Busan

KNN Cup Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (July 24)

Sunday sees the 2nd leg of the 2016 Queens Tour and a strong challenge has headed south from Seoul to Busan for the KNN Cup, which will be run over a mile. Also, three Korea-trained horses are in Singapore for this afternoon’s KRA Trophy at Kranji Racecourse.

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For the first time ever in Korea, a “contest” – not actual betting which remains illegal – will be offered on an overseas race, the KRA Trophy in Singapore

Of those three, it is Busan-based Triple Five that looks to have the most chance of making an impact in what looks a tough race over 1200M. The race will be beamed back live to Korea where punters are being offered a free to enter betting “event”. Plenty going on at home though and English racecards can be found here. Notes on selected races at Seoul and Busan, including the KNN Cup below:

Busan Race 1: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

A comfortable winner on debut over 1000M last month, (3) ICE MARINE steps up in class and is favourite to land this all-filly contest. She should be on speed early and can lead all the way. (8) HWANGGEUM GEOTAP beat (6) TEXAS RUSH and (9) WINNING GILI at 1300M on Jun 24th. All three are accordingly up in class today and Hwanggeum Geotap is favoured to be most suited to this level and looks a danger again. Among those with experience of this class, (7) CHALLANHAN ACE and (10) VICAR HOPE, the latter of whom struggled in wet conditions last start, look the best while front-runner (1) LION PARK can’t be discounted either.

Selections (3) Ice Marine (8) Hwanggeum Geotap (10) Vicar Hope (7) Challanhan Ace
Next Best 6, 1, 2, 4
Outsiders 5, 9, 11, 12
Fast Starters 1, 3

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

A winner on debut, Brian Dean’s (3) JUNGL DRUMMER couldn’t follow up when favourite for his first try at this class on June 25th, finishing 4th. Since then, he’s gone back to trial – which he won – and he should be given another chance here. (8) DOLCE VITA beat (1) MINSON as they finished 2nd and 3rd respectively at class and distance in June. Minson is slightly favoured here. (4) GEUMTAEPUNG and (10) YAHO GIANT look best of the rest.

Selections (3) Jungl Drummer (1) Minson (8) Dolce Vita (10) Yaho Giant
Next Best 4, 7
Outsiders 2, 5, 6, 9
Fast Starters 3, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 13:50 (KST)

Thomas Gillespie’s (1) HANEOLUI JILJU was the easy winner of a weak race at class and distance on July 3rd and should really have too much against similar opposition today. (9) PRIVATE DANCER saw a run of three straight wins come to an end last time out but can be given another chance here while similarly (6) GABOGAPJJANG disappointed when favourite on his return from five months out last month but can go better today. (7) LET’S WIN is yet to, but has shown promise in two outings and looks ready to try this distance again. A $50,000 purchase and impressive in trials, (3) B.K PARK may be considered on debut.

Selections (1) Haneolui Jilju (9) Private Dancer (7) Let’s Win (6) Gabogapjjang
Next Best 3, 11, 10, 2
Outsiders 4, 5, 8, 12
Fast Starters 1, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:40 (KST)

Competitive race this but despite being beaten into 4th when favourite last time we’ll make (2) DOCHI, who tries this distance for the first time, the slight favourite. He started badly last time but should be on the early speed here. (8) MAKGANG JILJU is also up in distance following a solid 3rd last start and can be considered. (3) NOBLE WARRIOR was a class and distance winner just two weeks ago and should go well again – he does carry an extra 3.5kg though. (1) YEONGUNG CHULGYEOK and (7) RUN STAR also look capable.

Selections (2) Dochi (3) Noble Warrior (8) Makgang Jilju (1) Yeongung Chulgyeok
Next Best 7, 11, 12, 6, 4
Outsiders 5, 9, 10
Fast Starters 2, 3

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:05 (KST)

Up in class following two consecutive wins, (7) GOLD MORNING looks very much the one to beat here. She should make all. (8) RAON ROUIS and (9) SSONSALGACHI are capable and should be competitive while (3) SHINE CLOVER and (6) BARWONJI can find at least the places. Two others up in class following wins are (5) S CLASS and (10) SOKBO WANGJA and both have a bit to find today.

Selections (7) Gold Morning (8) Raon Rouis (9) Ssonsalgachi (10) Sokbo Wangja
Next Best 3, 5, 6, 2
Outsiders 1, 4, 11
Fast Starters 3, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 15:30 (KST)

(6) TOP FIGHTER beat (1) GUMPO MIRACLE (and three others who go again here) by a full ten lengths at class and distance on June 26th. However, while Top Fighter may well end up being favourite, he carries an extra 5kg today and that may be enough to give Gumpo Miracle the edge. (7) BOHEMIAN was another of those beaten that day but can be given another chance here while (2) GOSOK JILJU and (8) MORNING GANGJA look best of the rest.

Selections (1) Gumpo Miracle (6) Top Fighter (7) Bohemian (2) Gosok Jilju
Next Best 8, 4
Outsiders 3, 5
Fast Starters 3, 7

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:55 (KST)

Small but very competitive field. (6) THEME DEUNGGEUK, an also ran in the Korean Derby, is up in class after a facile win at 1300M last month and looks an intriguing prospect here. He will have to deal with another intriguing prospect in the shape of (7) SEOMGWANGI, who tries this distance for the first time following a solid 2nd place at 1200M at this class a month ago. (4) SPACE SHUTTLE and (8) MUSOE are proven at the distance and will be dangerous while (3) INBEACTIVE looks best of the rest.

Selections (7) Seomgwangi (6) Theme Deunggeuk (8) Musoe (4) Space Shuttle
Next Best 3, 5
Outsiders 1, 2
Fast Starters 6, 7

Busan Race 5: Class Open – The KNN Cup (KOR G3) /1600M / Allowance (Fillies & Mares) / KRW 400 Million / 16:30 (KST)

The 2nd leg of the Queens’ Tour and many see this as a contest between the winner of the 1st leg (14) BICHUI JEONGSANG and (8) NEW YORK BLUE. The latter was 3rd in that race, the Ttukseom Cup and has home-track advantage this time. Bichui Jeongsang looks strong though and the wide gate shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Both look very competitive as does TJK Trophy winner (1) AREUMDAUNDONGHAENG who champion jockey Moon Se Young returned a week earlier than expected from injury in order to ride. Last year’s Oaks winner (4) JANGPUNG PARANG was 5th in the Ttukseom Cup and will be more suited to today’s distance. (13) MS. MARGAUX and (6) SILVER WOLF are among a number of others set to be dangerous.

Selections (14) Bichui Jeongsang (8) New York Blue (13) Ms. Margaux (1) Areumdaundonghaeng
Next Best 4, 6, 9, 15, 11, 5
Outsiders 2, 3, 7, 10, 12
Fast Starters 4, 5, 6, 11, 12

Seoul Race 9: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(8) CHANG SE is up in class following a smart win at 1200M a month ago. Back in March, she won the Sports Seoul Oaks Trial at this distance and it’s hard to see her getting beaten here. The experienced pair of (1) OSAENG MYEONGJANG and (9) CLEAN UP STAR can be competitive in this company while (4) GREY KAISER and (5) BLACK DIA are others to take into consideration.

Selections (8) Chang Se (9) Clean Up Star (1) Osaeng Myeongjang (4) Grey Kaiser
Next Best 5, 2, 7
Outsiders 3, 6
Fast Starters 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 17:30 (KST)

(1) READY WHEN YOU ARE was surprisingly beaten by Power Bullet last start at 1400M having led for most of the way, but coming in after seven weeks off and back at 1200M today, can reverse that form. (6) MORNING DAERO and (7) WORLD LOVE are capable at this class and can go close. (3) POKPUNG CHOEGANG has beaten plenty of these recently and while the new apprentice jockey may deter some, there’s no reason why he can’t perform well.

Selections (1) Ready When You Are (6) Morning Daero (3) Pokpung Choegang (7) World Love
Next Best 8, 4
Outsiders 2, 5
Fast Starters 1, 2, 5

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Really competitive event to end with and while (3) SPACE PORT was overmatched in last month’s Busan Mayor’s Cup and is carrying 59kg today, he should still be very competitive. At the other end of the weight scale, (5) GOLDHOLIC looks beautifully in here and should have a chance. (8) BICHUI WANGJA will be on speed early and could go all the way while (7) IMPETUS and the returning from a short spell (2) DAEHAN JANGGUN could also be dangerous.

Selections (5) Goldholic (3) Space Port (8) Bichui Wangja (7) Impetus
Next Best 11, 9, 2, 12
Outsiders 1, 4, 6, 10
Fast Starters 4, 8

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

It’s another big weekend of racing on the peninsula, culminating in the KNN Cup, the second leg of the Queens Tour at Busan on Sunday. It’s at Busan where things get underway on Friday with a ten-race card from 14:30 to 21:00.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on Busan races 1-9 below:

A number of jockeys from Seoul are in town today and Seoul’s champion jockey Moon Se Young combines with Busan’s top trainer Kim Young Kwan in races 1 and 4. Also to note is that trainer Bart Rice has a win rate of 40% in July so far and could conceivably have three more winners this afternoon.

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 55 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Nine of these twelve two-year-olds are debut-makers and the most promising of those looks to be (12) ADELE STAR, one of two who come in having won their trial. The outside gate isn’t ideal and the start will be important but he looks promising. The other trial winner is (7) S PARIS and he too will have backers. (10) PARK MAN and (11) BRACHAH both put in encouraging debuts last month. The latter is trained by Kim Young Kwan and with Seoul’s champion jockey Moon Se Young on board, he is sure to have a lot of support. (2) INDIAN KING looks best of the rest at this stage.

