It’s the long holiday weekend in Korea – an unexpected one too as Friday was only officially designated a holiday last week! No rest for the races though with a ten-race card at Busan starting at 12:40pm.

There was no racing on Thursday at Seoul but the track nevertheless was a popular “Childrens’ Day” destination

There is racing at Busan on Sunday as well with Seoul hosting cards on both Saturday and Sunday.  See here for English race cards. Notes on Friday’s Busan races 2-10 as below:

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

(7) CHOEGANG ADVENTURE was 2nd when odds-on favourite for his second career start on April 8th. He led from gate to wire but got overtaken by a fast finisher in the closing stages. Kim Yong Geun, who rode that winner, takes the mount on Choegang Adventure today and we will expect him to not get caught this time. (5) MAJOR SUN hasn’t pushed on after a promising debut in January but looks the main danger. He was beaten by (10) SEONGGONG PLAN last start and that one too can find the minor money. (2) EUNGDAPARA is the best of a limited rest

Selections (7) Choegang Adventure (5) Major Sun (2) Eungdapara (10) Seonggong Plan
Next Best 6, 9
Outsiders 1, 3, 4, 8
Fast Starters 7, 10

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(9) YEONGGWANGUI CAMP was a much improved 2nd on what was just his second start on March 18th and is the slight favourite to score here. He beat (1) DANCER by four lengths that day and that one, having put in a decent run since, is to be considered the main danger again. (2) DORAON GASOKDO also showed considerable improvement last time and can go well with (4) GAMSEONG POKBAL and (6) JEONSEOLUI LEGEND the others to look out for.

Selections (9) Yeonggwangui Camp (1) Dancer (2) Doraon Gasoko (4) Gamseong Pokbal
Next Best 6, 3,
Outsiders 5, 7, 8
Fast Starters 1, 9

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:00 (KST)

(10) BEOLMAUI SIN was beaten four-lengths into second over 1200M a month ago but should have come on for that and can get his maiden win here. The Kim Young Kwan-trained (6) BLACK SAPPHIRE registered a solid 4th on debut on April 3rd and can also improve while (12) PYGMY beat three of her rivals here when racing 2nd in weak company last time and can find the money again. (5) WINNING GILI comes in fresh and can at least match the two 3rd places she has already achieved while (11) KWAEHAN EUTTEUM beat (1) YEONGUNG CHULGYEOK over this distance just two weeks ago and those two look to be the others to take into account.

Selections  (10) Beolmaui Sin (6) Black Sapphire (5) Winning Gili (12) Pygmy
Next Best 1, 11, 4, 3
Outsiders 2, 7, 8, 9
Fast Starters 6, 10, 12

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

With three 2nd places and a 3rd from her last four starts, Bart Rice’s (3) LOAD CELL looks ready to win and should claim this. She will go forward early and shouldn’t be beaten. There are rivals here with winning experience though. (11) OH MY CAPTAIN is up in class having made the breakthrough on his seventh start a month ago and can go well while (8) DAEHO GANGJA and (10) MYSTIC PARK can improve on slightly lacklustre performances last time. Racing for the first time this year is (7) GLOBAL KOREA. He showed plenty of promise in four starts last term and is the wildcard here. He was average in trials.

Selections (3) Load Cell (11) Oh My Captain (8) Daeho Gangja (7) Global Korea
Next Best 10, 2, 4, 1
Outsiders 5, 6, 9, 12
Fast Starters 1, 2, 3

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

(10) BLACK TETRA gave herself too much to do when sent off the even-money favourite at this distance three weeks ago. She made it up to 4th that day and given more of a chance today, she can win this. Also capable is (8) MINE. She was 2nd over 1400M last time out and is more than capable of a repeat. The much more experienced (3) SORICHYEO is a capable money winner at this level and can at least match his 3rd place of two weeks ago while (2) FOREVER VICTORY is yet to win in nine outings but in this company can be aiming for the money. (1) POWER CHAMP returned from six months out to get his maiden win on April 8th and while up in class here, can also be considered.

Selections (10) Black Tetra (8) Mine (3) Sorichyeo (1) Power Champ
Next Best 2, 9, 7
Outsiders 4, 5, 6, 11
Fast Starters 6, 9

Race 7: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

Open contest this but (11) HAEUNDAE GISANG comes in looking for a hat-trick of wins and is the slight pick to do just that. She beat two of these last time at 1300M and can come from just off any early pace to strike again. (4) KKEUTPAN DAEJANG keeps threatening to add to his two wins and enters here after back to back 2nd places while (5) BYEOLMURI is up in class having won a decent class 5 race at 1300M on April 10th. Both are dangers as is (12) MUHAN SPEED. (8) JAYU DAERO has been beaten by both Haeundae Gisang and Kkeutpan Daejang recently but should himself beat plenty of the rest of these.

