HILL secured her second career win against softer opposition earlier this month and will also need to improve. (9) WHIZ SPEED, with two wins and two 2nds from his last four looks the one to beat although strong finisher (4) SUPER BROAD can improve on recent starts too. (6) CHEOLLI and (11) OFFIDAY also with claims.
| Selections | (9) Whiz Speed (4) Super Broad (1) Misujae (3) Dangchanbisang |
| Next Best | 11, 6, 2 |
| Rating | 9, 11, 2=8, 4 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 3, 9, 11 |
| Start-200M | 9, 5, 3, 6, 1 |
| 200M-Finish | 4, 11, 6, 2, 8 |
Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:20
(3) GABO STAR has been sent off at odds-on for all but one of his seven starts to date. He’s only won the two but while he is up in class here, he should be leading all the way from a favourable draw and making it three. He’s up against (7) GIFTED SUN though, a sharp winner over 1000M last month who is similarly up in class today and can provide a stern examination. (1) PHANTOM BLADE hasn’t lived up to early promise but can come on for his 5th place back from a spell three weeks ago while (2) SANGSEUNG MULGYEOL, (9) FOR MY SIS and (10) GIMAKIN JILJU are always reliably competitive.
| Selections | (3) Gabo Star (7) Gifted Sun (1) Phantom Blade (9) For My Sis |
| Next Best | 10, 2 |
| Rating | 9, 10, 2=3, 6 |
| Fast Starters | 3 |
| Start-200M | 7, 3, 1, 4, 2 |
| 200M-Finish | 2, 9, 5, 11, 10 |
Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:45
(11) MIDAS ROAD stepped up in class last time just didn’t quicken enough, finish in 3rd at this distance. He gets a chance to return to winning ways today. He narrowly beat (7) KATIE STAR into 4th that day and she too will be competitive as indeed will (9) SUPER START, who beat Katie Star at class and distance in July before going on to disappoint when stepped up to 1400M last month, a race in which (2) ARGO CHAMP finished 2nd. (1) HUIMANG ROCKET was 5th on her first attempt at this level last month and should look to better it here while (8) JINNYEONGUI GEOIN is up in class today and has a bit to find but will be backed.
| Selections | (11) Midas Road (9) Super Start (7) Katie Star (2) Argo Champ |
| Next Best | 8, 1 |
| Rating | 3, 10, 4=9, 11 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 3, 5, 7 |
| Start-200M | 7, 3, 10, 5, 9 |
| 200M-Finish | 11, 7, 9, 8, 1 |
Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10
Small but competitive field and Peter Wolsley’s (3) PRIVATE DANCER showed he’s capable at this level with 2nd place (to a long-shot winner) at the beginning of the month, beating (2) WIN GO MAN into 3rd and can match or better that here. (4) BEOLMAUI SIN is the main danger, up in class and with more wins likely to come. (5) MACHU PICCHU was a strong 4th at class and distance a month ago and can look for the places here with (6) YEONGUNG BOLT the best of the rest.
| Selections | (3) Private Dancer (4) Beolmaui Sin (5) Machu Picchu (2) Win Go Man |
| Next Best | 6 |
| Rating | 5, 6, 3, 4, 2 |
| Fast Starters | 2, 5 |
| Start-200M | 3, 2, 5, 4, 7 |
| 200M-Finish | 4, 3, 5, 6, 1 |
Seoul Race 9: Class Open – Jeju Governor’s Cup (KOR G3) / 1400M / Allowance / KRW 300 Million / 16:40
(6) OTTUG OTTUGI won the Korean Oaks and was 7th in the Korea Sprint here at Seoul three weeks ago. So far, the top filly of her generation, she can prove that here. She will try to make all. Her stablemate (3) SPECIAL ROOKIE was surprisingly beaten by (5) SANTA GLORIA in a trial for this race at the end of last month and both those will be contenders here. (8) CHANG SE was the winner of the corresponding trial at Seoul, beating (1) SMART TIME into 2nd, and will be dangerous as will (9) TOUCH FLYING and (13) RAON AMOS, both of whom come in on a run of four consecutive victories. The experienced Stakes winner (7) PINOT NOIR can never be ruled out of finding the money either and nor can (11) INDIAN STAR.
| Selections | (6) Ottug Ottugi (3) Special Rookie (8) Chang Se (5) Santa Gloria |
| Next Best | 13, 7, 11, 9, 1 |
| Rating | 7=11, 6=9, 8 |
| Fast Starters | 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13 |
| Start-200M | 11, 6, 8, 13, 4 |
| 200M-Finish | 12, 5, 7, 9, 2 |
Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:05
(2) MACHEON BOLT was 2nd to Hong Kong’s Super Jockey in the Korea Sprint in Seoul three weeks ago over 1200M. He prefers further and has to be favourite to take the honours here. (8) GAMDONGUIBADA was an also-ran that day but should be much happier back on her home track while (9) MS. MARGAUX won on her first outing for trainer Thomas Gillespie earlier in the month and shouldn’t be too far away. (3) HEBA seems to have lost a touch of form recently but an apprentice jockey gives her much less weight to carry than usual. (6) TAPIPOINT, 3rd to Macheon Bolt last start, can look to place.
| Selections | (2) Macheon Bolt (8) Gamdonguibada (3) Heba (9) Ms. Margaux |
| Next Best | 6, 4 |
| Rating | 8, 3, 2=9, 4 |
| Fast Starters | 4, 5, 6 |
| Start-200M | 6, 8, 5, 4, 2 |
| 200M-Finish | 3, 2, 9, 7, 8 |
Seoul Race 10: Class 2 / 1900M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:30
(4) SHAMROCKER is giving plenty of weight away but remains a strong contender here to get what would be his 3rd win in his last four starts. A beneficiary of that weight is (9) SAMBONG, who was a strong 2nd on his first try at this class at the beginning of the month. He may try to lead all the way. (3) SUPER COMMANDO is up in class and has a bit to find but may be considered. (1) NEULPUREUN TIGER and (10) NAMSAN CHUKJE may also contest for places.
| Selections | (4) Shamrocker (9) Sambong (3) Super Commando (10) Namsan Chukje |
| Next Best | 1, 11 |
| Rating | 4, 5, 7, 6, 9 |
| Fast Starters | 2, 3, 9 |
| Start-200M | 10, 6, 3, 9, 5 |
| 200M-Finish | 4, 7, 3, 9, 8 |
Seoul Race 11: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 18:00
Both (4) ACE RUNNER and (8) KENTUCKY YEONIN are up in class following maiden wins on what for both of them was their second start last time out. Both made all and both will be looking for the same again here. (10) KODIAK LOVE beat a number of these when running 2nd at class and distance on September 4th and will be in contention once more with (6) KOREA JEONGSANG and (12) JEONMUHUMU among a number of others with claims.
| Selections | (8) Kentucky Yeonin (4) Ace Runner (10) Kodiak Love (12) Jeonmuhumu |
| Next Best | 6, 8, 7 |
| Rating | 2, 10, 9, 8=12 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 4, 5, 8, 9 |
| Start-200M | 11, 5, 8, 4, 3 |
| 200M-Finish | 4, 6, 11, 10, 2 |
Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 30)
There’s a big weekend of racing coming up. On Sunday at Busan, Macheon Bolt, 2nd in the Korea Sprint earlier this month returns to action while at Seoul, Oaks winner Ottug Ottugi heads a strong line-up for the Jeju Governor’s Cup
We start on Friday at Busan though with ten races from 14:20 to 21:00. English race cards are here. Race-by-race notes (races 1-8) are below:
Key
| Rating | Top five official rated |
| Fast Starters | Expected to lead the race early |
| Start-200M | Fastest Average time for the first 200M (up to 6 most recent races) |
| 200M-Finish | Fastest average time for the final 200M (up to 6 most recent races) |
Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:20
2nd on debut on September 2nd, having led for much of the way and just beaten half a length on the line when odds-on favourite, (9) QUEEN’S QUEEN is favoured to go one better today. (4) FOUR NINES was 5th in that race and he too will be fancied to improve on that here but the main danger is likely to be debut-maker (6) EOREUM GONGJU, She won her trial in sharp fashion earlier this month and looks a good prospect. Peter Wolsley has done well with his two-year-old debut makers so far this autumn and (7) BULKKOT NORI could be another while (10) B.K. SAY was a promising 4th on debut a month ago and can match or better here.