Selections (11) Brachah (12) Adele Star (7) S Paris (10) Park Man
Next Best 2, 9, 3, 1
Outsiders 4, 5, 6, 8
Fast Starters 7, 12

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:55 (KST)

(5) SMART LADY was 3rd on debut in an all-fully race last month and she’s the pick to go on and score here. Main danger is (12) MISS CANBERRA, who has been close in each of her five outings to date without making the breakthrough and is sure to be close again. (1) ROAD TO SUCCESS has shown signs of improvement across his three starts so far as has (7) DANCING STAR and both can be considered. (3) MACH IMPACT, who also improved on what was his second start last month is another who can go well in a race where most will be vying to lead from the gate.

Selections (5) Smart Lady (12) Miss Canberra (7) Dancing Star (1) Road To Success
Next Best 3, 2, 11, 4
Outsiders 6, 8, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 5, 6, 8, 12

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 15:45 (KST)

Just fillies here with and Bart Rice’s stable continuing to be in excellent form, (11) MAJESTIC BEAUTY has to be the pick to score, lengthening out to 1300M for the first time. She’ll be strong favourite. (1) DANCING BLAZE was 2nd on debut in a relatively weak event over 1000M on June 24th, a full five-lengths ahead of (2) SOLYEONJISE, and can build on that here. (7) RAPA CHUKJE beat a couple of these when 3rd at 1000M in May and returns after two months off while (5) OH DAEBAK is yet to win in fourteen outings but is capable of placing. (4) QUEEN STEALTH can build on a quietly encouraging debut.

Selections (11) Majestic Beauty (1) Dancing Blaze (7) Rapa Chukje (5) Oh Daebak
Next Best 4, 8, 2, 6
Outsiders 3, 9, 10
Fast Starters 6, 8, 11

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 16:35 (KST)

Kim Young Kwan and Moon Se Young combine once more, this time with (11) JERAJIN, who was 4th on debut three weeks ago. The additional distance should be in her favour here and she can win. (9) GORYEOUI KKUM was beaten a long way into 3rd by a couple of good ones last month but can get much closer today. (8) PYEONGDAEMYEONGMUN is another who was 4th on debut last month and will likely join Jerajin on the early speed. She too should appreciate the extra distance. (10) TONGHAP ACE looks the best of an average rest.

Selections (11) Jerajin (9) Goryeoui Kkum (8) Pyeongdaemyeongmun (10) Tonghap Ace
Next Best 1, 5
Outsiders 2, 3, 4, 6, 7
Fast Starters 8, 11

Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:25 (KST)

(10) EUROPA steps up in class and distance having been a four-length winner on debut on June 17th. He made all that day and will be on speed once more and should be competitive. (9) COT WING is yet to win in nine starts but has finished no worse than 4th in any of his last seven outings and a breakthrough is possible. (3) SEUNGNIUI CHUKJE was last seen out of his depth in the Korean Derby two months ago but back at 1300M and in this company, he should be much happier and should be looking to lead early. (2) GOLD SUN and (5) GIFTED SUN are similar in name and in record and both can be looking to at least place here.

Selections (10) Europa (9) Cot Wing (3) Seungniui Chukje (2) Gold Sun
Next Best 5, 1, 4, 11
Outsiders 6, 7, 8, 12
Fast Starters 2, 3, 10

Race 6: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:05 (KST)

Another Bart Rice prospect here, (7) CHALLAUI JUIN was a winner on debut on July 1st, coming from off the pace to win well at this distance and while up in class here, looks the one to beat. (3) PANGPANG LEGEND comes in following three consecutive 2nd place finishes including last time at this class, beating a couple of the others who go here and she looks to be the main danger. One of those she beat last time was (8) DONGBANG BULPAE, who was making his first start at this level and can be considered for improvement. Kim Young Kwan’s (5) HWANGJEUI TANSAENG returns for the first time since winning in January and looked decent in a trial last week while (10) BIGBANG BID is yet to win in seventeen and probably won’t here but is capable of placing.

Selections (7) Challaui Juin (3) Pangpang Legend (8) Dongbang Bulpae (5) Hwangjeui Tansaeng
Next Best 9, 10, 12, 6, 2
Outsiders 1, 4, 11
Fast Starters 1, 2, 6, 12

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:45 (KST)

Two wins from four and up in class today, (1) JANTEUGAREU looks to have promise and he can make all here to keep his good run going. (4) WONIL ROOKIE, a class and distance winner already, did disappoint last start, beaten by (5) ACE MARINE, among others, but can go better today although more favoured is likely to be (6) KWAEHAN MYEONGPUM who has been no worse than 4th in each of her last four outings and can go close again. (10) MAJOR WINNER, just beaten a neck into 2nd on her first try at this level on June 26th, is another strong contender.

Selections (1) Janteugareu (4) Wonil Rookie (6) Kwaehan Myeongpum (10) Major Winner
Next Best 5, 7
Outsiders 2, 3, 8, 9
Fast Starters 1, 4

Race 8: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:35 (KST)

Competitive race this but (8) QUEEN ELEGANCE is slightly favoured to get her maiden win at what will be her tenth attempt. She comes in following a decent 2nd place at class and distance, beating a couple of these in the process on June 10th and can go one better today. Main danger looks to be (12) MAGIC LINE, who tries this distance for the first time while (2) ARION METAL and (3) CHOEGOUI SUNGAN, who finished 2nd and 3rd over 1400M on June 24th should be competitive again. (11) OHHWAMA looks best of the rest.

Selections (8) Queen Elegance (12) Magic Line (3) Choegoui Sungan (2) Arion Metal
Next Best 11, 6, 4, 7
Outsiders 1, 5, 9, 10
Fast Starters 8, 12

Race 9: Class 3 / 1900M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 20:30 (KST)

Banker favourite of the day here is (4) BUHWARUI BANSEOK. He has beaten plenty of these in recent starts; has never finished any worse than 3rd and should really be returning to the winner’s circle here. Main danger looks to be (6) GOLD BLUE, 3rd over this distance last start and with potential for improvement. (3) IRON TRAIN and (8) GOLD MOON ran 5th and 6th behind Buhwarui Banseok and can chase him home once more with (2) DASEOT ME the other one to consider.

Selections (4) Buhwarui Banseok (6) Gold Blue (3) Iron Train (2) Daseot Me
Next Best 8, 1, 5, 7
Fast Starters 6, 8

Triple Crown Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 17)

Sunday is potentially Triple Crown day. Power Blade aims to add the Minister’s Cup to his KRA Cup Mile and Korean Derby triumphs at Seoul Racecourse at 2.20pm.

There is plenty more happening though. English Racecards are here. Notes on selected races as follows:

Busan Race 1: Class 5: 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

Open contest to begin with but we’ll make (10) YUSEONG VICTORY, 3rd in a similar contest last month and with the in-form Seo Seung Un on board the slight favourite to prevail. (6) WHITTE QUEENS was 2nd in Busan’s top juvenile race last year but only ran one more time before getting injured and requiring surgery. She’s back after eight months out, looked recovered in trials and is a contender. Also back after a spell, albeit not as long is (8) GIGA SPEED. A winner at this class in March he was very sharp in a trial last weekend and is a contender here. The up-in-class (2) NORTHERN TRACE can go close as can (4) TRIPLE PARTY.

Selections (10) Yuseong Victory (6) Whitte Queens (8) Giga Speed (2) Northern Trace
Next Best 4, 3, 5, 11
Outsiders 1, 7, 9, 12
Fast Starters 4, 5, 6

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(2) SILVERGRAY CAT beat (5) CHEONJI TAP and (4) NAREUSYA QUEEN as the three of them raced 2nd, 3rd & 4th at class and distance on June 19th. Cheonji Tap led for much of the way that day and we’ll go for her to lead all the way this time. Aside from those three, Brian Dean’s (9) HAPPY EAGLE, who was stepped up to 1200M for his first attempt on class 5 last month, should be happier back at 1000M today while (1) PERFECT BIC C has struggled of late but is another for whom the distance should suit.

Selections (5) Cheonji Tap (2) Silvergray Cat (4) Nareusya Queen (9) Happy Eagle
Next Best 1, 7
Outsiders 3, 6, 8
Fast Starters 1, 2, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 13:50 (KST)

Three of these are up in class today and should be competitive. (3) HAENGUN MANNAM was a solid winner at 1000M last start, has a strong finish and can go well. (7) DYNA’S DREAM has won four of her last five with the only defeat coming in the KRA Cup Mile in April. She’s had a couple of months off but will be on speed early and can go well. (5) GASI GONGJU hasn’t been seen since March when she came 2nd on what was just her second outing, coming from well off the pace. She’ll likely go forward here. None of them may be favourite though with (4) B.K. PHIL, 3rd at class and distance a month ago looking to be the one to beat. The down in class (1) GOLDEN LASS may also be considered.