Selections (11) Haeundae Gisang (5) Byeolmuri (4) Kkeutpan Daejang (8) Jayu Daero
Next Best 12, 7, 3, 1, 2
Outsiders 6, 9, 10
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 9

Race 8: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00 (KST)

(10) BADA STAR beat four of these when running 2nd over 1300M four weeks ago. That was just his second start with his debut having been all the way back last June and he can have come on for it and can win here. (3) ARION METAL was 3rd that day, a length behind and can challenge once more while (8) GLORY DAYS beat (4) USEUNG BEONJJEOK as the pair raced 3rd and 5th over 1200M three weeks ago and both should be competitive here. Bart Rice’s debut-maker (11) WONIL BULPAE could well provide the stiffest test though, having looked very sharp in his trial.

Selections (10) Bada Star (11) Wonil Bulpae (3) Arion Metal (8) Glory Days
Next Best 4, 6, 2
Outsiders 1, 5, 7, 9
Fast Starters 8

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

(7) OTTUG OTTUGI was 2nd in the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, a month ago but misses out on the Derby with her stable opting to end two others. Instead she tries 1800M for the first time here and will be strong favourite to lead from gate to wire. The distance is perhaps the one thing that can beat her and if it does then (5) JUNGANG DAEHAE and (2) WONDERFUL TODAY, who raced 2nd and 4th at this distance on April 1st look best placed to take advantage. (1) BADA GANGJA and (4) FURIOUS PARK are next best.

Selections (7) Ottug Ottugi (5) Jungang Daehae (2) Wonderful Today (1) Bada Gangja
Next Best 4, 9, 3
Outsiders 6, 8
Fast Starters 3, 7, 9

Race 10: Class 3 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 19:00 (KST)

(1) SEORABEOL GONGJU has finished no worse than 3rd in each of her last seven outings, winning two of them and can maintain that solid form today. She’s the favourite here. (4) SANGSEUNG JUNIOR returns to action for the first time since last August. He won three of his fist seven starts and looked sharp enough in a trail last week to merit serious consideration here. (7) SMART GENTLEMAN was out of his depth in the KRA Cup Mile last month but got to within a head of Seorabeol Gongju over 1200M in March and can go close once more. (3) SEUNGNI WAVE races for the first time since last September and can be a danger.

Selections (1) Seorabeol Gongju (4) Sangseung Junior (7) Smart Gentleman (3) Seungni Wave
Next Best 5, 10
Outsiders 2, 6, 8, 9
Fast Starters 2, 7

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with a ten-race card from 12:40 to 19:00. There will be racing in Seoul on Saturday and then at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday.

Click here for English race cards. Italian jockey Paolo Aragoni makes his debut in race 2. Here are notes on races 2-10:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(6) GIFTED SUN has shown improvement in each of three starts to date culminating in a 2nd place last time on March 25thand he is strongly favoured to score here. He should have too much for this field but (4) DANGCHAN JILJU will challenge him for the lead early and can stay on well. (11) BAEDARI GOSU was an encouraging 5th on debut earlier this month and should build on that today while (8) B.K. ONE, 2nd in a weak race at this distance in March, and (9) KWAEDO YEOGEOL, who improved on her second start three weeks ago, are the others to consider.

Selections (6) Gifted Sun (4) Dangchan Jilju (9) Kwaedo Yeogeol (11) Baedari Gosu
Next Best 8, 1, 10
Outsiders 2, 3, 5, 7, 12
Fast Starters 4, 6

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(4) CAPE MAGIC beat three of these when finishing 2nd at this distance on April 1st and needs to be respected here accordingly. However, it wasn’t a strong race so we therefore may find ourselves tempted instead by (8) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG, who also comes in following a 2nd place last time but in stiffer company and on what was just his third career start. He started slowly that day but expect him to go forward much earlier this time and he has a solid chance. (3) GORYEOUI KKUM has shown promise with a 2nd and a 4th in two starts to date and can go well here. (12) BANJIUI YEOJEONSA was sent back to trial after a poor outing when well-backed in February. She flew through that trial at the beginning of this month and can’t be ruled out. (7) NOBLE WARRIOR, who seems to be getting some momentum going, is the other one to look out for.

