Busan

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 22)

No Listed or Graded races this weekend but still plenty to get stuck into on Sunday with 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) GEOSEN JIJON took a couple of goes to figure things out but has a 4th and a 3rd from her last two outings at 1200M and 1300M. (10) P N S JU has a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two since returning from a three-month absence. She is not a quick starter so the wide draw shouldn’t be important and at start twenty it isn’t impossible that she could finally make her breakthrough. (4) JUHWA has made progress across three starts so far with 4th on his latest being his best. He draws well here and can continue to get closer. (1) GIDAEHARA and (9) K SIMON are others who can potentially improve in what is not an especially strong opener.

Selections(6) Geosen Jijon (10) P N S Ju (4) Juhwa (1) Gidaehara
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9

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

(1) SAINT WINNER has a 3rd and a couple of 4th places from his latest three, most recently at this distance on May 24th when handy throughout. From the inside gate, he should be on pace, and he has every chance of going all the way. (7) CHEONGRYONG GIUN has a best of 3rd from three positive starts so far. He too should be on the early speed in this company and with Moon Se-young staying aboard, he is sure to have plenty of backers. (3) HERO CHOICE has four finishes between 3rd and 5th from his six outings to date. He ran 3rd on his sole previous try at this trip, and that should be a minimum aim here. (9) TIGER K and (6) STEP BY STEP are among others who can have placing aspirations.

Selections(1) Saint Winner (7) Cheongryong Giun (3) Hero Choice (9) Tiger K
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) SLING STAR was 2nd on debut before winning at start number two over 1200M on May 24th, leading all the way and scoring with ease. He comes up in class and slightly in trip, but he overcame an even wider gate last time out, and he can win again. (2) LALA GIRL is yet wo win but she enters off three consecutive runner-up finishes, most recently at this class and distance on May 18th when leading for much of the way and with three of today’s rivals behind here. She carries a light weight, she draws well, and she can be in this a long way again. (11) BILLION BOY was a solid maiden winner at start five over this distance on May 10th and he is another who can measure up at this level. (1) RAON SILENCE and (9) RAIN STAR are the other place chances.

Selections(10) Sling Star (2) Lala Girl (11) Billion Boy (1) Raon Silence
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. (11) HEUIMANG TAEYO ran 2nd on debut over this distance on May 23rd, leading for most of the way before being passed late by a good winner. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but he should have come on for that run, and he will be a short-priced favourite to go one better here. Seo Seung-in rode Heuimang Taeyo in that race but today he rides debut-maker (1) WILD PARK. The Bayern colt was a trial winner at the end of May and if he brings that form to the races, he can be a threat.  (2) MOTHER WONDERFUL races for the first time since last September. She looked well winning a trial in May and can be a factor first-up. (10) DEFENSE PLAY and (3) K ROYAL others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Heuimang Taeyo (1) Wild Park (2) Mother Wonderful (10) Defense Play
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (8) LADY FOX returned from four months out to get her maiden win over this distance on May 24th, coming from well off the pace. She is up in class but down in weight and second up she can strip even fitter. (4) BEOLGYO LAVA has been consistent in three tries at this class since her maiden win back in February. She is drawn very nicely to be on pace here and she can be in this a long way. (7) KYLIE remains a maiden but came desperately close to breaking through last time when 2nd at this class and distance on May 18th. In this company, she should be firmly in the finish again (3) POETIC NUBI and (9) YES MADAM other place chances.

Selections(8) Lady Fox (4) Beolgyo Lava (7) Kylie (3) Poetic Nubi
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 20)

Friday’s racing is at Busan with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL ran 6th on debut and has followed up with back-to-back 3rd places at 1300M and 1200M in contrasting styles. Seo Seung-un stays on and from today’s draw, she can be expected to be on-pace from the start, and she can win. (8) SEONGSIL WORLD has shown progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place in a similar race over this distance on May 18th. Franco gets on for the first time, and she can be a danger. She will need to overturn the form on (11) SEUNGNI YEYAK who was a much-improved 2nd in that May 18th race, coming from off the pace. She has the challenge of the widest gate but can be in the finish again. (10) BREEDO QUEEN STAR and (5) QUEEN RACE, the latter an all the way trial winner since her latest start, others to consider.