Selections (7) Dyna’s Dream (3) Haengun Mannam (4) B.K. Phil (5) Gasi Gongju
Next Best 2, 1, 6, 8
Fast Starters 5, 7

Seoul Race 6: Class Open “The Minister’s Cup” / 2000M / Allowance, 3yo Colts & Fillies / KRW 500 Million / 14:20 (KST)

The final leg of the 2016 Korean Triple Crown sees (7) POWER BLADE looking to complete the set having been a dominant winner of both the KRA Cup Mile and the Korean Derby. He came from off the pace in the Mile and made all in the Derby and whatever tactics jockey Kim Yong Geun employs today, he will be favourite. The main danger is his stablemate, Korean Oaks winning filly (4) OTTUG OTTUGI who is one of only two horses to have beaten him. She will lead from the gate and Power Blade will have to come past. 2nd in the Derby, (8) ZETTABYTE can go well again and should like the extra furlong with (3) STEALTH and (5) SISEON POCHAK next best in a race that isn’t necessarily going to be simply a procession for Power Blade.

Selections (7) Power Blade (4) Ottug Ottugi (8) Zettabyte (3) Stealth
Next Best 5, 1, 2, 6
Fast Starters 4

Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:50 (KST)

Bart Rice’s stable is in top form right now and that should continue here with (11) SUPERNOVA IJI, who can overcome the outside gate to get the lead here and get her second win in this filly-only race. Thomas Gillespie’s (5) MAJOR SLAM, 2nd at class and distance on June 24th, looks to be the main danger although (6) MISS BLUE, who has finished no worse than 3rd in each of her last four outings may also be considered. (2) BAEDARI GOSU was 4th, beaten by (9) GO JJANG on her first try at this class last month. (8) MACH BOLT ran poorly in that race but can improve today.

Selections (11) Supernova Iji (5) Major Slam (2) Baedari Gosu (6) Miss Blue
Next Best 8, 7, 10, 9
Outsiders 1, 3, 4
Fast Starters 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:15 (KST)

Competitive race this but we’ll make (3) SSAENGSSAENG DORI the narrow top pick. He was beaten by (7) SHINING TRY when favourite over class and distance last month but can overcome that form today and win from the front. Shining Try will be a danger once more, however, perhaps more backed will be (5) CHEONHABI and (1) MR. TANK, who ran 3rd and 4th at class and distance on June 18th and who both look to have wins in them at this level.

Selections (3) Ssaengssaeng Dori (5) Cheonhabi (1) Mr. Tank (7) Shining Try
Next Best 6, 4, 2
Fast Starters 3, 5

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:40 (KST)

5th in the Korean Oaks on her last start (10) SANTA GLORIA is favoured to get back to winning ways taking on for what is the most part modest imported opposition here. Indeed it is fellow Korean breds that provide the main danger, chief among them (4) VALKYRIE, who comes up in class following a good four-length win at this distance last month and the consistent (3) SSI F STAR, who can improve on recent minor money fishes. (6) ROCKET BLADE is also up in class but races for the first time since early April and has plenty to find. Among the imports, (8) PARTYINTHEDESERT looks the best.

Selections (10) Santa Gloria (4) Valkyrie, (3) Ssi F Star (8) Partyinthedesert
Next Best 12, 6, 9, 11
Outsiders 1, 2, 5, 7
Fast Starters 4, 6, 12

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:05 (KST)

A really open race here but we’re going to go for (12) HANBIT NARA to finally get her maiden win. She’s yet to win to win in eight starts but has been runner-up on no less than five occasions including last time at this distance. If she is to be defeated again, (1) WHIZ RUN looks to be the most likely to do it, looking ready to return to two turns after winning two of his last three. (7) RAON BOLAVEN is up in class following a win at this distance on June 19th while (4) SEOCHANG BIHO and (6) SUPER COMMANDO, the latter being the only one of the twelve who is yet to race at this distance, others to look out for.

Selections (12) Hanbit Nara (1) Whiz Run (7) Raon Bolaven (6) Super Commando
Next Best 4, 5, 2, 9
Outsiders 3, 8, 10, 11
Fast Starters 1, 12

 

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(4) SUN ROK is up in class today having won five of his first seven starts. He has both a win and a loss at this distance but should be on speed early here and have too much for this field. Clear second-favourite will be (2) SUSEONG CAPTAIN. He is up in class following back to back wins at 1400M and 1300M and while he tries this distance for the first time, he should be competitive. He will likely join Sun Rok in looking to lead from the gate. (5) LUCKY HEART generally comes close and can place while (1) GEUMGAGI and (3) VALLEY STAR are best of the rest.

Selections (4) Sun Rok (2) Suseong Captain (5) Lucky Heart (3) Valley Star
Next Best 1, 7, 6
Fast Starters 2, 4

Seoul Race 10: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(8) GOREOUS DREAM is up in class having won five of his six previous outings. He generally leads from gate-to-wore and that’s what he’ll try to do here too. He does get a jockey change for the first time due to his regular rider being injured but Lee Chan Ho is a capable replacement. Also up in class is (2) THUNDER STEP following a really quick win over 1300M in May. He has had a couple of months off and can go close here. (1) SHARK and (3) HOLIDAY DREAM have experience at this level and both can put in solid races. Joining Goreous Dream setting the early pace will be (7) JANGSAN HORANGI, who showed signs of coming back into form when racing 4th over 1400M three weeks ago.

Selections (8) Goreous Dream (2) Thunder Step (3) Holiday Dream (1) Shark
Next Best 7, 4, 6
Outsiders 5, 9
Fast Starters 5, 7, 8

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

Eight of Busan’s best three-year-olds have traveled up to Seoul to contest the final leg of the Triple Crown on Sunday but it is at the South Coast track itself where the weekend’s action gets underway on Friday with 10 races from 14:30 to 21:00.

The Unions are strong here and their jockey members who have the temerity to ride in a big Stakes race at the other track on a Sunday are not permitted to ride at their own track on the other days. That means a number of top jockeys are absent on Friday. That leaves Seo Seung Un as the jockey to follow this afternoon although the Italian pair of Paolo Aragoni and Pasquale Borelli have opportunities too.

English racecards are here.  Here are notes on all races 1-10:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance (2yo) / KRW 55 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Nine of these two-year-olds make their racecourse debut here. (2) SEGI GANGJA is a half-brother to top sprinter Cheongu and looked good in a trial last month. He’ll be one of the favourites as will (3) ADELEUI BOM, a trial winner in May and (9) GOLD FLYING. The other fancied ones have raced before albeit only once. (4) FIRST SUN and (10) ZENITH COUNTY were 2nd and 4th respectively at this distance a month ago with both showing promise. The former is favoured today.

Selections (4) First Sun (2) Segi Gangja (3) Adeleui Bom (10) Zenith County
Next Best 9, 7, 5, 1, 11
Outsiders 6, 8, 12
Fast Starters 2, 10, 12

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:55 (KST)

Weak race and in such circumstances we’ll give another chance to (8) RED YOUNG MYEONGUN who hasn’t raced since a dreadful performance back on March 25th. He’d shown potential before that and looked ok in a recent trial and with a top trainer and jockey combination makes him favourite. (6) DYNAMIC DIVA struggled a little on a sloppy track last start when reasonably well backed and can improve today while (2) BOUND QUEENS should have progressed from an indifferent debut last month. (5) HWAJEONG and debut-maker (9) URI GIPPEUM are others to look out for.

Selections (8) Red Young Myeongun (6) Dynamic Diva (2) Bound Queens (9) Uri Gippeum
Next Best 5, 7, 1
Outsiders 3, 4
Fast Starters 6

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:45 (KST)

He’s not been too far away and it’s about time (8) DORAON GASOKDO stepped up here. Jockey Borelli should take the initiative and lead and if he does, he can win. (2) CHEONGMA DAEJANGUN was a solid 5th of 12 last time out, is a strong finisher and so long as he isn’t left with too much to do, can go close while (7) TAEGWON MISO is similar and also looks to have scope for improvement. (9) GOYOHAN JILJU was an unexpected 4th last time out and is capable of finding the money in this company while we will look for improvement from (1) GERMAN JEONCHA who was a touch disappointing when well supported on debut last month.

Selections (8) Doraon Gasokdo (1) German Jeoncha (2) Cheongma Daejangun (9) Goyohan Jilju
Next Best 7, 5, 4
Outsiders 3, 6
Fast Starters 1, 8

Race 4: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:35 (KST)

(6) THE QUEEN beat a couple of these when easily winning a modest race at class and distance back in April and while she has been slightly disappointing when well-backed in two starts since, she is the fastest o these and can return to winning ways here. The main dangers look to be (3) SAEBYEOK BADA, who actually beat The Queen in May and should be happy back at 1000M today and (9) BIO BLUE who raced for the first time this year two weeks ago and should build on the 5th place he scored that day. Third behind The Queen in April, (1) GIPPEUM HAE is capable of finding the money at this class while (7) GOLD SKY gives apprentice jockey Jung Do Yun his first ever race ride and is not without a chance.

Selections (6) The Queen (9) Bio Blue (3) Saebyeok Bada (7) Gold Sky
Next Best 1, 8
Outsiders 2, 4, 5
Fast Starters 2, 6

Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:25 (KST)

(2) LIMITLESS WIN won on debut last year before suffering an injury and undergoing surgery. He returned in June with a 5th place, looked good in a trial last week and can win here. It won’t be easy. (4) CHOEGANG ADVENTURE has finished no worse than 3rd in four outings to date and was 2nd in a good event at class and distance on June 17th, having led for much of the race. He’ll be on speed again here and is a big danger. (5) REALLY ONE has beaten both Limitless Win and Choegang Adventure and must be respected here while (1) CAPE MAGIC is up in class following his maiden win and should be competitive. (6) CHOA may also be considered for at least a place.