| Selections | (9) Queen’s Queen (7) Bulkkot Nori (6) Eoreum Gongju (4) Four Nines |
| Next Best | 7, 11 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 1, 3, 5, 6, 11 |
| Start-200M | 5, 9, 11, 10, 4 |
| 200M-Finish | 4, 9, 10, 5, 11 |
Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:45
(1) BADA BULPAE and (3) CHARTERED DREAM both come in having recorded their best finishes to date last time out and are top picks here. Bada Bulpae returns after almost three months off and with Chartered Dream having beaten a couple of their rivals last month, it is the latter who is slightly favoured. Not many stand out among the rest with (2) SEONGGONG PLAN and (7) SUPER SONIC having shown glimpses and (8) NAMBANG JEONSEOL, whose only previous start was all the way back last December, having looked in shape in a trial last month.
| Selections | (3) Chartered Dream (1) Bada Bulpae (8) Nambang Jeonseol (7) Super Sonic |
| Next Best | 2, 5, 4 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 1, 3, 12 |
| Start-200M | 12, 3, 1, 2, 4 |
| 200M-Finish | 2, 3, 8, 9, 12 |
Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 15:30
Fillies only here and (10) CHOEGANG DRIVER steps up in distance for the first time following an improved 3rd place on what was her third start three weeks ago. She can improve here once more. (1) LADY LUCK has come close in each of her last three and can be competitive again while (4) QUEEN MEDIA was 3rd on debut last month and has little to fear in this company. Main danger to all those will be (6) RAPA CHUKJE, beaten by Lady Luck last time out back in July but performed well in a trial last week.
| Selections | (10) Choegang Driver (4) Queen Media (1) Lady Luck (6) Rapa Chukje |
| Next Best | 3, 9 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 2, 7 |
| Start-200M | 2, 7, 10, 4, 3 |
| 200M-Finish | 10, 4, 1, 8, 9 |
Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 16:15
Small field for the final maiden race and it looks to be between two. (8) HAENGBOKAN JILJU was a much improved 2nd when stepped up to this distance at the start of this month and looks set to battle it out with (4) DESTINY, who dead-heated for 4th last time out behind some decent ones and may look to lead here. They really should fill the 1-2 with (1) KNIGHT KING and (5) BIG GOLD perhaps the best of an indifferent rest.
| Selections | (4) Destiny (8) Haengbokan Jilju (1) Knight King (5) Big Gold |
| Next Best | 3 |
| Rating | – |
| Fast Starters | 4, 5 |
| Start-200M | 5, 4, 6, 2, 8 |
| 200M-Finish | 8, 3, 5, 4, 1 |
Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:00
(8) ADELE STAR was a winner on debut two months ago and he finally returns, up in class and distance, for his second outing here. He should be able to cope with it; he made all last time and can do the same here. It won’t be easy though. (9) MORNING PARK is also up in class and distance following his own maiden win at the beginning of this month while Thomas Gillespie’s (2) ACE GLORY made his breakthrough at this class and distance at the end of last month and could well repeat. (12) COT WING is yet to win in eleven but remarkably has never finished worse than 5th and can maintain that here while (10) MINIME, poor last time, is capable of the money in this company.
| Selections | (8) Adele Star (2) Ace Glory (12) Cot Wing (9) Morning Park |
| Next Best | 10, 7, 4 |
| Rating | 2, 12, 8, 9, 5 |
| Fast Starters | 8, 9, 11 |
| Start-200M | 8, 9, 11, 2, 10 |
| 200M-Finish | 8, 9, 2, 6, 7 |
Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:50
Just fillies (and one mare) here. (4) DAESTAR, a winner on debut, was 3rd on her first try at class and distance in a similar race to this earlier this month, finishing strongly. An apprentice jockey takes some weight off today and she can win. (5) NAMYANG TOWER and (6) BEATBOX are both up in class following maiden wins with the former looking the more likely to make an impact here while (8) CHALLANHAN ACE is proven to be capable of winning money at this level and could well get an easy lead here. If she does, she could stay on all the way. (2) ENTER WAY QUEEN is yet to win but should be competitive while the very experienced (10) SAMDA GONGJU looks best of the rest.
| Selections | (4) Daestar (8) Challanhan Ace (5) Namyang Tower (2) Enter Way Queen |
| Next Best | 10, 6, 12, 9 |
| Rating | 7, 8, 4, 10, 12 |
| Fast Starters | 8, 12 |
| Start-200M | 8, 5, 12, 6, 1 |
| 200M-Finish | 4, 5, 9, 12, 11 |
Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:30
Kim Young Kwan’s (6) DIVINE TOUCH comes in after back to back 2nd place finishes and looks ready to win on what will be his fourth career outing. He’ll be on speed early and can make all. This race is open to overseas-bred horses but Korean-bred (2) YEONGWON CHUKJE could be the main danger, having scored a couple of narrow 2nd places at domestic class 5 in recent outings. (4) TAEGWON CHAMP is yet to win in sixteen attempts at this level but is always competitive and will be again while (1) LION PARK and (9) SAEBYEOK BADA look best of the rest.
| Selections | (6) Divine Touch (2) Yeongwon Chukje (4) Taegwon Champ (1) Lion Park |
| Next Best | 9, 12, 11 |
| Rating | 6=7, 1, 12, 4 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 6 |
| Start-200M | 6, 1, 8, 9, 12 |
| 200M-Finish | 3, 4, 9, 6, 12 |
Race 8: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:35
Open race to conclude with and following back to back 2nd place finishes at 1300M, (5) OCEAN LINE, just beaten a nose last time, can go one better here, coming from just off the pace. Up in class following his second win in six outings, Korean Derby also-ran (3) SEUNGNIUI CHUKJE looks a danger as does the similarly up in class (9) SUPER BLADE. (10) HWANHUIUI BYEOL will be on speed early and can stay on while (4) INDIAN PARK looks best of the rest.
| Selections | (5) Ocean Line (3) Seungniui Chukje (9) Super Blade (4) Indian Park |
| Next Best | 10, 2 |
| Rating | 4, 6=10, 5, 2 |
| Fast Starters | 2, 4, 10 |
| Start-200M | 10, 4, 3=9=2 |
| 200M-Finish | 9=5, 7=10, 1 |
Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 23)
Horse racing in Korea gets back to business this weekend. Busan gets things going on Friday with an 11-race card from 14:20 to 21:00, Seoul goes on Saturday with a card running from 14:00 to 21:00 while both tracks operate daytime racing on Sunday.
Paolo Aragoni was 3rd in the korea Cup on Triple Nine – he returns to busan on friday (Pic: Ross Holburt)
English racecards are here. Nores on Friday’s races 1-9 are below:
Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 13:20 (SIN)
Only one of these has raced before, (6) BEONGGEULBEONGGEUL. She was 3rd on debut last month and can go on here. She probably won’t be favourite though as two of the debut-makers, (3) I’M ADELE and (7) TWO TWO RAPTOR, won their trials, with the latter looking especially impressive in the process. Peter Wolsley’s (10) SECRET MARINE showed promise in their own trials as did (1) KEUN MABEOP and (11) HWARANGUI HUYE. (5) CAPTAIN BLADE is from Korea’s top stable and is sure to well-backed also.
| Selections | (6) Beonggeulbeonggeul (7) Two Two Raptor (10) Secret Marine (3) I’m Adele |
| Next Best | 1, 11, 5, 8 |
| Outsiders | 2, 4, 9, 12 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 3, 11 |
Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:45 (SIN)
Maiden fillies (and one mare) here and top trainer Kim Young Kwan’s (11) PINK BLADE is favourite to score after an encouraging enough 3rd place on debut on August 26th. She beat (7) RECHAE into 4th that day and Rechae too can go close again. (5) SWEET WHY was an improved 3rd at this distance just two weeks ago and can be considered while (8) NIPSYS should have come on from their debuts. The more experienced (9) PALMYRA is the wildcard while even (10) IGIPPEUM GEUDAERO, winless in 35 outings, can find the minor money.