Selections(4) Areumdaunnaldeul (8) Seongsil World (11) Seungni Yeyak (10) Breedo Queen Star
Next Best5, 6,
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

(4) BUGYEONG TRIPLE beat a couple of these on his way to a best to date 2nd place over 1300M on May 11th. The step up to 1400M can suit and he has every chance of going one better this time. (1) COME ON GLORY was 5th in that race but has since recorded a 2nd of his own on May 30th when settling midfield and running on over a mile. From the inside gate, Franco can pick his spot, and they can be challenging late. (6) JADE PALACE ran a solid 5th on debut over 1200M on May 23rd, racing handy throughout. She should have come in for that run and with some natural improvement, she can get closer today. (2) TEUTA and (5) WORLD TAEYANG among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Bugyeong Triple (1) Come on Glory (6) Jade Palace (2) Teuta
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) SHOOT FOR THE MOON got her maiden win at start two over 1300M on May 2nd before running 2nd on her first try at this class on June 1st when she settled midfield and ran on. She is up 2kg in weight, but the step up to 1400M can suit, and she can prove too strong late on. (3) CHOEGANG TRIPLE got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M and then finishes a solid 4th at 1200M on May 23rd when handy throughout. He looks the logical early leader here and he can be in this a long way. (7) TEAM SURPRISE is still a maiden but had a spin round in the Oaks last month. She has multiple places and this class and while she may find one or two too quick again, she can be in the mix. (11) BURUI TONGCHI and (4) GLOBAL HEROINE other place chances.

Selections(2) Shoot For The Moon (3) Choegang Triple (7) Team Surprise (11) Burui Tongchi
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Seo Seung-un continues his very promising book of rides with (4) SO GOOD. A winner at start four over 1200M in March, he was 2nd on his first try at this class over 1300M on April 11th, coming from off the pace and with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He comes in fresh following ten weeks out and he shapes as the one to beat. (1) ROAD TO PARTY races for the first time since last November, having had a chip fracture. He looks very well when 2nd in a quick trial in May and he can be a danger first up here. (5) KING FIGHTER was a beaten favourite when 4th over 1300M on May 16th. From a good draw he can be on the speed here and is worth another chance. (6) RACE MAN and (7) TAEYANG EUTTEUM others in the frame.

Selections(4) So Good (1) Road To Party (5) King Fighter (6) Race Man
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start5, 6, 10, 11

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Triple Crown Finale Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 15)

There is a Triple Crown on the line at Seoul on Sunday when Oasis Blue makes his run for glory in the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2). There are 11 races at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Oasis Blue (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) WINNER GLORY returned from over three months out to run a much-improved 2nd at this distance on May 4th, racing handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today and she won’t need to progress very much to win this.  (7) RAON THE CAVIAR enters off back-to-back 3rd places at this distance, racing handy both times. She’ll be behind the speed again and can be in the finish. She will need to overturn form on (1) CRAZY MARI, who beat her as the pair finished 2nd and 3rd respectively in a similar race to this on April 12th. Crazy Mari returns for the first time since, and she should be in the mix. (4) LADYBIRD and (2) SOON LIKE others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(6) Winner Glory (7) Raon The Caviar (1) Crazy Mari (4) Ladybird
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(6) VINCERO CUE had been working his way to his maiden win, and it duly arrived over this distance on April 12th when on pace throughout. He comes up in class but is down in weight and in fresh after nine weeks out, he can measure up. It’s been a while since (4) SEGWANG JILJU got his maiden win, but he has been coming back into form recently, and was a front-running 2nd last start at this class and distance. He will be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (5) QUEEN ABIGAIL enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on May 17th, coming from off the pace and she should be there or thereabouts again.  (9) ALL NUT and (10) SAMGIM DAEPYO are the other minor money chances.