Selections (2) Limitless Win (4) Choegang Adventure (1) Cape Magic (5) Really One
Next Best 6, 9, 12, 3
Outsiders 7, 8, 10, 11
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6, 12

Race 6: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 18:05 (KST)

(1) THE STARS and (2) BAEDARI HAENGUN were 2nd and 3rd – a full twelve lengths behind a very good winner – over a mile last time and they look to be the top picks here. Both like to come from off the pace with The Stars slightly favoured once more. (9) LUCKY HANMA is getting to grips with this class, could well get an uncontested lead in a race which doesn’t contain much early speed and can go close while (3) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG struggled last start but can be given another chance here. He struggled in a race in which (7) SHARP WIN was the shock winner. He must be respected today but he does carry an extra 5kg today and the odds are against him repeating. The up-in-class (6) EUNGNIBYEOSU makes for an interesting outsider.

Selections (1) The Stars (2) Baedari Haeungun (6) Eungnibyeosu (9) Lucky Hanma
Next Best 7, 3, 5, 4, 8
Fast Starters 9

Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:45 (KST)

(3) SAMIL STAR beat (5) BLUE STORM by half a length at 1300M on June 24th. Samil Star was a 25/1 outsider that day and while he’ll be nothing like that long today, Blue Storm can overturn that form. He led until close to home and back at 1200M can get it right this time. Another fast starter is (9) POKPUNGUI JEWANG. The Aussie-bred colt was a class and distance winner on June 19th, beating a couple of these in the process and can continue his good form today. (1) SANGSEUNG MULGYEOL and (2) DAEHO GANGJA look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Blue Storm (3) Samil Star (9) Pokpungui Jewang (1) Sangseung Mulgyeol
Next Best 2, 12, 11, 10
Outsiders 4, 6, 7, 8
Fast Starters 2, 5, 9

Race 8: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:35 (KST)

(3) WISH ME LUCK was a twelve-length winner at this distance on June 17th (beating The Stars and Baedari Haengun, who we saw in race 6 into 2nd and 3rd) and following a 14-point bump in rating, is accordingly up in class here. He’s favourite to lead all the way again here although he does face (4) OCEAN LINE, who beat him at this distance in May. Bart Rice’s (1) DAEHANUIMYEONGSEONG comes in after back to back 3rd place finishes at this class and equalling those should be a minimum requirement today while (10) FIRST KING and (11) HWARYEOHANHAMSEONG are both capable at this class.

Selections (3) Wish Me Luck (1) Daehanuimyeongseong (4) Ocean Line (10) First King
Next Best 11, 6, 7, 9
Outsiders 2, 5, 8, 12
Fast Starters 3, 8

Race 9: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 20:30 (KST)

(1) MIRACLE BOLT was over-matched – and going significantly further than suitable – when a distance last in the Korean Oaks on June 12th. Back down at a sprint distance today, she should be a different prospect. (2) RISING CHAMP won on his second start back last December but was then injured and underwent surgery. He looked very sharp when breezing through a trial at the end of last month and looks dangerous first-up here. (4) ULTRA MAGIC is up in class following a battling win at this distance in June 26th while (7) ILLYUCHEON and (8) KWAEHAN JILJU look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Rising Champ (1) Miracle Bolt (8) Kwaehan Jilju (4) Ultra Magic
Next Best 7, 5
Outsiders 3, 6
Fast Starters 1, 2

Race 10: Class 2 / 1900M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 21:00 (KST)

(1) BAEKDU was a very impressive winner on his first try at class 2 on June 24th and while he is top weight here, he looks in fine form and can win again. Peter Wolsley’s (5) TURNPIKE is up in class following two eye-catching successes, both at this distance and he looks to be the main danger. Baekdu and Turnpike both beat (6) DAEJONGCHEON in May but that one finally got his maiden win at the fourteenth attempt on June 24th. He is up in class here but he is consistent and should be competitive. Last year’s Derby winner (3) YEONGCHEON ACE, still yet to return to the winner’s circle since that day and (4) CHEOGANGIJI are others to look out for.

Selections (5) Turnpike (1) Baekdu (6) Daejongcheon (3) Yeongcheon Ace
Next Best 4, 8, 9
Outsiders 2, 7
Fast Starters 5

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 10)

It’s a hot weekend on the peninsula with temperatures reaching the mid-thirties during Saturday’s twilight card at Seoul. It’s daytime racing today. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:00.

English language racecards can be found here. Notes on selected races below:

Busan Race 1: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:00 (KST)

Three of these are up in class and Kim Young Kwan’s (3) GABO STAR is favoured to go on to take victory once more having been impressive eon his return from surgery in June. (7) ELISHA and the more experienced (4) KARIN JJANG may also be considered following their maiden wins over 1000M but do have slightly more to find. Among those with experience at this class, (2) MUJEOK VICAR, a good 2nd ahead of (1) BIHO JILJU last time, looks the main danger.

Selections (3) Gabo Star (2) Mujeok Vicar (7) Elisha (4) Karin Jjang
Next Best 1, 6, 5
Fast Starters 1, 3, 5

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 13:25 (KST)

There are four debut-makers here but we’ll look to the experienced ones first. (4) REWARD HIGH has beaten several of these in recent outings and looks to be ready to win following a 4th and a 3rd from his last two. He’ll look to come from just off the pace. (9) KAIZEN FORCE comes in with very similar form and looks the main danger – she actually beat Reward High back in April. (12) SENSATIONAL faded badly last start when well backed but can be given another chance today. (7) CARRIER has been beaten by Reward High in each of her last three starts but can beat plenty while among the debut-makers, the most promising look to be (2) HIPPOCRENE and (3) SPIRIT OF HANSEN.

Selections (4) Reward High (9) Kaizen Force (2) Hippocrene (12) Sensational
Next Best 7, 3, 10, 8
Outsiders 1, 5, 6, 11
Fast Starters 5, 11, 12

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(7) ÉCLAIR HUMOR was a disappointing 7th on his first try at this class and distance at the end of May but comes in reasonably fresh and showed enough promise in prior outings to be given another chance in this modest company. (2) PERFECT LOVER likewise didn’t go well in his first at class 5 and should improve. The others look distinctly underwhelming with perhaps (1) RISING FUTURE and (8) ROLLING STAR most able to improve.

Selections (7) Éclair Humor (2) Perfect Lover (1) Rising Future (8) Rolling Star
Next Best 3, 4, 5, 6
Fast Starters 1, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 14:30 (KST)

After back to back 3rd place finishes, (8) HWANHUIUI BYEOL is a warm favourite to record his third win here. He will look to lead from the gate and could well go all the way. (5) AJU PUJIMHAN has been back down at class 4 for two races now and one suspects she won’t be at this level for long and she looks the main danger along with (6) SECRET ROSE, who struggled at domestic class 4 last start but looks nicely in here. (2) TAEGWON CHAMP comes in following a much improved 2nd last start and can build on that here.

Selections (8) Hwanhuiui Byeol (5) Aju Pujimhan (6) Secret Rose (2) Taegwon Champ
Next Best 7, 9, 4
Outsiders 1, 3
Fast Starters 8, 9

Seoul Race 7: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:55 (KST)

(5) SUPER ANGEL has won just once in nineteen prior outings but she hasn’t missed the money in seven starts so far in 2016 and following 2nd places in her last two, beating a couple of these along the way, she’s favoured to get back in the winner’s circle here. Third at class and distance on June 11th, (9) LAKE LOUISE looks well placed to go better here while (6) SO ARA YEOWANG, who could only manage 9th behind Super Angel last start, can go better here. (7) HUIYANGSAN and (3) SINBIJEONGSANG look best of the rest.

Selections (5) Super Angel (9) Lake Louise (6) So Ara Yeowang (3) Sinbijeongsang
Next Best 7, 1
Outsiders 2, 4, 8
Fast Starters 4, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:20 (KST)

Competitive race with two standouts. (3) STEAL THE SHOW WHY was last seen running 6th in the Korean Oaks last month. She’s a proven money winner at this level and dropping back to a sprint distance should be hard to beat. (5) MAD POWER saw his unbeaten record come to an end last start, his first try at this level but he should have come on for the experience. He was beaten by (1) ILMANGMUJE among others that day and his 2nd in the race, albeit a long way behind a good winner, also showed promise. Apprentice jockey Choi Eun Gyeong has her first ever race ride on (8) FOR MY SIS and Bart Rice’s mare is a reliable type who is more than capable of finding some prize money. Best of the rest is (6) WONDERFULCHEONGHAE.

Selections (3) Steal The Show Why (5) Mad Power (8) For My Sis (1) Ilmangmuje
Next Best 6, 2
Outsiders 4, 7
Fast Starters 3, 5

Busan Race 5: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 16:10 (KST)

(5) ACME returned from almost six months out on June 10th to run a creditable 3rd at class and distance. He should have come on for that run and has every chance of making all here. (4) CAP IN ALL missed almost two years but finally showed signs of getting back some of his old form when racing 2nd over 1400M on June 19th and can build on that today while (6) SANBANG TRAIL also looks nicely in here dropping back in distance after a couple of goes at further. (2) MACHU PICCHU tries the distance for the first time and may be considered while (7) WINNING NUMBER has suddenly burst into form at age 5 and while up in class today, he’s nicely in the weights and could score an unlikely third consecutive victory.