| Selections | (11) Pink Blade (7) Rechae (5) Sweet Why (8) Nipsys |
| Next Best | 9, 10, 6, 3, 4 |
| Outsiders | 1, 2, 12 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 5, 6, 9 |
Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (SIN)
Another maiden race and (8) CHOEGANG OFFICER and (10) PARK MAN both try further than the minimum distance for the first time. It should suit both but while the former will be on speed early, the latter can finish quickly and is strongly favoured to prevail here. (9) MAGIC WINNER beat two of these when recording his best finish to date three weeks ago and will be at much shorter odds today. (1) SUPER WINGS was much improved when dropped back in trip to 1000M last time but can be given another chance here while (3) HAPPY LIGHT and (4) SAMHYEONGJE are others to consider.
| Selections | (10) Park Man (8) Choegang Officer (9) Magic Winner (1) Super Wings |
| Next Best | 3, 4, 5, 2, 13 |
| Outsiders | 6, 7, 11, 12, 14 |
| Fast Starters | 4, 8, 14 |
Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 14:55 (SIN)
The last of the maiden races. (10) INDIAN KING disappointed when well fancied on debut but showed plenty of improvement at the end of August when running 2nd. The step up in trip today may be exactly what he needs. He’ll want to be on speed early as will (14) MAJOR DANCER, also a much improved 3rd last start and with potential to go on. (3) TAEGWON MISO, (4) ROAD TO SUCCESS and (7) PUREUN GANGJA are all capable of placing at this level. While the only debut-maker, Peter Wolsley’s (9) ROYAL RUBY can also be considered first up following a good trial.
| Selections | (10) Indian King (14) Major Dancer (9) Royal Ruby (3) Taegwon Miso |
| Next Best | 4, 7, 11, 1, 12 |
| Outsiders | 2, 5, 6, 8, 13 |
| Fast Starters | 10, 14 |
Race 5: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:40 (SIN)
(11) I’M YOUR FATHER beat some decent horses when winning on debut last month and can follow up here. Should thrive with an extra furlong. Thomas Gillespie’s (4) ACE SINHWA has come close in recent starts and looks nicely in here under an apprentice jockey. (1) JUNGANG DAERO is up in class following two wins from his last three and can be competitive while (5) PAMAPAS FARM and (7) ARION METAL are both yet to score but are capable of moneying in this company.
| Selections | (11) I’m Your Father (4) Ace Sinhwa (1) Jungang Daero (7) Arion Metal |
| Next Best | 5, 3, 8 |
| Outsiders | 2, 6, 9, 10 |
| Fast Starters | 10, 11 |
Race 6: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:25 (SIN)
(6) RACHEL made all to win on debut at this distance last month. She’s up in class today but Bart Rice’s filly is favoured to repeat. (11) YUSEONGCHEOREOM was also a debut winner but could only manage 4th on his first try at this level in August. Dropped back to 1000M today, he should be closer. Yuseongcheoreom did manage to beat (3) MACHEON CHIRON last time and she too should see improvement back at the minimum today. (4) MISS CANBERRA and the up in class (8) HUIMANG CHANGA are others with claims.
| Selections | (6) Rachel (11) Yuseongcheoreom (3) Macheon Chiron (4) Miss Canberra |
| Next Best | 8, 2, 1, 7, 5 |
| Outsiders | 9, 10, 12 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 3, 6, 11 |
Race 7: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:05 (SIN)
A four-length winner on debut, (1) SINUIPUMGYEOK is up in class and distance but should surely have too much for this field. (11) SHINE STAR was an even more ye-catching winner on his debut in July and followed up with a 3rd place at this level on August 26th and looks the main danger. (14) WHITTE QUEENS closed strongly for 2nd last start at class and distance and will want to be closer to the speed today while (2) YAKSOKUI SIGAN and (7) REALLY ONE look best of the rest.
| Selections | (1) Sinuipumgyeok (11) Shine Star (14) Whitte Queens (7) Really One |
| Next Best | 2, 4, 5, 12, 9 |
| Outsiders | 3, 6, 8, 10, 13 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 7, 8, 14 |
Race 8: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:45 (SIN)
Competitive race and while (10) TEXAS RUSH is yet to score in eight, she’s come close and we’ll go with her to come from just off the pace to finally get it right today. (2) DAEJIUI HUIMANG beat Texas Rush last time and should be competitive again. She’ll look to lead early along with (3) DANCING STAR and (14) FOCUS LINE, both of whom can stay on. A danger from the back is (5) BIGBANG BID. He’s closed strongly to get a win and a 2nd place from his last two outings and can go well again here.
| Selections | (10) Texas Rush (2) Daejiui Huimang (5) Bigbang Bid (3) Dancing Star |
| Next Best | 14, 8, 4, 6, 12 |
| Outsiders | 1, 7, 9, 11, 13 |
| Fast Starters | 2, 3, 9, 14 |
Race 9: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:35 (SIN)
(13) GABOGAPJJANG and (3) LET’S WIN are both up in class having finished 1st and 2nd racing over 1200M at the end of last month; the time before they were 2nd and 3rd. They both look nicely in here with GABOGAPJJANG favoured once more. (2) SUPER CHEOLIN is two starts in a comeback following a lengthy spell and looks to be coming back into form while (11) SOUL BLADE and the up in class pair of (4) GANGJA BONSAEK and (9) JILJUUI SIN should be capable of going close.
| Selections | (13) Let’s Win (2) Super Cheolin (3) Let’s Win (11) Soul Blade |
| Next Best | 4, 9, 10, 5, 1, 12 |
| Outsiders | 6, 7, 8, 14 |
| Fast Starters | 5, 7, 11, 12 |
Sunday Seoul & Busan: Full Preview (September 11)
It’s Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint Day at Seoul. There are 11 races in the capital from 10:50 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 5 races from 12:20 to 15:55. English race cards are here. Full race-by-race preview below:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:50
Djordje Perovic picked up where he left off last week on his return to Korea after three months away and he can strike quickly with (2) EORIN WANGJA here. The colt was an improved 3rd on July 31st and can go even better today. First timers (8) HAENGUN MONEY and (10) RAON KINGDOM looked good in trials and can compete while (4) GOLDSTAR HILLS and (6) SIMCHEONG SADAL also look to have promise.
| Selections | (2) Eorin Wangja (8) Haengun Money (10) Raon Kingdom (4) Goldstar Hills |
| Next Best | 6, 5, 11, 12 |
| Outsiders | 1, 3, 7, 9, |
| Fast Starters | 2, 6, 10 |
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 11:15
2nd on debut three weeks ago, (5) SAGYEJEOL is strongly favoured to go one better today. She should lead from the gate and should have too much. (4) GEUMA BENIR has come close in recent starts and should be placing as should (7) FULL GAIN, an improved 3rd last start. (8) EUNBIT NARAE was beaten three lengths by Sagyejeol in that August 20th race but can beat some of these today.
| Selections | (5) Sagyejeol (4) Geuma Benir (7) Full Gain (8) Eunbit Narae |
| Next Best | 6, 1, 3, 2 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 5 |
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 11:40
Brian Dean’s (2) JUNGL DRUMMER won on debut in May and looks ready to win again having flown through a trial last week under today’s jockey Jo Sung Gon. He’s the one to beat. (5) RUNNER QUEEN and (6) SERA KING look to be the main dangers having run 4th and 3rd respectively in a good race at this distance a month ago. (3) DEOKSUNG ILHO, up in class following her maiden win, and (7) STORM RYKER are others in the hunt.