Selections (8) Kwaehan Yeongung (4) Cape Magic (7) Noble Warrior (12) Banjiui Yeojeonsa
Next Best 3, 11 , 9, 1, 2
Outsiders 5, 6, 10
Fast Starters 2, 8, 12

Race 4: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

(4) DAMNYANG JANGGUN was a seven-length winner of a class 6 race over this distance in February. Stepped up to 1400M for his first try at this class a month ago he was sent off as favourite but could only manage 3rd. Back at 1200M today though he is going to be very tough to beat and will be the strong favourite. If he is to be stopped (5) KWAEHAN MYEONGPUM may be best placed. She beat a couple of these when running 3rd on April 1st, continuing a string of solid recent results. (8) GUMPO DIVA races for the first time this year and in this company should be able to pick up where she left off from in the autumn. It’s pretty thin behind those with (6) COOL RUN and (7) GANGJA DAERO perhaps the best.

Selections (4) Damnyang Janggun (5) Kwaehan Myeongpum (8) Gumpo Diva (6) Cool Run
Next Best 7, 2, 9
Outsiders 1, 3, 10
Fast Starters 1, 4, 5, 9

Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(6) EOROK is up in class having landed her maiden win at the ninth attempt on March 25th. It was at this distance and there is no reason why she shouldn’t be able to cope with this level. She can go close. (5) UNFLAGGING HEART beat two of these when 2nd on April 8th and will look to get off to a fast start here and can go close while (3) CLEAN CHOEGANG has a 2nd and two 3rds among his last four outings and should be involved again. (2) YUSEONG STAR beat Unflagging Heart over 1200M in March and while slightly disappointing last start can be given another chance here. (9) SAEBYEOK STAR looks the other one to consider.

Selections (5) Unflagging Heart (6) Eorok (3) Clean Choegang (2) Yuseong Star
Next Best 9, 12, 11, 4
Outsiders 1, 7, 8, 10
Fast Starters 2, 5, 9, 12

Race 6: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:40 (KST)

Quite an open contest this but we’ll go with (13) GOLD SKY, 2nd at class and distance on April 3rd to go one better here. It often pays to follow Korean breds in this type of race at this time of year and that could be the case again today. Less than a length behind Gold Sky in that April 3rd race was (9) KWAESOK BARAM and he should come close again today. (5) SEUNGNI UNCLE MO is a class and distance winner already and will look to go forward early here as will (11) GREAT SONG, who did ok on his debut at the end of March behind Seungni Uncle Mo and should have come on for it. (1) BUGYEONG CHAMP was a solid 3rd last start and can match that today.

Selections (13) Gold Sky (5) Seungni Uncle Mo (9) Kwaeseok Baram (11) Great Song
Next Best 1, 10, 14, 4,
Outsiders 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 12
Fast Starters 5, 9, 11

Race 7: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 17:20 (KST)

Three starts and three 2nd place finishes so far for (1) BLUE CAT, each time behind decent ones including Damnyang Janggun, who we saw earlier in race 4. She will lead early here and this is surely her best chance to make the breakthrough. (5) GARAK GONGWON beat (10) DOCHI last time out and those two look most likely to challenge the favourite while the up in class (7) SMART MARINE is capable of at least repeating the 3rd place he has scored in both his last two outings. Also up in class is (4) CHOEGANG EXCELLENT, having won at odds in excess of 100/1 on March 25th. He will struggle to repeat that today but does need to be afforded a bit more respect.

Selections (1) Blue Cat (10) Dochi (5) Garak Gongwon (7) Smart Marine
Next Best 4, 6
Outsiders 2, 3, 8, 9
Fast Starters 1, 9

Race 8: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 18:00 (KST)

It could be a quick double for Bart Rice here as (2) FOR MY SIS looks the slight pick of these. She beat (10) SEUNGNI GRAND when finishing 3rd at class and distance on April 3rd and has nothing to fear in this field. She will likely try to come from just off a pace that will probably be set by (4) TURBO ENERGY, up in class following his second win in four starts and also a contender here. (5) YEONSEUNG JILJU, disappointing at 1400M last month, will also go forward and has much better claims at this distance. Never a winner but a perennial placer, (11) YEONGGWANGUICHUBOK can place yet again, while (1) B.K. KING and (8) BAEDARI BOBAE are others to look out for.

Selections (2) For My Sis (5) Yeonseung Jilju (4) Turbo Energy (11) Yeonggwanguichubok
Next Best 8, 1, 10
Outsiders 3, 6, 7, 9
Fast Starters 4, 5, 8

Race 9: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:30 (KST)

Small field here and following on from a 2nd place at class and distance on April 8th, (1) GOSOK JILJU is favourite to land this one. That performance was much improved on his other recent starts and he can keep the momentum going here. (5) REALLY KING beat (8) JUNGANGUI JANGSU and (4) CHEONJI HERO at his distance in February but hasn’t raced since. (6) GLOBAL KING didn’t go well at 1200M last start but should be more comfortable today. (7) USEUNGIJI has struggled in his last two outings but should go right back here and the race could set itself up quite nicely for him. He has a chance.