Selections (5) Acme (4) Cap In All (6) Sanbang Trail (7) Winning Number
Next Best 2, 1, 3
Fast Starters 3, 5

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 16:35 (KST)

(7) JEWLERY PARK is up in class having won four of six starts to date and looks to have good potential. The trouble is, she’s racing at 1400M and last time she did that she was beaten (4) SINGGEUREOUNBOM and while it’s been a long time since the older filly actually won a race, she has come very close recently and will be favoured here. Those two should dominate the betting but (6) SMART CAPTAIN was a class and distance winner last start – he carries five extra Kilograms today – and (3) DAEDOLPUNG and (5) ARGO CHAMP could make for interesting outsiders.

Selections (4) Singgereounbom (7) Jewelry Park (3) Daedolpung (6) Smart Captain
Next Best 5, 1, 2
Fast Starters 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(1) DIFERENT DIMENSION beat Triple Nine by a head – and three of his rivals here too – on May 22nd and despite carrying equal top-weight, is a deserving favourite here. He’s up to 2000M for the first time but that should suit. That May race was Diferent Dimension’s first at class 1 and the time before, in April he beat (5) DONGBANG DAERO by four-lengths over 1800M at class 2. Dongbang Daero himself steps up in class and distance today following a commanding five-length win on May 20th. In 2nd place that day was (7) SAENGIL GIPPEUM and he in turn has now been promoted to this level after a good win last month. Very nicely in the weights here, Saengil Gippeum is a contender. (10) NOBODY CATCH ME may still have a win in him at some stage but at joint top-weight here it is going to be difficult once again while (11) BATHSHEBA PARK always gives a good account of himself and should be close by.

Selections (1) Diferent Dimension (5) Dongbang Daero (7) Saengil Gippeum (10) Nobody Catch Me
Next Best 11, 3, 8, 2
Outsiders 4, 6, 9
Fast Starters 1, 6, 7

Seoul Race 10: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 90 Million / 17:30 (KST)

It took (9) SHAMROCKER eight goes to get his maiden victory but since trying longer distances he’s now won two out of his last three and despite being up in class today is the pick to score once more. He’ll try to come from off an early pace that’s likely to be set by (3) LION STAR, who comes in following back to back 3rd places and can go well again here. Main danger though could be (5) THE QUEEN SILVER, a class 3 winner at this distance in April and then 2nd in last month’s Selangor Turf Club Trophy. (6) LUCKY MUSIC disappointed in that race but can be given another chance today while (10) ILJIN HWARANG looks best of the rest.

Selections (9) Shamrocker (5) The Queen Silver (3) Lion Star (6) Lucky Music
Next Best 10, 1, 7, 11
Outsiders 2, 4, 8, 12
Fast Starters 3, 4, 10

Seoul Race 11: Class 1 / 2000M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(1) PINOT NOIR won a Listed and then a Graded race in February and March this year and returns to the track for the first time since. She usually aims to the the front rounding the final turn and has a strong finish. Another very experienced mare, (6) MY DAY looks to be the main danger. She hasn’t won in five outings in 2016 but has been coming closer and looks to be in form. (7) SAMJEONG JEGUK has had a couple of months off since meeting trouble in running last start and should go better with the up in class (5) DIVINE SEEK looking best of the rest.

Selections (1) Pinot Noir (6) My Day (7) Samjeong Jeguk (5) Divine Seek
Next Best 3, 4, 2
Fast Starters 3, 5

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

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday afternoon with ten races from 14:30 to 21:00. Seoul runs on Saturday with just the nine events from 15:15 to 21:00 while both Seoul and Busan run their usual daytime cards on Sunday with a first post at Seoul of 10:50 and Busan of 13:00.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on today’s races 1-8 at Busan below:

Race 1: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:30 (KST)

Three debut-makers and we’re going to make one of them, (11) SUPER JJANGJJANG the pick having looked sharp in trials. Unfashionable trainer and jockey combination and the outside gate may dissuade some but he should be too good. (3) ACE GLORY looked promising in a couple of starts around the turn of the year and returns having been gelded. He looks the main danger along with (4) SKY WINNER, who has a 3rd place to her name. The other two debut-makers (7) HWARYEOHAN YONGSA and (10) CHEONGCHUN CHAMP must be considered in this company.

Selections (11) Super Jjangjjang (3) Ace Glory (4) Sky Winner (10) Cheongchun Champ
Next Best 5, 7, 8, 2
Outsiders 1, 6, 9
Fast Starters 3, 8, 9, 11

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:55 (KST)

Four newcomers here with the pick of them looking to be (2) STAR LINE who beat two of the others in trials and looks nicely in for his debut here. One of those he beat in the trial was (3) SHINE STAR and that one, coming as he does from Kim Young Kwan’s stable, will also have supporters. The other market leaders will be drawn from the experienced ones. (5) CHASEDAE got a career-best 3rd last start a month ago and can build on that here while Barry Irwin’s (8) SWOOP returns for the first time in January and looked promising in a trail a couple of weeks ago. (11) SEORABEOL DOLPUNG is another with potential to improve.

Selections (8) Swoop (5) Chasedae (2) Star Line (3) Shine Star
Next Best 11, 9, 1
Outsiders 4, 6, 7, 10, 12
Fast Starters 3, 6, 8

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:20 (KST)

(3) BAROGA has come close in both his last two finishing strongly on each occasion. He steps up to 1300M for the first time today and looks the one to beat, coming from off the pace once more. (6) RAON BENTREE has been consistent if unspectacular in seven prior outings and can go close once more while (7) TAEYANG GWANGSOK has shown improvement in her two most recent outings and she can continue that here. Those two are the main dangers with none of the others entering in any form. (5) CAPI RUN, who has had just the one run prior to today, is perhaps the longshot pick.

Selections (3) Baroga (6) Raon Bentree (7) Taeyang Gangsok (5) Capi Run
Next Best 1, 4
Outsiders 2, 8
Fast Starters 1, 4

Race 4: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:10 (KST)

(5) SUPER BLADE and (6) FEISTY are both up in class following maiden wins on what was for both of them, their second starts last month. They both made-all and they should be battling this one out. We’ll go with Feisty to continue to improve. It’s no two-horse race though. (3) OH MY CAPTAIN was an improved 3rd in a decent a race at class and distance a month ago and should be looking to at least match that today while (1) CHOEGANG DREAM was 4th in a similarly tough race last time out and comes in fresh after eight weeks off. (10) SUNSHINE ALPHA is another proven money winner at this level and can’t be ruled out.

Selections (6) Feisty (5) Super Blade (3) Oh My Captain (1) Choegang Dream
Next Best 10, 9, 7
Outsiders 2, 4, 8
Fast Starters 5, 6, 10

Race 5: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:00 (KST)

Small but good quality race here and (2) SPECIAL ROOKIE, 4th in the Korean Oaks on her most recent start should be winning it. She’s already a class and distance winner, is very nicely in the weights and should have too much. The experienced (6) SAMDA GONGJU looks to be the main danger while the up in class and distance (7) BAEKDU YEONGUNG looks to have scope for further development. (4) FOUR STAR and (1) SKY SUN look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Special Rookie (6) Samda Gongju (4) Four Star (7) Baekdu Yeongung
Next Best 1, 5, 3
Fast Starters 2

Race 6: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:50 (KST)

(3) NOBLE WARRIOR has three 3rd places and a 4th from his last four outings. The 4th was at this class and distance and while he was a long way behind a very good winner, the distance clearly suited and with a slight weight advantage, he looks to be the one to beat here. Two who are up in class and distance for the first time are the main dangers. (5) KWAESEOK BOLT and (7) DANGCHAN JILJU both come in having been 2nd in races over 1300M last month and both should be competitive at a mile. (4) EUNHA and (2) JEONSEOLUI LEGEND are others to look out for while (1) POWER CHAMP, who has actually beaten three of these at 1300M in the past, is the wildcard in what is a competitive event.

Selections (3) Noble Warrior (5) Kwaeseok Bolt (7) Dangchan Jilju (2) Jeonseolui Legend
Next Best 1, 4, 6
Outsiders 8
Fast Starters 6, 7

Race 7: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(3) BLACK SAPPHIRE left her jockey in the gate when well fancied for what would have been her first try at this class last month. She’s the full-sister to one of Korea’s top horses and had won two of her three outings before that mistake last time. She’s the one to beat here. (4) GREAT SONG has shown steady progress in three prior outings and should make the early pace. He tries 1400M for the first time but should stay on and be competitive. (1) SONATA ZONE is up in class following three consecutive 2nd places at domestic class 5 and can go well once more with (2) OHHWAMA and (7) PAMPAS FARM others to consider.

Selections (3) Black Sapphire (4) Great Song (1) Sonata Zone (2) Ohhwama
Next Best 7, 8
Outsiders 5, 6
Fast Starters 4

Race 8: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:10 (KST)

Two for two this year and up in class today, (8) LUCKY TIME is the favourite here. He’ll be on speed early and should have too much. Also up in class is the far more experienced (3) SORICHYEO, who is in the best form of his career and can be competitive once again. (4) WORLD QUEEN was 2nd at c lass and distance last start and can repeat with front runner (2) WIN GO MAN and (6) IMPASSIONED MARINE others in contention.

Selections (8) Lucky Time (4) World Queen (3) Sorichyeo (2) Win Go Man
Next Best 6, 5
Outsiders 1, 7, 9
Fast Starters 2, 7, 8

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

It’s Busan Mayor’s Cup day at Seoul. Full preview of one of the biggest races of summer is here. There is plenty going on. Seoul has 10 races from 10:50 to 18:00 while Busan runs 6 from 13:00 to 17:30.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on selected races below:

Busan Race 1: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 13:00 (KST)

With two wins from six (5) HUIMANG QUEEN beat three of her rivals here when finishing 3rd at class and distance a month ago and should have too much for this limited opposition. (9) BIO BLUE returns for the first time since last November and if he is anything like his former self, he will be the main danger. The experienced pair of (6) JOINER CAPTAIN and (7) DAEHOYEOJANGGUN are capable of winning money at this level while (8) AUCKLAND TEUKGEUP, disappointing behind Huimang Queen last start, looks best of the rest.