Selections(6) Vincero Cue (4) Segwang Jilju (5) Queen Abigail (9) All Nut
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) GOLD QUEENS has been a beaten odds-on favourite in both of her latest outings at 1200M and 1300M, running 2nd both times. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in her five career starts and from another good draw, she can make it third time lucky.  (2) HAKSAN CAIRO is yet to win in ten attempts but has never been outside of the top five. He has a 2nd and a 4th in two tries at this distance and while he may once more find one too quick, he can be in the mix again. (4) MAX PARTY has a win and a 2nd from his last two starts and while that means he carries his fair share of weight, he can be a danger once more. (8) GRACE ROUTE and (3) VINCERO KING other place chances.

Selections(1) Gold Queens (2) Haksan Cairo (4) Max Party (8) Grace Route
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After doing nothing on debut, (9) VICTORY STORY has run 4th in both his subsequent starts, both at 1200M and in contrasting styles. Munro stays in, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he has as good a chance as any here. (4) LION MAGIC has finished between 2nd and 5th in each of his four starts so far and has actually beaten Victory Story as well as a couple of the others who go here. He can settle behind the pace and big a big danger late on. There is one debut-maker. (8) POWER STONE led all the way in a May trial, stopping the clock in a fair time, and if he brings that form to the races, he can be competitive first up. (6) JUST SHINY and (11) GOLDEN CARD are the others to consider.

Selections(9) Victory Story (4) Lion Magic (8) Power Stone (6) Just Shiny
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

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

(9) ACAPEL returned from five months out on May 11th and duly won over 1300M, settling midfield and running on. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she should strip fitter for that run, the 1400M can suit, and she can follow up here. (8) STUNNING FLATTER is the main danger. Two starts back in February, he beat three of these on his way to a front-running 2nd at this class and distance and then ran 5th in slightly stiffer company on his return on May 18th. He has the fastest final furlong average time in the field and will be running on strong. (4) POWER BAND has a win and a 3rd from her two tries at this distance, the latter coming at this class on May 31st. She makes a quick return and can be in the mix again. (1) J ONE POWER and (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT others in the frame.

Selections(9) Acapel (8) Stunning Flatter (4) Power Band (1) J One Power
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) BLAZING MAN was a class and distance winner two starts back before running a disappointing 7th when stepped up to 1800M last time out, starting badly and never really look like being a threat. He comes back to a trip at which he has two wins and two places, he draws much better and even gets a slight weight drop. (3) RAON THE MASKE is up in class having won over 1400M on May 11th when on pace all the way. He is up to a mile for the first time but is down in weight and can more than measure up. (5) ROCK AND ROLL had gone a bit cold but hinted at a return to form when 3rd at this distance on May 30th. He likes to come from off the pace and can be a danger late here. (7) STELL LUNA and (6) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG others to consider on a place line.

Selections(1) Blazing Man (3) Raon The Maske (5) Rock And Roll (7) Stell Luna
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

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

There is a Triple Crown on the line at Seoul on Sunday but in the meantime, the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with an 8-race card from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Eight juveniles racing for the first time. (1) DOCTOR CENTUM is the only trial winner among them, scoring in his heat from the front and stopping the clock in a fair time. He draws well to lead again and can go all the way first up. (7) BEOLMAUI GANGJA registered the fastest trial time among these, coming from off the pace to run 3rd and looking competent enough. He will dispute favourite status here. (4) SOMANGUIGIL went through two trials with a front-running 2nd in the first of them and then a midfield position in a quicker time from a wide draw in the second. On that showing he can play a part here. (6) CARAT KING and (3) HEY BROTHER others who hinted at ability in the morning.

Selections(1) Doctor Centum (7) Beolmaui Gangja (4) Somanguigil (6) Carat King
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) PURE MARINE returned from three months out to win an improved 3rd over this distance on May 11th.  She should strip fitter for that run and from the inside gate can be on pace and is the one to beat. (5) NAMYANG RUBY has a 2nd and a 3rd on her record although they were both recorded before a five-month layoff. She hasn’t shown much in two starts back, but third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and can show her old form in this limited company. (8) WONDER MOCCASIN also has a 3rd place at this distance and that’s enough to make her a place chance here. (11) WORLD TRIPLE CAT and (2) GAMDONGUI DOLPA the other chances.