Selections (1) Gosok Jilju (6) Global King (5) Really King (7) Useungiji
Next Best 8, 4
Outsiders 2, 3
Fast Starters 2, 6, 8

Race 10: Class 2 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 19:00 (KST)

(8) EVANGELINE is up in class following her fifth win in eight starts at the start of this month. It was at this distance and she still looks to have plenty of potential for development which can begin with victory here. (1) SUPREME MAGIC finished off her three-year-old campaign with a pair of victories last autumn but hasn’t raced since. She looked sharp though in a trial earlier this month and should be considered as one of the main dangers to the favourite here. Other dangers include (12) JIBONG SARANG and (2) YUSEONG FIGHTING, both proven winners at this class with the former slightly favoured here while the latter will almost certainly set the early pace. (6) ACE CHEONBOK was one of four of these beaten by (11) CHOEGANG BULPAE at class and distance at the end of March but is another with potential for improvement. (4) FRENCH BOY was another of those beaten that day. He may just have found his level at class 2 after winning five of his first eight but he can’t be ruled out just yet.

Selections (8) Evangeline (12) Jibong Sarang (1) Supreme Magic (2) Yuseong Fighting
Next Best 6, 4, 11, 9
Outsiders 3, 5, 7, 10
Fast Starters 2, 3, 4

It’s Friday so it’s Busan! Ten races at the south coast track with the first getting underway at 12:40 and the last at 19:00.

Click here for English racecards and see below for notes on races 2 to 10:

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(8) MACH BOLT was an improved – and still unfancied – 2nd when she beat (3) HAPPY JILJU over this distance last month and she is one of a number with claims here. (5) SMART MARINE has come close in both his last two starts and will be well-supported. (9) EUNGNIBYEOSU finished 4th behind him last time and that one too has claims to improve. Another improver is (1) DAEJIUI HUIMANG, a solid 4th last time and can keep the momentum going today.

Selections: (8) Mach Bolt (5) Smart Marine (1) Daejiui Huimang (3) Happy Jilju
Next Best: 9, 10
Outsiders: 2, 4, 6, 7
Fast Starters: 3, 10

Race 3: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

(6) CAPITAL GANGJA raced once, all the way back last June and did well, finishing 2nd at 1400M. She’s not been seen since but comes back here as a four-year-old having looked sharp in a barrier trial earlier this month and she should have too much for this modest field. Main danger looks to be (5) CHEONJI CHAMP, who has a couple of 5th place finishes among three starts to date and should improve while (3) LUCKY JILJU has been one-paced but can have enough to find the money. (2) KING CODE and (9) BEST CHEONGCHUN are others to consider.

Selections: (6) Capital Gangja (5) Cheonji Champ (3) Lucky Jilju (9) Best Cheongchun
Next Best: 2, 7
Outsiders: 1, 4, 8, 10, 11
Fast Starters: 6, 7, 8

Race 4: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 15:00 (KST)

Another bunch of maidens here and it’s (5) SMART KING who looks best place to emerge the winner here. He will likely go forward from the gate and has every chance of making all. Last time, Smart King beat (7) RAON BENTREE by just under a length and that one can challenge again today. Main danger looks to be (3) FERNANDO, who has a best of 2nd from four starts to date and should have a win in him at some point. (1) OLYMPIA QUEEN and (6) GODAE are the other capable ones here.

Selections: (5) Smart King (3) Fernando (7) Raon Bentree (1) Olympia Queen
Next Best: 6
Outsiders: 2, 4, 8
Fast Starters: 5

Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

A winner on debut in February and then 3rd, albeit a long way behind a good winner, on her first try at this class a month ago, (2) BLACK TETRA is the obvious pick to score here. She will try to come from just off the pace which is likely to be set by (9) YEONGGWANGUISINHWA. She was 5th in a tight finish in what was her first try at the level on April 1st having led for much of the way and can go well here. (11) IMPASSIONED MARINE has found one too quick on both her last two starts but should be close by again today while (1) RUN STAR and (4) KKEUTPAN JILJU – who was beaten by Black Tetra last start – are others who can challenge for the money.