Selections (5) Huimang Queen (9) Bio Blue (6) Joiner Captain (7) Daehoyeojanggun
Next Best 8, 1, 4
Outsiders 2, 3, 10
Fast Starters 3, 5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(1) WORLD MARK could only manage 7th when well supported for her first try at class 5 and at 1300M last start. That game off the back of a decent win at 1000M in May and back at the minimum today, she looks hard to beat in this all-filly affair. Similarly poor on stepping up in distance was (8) PEARL QUEEN and she should also be a different prospect back at this distance today. (5) BALGEUN NAEIL is yet to win in seventeen attempts but is capable of placing here following a decent 3rd last start while (7) HAENURI and (9) FRENCH KING are others to look out for. The returning (4) BEST SHOOTER didn’t impress in trials.

Selections (1) World Mark (8) Pearl Queen (7) Haenuri (5) Balgeun Naeil
Next Best 4, 9, 6, 2
Outsiders 3, 10
Fast Starters 1, 5, 6, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:50 (KST)

10) ACE MAN debuted almost a year ago, finishing 2nd behind a filly who went on to win this year’s Korean Oaks. He suffered a fracture after that but has made a full recovery and looked good when trialling last month. He’s favourite. The rest look a bit average. You can’t ignore Kim Young Kwan trained debut-makers so (1) JERAJIN, who really showed very little in trials, will have backers. (2) JEOKDOUI HWASIN hasn’t exactly impressed in six prior outings but can improve here with (6) DYNAMIC DIVA and (7) SAMHYEONGJE in a similar situation. (9) OFFICER LADY was highly thought-of a year ago but hasn’t been seen since and looked indifferent in trials.

Selections (10) Ace Man (1) Jerajin (6) Dynamic Diva (2) Jeokdoui Hwasin
Next Best 4, 7, 5
Outsiders 3, 8, 9
Fast Starters 4, 6, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:15 (KST)

Second last time out at the end of May, his best finish in ten outings to date and first under champion jockey Moon Se Young, who takes the mount again today, (6) WANGUI DAERO is the pick to get it right this time. (10) NICE AND GOOD beat (9) SUPER JJANG but they both underperformed when racing against each other on June 4th. We’ll expect better from both today with the latter slightly favoured. (1) HEART STORM and Brian Dean’s (4) SUPREME LEADER the best of the rest.

Selections (6) Wangui Daero (9) Super Jjang (10) Nice And Good (4) Supreme Leader
Next Best 1, 7
Outsiders 2, 3, 5, 8
Fast Starters 1, 5, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 14:40 (KST)

(7) CHALLANHAN ACE will be favourite here having secured her maiden win at the fourth time of asking over 1300M in March. She’s had three months off since and can lead from gate to wire. If she is to be stopped (11) GOLD SUN could be the most likely following a promising 3rd at this distance on June 3rd, which suggested she may have a win in her at this level at some stage. (9) LOVE QUEEN is another one who should be on pace and can come close with (1) WORLD FLASH and (12) MUJEOK CHEONHA others to consider, at least for the places.

Selections (7) Challanhan Ace (11) Gold Sun (9) Love Queen (1) World Flash
Next Best 3, 10, 12, 6
Outsiders 2, 4, 5, 8
Fast Starters 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 15:05 (KST)

Another one up in class can be made favourite here with (5) SEONGUN MARU coming in after back to back victories. He is up in class today but that’s no real cause for concern and three in a row is highly possible. (9) DOUBLE J beat (2) NONEUN ACE when the pair raced 2nd and 3rd at class and distance on May 28th. They look to be the main dangers here with Double J favoured once more. Among the rest, (3) SUBAEKYANG and (6) SSONSALGACHI look best placed to improve on recent outings.

Selections (5) Seongun Maru (9) Double J (2) Noneun Ace (3) Subaekyang
Next Best 6, 7
Outsiders 1, 4, 8, 10
Fast Starters 2, 5

Busan Race 4: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:30 (KST)

Thomas Gillespie’s (6) HANEOLUI JILJU was 4th on his first try at this class three weeks ago having won his previous two. If he gets to the front from the gate – and he should – he’ll be difficult to beat and he’s the pick here. Japanese import (10) WHITE CASTLE showed much improvement last start when running 2nd at 1000M, coming from well off the pace and can go well once more while (2) SUPER EAGLE was 8th on debut at the end of May and with a top jockey booking can also improve. (1) YONGGAM MUSSANG and (3) MISS HERO the best of the rest.

Selections (6) Haneolui Jilju (10) White Castle (2) Super Eagle (1) Yonggam Mussang
Next Best 3, 5
Outsiders 4, 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 2, 6

Seoul Race 8: Class 5 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:55 (KST)

Competitive event this one. (8) HAPPY SENSATION is the slight pick having been 2nd at this class over 1300M last time. She steps up to two turns for the first time and looks an interesting prospect. She probably won’t be favourite though as that will be (5) JISANG BIHAENG. He is yet to win in nine outings but has four 2nd places to his name including one at this distance. Another yet to win in (7) YAHO MIRACLE but he has proved himself capable of placing at this level and can do so again. (2) SPASTAR likewise can beat plenty at this level and can be considered with (4) STRONG SHINE looking the best of the rest.

Selections (8) Happy Sensation (5) Jisang Bihaeng (4) Strong Shine (2) Spastar
Next Best 7, 9, 4
Outsiders 1, 3, 6
Fast Starters 5, 8

Busan Race 5: Class Open – The Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR GIII) / 1800M / Weight for Age / KRW 500 Million / 16:30 (SIN)

The most prestigious race of summer at Busan has drawn a top class field from both tracks. (8) TRIPLE NINE went down to a shock defeat in May but can be favoured to put things right today. He’ll look to settle just behind the early speed and if he runs to his best, he can win here. (5) CLEAN UP JOY is widely recognised as Seoul’s best horse. He was 3rd in the Grand Prix Stakes last December and has won all three starts this year. Winner of that Grand Prix was (16) BOLD KINGS. He has been beaten by Triple Nine and by (13) DYNAMIC DASH in two subsequent starts and does have to overcome gate 16 but he should still come close. (2) GAMDONGUIBADA won this race last year (when it was run at a mile) and beat plenty of these in a big sprint race in May, must be respected at any distance and will have plenty of supporters. (10) SUCCESS STORY landed two 3rd places at the Dubai World Cup Carnival earlier this year and while he could only manage 3rd to Gamdonguibada in that sprint, if he gets to the front early – which he failed to do that day – he will be tough to overtake. Last year’s champion mare (3) HEBA, (7) BEOLMAUI KKUM and (14) GUMPO SKY are among others to consider in what is a very competitive race.

Selections (8) Triple Nine (5) Clean Up Joy (2) Gamdonguibada (16) Bold Kings
Next Best 10, 7, 14, 13, 15, 1, 11, 3
Outsiders 4, 6, 9, 12
Fast Starters 7, 10, 14

Seoul Race 9: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:00 (KST)

Having won two of his last three and beaten a number of these along the way, (2) LUCKY LIGHT is the one to beat here. He’s a front-runner and at this distance he should make all. It’s hard to oppose the favourite but if we are looking for an upset, (5) BEST GUY, a class and distance winner at the end of May could be best placed to provide it. He beat (1) STRONG ROAD in the process and that one can look to improve today. (8) SINGYU GANGJA beat (4) DIPLOMATIC MISSION when they finished 3rd and 5th at class and distance on May 21st and both can come close again.

Selections (2) Lucky Light (5) Best Guy (4) Diplomatic Mission (8) Singyu Gangja
Next Best 1, 11, 7, 10
Outsiders 3, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 4, 9

Busan Race 6: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:30 (KST)

(12) I ONE has won, twice, in two starts so far and was utterly dominant over 1300M at the end of May, beating (8) MABEE FLASHY by seven lengths. Up in class and slightly in distance today but he’s a good prospect and he should be winning this. Five of these faced each other at this distance on June 5th and (4) NAGASINDA rather unexpectedly came out on top among them, finishing 2nd. As a result, he must be respected today although (2) AJU CHOEGANG and (5) YOU’RE HILARIOUS, who finished in 3rd and 5th respectively that day, will be favoured to overturn that form here. (7) DYNAMIC TANK struggled at a mile last start but should be more comfortable today as should (11) SOUL BLADE.

Selections (12) I One (2) Aju Choegang (5) You’re Hilarious (7) Dynamic Tank
Next Best 4, 11, 8, 10
Outsiders 1, 3, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 7, 9

Seoul Race 10: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 18:00 (KST)

It took (4) CHOEGANGJA a couple of races to figure out what to do but this Silver Train colt has been developing very nicely, winning at 1200M in May and was then 3rd on his first try at this class on June 12th. He can win here.  Main danger looks to be (8) GAENARI who returned from a six-month layoff to score her maiden win in a very quick race over 1000M in May and she can be considered here too. (6) SKY JEWANG and (7) POWER BISEUL are both also up in class following victories and the latter looks best equipped to handle this level right away. (2) JEONMUHUMU, already a winner at this class is also capable of going well.