Selections(1) Pure Marine (5) Namyang Ruby (8) Wonder Moccasin (11) World Triple Cat
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

(8) HEAVY DUTY was a much-improved 2nd when stepped up to this distance for the first time on May 30th, leading all the way and beating three of today’s rivals. He should have benefited from that experience and won’t need to improve much to win this. (3) STORM POINT has been getting closer across his nine starts and enters off his best to date with 3rd at 1400M on May 9th, racing handy and running on. He comes up to the mile for the first time and it can suit. (6) FLYING ICE was 5th behind Heavy Duty in that May 30th race. He has a lot of experience at this distance and should be challenging for the places here. (1) DIA MATE and (5) GOLDEN SPOT others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Heavy Duty (3) Storm Point (6) Flying Ice (1) Dia Mate
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 9

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

(7) YULIM SEASANG was a winner at this class and distance two starts back when leading all the way, before running 4th, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, on May 9th when leading into the closing stages. Seo Seung-un, who has ridden him to both of his wins, returns to the mount, and he can win here. (4) QUEEN TYCHE is up in class following a 2nd place at 1200M on May 18th when overcoming gate 10. She laid in to such an extent that she was sent back to trial which she came through in fine fashion and, under a light weight, if she behaves herself, she can be a danger. (1) GOLDEN AIR was found to be slightly lame after her underwhelming latest effort. She gets a class drop here and while that means a hefty weight rise, she can be close. (6) BUSAN TODAY and (8) AMAZING BOSS are the other place chances.

Selections(7) Yulim Sesang (4) Queen Tyche (1) Golden Air (6) Busan Today
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 8)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:35 to 18:00, and at Busan with 8 races from 11:00 to 17:30. The feature is the G3 Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup over 2000M where Fantastic Value will be seeking to sweep all three legs of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies. Here are the previews:

Seriene was the Gyeonggi winner a year ago (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

The form is totally unconvincing here to the extent that we’ll take a chance on one of the first-time starters. (9) CHAMPION SOCKS showed handy in his trial finishing in midfield in a fair time. With some natural improvement on that, the Shackleford gelding has as much chance as any. (1) FLYING GLOW debuted in August 2023 but then didn’t appear again until two efforts last May and June with a best of 4th. He then got injured but he looked well when showing on pace in a May trial and can go well first up in this company. (8) P N S JU was an improved 3rd at start eighteen three weeks ago in similarly weak company and that is enough to give her a chance here. (5) BULGEUNTAEYANG and (10) P N S OHOH others to consider in a race that perhaps won’t see the track record threatened.

Selections(9) Champion Socks (1) Flying Glow (8) P N S Ju (5) Beulgeuntaeyang
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) BIGBANG CLASS was front running 2nd on debut over this distance on May 9th. He should have come on for that run and from a good draw he can be on pace again and won’t need to improve much to win this. (8) PLUTO has a 2nd a 3rd and a 4th from three starts so far and while that may make it seem it is trending the wrong way, he has shown progress in each of them. He will be on pace here and should be in this a long way. (11) JJAK SARANG has hovered around the placings across her four starts so far and she should be there or thereabouts again. Debut-maker (5) SOMETHING ELSE looked well when an on pace 2nd in her second trial and along with (4) DIA KNIGHT, is another to consider.

Selections(6) Bigbang Class (8) Pluto (11) Jjak Sarang (5) Something Else
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

It’s hard to go past (1) WILD WHIZ. He ran once for 3rd last summer and then wasn’t seen again until this May 19th when he led from gate to wire over this distance. He comes up in class but should strip fitter for that run and down in weight and drawn well, he can go all the way again. The main dangers are both up in class after last start maiden wins too. (8) SAMJEONG LADY raced on pace for a comfortable win at 1200M back in February. She comes in fresh and can measure up. (7) CHOEGANG SPEED didn’t do much in his first two outings but came from off the pace to score at start three over 1200M on May 3rd. The slight step up in trip can suit and he can be challenging late. (2) CUPID HEART and (9) SEMYEONG STRONG are the other main placing chances.