| Selections | (2) Jungl Drummer (6) Sera King (5) Runner Queen (7) Storm Ryker |
| Next Best | 3, 8 |
| Outsiders | 1, 4, 9, 10 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 5, 6 |
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00
Full field in this all-filly race but probably the banker favourite of the day. That’s (11) HYESEONG YEOWANG, up in class after a facile 9-length win over the minimum on August 21st. This is her first time going further than 1000M but she should have too much. Also up in class is (5) EVA ROAD and she can be considered once more while (6) DIXIE SMILE and (10) SOKDO SHINHWA are both experienced money winners – if not actual winners – at this level. Yet to win at all is (12) MAMBO CHEONHA but she’s finished no worse than 3rd in her last six outings and could maintain that today.
| Selections | (11) Hyeseong Yeowang (6) Dixie Smile (12) Mambo Cheonha (10) Sokdo Shinhwa |
| Next Best | 5, 3, 9, 1, 2, 7 |
| Outsiders | 4, 8, 13, 14 |
| Fast Starters | 8, 9, 11 |
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:45
(9) ULTRA ROCKET landed his maiden win at class and distance three weeks ago, he’ll be on speed early here and there’s no reason why he can’t make it two in a row. In this company (4) HIGH VET and (11) DANGCHANBISANG can improve, likewise the modestly named (3) BORN WINNER, who struggled on his first try at this level last month but has the services of Djordje Perovic aboard today. (7) HAPJAKPUM looks best of the rest.
| Selections | (9) Ultra Rocket (11) Dangchanbisang (4) High Vet (3) Born Winner |
| Next Best | 7, 5, 8, 10, 1 |
| Outsiders | 2, 6, 12 |
| Fast Starters | 5, 9, 11 |
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:35
Plenty of unraced imports go here but it’s a Korean-bred who is likely to be favourite. (11) ATHENA THUNDER is two for two and is therefore up in class. He could be craftily entered to maintain his 1000% record although he is tried at further than the minimum distance for the first time. Main danger and almost certain to be 2nd favourite is (9) SPIRIT OF HANSEN. He’s been 2nd in both starts to date and surely has a win in him soon. (2) MEGA IMPACT resumes nine weeks after scoring his maiden win in a similar race to this at 1000M and can be considered while (14) GANGTA beat (1) SMOKEY VALE on what was the latter’s debut last month and both can be considered here.
| Selections | (11) Athena Thunder (9) Spirit Of Hansen (14) Gangta (2) Mega Impact |
| Next Best | 1, 3, 6, 5, 12 |
| Outsiders | 4, 7, 8, 10, 13 |
| Fast Starters | 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 |
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:25
Big and competitive field. (2) GEUMA ZEUS was a class and distance winner last start, closing strongly and while he carries more weight today, can be respected. Looking for a hat-trick of wins is (11) NABOM CASTLE. He races for the first time in three months and carries top weight but can be considered. He’ll try to lead, as will (6) HURI BARAM, who disappointed on his first try at this class last month, when beaten by (12) RULES, but gets another chance today under champion jockey Moon Se Young. Up in class (5) SUN MASTER and (8) ÉCLAIR HUMOR need to improve but can go well.
| Selections | (2) Geuma Zeus (6) Huri Baram (5) Sun Master (12) Rules |
| Next Best | 8, 11, 4, 7, 1, 13 |
| Outsiders | 3, 9, 10, 14 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 4, 5, 6, 8 |
Seoul Race 8: Class Open – The Keeneland Korea Sprint (KOR G1) / 1200M / Weight for Age / KRW 700 Million / 16:25
FULL PREVIEW. The first of two international races on the card and Singapore’s (9) SUPER WINNER, in sparking form at Kranji over the summer has settled into Seoul Racecourse well, has drawn adequately if not ideally and is a serious contender for this big prize. He is likely to be the favourite. Main dangers look to be Hong Kong’s (2) SUPER JOCKEY, who has proven himself over similar surfaces in the past and US Group 1 winner (10) WILD DUDE. Among the Korean entries, (8) PERDIDO POMEROY is the pick with Oaks winner (7) OTTUG OTTUGI and last year’s Asia Challenge Cup winner (when he beat El Padrino) (6) CHOEGANG SCHILLER, the wildcard.
| Selections | (2) Super Jockey (10) Wild Dude (9) Super Winner (8) Perdido Pomeroy |
| Next Best | 7, 6, 13, 3, 1, 4, 14 |
| Outsiders | 5, 11, 12, 15, 16 |
| Fast Starters | 6, 7, 8, 13 |
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:55
(1) SPACE SHUTTLE was overwhelmed in a couple of Stakes races earlier this year but can go well in this company and is one of a number of contenders here. (3) GAIA THUNDER comes in off back to back wins and tries this distance for the first time as does (11) CHOWONUI CHANGA. Both can be considered here as can (4) CHEONHABI, who made all to win at 1300M a month and is up in class here. (7) VALLEY STAR and (9) QUEEN HUDSON, both prior winners at the distance are the wildcard picks
| Selections | (3) Gaia Thunder (11) Chowonui Changa (4) Cheonhabi (1) Space Shuttle |
| Next Best | 10, 8, 7, 9 |
| Outsiders | 2, 5, 6 |
| Fast Starters | 4, 10 |
Seoul Race 10: Class Open – The Keeneland Korea Cup (KOR G1) / 1800M / Weight for Age / KRW 1 Billion / 17:30
FULL PREVIEW. The second international race looks very competitive. Singapore’s (15) INFANTRY hasn’t drawn well but if he can find a decent position from the outside, he has every chance of going well having taken to the Seoul track a little better than the other Kranji raider (1) ORDER OF THE SUN. The Japanese pair of (3) CHRYSOLITE and (7) KURINO STAR O look the ones to beat with jockey Joe Fujii’s Seoul experience perhaps being a crucial factor on the former. UK all-weather specialist (8) SOLAR DEITY and French visitor (2) FAMOUS MARK provide intrigue. There could be a Korean winner. Triple Crown winner (16) POWER BLADE has had a long season but home fans will be hoping for a solid performance from him and stablemate (13) TRIPLE NINE. However, it may be that (5) BEOLMAUI KKUM is the most dangerous member of the home team.
| Selections | (3) Chrysolite (5) Beolmaui Kkum (16) Power Blade (15) Infantry |
| Next Best | 7, 13, 1, 8, 2, 10, 4 |
| Outsiders | 6, 9, 11, 12, 14 |
| Fast Starters | 5, 9, 12 |
Seoul Race 11: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00
(5) GOREOUS DREAM didn’t get into the Korea Sprint so instead he tries class 1 for the first time here. He also stretches out to 1400M which may be more of a concern that the step up in class but if he does handle the distance, he should win. (3) ALWAYS WINNER also steps up to class 1. He wan the JRA Trophy at this distan ce in June before struggling at Kranji the following month. Back at Seoul, he should be dangerous. The two “suns” (11) SUN SHOT and (14) SUN BURSTER look best of the rest.
| Selections | (5) Goreous Dream (3) Always Winner (11) Sun Shot (14) Sun Burster |
| Next Best | 7, 6, 10, 9, 1, 13 |
| Outsiders | 2, 4, 8, 12 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 4, 5, 10 |
Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 9)
The barrier draws for Sunday’s inaugural Keeneland Korea Cup & Sprint were held this morning in Seoul. Before we get to that though, we have plenty of regular action to take care of. The weekend’s racing starts in Busan on Friday where there are 11 races from 14:20 to 21:00. English racecards are here and notes on races 1-9 are below:
Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:20
Italian jockey Francisco Da Silva makes his Korean debut here and it could be a winning one on (3) BAEKDUBONG. The colt was a solid 2ndon debut in July and can go one better here. Main danger is (7) DAREUMBAKJIL, also 2nd on debut last month behind a decent winner. Debut-makers (6) TRIPLE KING looks next best while (5) EORIN YEOWANG can improve from his debut last month.
| Selections | (7) Dareumbakjil (3) Baekdubong (6) Triple King (5) Eorin Yeowang |
| Next Best | 1, 2, 4 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 6 |
Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:45
Only three of the eight have raced before and of those, (7) CHOEGANG DRIVER was an improved 6th on her second start behind some promising ones and can progress again here. Da Silva gets another opportunity on (4) SUMMIT DAY, 2nd in a trial last month and who along with (2) GOLDEN BULLET, looks the most promising of the debut-makers. The two others with racing experience, (3) EGSEU BAND and (8) QUEEN’S BULLET are next best.