Selections (4) Choegangja (8) Gaenari (7) Power Biseul (2) Jeonmuhumu
Next Best 6, 11, 10, 3
Outsiders 1, 5, 9
Fast Starters 1, 2, 4, 6, 8

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 24)

Ten races at Busan on Friday afternoon get the weekend action underway. The first is at 12:40 and the last at 19:00. Racing will return to Busan on Sunday while Seoul hosts cards on Saturday and Sunday.

English racecards can be found here. Notes on races 2-10:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1000M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(9) ROAD TO SUCC ESS looks on the path to a maiden victory. Thomas Gillespie’s filly has shown the most promise among those with experience here and will be favourite to get it right. Of those other experienced ones, (3) MACHO MYEONGUN and (10) HUIMANG PARADE look most likely to improve while among the four debut-makers, (2) DANCING BLAZE and (8) CHEONGCHUN CHAMP look the most likely.

Selections (9) Road To Success (10) Huimang Parade (2) Dancing Blaze (8) Cheongchun Champ
Next Best 3, 5, 1, 4
Outsiders 6, 7, 11, 12
Fast Starters 3, 8, 9

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

An improved 2nd last start and finishing strongly, (5) THE WORLD is the pick to strike here with the extra half furlong likely to suit. (9) GABO STAR, who showed promise in three starts around the turn of the year and looked very sharp in a trial two weeks ago , is set to be the main danger while (7) FLORIDA WAY and (8) SEORABEOL DOLPUNG both try this distance for the first time having shown some talent at 1000M. (3) GORYEOUI KKUM has already tried 1300M three times and can improve on the 5th he managed last time out.

Selections (5) The World (9) Gabo Star (3) Goryeoui Kkum (8) Seorabeol Dolpung
Next Best 7, 4
Outsiders 1, 2, 6
Fast Starters 3, 9

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

(2) TEXAS RUSH was 2nd when sent off as favourite over this distance at the end of last month and will be fancied once more to put it right in this all-filly affair (1) HWANGGEUM GEOTAP actually beat Texas Rush when racing 2nd back in March at 1200M. She has been off since then and while she didn’t go especially well in a trail earlier this month, she looks like the main danger. (3) GREAT PEARL beat three of these when finishing 2nd in a weak contest in May and while inconsistent, can be involved here while (8) DORAON GASOKDO and (9) OH DAEBAK look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Texas Rush (1) Hwanggeum Geotap (3) Great Pearl (9) Oh Daebak
Next Best 8, 12, 10, 11
Outsiders 4, 5, 6, 7
Fast Starters 1, 12

Race 5: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(2) VICAR HOPE is up in class following her maiden win at the end of last month and if she can get an early lead today – and from gate 2 she has every chance – then she could very well make it two in a row today. (11) JANTEUGAREU is the main danger. He’s shown a good turn of foot in three starts to date and has plenty more wins in him. (10) YEONSEUNG GONGJU scored a decent 2nd at class and distance last time out, beating (1) HANNAM ROOKIE in the process. The latter can go better today. (8) GANGJA DAERO is yet to win in 35 career starts but is more than capable of finding the money at this level.

Selections (2) Vicar Hope (11) Janteugareu (1) Hannam Rookie (10) Yeonseung Gongju
Next Best 8, 7, 4, 3
Outsiders 5, 6, 9
Fast Starters 2, 3, 4, 9

Race 6: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (KST)

After a comfortable win on debut in May, (7) KKOKDAEGI was a disappointing 4th when favourite on his reappearance two weeks ago. If he can get off to a better start today, he will be dangerous and could well be favourite again. (11) FREE RUNNING is up in class following his maiden victory (beating Texas Rush who we saw in race 4) at this distance last time. He likes to come from well off the pace and could go well again. (10) MAJOR SLAM, who beat Free Running back in April, has achieved back to back 4th places in two starts at this class and can match or better that here. (8) CHOA, who beat Major Slam last time out and (3) SMART MARINE are others to consider.

Selections (7) Kkokdaegi (11) Free Running (10) Major Slam (8) Choa
Next Best 3, 2, 1
Outsiders 4, 5, 6, 9
Fast Starters 1, 5, 7, 8

Race 7: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

(7) WONIL BULPAE beat three of these when running 2nd on debut at class and distance in May. He was scratched when likely to be favourite three weeks ago and is to be strongly considered here. (5) FIVE VICTORS may better be known as five runners-up as he has finished 2nd in each of his last five starts. He will be backed again though and 2nd should be a minimum requirement today. (2) KWAEHAN MYEONGPUM and (3) SWEET MYEONGUN are both capable of finding the money at this level. The former is Korean bred as is the up in class (11) IMPASSIONED MARINE, a four-length winner over 1300M three weeks ago and who looks very nicely in here.

Selections (7) Wonil Bulpae (5) Five Victors (11) Impassioned Marine (2) Kwaehan Myeongpum
Next Best 3, 4, 12, 10
Outsiders 1, 6, 8, 9
Fast Starters 1

Race 8: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(5) BUHWARUI BANSEOK beat (8) MIRACLE IJI by half a length as the pair of them finished 2nd and 3rd in a decent race at class and distance on May 15th and they both have strong claims here with the former favoured once more. Six of the others faced each other over a mile on May 27th. (2) IRON TRAIN finished the best of them in 3rd place and he must be respected having previously won at this distance. (1) DAEJONGCHEON was 4th that day and is another who has performed at this distance in the past while (7) GIANT HOLD, 5th in that race and a stablemate of Buhwarui Banseok is another to consider.

Selections (5) Buhwarui Banseok (1) Daejongcheon (2) Iron Train (8) Miracle Iji
Next Best 7, 6, 3
Outsiders 4, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 2, 5, 6

Race 9: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:30 (KST)

This race is being held in honour of jockey You Hyun Myung’s recent 700th career winner. The man himself doesn’t have a ride in the race but if he did, he would perhaps choose to be on (3) MORNING DAERO. Following a pair of wins, he was beaten into 4th by (1) FURIOUS PARK and (5) CHOEGANGIJI when seven of these faced each other at class and distance on May 27th but looks very nicely in here to overturn that form. Those other two should run well once more while (9) BAEKDU is up in class following a win at a mile last month. His previous try at this distance didn’t go well but he can be given another chance here. (4) SEONGSAN PAECEHONG looks best of the rest.

Selections (3) Morning Daero (1) Furious Park (5) Choegangiji (9) Baekdu
Next Best 4, 11, 6
Outsiders 2, 7, 8, 10
Fast Starters 4, 7

Race 10: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:00 (SIN)

(7) WONIL ROOKIE comes in following back to back wins at this class, most recently beating two of these at this distance on May 20th. He has to be respected, however, he is carrying significantly more weight today and that may be a factor. (1) BLUE STORM is up in class following an eye-catching win over this distance on May 29th, he will look to lead from the gate and will be well backed. (9) ACE MARINE beat (3) EOROK by half a length as the pair raced 3rd and 4th over 1400M on May 27th and they may also be considered here.

Selections (1) Blue Storm (7) Wonil Rookie (3) Eorok (9) Ace Marine
Next Best 8, 2
Outsiders 4, 5, 6
Fast Starters 1, 9

Sunday Preview (June 19)

Full cards at both Seoul and BUsan today with the Listed Sports Chosun Cup the feature race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 along with 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:05.

English racecards are available here

Three races are available for betting on the TAB in Australia, including the Sports Chosun Cup. See below for brief notes on them:

Seoul Race 8: Class 3 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:45 (KST)

Hot favourite here is (7) GOREOUS DREAM. He’s won four from five so far and is up in class following an emphatic six-length win over 1200M on May 7th. He tries an extra half furlong for the first time but should have far too much for this field and will most likely lead from gate to wire once more. A proven money winner at this level (6) HORURAGI looks to have the best chance of stopping the favourite. She beat (4) GEUMSUNI EOMJI when the pair raced 3rd and 5th over 1400M last month. Horuragi will also be on the early speed. Coin from just behind will be (5) BOLT SIGN, who is up in class following a good win at this distance at the end of May and should be competitive here. (2) LITTLE BROWN is best of the rest.

Selections (7) Goreous Dream (6) Horuragi (5) Bolt Sign (2) Little Brown
Next Best 4, 8
Outsiders 1, 3
Fast Starters 2, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 9: Class Open (R80&Down) – The Sports Chosun Cup / 2000M / Weight for Age / KRW 200 Million / 16:40 (KST)

Having beaten three of these when making all to win by a neck over 1800M on May 21st, (2) GASOKBULPAE is favoured to strike once more on his first try at 2000M. He’s won six of ten so far and still looks to have scope for more development. (6) COSMOS KING returned from a five month absence to run 3rd at 1800M in May and should have come on for it. He’s quick with a strong finish. Champion jockey Moon Se Young takes the ride on (5) SUN STRONG, who races for the first time since beating a couple of these in April. He looked sharp in a trial last week and can be considered. (1) SPECIAL STAR and (9) SUPER TANK, both beaten by Gasokbulpae in May, are others who can go close.

Selections (2) Gasokbulpae (6) Cosmos King (5) Sun Strong (9) Super Tank
Next Best 1, 10, 3, 11, 8
Outsiders 4, 7
Fast Starters 2

Seoul Race 10: Class 4 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 17:30 (KST)

Competitive event this and (1) RAON BOLAVEN can improve on a couple of slightly disappointing outings and get back to winning ways following a seven-week break. (6) GWANGYANG DOLPUNG is up in class and also in distance following a two-length win over 1400M a month ago and looks the main danger. Both of those will look to come from behind the early speed which is likely to be set by (3) TOUR MIDAS, 2nd at class and distance last start and capable of going well here. (2) MAGIC QUEEN and (7) DAEWANGSIN – the latter beat Raon Bolaven at long odds at the end of April – are others to take into account.