Selections(1) Wild Whiz (8) Samjeong Lady (7) Choegang Speed (2) Cupid Heart
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) MISSOURI CHAMP got her maiden win in March and has since run 3rd and 4th in two starts at this level at 1200M and most recently at 1300M on May 9th She came from off the pace in both of those, but in this company, she can be ridden further forward, and she can win. (7) BROWN ROOKIE has finished 4th in each of her latest three outings, including behind Missouri Champ two starts back. She has been running on well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (2) RAINBOW ROAD mixes her form but her latest two have been good, especially a 2nd place at this class over 1400M on May 2nd. From a good draw, she should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) TRIPLE J and (10) GEUMA REJOICE are other place chances.

Selections(5) Missouri Champ (7) Brown Rookie (2) Rainbow Road (8) Triple J
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (10) SMART TAKE returned from five months out to get her maiden win over this distance at the end of March before running 3rd over the same trip on her first try at this class on May 4th. She has a smart finish on her so the widest gate is no problem and third up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness-wise. (2) RAON THE KEISHA has two 2nd places and a 3rd in three goes at this class since her maiden win last November and hasn’t missed the top three since her debut. She draws nicely to sit handy, and she shapes as the main danger. (1) I AM GO has been similarly consistent and will have plenty of backers with Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time. (4) LUCKY DAY and (11) ANYANG TSUNAMI others in line for the minors.

Selections(10) Smart Take (2) Raon The Keisha (1) I Am Go (4) Lucky Day
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 5)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (1) HOLIDAY QUEEN was a much-improved 2nd at start number two in a very similar race over this distance on May 2nd when unlike in her debut, she raced on pace. She only went down narrowly in a quick time, and she won’t have to improve much to win this. The next two both come off long layoffs. (9) BREEDO QUEEN STAR raced twice last spring with a 2nd among them. She is now four so evidently is believed worth persevering with and she looked well in a trial a couple of weeks ago. (5) NICE BUDDY was 2nd on debut last September, well beaten by a good winner but showing promise. She then had some setbacks, but she also trialed satisfactorily in May and can go well again first-up. (4) TUHONUI ACE and debut maker (10) SAILING others to look out for.

Selections(1) Holiday Queen (9) Breedo Queen Star (5) Nice Buddy (4) Tuhonui Ace
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

Competitive maiden. (8) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE ran a close 2nd at this distance at start number two over this distance in March before beating a couple of these on his way to 4th place on April 18th. Franco gets on for the first time, he can be on pace, and he can win this. (5) BLACK SQUALL was one of those beaten that day, but he has a couple of placings on his record including a 3rd place at 1400M on May 16th, when on leading for part of the way. He will be on the speed here and can be in this a long way.  (2) SEOBU DANCING was another behind Apdojeok Numberone in that April 18th race, but he had a wide draw that day and has since run 3rd at this distance. (4) SCYTHAI and (10) DIA X are other placing chances.

Selections(8) Apdojeok Numberone (5) Black Squall (2) Seobu Dancing (4) Scythai
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

Another tricky one (11) THUNDER PASSION has the challenge of the widest gate, but he comes in off 2nd and 3rd places over 1200M both times doing by far his best work late. The step up in trip can suit and he has a big chance here. (2) REMENT beat a couple of these when running on for a best to date 3rd over this distance on May 18th. He comes into a much better gate this time and should be aiming to go even better. (9) EAGLE POWER was 4th in that May 18th race, coming from off the pace. He has a runner-up finish at this distance and can be in the mix again. (3) GLORY ALPHA and (5) FAST QUEEN among others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Thunder Passion (2) Rement (9) Eagle Power (3) Glory Alpha
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

(5) ASTIN MARINE has been only fair in three goes at this class, all at this distance, with a 3rd place the best of them. He has won over 1800M and Seo Seung-un, who rode him to his maiden victory, returns. He can settle back and run on and has as good a chance as any here. (7) BLUE POINT beat Astin Marine when 3rd at this class and distance two starts back. He too is a winner over this distance and with a strong finish, can be challenging late. Veteran (6) MILK DAY has both beaten and been beaten by plenty of these but on his last start 4th – ahead of Astin Marine – has to be considered a chance here. (1) SKY SHOT and (8) STORMY DAY among others to consider on a place line. 