| Selections | (4) Summit Day (7) Choegang Driver (2) Golden Bullet (3) Egseu Band |
| Next Best | 8, 1 |
| Outsiders | 5, 6 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 4, 7 |
Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:10
With two 3rds from three outings to date, filly (1) AREUMDAUN OECHIM is strongly favoured to strike this time as the standout in a big but limited field. Bearing in mind the quality – or lack thereof – of the opposition, Peter Wolsley’s (6) COURAGIO, the only debut-maker, has to be well supported while (5) PYEONGDAEMYEONGMUN, with two 4ths from three starts, can also go well. Plenty of experience, if not necessarily talent, among the rest so (4) CHASEDAE and (10) AQUA QUEEN should be capable of competing for the money.
| Selections | (1) Areumdaun Oechim (6) Couragio (5) Pyeongdaemyeongmun (4) Chasedae |
| Next Best | 10, 2, 9, 8, 12, 3 |
| Outsiders | 7, 11, 13, 14 |
| Fast Starters | 5, 13 |
Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 15:55
Another Peter Wolsley debut-maker. (4) YUSEONG FIRST, looks the one to beat here in this all-filly affair. She looked promising in trials and can get off to a winning start in less than intimidating company. (6) LADY LUCK should be scoring the best result of her career to date, coming in following a 3rd and a 4th in her last two starts. (1) BEST ECTON and (7) SWEET WHY, both under apprentice jockeys can also improve on what they’ve done before.
| Selections | (4) Yuseong First (6) Lady Luck (1) Best Ecton (7) Sweet Why |
| Next Best | 3, 8 |
| Outsiders | 2, 5 |
| Fast Starters | 2, 4, 7 |
Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:40
We’re finally done with the maidens and onto a competitive looking race. As we often do in these type of class 4 races, we’ll go for the experienced Korean breds over the imports. (1) YEONGTO DAEWANG is up in class following her second win just two weeks ago. She looks a good sprinter and can make all here. Also a good looking sprinter is (9) V DIVA. She returned from four months off to triumph over this distance on August 7th and is too up in class here with solid claims. (8) HUIMANG QUEEN has finished no worse than 4th in eight runs to fate and should keep that record intact today. Among the imports, (5) BARAMUI HEUNJEOK can improve on the 6th he scored on debut while first-timer (11) PASSION D’OR looked promising in trials.
| Selections | (1) Yeongto Daewang (9) V Diva (8) Huimang Queen (11) Passion D’Or |
| Next Best | 5, 4, 10, 3 |
| Outsiders | 2, 6, 7, 12 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 3, 4 |
Race 6: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:25
Competitive race here and Bart Rice’s (7) FOCUS LINE just gets the verdict. Yet to win in four but looked ok first up at this level a month ago and can improve from just off the pace. (12) CHOEGANG ADVENTURE has a 2nd and a 3rd at this level and if he can get to the front from gate 12, could have strong claims while (2) JERAJIN, who didn’t find it easy in an all-filly race at this class three weeks ago can also improve today. (5) BAEDARI HAENGUN and (6) WONDERFULCHEONGHAE look best of the rest.
| Selections | (7) Focus Line (12) Choegang Adventure (2) Jerajin (5) Baedari Haengun |
| Next Best | 6, 1, 14, 10, 8, 2 |
| Outsiders | 3, 4, 9, 11 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 10, 11, 12 |
Race 7: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:05
(14) BRACHAH beat four of these when finishing 3rd over class and distance just two weeks ago and despite drawing the outside gate here is favoured to beat them once more and this time come home in front. It won’t be easy though. (3) CHEONGCHUN CHAMP is up in class following a pair of 2nd places at class 6 and looks to have scope for development while (2) MAKGANG JILJU has come close in each of her last four and can do so again. (4) GAMSEONG POKBAL is up in class following her maiden win at this distance. She has plenty to find but can be competitive while (8) OH MY CAPTAIN and (11) FIRST SUN are others to consider.
| Selections | (14) Brachah (3) Cheongchun Champ (2) Makgang Jilju (11) First Sun |
| Next Best | 8, 4, 7, 6, 9 |
| Outsiders | 1, 5, 10, 12, 13 |
| Fast Starters | 8, 11, 14 |
Race 8: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:45
Another really competitive race with (6) USEUNG CHOEGO marginally favoured to improve on 3rd place at class and distance on August 12th. Main danger is (9) GERMAN JEONCHA, 2nd on his first try at the distance three weeks ago and likely to set the pace here. He looks a potential talent at this and further distances. (7) THE STARS has only won once but is always dangerous; she beat (8) GO JJANG by a length last time out as the pair ran 3rd and 4th over a mile and both should be competitive again here. Up in class and distance, (2) HUIMANG PARADE may also be considered.
| Selections | (6) Useung Choego (9) German Jeoncha (2) Huimang Parade (7) The Stars |
| Next Best | 8, 10, 3, 11 |
| Outsiders | 1, 4, 5 |
| Fast Starters | 9 |
Race 9: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:35
Bart Rice’s (6) JANGGUNEUI HUYE comes in having won three from three since being a little overmatched in the Korean Oaks in June. She’s a talented sprinter and should have too much for this opposition. (8) V MAN, a Korean Derby also-ran, and (10) GIGA SPEED can go close but will have to find a little extra to compete with the favourite while (4) SINSEGYE SINHWA and (7) GANGJA DAERO also look in the running for the places.
| Selections | (6) Jangguneui Huye (8) V Man (10) Giga Speed (4) Sinsegye Sinhwa |
| Next Best | 7, 11, 12, 3 |
| Outsiders | 1, 2, 5, 9 |
| Fast Starters | 5 |
Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 4)
Plenty going on at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday. In the capital there are 11 races from 10:50 to 18:00 while down on the South coast there are 6 from 13:00 to 17:00. English race-cards are here. Notes on most races below:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 60 Million / 10:50 (KST)
Half the field make their debuts but it’s to one with experience we turn. (7) REBECCA was 3rd on debut and should have too much here. She’ll be strong favourite. (8) NHA TRANG has raced twice and was an improved 3rd on August 13th and looks to be the main danger while (2) BLUE LADY can also improve on debut when she was 6th in the same race as Rebecca. Among the debut-makers, (5) KING MESSENGER looked the best in trials.
| Selections | (7) Rebecca (8) Nha Trang (5) King Messenger (2) Blue Lady |
| Next Best | 1, 3, 4, 6 |
| Fast Starters | 2, 7 |
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 11:15 (KST)
Not a strong lot here but we’ll go for (8) CHEONHA JAEPAE, the only one who comes in following a respectable result in his last start to make the breakthrough here. He was 3rd at class and distance last time and should have too much here. (1) NEULPUREUN JUMBO has a 2nd place to his name, achieved at this distance in June and looks clear 2nd best. Less said about the rest the better with (4) GEUMSU, (5) BYEOLJUNGUIBYEOL and (9) WHITE TIME perhaps with the most chance of improvement.
| Selections | (8) Cheonha Jaepae (1) Neulpureun Jumbo (4) Geumsu (9) White Time |
| Next Best | 5, 7 |
| Outsiders | 2, 3, 6 |
| Fast Starters | 4, 8 |
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 11:40 (KST)
(2) EONJE EODISEONA was a solid 2nd on her first try at this class on August 14th. He was prominent throughout and although well beaten by a good winner, can push on today. He’ll be on the early speed and should win this all-filly affair. (5) BEST QUEEN has come back into form of late with a 2nd and a 3rd from her last two. A strong finisher, she should be competitive again. (3) MONSTER QUEEN is up in class following her maiden win and has little to fear here while (6) SHINE QUEEN and (8) MARI look best of the rest.