Selections (1) Raon Bolaven (6) Gwangyang Dolpung (3) Tour Midas (2) Magic Queen
Next Best 8, 7, 4
Outsiders 5, 9
Fast Starters 3, 7, 9

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-by-Race Preview (June 12)

It’s Korean Oaks day at Busan. Nine fillies will line up for the Classic race, a full preview of which can be found here.

There’s plenty of other racing happening at both Seoul and Busan. Rock Band makes his long awaited return on the south-coast, while Sotong Sidae heads the line-up in Seoul’s feature handicap. Rain is forecast at both tracks.

There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:50 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 13:00 to 17:30. English racecards are here. Notes on races from Seoul race 5 onwards are below:

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 13:25 (KST)

Fillies only here and (2) GRIFFIN comes in following back to back victories, most recently beating five of these over class and distance on May 22nd. She won well that day and can repeat but she carries and additional 4kg today and that may be key. (3) DONGHAE CHANGA could be the one to take advantage, coming in after consecutive 3rd places at domestic class 4 and ready to win at this level. (8) J ONE was just over a length behind Griffin last time and can make that up today while (1) QUEEN’S PALACE and (5) DRAGON VILLAGE are the others to watch.

Selections (3) Donghae Changa (2) Griffin (8) J One (1) Queen’s Palace
Next Best 5, 9, 7
Outsiders 4, 6, 10, 11
Fast Starters 2, 3, 5

Busan Race 2: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 13:50 (KST)

(2) TAIL WIND won a good race at class and distance on May 13th, beating three who go here and he is favoured to strike again here. Main danger could be the up in class (5) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG, who got her maiden win last time showing plenty of speed. (4) CAPITAL GANGJA is talented and can be forgiven a poor outing last month while the three who were beaten by Tail Wind in that good race in May; (1) GODAE, (11) USEUNG CHEONJI and (12) SKY RUNNER, can be given another chance today.

Selections (2) Tail Wind (5) Kwaehan Yeongung (4) Capital Gangja (1) Godae
Next Best 12, 11, 6, 8
Outsiders 3, 7, 9, 10
Fast Starters 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 60 Million / 14:15 (KST)

Small field and (4) WHIZ RUN should have the beating of them having just been beaten half a length on his first try at this class last month. (6) JOARA steps up in class following victory at this distance and is the main danger. (2) FLAME CAT can be given another chance after a disappointing run last month (behind Griffin who we saw in race 5) and will join Whiz Run on the early speed. (7) COTTON PRINCE looks best of the rest.

Selections (4) Whiz Run (6) Joara (2) Flame Cat (7) Cotton Prince
Next Best 5, 3, 1
Fast Starters 2, 4, 5

Busan Race 3: Class 3 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 14:40 (KST)

(2) TARIAT TALE has won three from five so far and looks well set to add to that here. He’ll come from just behind an early speed that will likely be set by, among others, (11) PALMAUI SEONDU, who was just beaten a neck in a tough contest over this distance two weeks ago in what was a much improved performance and he can build on that today. (1) TOP SPRING has beaten (3) BADA DOSI at 1800M twice recently and both should be competitive at a mile while (7) DYNAMIC TANK is up in class and significantly in distance for what’s just her fourth start. She returned from eight months out to record her maiden win last month.

Selections (2) Tariat Tale (11) Palmaui Seondu (7) Dynamic Tank (3) Bada Dosi
Next Best 1, 9, 10, 6
Outsiders 4, 5, 8, 12
Fast Starters 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 15:05 (KST)

Competitive event here with three stepping up in class following victories last time. Of those, (7) INSUJAE was the most impressive and accordingly is narrowly favoured today although the other two, (6) DAEDOLPUNG and (9) BINGO STAR are likely to be the main dangers. The latter two are likely to look to lead early with Insujae being given a more patient ride. The ones with experience at this level have plenty to find but (5) TONGIRUI HAMSEONG and (10) SMART CAPTAIN looking the most likely.

Selections (7) Insujae (6) Daedolpung (9) Bingo Star (10) Smart Captain
Next Best 5, 2, 1
Outsiders 3, 4, 8
Fast Starters 3, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 15:30 (KST)

Bart Rice’s (10) TRIPLE FIVE has two wins and three seconds from five starts to date and is up in class following a dominant five-length win in a good race at this distance last month. He should have too much here. (4) FRENCH BOY, while inconsistent, showed he can compete at this level with a 3rd place in a solid contest last start and is the main danger while (8) POKPUNG CHOEGANG beat three of these when running 2nd at class and distance on May 13th and must be respected. One of these was (2) WORLD LOVE, who will be on the early speed, while (7) CHOEGANG BULPAE is another to consider.

Selections (10) Triple Five (4) French Boy (8) Pokpung Choegang (2) World Love
Next Best 7, 11, 6, 3
Outsiders 1, 5, 9, 12
Fast Starters 1, 2, 4

Seoul Race 8: Class 5 / 1700M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:55 (KST)

Since getting his maiden win last November, (2) MR MOUNTAIN has managed to narrowly dodge the winner’s circle at class 5 but can put things right today on what will be his first try around two turns. (8) CURRICLE is yet to win in fifteen but was 2nd at class and distance last start, beating a couple of these in the process and can place once more. (5) JISANGGEOTAP and (6) DEVIL MAN have both also raced well at 1700M and may be considered with (7) VICKY LIE one who may appreciate the increase in distance.

Selections (2) Mr. Mountain (8) Curricle (6) Devil Man (7) Vicky Lie
Next Best 5, 11, 10, 1, 3
Outsiders 4, 9
Fast Starters 3

Busan Race 5: Class Open / 1800M / Allowance – The Korean Oaks / KRW 500 Million / 16:30 (KST)

Runner by runner guide here

(2) OTTUG OTTUGI was 2nd in the KRA Cup Mile and then skipped the Derby in order to target this race. On Derby weekend she won at 1800M, will be the quickest away and will be the strong favourite. (4) HOSEUNGJIBYEOK will be 2nd favourite although she wasn’t convincing when racing 2nd at this distance last month and was beaten in March’s Oaks trial not only by Ottug Ottugi, but also by (9) SANTA GLORIA and (1) STEAL THE SHOW WHY. Both of those can go well here and the latter was beaten by (3) SPECIAL ROOKIE at a mile in April. Neither have run since but both looked good in recent trials. Special Rookie is a stablemate of Ottug Ottugi; their trainer Kim Young Kwan has won the race for the past three years and one way or another, looks likely to win this time as well.

Selections (2) Ottug Ottugi (9) Santa Gloria (3) Special Rookie (4) Hoseungjibyeok
Next Best 1, 7, 5
Outsiders 6, 8
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3, 5

Seoul Race 9: Class 1 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 110 Million / 17:00 (KST)

It’s time (8) SOTONG SIDAE returned to winning ways. His win record would be much higher were it not for the fact that he is always entered in the toughest company and today offers a really good opportunity to change that. He will go back at the start but if he leaves himself a little less to do late on than he has in recent outings, he can win. (6) SEONBONG is of course a big danger. While more dangerous at sprints, he has shown himself more than capable of winning at this level and can do so again. (7) KWAESEOK JILPUNG races at class 1 for the first time and can take advantage of a light weight to secure a good finish while (4) GLOBAL FUSION and (5) IMPETUS can’t be ruled out after recent decent efforts.

Selections (8) Sotong Sidae (6) Seonbong (7) Kwaseok Jilpung (4) Global Fusion
Next Best 3, 5, 1, 11
Outsiders 2, 9, 10, 12
Fast Starters 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 17:30 (KST)

After eight months, (2) ROCK BAND is back. He won the Minister’s Cup but hasn’t been seen since running 2nd to Triple Nine in the President’s Cup at Seoul last October. He has won six of eight starts and came through trials ok. If he is anything like the old Rock Band, he wins. (6) MACHEON BOLT returns for the first time since beating two of these when winning at class and distance in February and is a genuine threat to the favourite as is (1) WONIL GANGJA wo was sent back to trial after laying out last time – he’s since completed two trials. (3) FOREST BOLD, who won the race in which Wonil Gangja behaved badly and (5) DARKEST NIGHT look best of the rest.

Selections (2) Rock Band (6) Macheon Bolt (1) Wonil Gangja (5) Darkest Night
Next Best 3, 8, 11
Outsiders 4, 7, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 2, 8, 10

Seoul Race 10: Class 3 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 75 Million / 18:00 (KST)

Up in class following his maiden win by five-lengths at 1200M on May 15th, (9) CHOEGANGJA is the pick to immediately follow up here. It took him a couple of tries to figure out what to do but he now looks a solid prospect. Also up in class following victories are (2) BLAZING STAR and (6) SMOKEN JOE and both can compete while (4) READ AGAIN comes in following a victory at this class and distance, coming from right off the pace, on May 1st and can go well again. (3) JEONSEUNG DAESE struggled a little last time but can go better today.

Selections (9) Choegangja (4) Read Again (2) Blazing Star (3) Jeonseung Daese
Next Best 6, 10
Outsiders 1, 5, 7, 8
Fast Starters 2, 3, 6, 7, 9