Selections(5) Astin Marine (7) Blue Point (6) Milk Day (1) Sky Shot
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

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

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KNN Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 1)

The final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer is the highlight on the first day of June with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan. There are 6 Sunday races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30, plus 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong won the Ttukseom Cup (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only. (4) BISANG BELL was a much-improved 2nd and only very narrowly beaten at 1200M when coming from off the pace on May 3rd. She draws well here and that can help her to go one better today. (8) EXCELLENT HANSEN has been showing consistent form recently with a 2nd, 4th and 3rd from her latest three, each time racing on pace. She is likely to be on pace again and will have plenty of supporters to go all the way. (2) NAMSAN MINYEO is the solitary debut-maker. She was 2nd in her trial showing on pace and posting a good time. If she brings that form to the races, she can be in this. (5) YONGAM SARANG will be on the speed too. She did weaken last time out but going on her runner-up two outings back, warrants another chance. (6) CLUB Q, 3rd on debut, another to consider in a competitive opener.

Selections(4) Bisang Bell (8) Excellent Hansen (2) Namsan Minyeo (5) Yongam Sarang
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) BLACK SATANG came from off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1300M on May 10th. She should have come on for that run, the step up to two turns can suit, and she can win here. (6) HEEMANGBAND has been getting closer across his nine starts so far, culminating in 2nd place when tried at this distance for the first time on April 27th when he finished strongly with three of today’s rivals behind him. A similar effort will see him in the finish again. (2) STREET RUBY was 3rd in that race, a big improvement on her first try at two tuns. She led that day and from a good draw similar will be expected here. (3) BEST KINGDOM and (4) SAVANA CHARLIE others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Black Satang (6) Heemangband (2) Street Ruby (3) Best Kingdom
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Not the strongest of races for the level so we’ll take a chance on (7) RAON NOTHERN DANCE. He is still a maiden after seven attempts but got promoted to this class after too many near-misses and he has continued to hold his form at this level. He was 5th last time out at this class and distance but the margins weren’t huge, and, in this company, he can be on pace, and it may be his day. (1) SONE SONJABGO and (2) JOSE came home 3rd and 6th respectively when they raced one another at this class and distance on May 3rd. The former will come from off the pace while the latter will be on the speed and both can play a part in the finish today. (4) GOOD FIGHTER has only been ordinary in his latest couple, but he is a two-time winner at this distance and is a chance in this company. (6) BREEDO KING STAR another who can compete for the minors.

Selections(7) Raon Northern Dance (1) Sone Sonjabgo (2) Jose (4) Good Fighter
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only and it is wide open. (8) SUN LIGHT was an improved 3rd at start number three over 1300M on May 2nd coming from well off the pace. Leving herself too much to do has been a trend but she may be ready for another crack at 1400M and has as good a chance as any here. (4) ALL THE WAY has a 3rd and a 5th in two outings to date, most recently behind Sun Light in that May 2nd race. She has been doing her best work late and is another who the 1400M can suit. (7) GRACE CAL enters off a 3rd place when tried at this distance for the first time on May 4th and she should be there or thereabouts again. (10) WONDERFUL TEAM and (11) DIA MATE others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Sun Light (4) All The Way (7) Grace Cal (10) Wonderful Team
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) WONDERFUL FAPPY took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this class but has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both times having led. From a good draw, he surely leads again here and may take some beating. (6) MORNING WONDER is up in class having registered his maiden win at start five over 1200M on May 4th when on pace. He finished no worse than 4th at class 6 and under a light weight, he can measure up here. (7) MR.STORM was 3rd at this class over 1200M on April 26th, racing handy throughout. His win came over this trip and while he has his fair share of weight, he can be in the mix again. (10) GANDAGO also has weight to deal with following a last start win at this class over 1400M but should be competitive. (9) CANVASEN GO another place chance.

Selections(5) Wonderful Fappy (6) Morning Wonder (7) Mr.Storm (10) Gandago
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 31)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

The first juvenile race of the season. (5) UNIVERSAL went through two trials registering a 4th and a 3rd (the latter one was voluntary so may not appear on all racecards). He’s a half-brother to multiple winners Black Mamba and Seungbusa, both of whom won on debut, and he can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) SILLAUI FIGHTER showed on pace in his trial ultimately finishing in 5th but not far back and in a fair time in what was a slow month for trials. Moon Se-young is booked and he may start as favourite. (4) GHOST is another who showed at the front in his heat and can be on pace here. (2) YONGBI SHINHWA and (3) THE EXCELLENT are others who hinted at ability.