| Selections | (2) Eonje Eodiseona (5) Best Queen (3) Monster Queen (8) Mari |
| Next Best | 6, 7, 1, 4 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 2, 8 |
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 12:20 (KST)
(4) SUN EAST was a shock 85/1 winner on a sloppy track at this class over 1400M in July and still an outsider, followed it up with a creditable 4th at this distance last month. He needs more respect today and could very well return to the winner’s circle. Newly licensed at Seoul, Italian jockey Marcello Belli debuts at Seoul this weekend and he has a chance here on (10) GEUMBIT ULLIM. Yet to win in ten outings, the colt has had several near misses recently and Belli could be the difference today. Likely early pace will come from (3) SPECIAL SHINE, who returns following almost five months out and looked in decent shape in a trial last week while (1) SUPER MOON and (8) NEW DOLPUNG look best of the rest.
| Selections | (10) Geumbit Ullim (4) Sun East (3) Special Shine (8) New Dolpung |
| Next Best | 1, 9 |
| Outsiders | 2, 5, 6, 7 |
| Fast Starters | 3 |
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 13:25 (KST)
Competitive sprint this and we’ll look to three ones up in class to battle it out here. Gate 10 isn’t ideal but if he can get away well, (10) GANGHO CHEONNYEON can edge out (1) LA FENICE and (2) ARGO FLYING. The latter has only raced twice since coming last in the KRA Cup Mile (the opening leg of the Triple Crown) in April but was a good winner last time. Djordje Perovic is back in town having spent the last few months fulfilling licensing requirements overseas and will be eager to start riding winners again and (9) CIGAR ACE won’t be favourite but can be competitive. (4) PERFECT CLONE is another to consider, at least for the places.
| Selections | (10) Gangho Cheonnyeon (2) Argo Flying (1) La Fenice (9) Cigar Ace |
| Next Best | 4, 5, 11 |
| Outsiders | 3, 6, 7, 8 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 2, 9, 11 |
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:10 (KST)
(5) EOJJUGARI, winner of back to back races at domestic class 5 in May and June looks craftily entered here among relatively soft imported opposition and has every chance of returning to winning ways. The other Korean-bred runner in the race (8) SPECIAL ROAD HILL looks to have been entered for similar reasons and will also be expected to show improvement form her last start and is likely to be the main danger. Among the six imports few stand out so we’ll give trial winner (4) BANYA DONGHAENG a chance on his racecourse debut with (3) DALLYEORA BEONGAE the other to consider.
| Selections | (5) Eojjugari (8) Special Road Hill (4) Banya Donghaeng (3) Dallyeora Beongae |
| Next Best | 7, 1 |
| Outsiders | 2, 6 |
| Fast Starters | 5, 7 |
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55 (KST)
Big field but big favourite too. (4) CITY STAR has two wins and two 2nd place finishes from four outings to date and should be superior here. He will likely lead all the way. (9) SIDAEUIYEOWANG was 4th to City Star’s 2nd over 1400M at this class on July 23rd and could be the one to get closest to him once more although (11) MAJUNGMUL, 4th on her first try at this level following back to back wins, can also be considered. Plenty more vying for places with (1) PRETTY BOY, (3) KKUMUI CLUB and (8) CHEONJI TAP chief among them.
| Selections | (4) City Star (9) Sidaeuiyeowang (11) Majungmul (1) Pretty Boy |
| Next Best | 7, 3, 5, 8, 12, 6, 2 |
| Outsiders | 10, 13, 14 |
| Fast Starters | 2, 4, 8 |
Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:45 (KST)
Another big field and another where many have claims. (8) KODIAK LOVE is slightly favoured following two 2nds and a 3rd at this level. He’ll look to come from just off the early pace. There will be plenty on speed early including (5) SHARK MANSE. The two-year-old was a 4-length winner on debut on August 13th and should be fine up in class and distance today. Also on speed will be (1) SMOKEN JOE, a solid 2nd on a wet track at the end of July and likely to benefit from gate 1 here. (3) GOOD TYPE will also be away quickly and go well while attempting to come from off the pace will be (13) HUGHES ROAD. He’s back after eight months out and looked fast and competitive in an August trial.
| Selections | (8) Kodiak Love (5) Shark Manse (1) Smoken Joe (13) Hughes Road |
| Next Best | 3, 11, 10, 12, 14 |
| Outsiders | 2, 4, 6, 7, 9 |
| Fast Starters | 1,2, 3, 5, 7 |
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:35 (KST)
Up in class after back to back wins and five for seven in total, (7) MIDAS ROAD tries further than the minimum distance for just the second time. There are few opportunities at his preferred distance at this class so it will be interesting to see if he can stay on today. He will sit handy. Main danger is (10) MENI MUSIC, who comes in following back to back 2n places at lass and distance and will be on the early speed. She’ll be tough to pass as will (3) SANGGAM MAMA and (5) KATIE STAR, both of whom have claims. (4) DARK LADY, 5th behind Meni Music and Katie Star last time looks best of the rest.
| Selections | (7) Midas Road (10) Meni Music (5) Katie Star (3) Sanggam Mama |
| Next Best | 4, 8, 11, 1 |
| Outsiders | 2, 6, 9 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 3, 5, 10 |
Seoul Race 10: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:30 (KST)
(4) GWANGBOK CHILSIP looked good when making all for a 7-length win over 1900M at class 2 on July 31st. He is up in class here but carries little weight and can win. Also nicely in here is (8) PINOT NOIR. She’s won a Listed race and a Stakes race already this year and was 2nd coming back from four-month absence last time out. Top weight – and top-rated – is (3) BICHUI WANGJA. He won a similar race at class and distance in July carrying even more than he is today and must be respected. He will look to lead all the way so the early dynamic between him and Gwangbok Chilsip, coming out of neighbouring gates, will be interesting. Plenty of other decent ones here as well with (5) MAGIC TAP, up at class one for the first time, and (6) HWANGGEUM TAP, looking the most promising.
| Selections | (4) Gwangbok Chilsip (3) Bichui Wangja (8) Pinot Noir (5) Magic Tap |
| Next Best | 6, 10, 2, 11 |
| Outsiders | 1, 7, 9 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 4 |
Seoul Race 11: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 18:00 (KST)
Another competitive event to finish with. (3) SPECIAL HARBOR beat three of his rivals here on his way to victory at class and distance three weeks ago. The same apprentice jockey who rode him that day keeps his carried weight down once more and he looks the one to beat. (7) DONGCHON ARTIST returned from eight months out to win first-up on a wet track in July and will be well backed as well while (9) CLEAN UP STAR may have only won once in thirty outings but he got his sixth 2nd place finish last time out and can repeat today. (1) THUNDER STEP and (6) S ROSE, look best of the rest.
| Selections | (3) Special Harbor (7) Dongchon Artist (1) Thunder Step (9) Clean Up Star |
| Next Best | 6, 4 |
| Outsiders | 2, 5, 8 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 4, 7 |
Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (September2)
The weekend’s racing gets underway on Friday afternoon with an 11-race card at Busan. The first is at 2.20pm and the last is at 9pmEnglish racecards are here. Notes on selected races below:
Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:20
Ten of the twelve are first-time starters and of them, (1) QUEEN’S QUEEN showed the most in trials, comfortably defeating a couple of the others who debut here and she should go well. The other market leader is going to be (7) MORNING PARK. He’s one of the two who has raced before, finishing a creditable, if unspectacular 4th on debut last month and can push on from that. (10) FOUR NINES, from Kim Young Kwan’s stable will also be backed despite an average trial. Among the other debut-makers, (2) HWANHUIUI BARAM, (6) NAMYANG QUEEN and (9) RICH BOLT look most promising at this stage.
| Selections | (1) Queen’s Queen (7) Morning Park (10) Four Nines (9) Rich Bolt |
| Next Best | 2, 3, 6, 5, 8 |
| Outsiders | 4, 11, 12 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 9 |
Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:45
Third on debut at the minimum distance last month, (9) GASOK ACE is likely to be strong favourite to strike here. He should lead all the way. This is a big field though and there are dangers. (1) SAMHYEONGJE comes in following consecutive 2nd places and while apprentice jockey Jung Do Yun is yet to ride his first winner, it could come here. He’ll be on speed early too. (6) ISIDAE YEONGGWANG and (7) DON’T STOP are both more experienced and both have recent 2nd places to their names and can repeat while (11) MISWICK MYEONGUN is two starts into a comeback following a lengthy absence and can build on a much improved 3rd place last start.