Selections(5) Universal (6) Sillaui Fighter (4) Ghost (2) Yongbi Shinhwa
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

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

Ten fillies and one gelding in this maiden in which five race for the first time. (2) MUNHAK FIGHTER ran a solid 2nd on debut in February which led him to be sent off as favourite on his reappearance in March when he proceeded to blow the start and ultimately finish 5th. He’s been back to do starting tests since then and with a smoother departure today, can win. Among the debut-makers, (6) RAON FLORENCE looks the best. He trialed a couple of times last year but didn’t make it to the races but looked well when showing on pace and running 3rd in a heat a month ago. If he brings that form to the races, he can be close. (11) GEOLJAK CHUKJE has mixed her form across four starts so far but does have a 2nd and a 3rd which is enough to put her in contention here. (5) DALBIT SONATA has been back to trial since her last start in February and can be better this time around. (1) GLOBAL GISANG ran well enough in her trial.

Selections(2) Munhak Fighter (6) Raon Florence (11) Geoljak Chukje (5) Dalbit Sonata
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 11

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

(5) BITNARA has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place at 1300M on May 4th when settling behind the speed and running on. Expect similar tactics today, and he can go one better. (7) JOY CHEONHA has made similar progress lately and enters off a 2nd place at 1300M on April 19th. He beat a couple of these when 5th on his sole previous try at 1400M and can beat plenty again. (9) SALVADOR was a strong 2nd on debut and while he was a well beaten favourite at start two when getting a long way back, the step up in trip can suit here and he can be a danger. (10) BLACK SMILE and (6) GRAY PHANTOM are the other main chances.

Selections(5) Bitnara (7) Joy Cheonha (9) Salvador (10) Black Smile
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 10

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

Fillies only. (8) SUHYANG MIIN got her maiden win in March over 1300M before running a fair 3rd on her first try at this class and distance on April 27th having led for much of the way. In this small field she can navigate her way to the lead again and this time can go all the way. (2) POWER BAND got her maiden win at this distance in April but had a hard time when stepped up to two turns for her first try at this level on May 3rd. The drop back in trip should help and she can be given another chance. (7) UPPERHAND also gets another chance after an underwhelming first go at this class three weeks ago. She too broke her maiden at today’s trip. Up in class pair of (6) STUNNING STEP and (5) COMMAND BLUE are others to consider.

Selections(8) Suhyang Miin (2) Power Band (7) Upperhand (6) Stunning Step
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 30)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) YEONGGWANGUI CLEAR overcame a slow start on debut to run on strongly for 2nd place at this distance. He should have come on for that run, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and he will be favoured to go one better. (1) TOP OF THE RANK didn’t do a whole lot on debut when slow away from a wide draw. He previously looked good in trials and from a much better gate, he can improve. (5) FLEX TAP beat a couple of these on her way to 4th place in a filly only maiden at this distance on May 2nd and she can be in the mix again. (3) SWORN QUEEN enters off a 3rd place at 1400M when racing on pace and can aim for a money finish again. (6) SPEED GOOD another who can improve.

Selections(8) Yeonggwangui Clear (1) Top Of The Rank (5) Flex Tap (3) Sworn Queen
Next Best6,
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After an indifferent effort on debut, (3) STUKA has put in two consecutive 3rd place finishes at 1300M and 1200M, showing on pace both times. He comes up significantly in trip today but draws well to lead again and may take some beating. The rest of the form is patchy to say the least, so we’ll take a chance on the solitary debut-maker and the first juvenile to get a run out this year, (9) AMAZING ONE. It took him two goes to qualify but he did his best work late in both and both the mile and the competition can suit first up. (7) BORYEONGJEOKTOMA was an improved 3rd when coming from off the pace on his first try at this distance on April 25th. That was his best in ten tries but he won’t need to improve much to be close again. (2) DAEJI DAEBONG and (11) PHANTOM KING others to consider on a place line.