| Selections | (9) Gasok Ace (1) Samhyeongje (6) Isidae Yeonggwang (11) Miswick Myeongun |
| Next Best | 7, 8, 10, 12 |
| Outsiders | 2, 3, 4, 5 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 8, 9 |
Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:10
(7) FERNANDO has been close on a number of occasions and back from three months off during which time he was gelded, is one of a number who can win this modest contest. Similarly (9) BAROGA has shown potential in this type of company before and can be close for an in-form stable. (1) GREAT PEARL is generally badly behaved but is quick and if jockey Seol Dong Bok can channel her energy in the correct direction, she has a chance; she will be on the early speed. (2) SEUNGNI JEONGSEONG was a much improved 4th last time out while (5) IGIPPEUM GEUDAERO is unlikely to get a maiden win on her 35th start but can compete for the placings.
| Selections | (7) Fernando (9) Baroga (1) Great Pearl (2) Seungni Jeongseong |
| Next Best | 5, 10, 8 |
| Outsiders | 3, 4, 6, 11, 12 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 3 |
Busan Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 15:55
The last of the maiden races and (8) DANCING STAR, who led for much of her last start in a similar all-filly race on August 12th only to be comprehensively beaten by a good winner in the final furlong, looks to be the one to beat here. (10) DESTINY enters following a solid 3rd place (beating Baroga, who we saw in race 3) and should be competitive here too. (6) DORAON GASOKDO struggled in that same race but gets another chance here. (3) LOOK AT ME and (9) NANDANALA look best of the rest.
| Selections | (8) Dancing Star (10) Destiny (6) Doraon Gasokdo (9) Nandanala |
| Next Best | 3, 11, 2 |
| Outsiders | 1, 4, 5, 7 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 2, 8 |
Busan Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40
(6) DONGBANG BULPAE was just beaten a nose by a long-shot last start on July 22nd. That was his second attempt at this level and he is favoured to go one better here and is likely to try to lead from the gate. (5) SUPER SWEET won on debut back in April and showed he too is getting to grips with this class following a solid 2nd place just two weeks ago while (3) MINIME comes in following back to back 3rd place finishes which she should be looking to at least match here. (9) BONGHWANGUI KKUM and the up in class (10) GEOWIUI KKUM, the latter of whom beat a number of horses who we have seen earlier today, are the others to consider.
| Selections | (6) Dongbang Bulpae (5) Super Sweet (10) Geowiui Kkum (9) Bonghwangui Kkum |
| Next Best | 3, 1, 4 |
| Outsiders | 2, 7, 6, 78 |
| Fast Starters |
Busan Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:25
Competitive race this. (7) SUPER BLADE looks the likely favourite having been narrowly defeated at class and distance on August 12th after leading until close to home. (3) PANGPANG LEGEND, a prolific placer and (4) SUPERNOVA IJI, a strong 3rd in a good race for this level on August 7th, will also be well backed. (8) DAESTAR and (5) JEOKDOUI HWASIN are up in class having finished 1st and 2nd on the former’s debut on August 7th. Both will need to find a bit more here but can’t be completely ruled out. (9) SHARP QUEENS was an easy winner of an all-filly race three weeks ago and up in class, will also need to find more today.
| Selections | (7) Super Blade (4) Supernova Iji (8) Daestar (9) Sharp Queens |
| Next Best | 3, 5, 1, 2, 6 |
| Fast Starters | 6, 7, 8 |
Busan Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:05
Thomas Gillespie’s (9) JUNGANG YEOJE suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of a dark-horse debut-maker on August 7th but should have enough to get back to winning ways here. She’ll be on the early pace along with (1) DIVINE TOUCH, who showed promise with a 2nd place on what was just his second start three weeks ago. (5) GOLDEN QUEEN was 4th behind Jungang Yeoje last time and can get close once more with (7) JEONSEOLUI SIJAK and (3) WIRYEOKGIMA also having potential to improve.
| Selections | (9) Jungang Yeoje (1) Divine Touch (5) Golden Queen (3) Wiryeokgima |
| Next Best | 7, 11, 6, 4, 10 |
| Outsiders | 2, 8, 12 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 9 |
Busan Race 8: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:45
(6) SONATA ZONE recorded a really good win, closing late to score by a nose in a decent race at this class over 1400M last month. She’ll need respect here too but we’ll go for the up in class (7) CAPITAL GANGJA to get the job done today after a pair of 2nd places in good company at class 5. She’ll be on pace early whereas Sonata Zone is likely to try to do it the hard way again today and may run out of track this time. (3) VALKYRIE has finished no worse than 3rd in each of her last four outings and can extend that run today while Bart Rice’s (8) KKEUTPAN BOOSTER is up in class and should be competitive.
| Selections | (7) Capital Gangja (6) Sonata Zone (3) Valkyrie (8) Kkeutpan Booster |
| Next Best | 5, 9 |
| Outsiders | 1, 2, 4 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 7 |
Busan Race 9: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 19:35
(8) STEALTH’s last three races have been the three legs of the Triple Crown. He finished 3rd, 3rd & 5th in them respectively. Back in this company and at this distance, he has to be strongly favoured to return to winning ways. (7) YUSEONG TIGER was 2nd in Busan’s Oaks Trial in March although she didn’t run in the filly Classic itself, instead struggling against older fillies and mares in July’s KNN Cup. She is another who will be much happier dropped back in trip and should be competitive. (3) STEAL THE SHOW WHY did make it to the Oaks. She was 6th of 9 and has won since. She is likely to get a comfortable early lead here. (Among the older contenders here, (6) SANGSEUNG JUNIOR and the up in class pair of (5) BIO BLUE and (9) PRIVATE DANCER look capable of going well.
| Selections | (8) Stealth (7) Yuseong Tiger (3) Steal The Show Why (6) Sangseung Junior |
| Next Best | 9, 5, 1, 10, 2 |
| Outsiders | 4 |
| Fast Starters | 3 |
Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 28)
Trials at both Seoul & Busan for October’s Jeju Governor’s Cup are the main events at both tracks today. Big firleds at Seoul, slightly smaller in Busan but plenty of action nonetheless Seoul has 11 races from 10:50 to 18:00 and Busan 6 from 13:00 to 17:00.
Vision 127 – so called because it’s 127 metres long, was switched on at Seoul yesterday. It is supposedly the largest of its type in the world
English race cards are here. Notes on selected races below:
Busan Race 1
| Selections | (2) Impassioned Marine (4) Major Winner (5) Amazing Daeji (6) Choegang Monster |
| Next Best | 7, 1, 3 |
| Outsiders | |
| Fast Starters | 4, 5 |
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13.35
(3) MIRACLE TO YOU and (6) YEONDARA are both up in class following maiden wins last start and while the former has a good chance of following up here it may be that at the 16th time of asking, (1) SEMYEONG LIGHT finally makes the breakthrough here. She was a good 2nd in a decent event a month ago and can come from off the pace here. (2) MISUJAE and (4) YEOUI KING should go close while another long-time maiden (8) JOEUN DAY also looks n with a shout of the placings.
| Selections | (1) Semyeong Light (3) Miracle To You (4) Yeoui King (2) Misujae |
| Next Best | 8, 6, 7, 5 |
| Outsiders | 9, 10 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 4, 5 |
Busan Race 2: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 13.45
(4) JANTEUGAREU has won three of five so far and is banker favourite here to provide apprentice jockey Jung Do Yun with his first race victory. He should get an easy lead and make all. The others are up against it but (2) MAHURU and (7) TAEGWON CHAMP are always competitive and can run the favourite close, with (1) YEONGGWANGUICHUBOK and (6) PARTYINTHEDESERT other contenders to place.
| Selections | (4) Janteugareu (2) Mahuru (7) Taegwon Champ (6) Partyinthedesert |
| Next Best | 1, 3 |
| Outsiders | 5, 8 |
| Fast Starters | 4 |
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:10
We’ve had (7) DIDORPHIN on top plenty of times before and he’s let us down but after four 2nd places, we have to make him top choice once more to finally score. There’s not a huge amount of pace here and the race can set up nicely for him. (3) NAREUMUI YEONGHON was 5thbehind Didorphin back in March and returned to action after four months off in July with a solid 3rd place at class and distance and should be looking to better that today. (5) BOM DON I is highest rated and is already a winner at class and distance while (6) HWANHUIUISUNGAN and (10) MINSON also look set to be competitive.
| Selections | (7) Didorphin (3) Nareumui Yeonghon (5) Bom Dong I (10) Minson |
| Next Best | 6, 11, 1, 2 |
| Outsiders | 4, 8, 9 |
| Fast Starters | 4 |
Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:30
(7) RUN STAR made all to pull off a surprisingly comprehensive victory over class and distance on July 24th. An apprentice jockey keeps the weight down nicely here and he must be respected. He may not be favourite though. Both (4) USEUNG CHEONJI and (6) BAEKDU YEONGUNG are capable performers at this level and the latter in particular, following two 2nd places at this distance, beaten by decent ones both times, looks ready to win. (3) MAYA COUNTRY was 7th behind Run Star last start and can get closer today while Thomas Gillespie’s (5) MUJEOK SINHWA can also improve on recent efforts.
| Selections | (6) Baekdu Yeongung (7) Run Star (4) Useung Cheonji (3) Maya Country |
| Next Best | 5, 8, 2, 1 |
| Fast Starters | 5, 7 |
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:55
Big competitive field here but (2) JINDALLAE, whose one prior start was all the way back last October, gets the nod based on an impressive – and very quick – performance in a recent trial. The only prior winner in the field, (7) HAPPY TODAY was slightly disappointing dead-heating for 5th last time out but gets another chance here in softer company while (8) JEOLDAE BYEONGGI has been getting closer in two recent outings at 1000M and will be on the speed early. (4) TOTAL WALKER will also be a fast starter and can stay on to dispute the places with (10) LEGEND KING and (14) LOST IN DRAMA looking best of the rest.
| Selections | (2) Jindallae (7) Happy Today (14) Lost In Drama (4) Total Walker |
| Next Best | 8, 10, 3, 6, 12, 5 |
| Outsiders | 1, 9, 11, 13 |
| Fast Starters | 2, 4, 5, 8 |
Busan Race 4
| Selections | (6) Blue Storm (10) Haneolui Jilju (7) Baramui Jeonseol (8) Pokpung Sinhwa |
| Next Best | 11, 1, 2, 9 |
| Outsiders | 3, 4, 5 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 6, 9 |
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:45
(1) SAMBA FESTIVAL has won three from nine and while yet to strike at this class, she wasn’t far off in an all-filly event at this distance last month. Expect her to lead here from gate 1 and once there she may be difficult to dislodge. (2) FLY WING is up in class and back in trip following a six-length victory over 1700M and with the stable on top form now, looks dangerous again. (6) SARYEONI KING disappointed on his first try at this level last start but can be given another chance here while the up in class pair of (7) JEONGSANGUI BIT and (10) RAIN SKY look best of the rest.
| Selections | (1) Samba Festival (2) Fly Wing (6) Saryeoni King (10) Rain Sky |
| Next Best | 7, 9, 4, 8 |
| Outsiders | 3, 5, 11 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 6 |
Busan Race 5: Class Open / 1400M / Allowance / KRW 150 Million / 16:10
Fillies and mares only in this trial for a Group race at Seoul at the beginning of October. (3) HOSEUNGJIBYEOK was 3rd in the Korean Oaks in June but is more suited to races around just the one turn and she’s the pick here having struck by almost three lengths at this distance a month ago. Main danger is another three-year-old. (6) SPECIAL ROOKIE was an eye-catching thirteen-length winner over 1200M three weeks ago. She was 4th in the Oaks and there looks to be plenty more to come from here. 5th in the Oaks was (7) SANTA GLORIA. She returned to action last month and smashed the track record for 1300M when winning by eight lengths. Different conditions today but she will be competitive. While the three-year-olds look to have the edge here, (1) HWANGGEUMBITJIJUNG and (2) JIBONG SARANG can be considered.
| Selections | (3) Hoseungjibyeok (6) Special Rookie (7) Santa Gloria (2) Jibong Sarang |
| Next Best | 1, 8, 5, 4 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 4, 6 |
Seoul Race 9: Class Open / 1400M / Allowance / KRW 200 Million / 15:35
Seoul’s trial for the same Group race. (2) CHANG SE was a very good winner over this distance at the end of last month, her second consecutive dominant win and she could very well make all here. (7) MENI MONEY looks to be finally living up to her early potential. She beat a couple of these last start when an impressive class 2 winner at this distance and is the main danger here. Those two look superior to the rest although (4) QUEEN CREEK CAT will be on speed early and can keep her run of recent good form going. (5) SMART TIME was beaten by Meni Money at 1800M in June but is a proven performer in tougher company than this while (10) SINGGEUREOUNBOM beat Chang Se back in May and comes in here in good form.
| Selections | (2) Chang Se (7) Meni Money (4) Queen Creek Cat (5) Smart Time |
| Next Best | 10, 9, 3 |
| Outsiders | 1, 6, 8 |
| Fast Starters | 2, 4 |
Busan Race 6 / Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 17:00
(10) BIT BLADE has won seven of eight in an interrupted career so far and having beaten three of these when winning at this distance by a neck at the end of June, breaking from gate 10 that day too, he is favoured to prevail once more. It won’t be easy though. (7) JIBONG SEUNGNI got within five lengths of Rock Band over 1800M last month, has a 4.5kg weight advantage and will come from just off the pace here. A solid class and distance winner in June, he has every chance. Those two will be the market leaders although (1) CHOEGANG PLUS can be respected having beaten four of these when unexpectedly winning at class and distance last month. (3) QUEEN TWO HEARTS and (5) PUREUN ACE were among those beaten that day but will be favoured to go better here.
| Selections | (10) Bit Blade (7) Jibong Seungni (5) Pureun Ace (3) Queen Two Hearts |
| Next Best | 1, 8, 4 |
| Outsiders | 2, 6, 9 |
| Fast Starters | 3, 10 |
Seoul Race 10: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 17:30
(1) GUY START has just the one win from 29 outings but could be on for a second having gone well in recent outings. Top weight is an issue though and the up in class and distance (4) DAEBOBAE could be the one to take advantage. A solid winner of an all-filly event over 1300M on July 23rd, she looks very nicely in here. As does (5) IGWANGSASEOK who is up in class but was a winner at this distance on July 31st. He made all that day but may be content to let others lead here. (3) CHARISMA QUEEN and (7) LITTLE BROWN look best of the rest.
| Selections | (4) Daebobae (5) Igwangsaseok (1) Guy Start (3) Charisma Queen |
| Next Best | 7, 6 |
| Outsiders | 2, 8 |
| Fast Starters | 2, 4, 7 |
Seoul Race 11: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00
Big competitive class 1 handicap to finish with. (2) SILVER WOLF was a very good 3rd in the KNN Cup at Busan last month and as one of a number carrying light weights, looks very nicely in here to return to the winner’s circle for the first time since one day under a year ago. (1) HALLA CHUKJE hasn’t raced since a similarly impressive 2nd in the Ttukseom Cup in early June and will join Silver Wolf in racing prominently early on. She is a threat. (13) SAMJEONG JEGUK is better than his four wins from seventeen suggest and can be considered. (8) GUMANSEOK returned to form with a 2nd place over 2000M last month just a neck in front of (12) SPACE PORT and the latter will have backers here.
| Selections | (2) Silver Wolf (1) Halla Chukje (13) Samjeong Jeguk (12) Space Port |
| Next Best | 8, 3, 4, 5, 7 |
| Outsiders | 6, 9, 10, 11 |
| Fast Starters | 1, 2, 3, 11 |