Selections(3) Stuka (9) Amazing One (7) Boryeongjeoktoma (2) Daeji Daebong
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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

The second division of the mile maiden. We’ll take a chance on (1) HIGH LEVEL. She enters off her best finish of 4th over 1300M on April 27th when, as has been her style so far, she has settled back and finished off well. The mile can suit, there is no speed here so she can be much further forward earlier from the inside gate, and she has as good a chance as any at probably an each-way price. (5) FLYING ICE has a 2nd and a 3rd on her resume, along with no fewer than five 4th place finishes. 1600M seems to be her go – she comes in off back-to-back 4th places over the trip, and she should be in the mix here. (9) WONDER ROAD and (2) HEUIMANG GUNJU came home 4th and 5th respectively when they raced one another over 1400M on May 4th and both can be there or thereabouts again. (3) DOCTOR SOLAR was further back in that race but going on his 2nd place at 1400M two starts back, can be given another chance.

Selections(1) High Level (5) Flying Ice (9) Wonder Road (2) Heuimang Gunju
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 4: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

A rare mid-Friday afternoon class 1, albeit with a rating cap of 95. (5) CLEAN ONE was placed in Listed juvenile company last November and returned to winning ways with victory in the NZTR Trophy over 1800M on April 13th when he led all the way around. He is very nicely in under today’s conditions, and he can go all the way again. That will mean overturning the form on (4) LOVE KING IJI, who was 2nd to Clean One’s 3rd when the pair raced one another over this distance at class 2 level in January. Love King Iji has a 2nd and a 5th from two subsequent outings and can be a danger. (2) DESPITE WIN tackles further than a mile for the first time but has seven top three finishes from eight starts and can measure up. (3) JEONGMUN COBIT and (1) CATALINA MARINE others to consider.

Selections(5) Clean One (4) Love King Iji (2) Despite Win (3) Jeongmun Cobit
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

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

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Global Hit Grinds To Busan Homecoming Victory

Global Hit found himself in trouble but managed to dig himself out and ultimately grind down stablemate Speed Young to take a narrow win in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan on Sunday afternoon.

Global Hit edges out Speed Young in the Busan Mayor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Making a rare appearance at his home track, GLOBAL HIT was sent off as the prohibitive 1.1 favourite for the race but found himself pocketed and unable to find a run until late on. By that time SPEED YOUNG had launched his bid for home and it took until the very final strides for Global Hit to get on terms and ultimately pass him to win by a neck.

The one-two was the same as in last month’s YTN Cup at Seoul, when Global Hit finished five-lengths to the good. That day’s fourth placegetter and Herald Business winner SUCCESS BAEKPA was six-lengths back in 3rd.

“The start was quicker than in the 2000M races so it was hard to find position, especially when (Daeam Janggun) came across and I couldn’t get out” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun explained to KBS N Sports. “It was then very close in the straight. I think we will take this experience of 1800M and try to avoid making the same mistake in the Korea Cup.”

The win was Global Hit’s twelfth in twenty-one lifetime starts. It was his ninth Group race success but his first at Busan, where his and Speed Young’s trainer Bang Dong-suk is based.

It’s probable that Global Hit will follow the same route as he did last year and not race again until defending the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) at Seoul on August 3rd in the lead up to the Korea Cup (1800M IG3) on September 7.  Speed Young will probably be sent to defend the Busan Owner’s Cup (1600M KOR-G3) that he won last year on June 29.

Despite only prevailing narrowly, Global Hit looks a far better horse than he was a year ago. With his early pace and sustained finish – the latter getting him and his jockey out of trouble on Sunday – he very nearly has the full package. He is the best local hope for September’s international races.

In related news, three-year-old import WONPYEONG STORM, who was five for five before finding the Herald Business in March a bit too much too soon returned to action at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. The Tale Of The Cat colt was a dominant winner of the Sports Kyunghyang Trophy (rating 95 or less), cruising home eight lengths to the good over a mile.

Next weekend the feature action is at Busan again with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3), the final leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer for fillies and mares on Sunday.