Selections: (2) Black Tetra (9) Yeonggwanguisinhwa (11) Impassioned Marine (1) Run Star
Next Best: 4, 10, 5
Outsiders: 3, 6, 7, 8, 12
Fast Starters: 9

Race 6: Class 5 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (KST)

A couple step up in class here after maiden victories last time out. (12) SEUNGNIUI CHUKJE was an eye-catching eleven-length winner at 1000M on March 18th and must be considered although equally eye-catching is the decision to put him up to 1600M so soon which is unusual here. Should go well. (11) SPECIAL ROOKIE is from Busan’s top stable and got her maiden win by a length last start at 1300M having made all. She’ll go forward again although she will find it tougher to stay on here. Favourite may end up being (7) SANTA GLORIA, 3rd in an Oaks Trial in March and then beaten into 4th when favourite at this distance last time. She’ll go forward and can go better here. (1) THE STARS beat Santa Gloria last time and should be considered while (10) MAYA COUNTRY was a solid 2nd at 1400M last month and should appreciate this distance. (6) FOUR STAR and (9) EUNHA, an unlikely winner last time out, may also come into consideration in what is a competitive race.

Selections: (12) Seungniui Chukje (7) Santa Gloria (11) Special Rookie (10) Maya Country
Next Best: 6, 1, 9, 8, 2
Outsiders: 3, 4, 5
Fast Starters: 7, 11, 12

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

No world-beaters here so we’ll look to the two who have winning experience. They are the Korean-bred pair of (4) GIMAKIN JILJU and (10) GANGHAN NAMJA, with the former slightly favoured to strike having finished ahead when they raced each other early last month. Among the imports, (2) CINNADAR, 4th in a similar race last start which was won by big outsiders, looks the best although (5) OHHWAMA and (8) TAMNA JEONGBEOL are also worthy of consideration.

Selections: (4) Gimakin Jilju (10) Ganghan Namja (2) Cinnadar (5) Ohhwama
Next Best: 8, 7, 12, 11
Outsiders: 1, 3, 6, 9,
Fast Starters: 2, 7, 11

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

A winner at this class over a mile at the end of February, (8) BUHWARUI BANSEOK is up to 1800M for his third career start and there’s no reason why he can’t make it a hat-trick of wins today. Also on a hat-trick is (2) SAENGIL GIPPEUM and he beat five of these when winning at class and distance three weeks ago. He made all that day and will try similar today. Favourite in that race was (3) MIRACLE IJI who just gave himself a little bit too much to do but should be more alert today. (11) BADA DOSI is yet to win in nine outings but has been 2nd on four occasions and can come close once more while (1) RISING CAPTAIN and (6) NOBEL SINHWA are the others to look out for.

Selections: (8) Buhwarui Banseok (2) Saengil Gippeum (3) Miracle Iji (11) Bada Dosi
Next Best: 6, 12, 1, 9
Outsiders: 4, 5, 7, 10
Fast Starters: 2

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

Small field but at least three of them have solid winning claims. (3) DONGBANG DAERO is up in class following back to back victories at this distance and needs plenty of respect while (1) DIFERENT DIMENSION was narrowly beaten by a couple of these last month but can be backed to overturn that form today. (5) YEONGCEHON ACE won the Korean Derby last May but hasn’t really pushed on and hasn’t actually won a race since. Nevertheless, he was a close 2nd last time and comes back in here fresh after three months out. Those three should be the ones involved at the business end of the race although (6) WILD BURNING and (7) GHOST BLONDE can’t be completely ruled out.

Selections: (1) Diferent Dimension (5) Yeongcheon Ace (3) Dongbang Daero (6) Wild Burning
Next Best: 7, 2, 4
Outsiders:
Fast Starters: 2

Race 10: Class 4 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 19:00 (KST)

(2) GLORY DAYS was 2nd, coming back from six months off at the end of February at the minimum distance and looks an interesting proposition here. The rest of the fancied ones raced each other at class and distance on March 18th. Unexpectedly, (8) WINNING NUMBER was the best of them that day but (3) NURI BULPAE and (4) WONIL ROOKIE both look better best today. As does (1) POKPING SINHWA. She faded badly in that March 18th race but is likely to get an uncontested lead here and can stay on better.

Selections: (3) Nuri Bulpae (2) Glory Days (1) Pokpung Sinhwa (4) Wonil Rookie
Next Best: 8, 6, 9
Outsiders: 5, 7
Fast Starters: 1

The weekend racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with a ten-race card from 12:40 to 19:00.

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

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST) 

(11) CHOEGANG DREAM was sent off an odds-on favourite for his debut in January. He didn’t start well but finished creditably enough to make 3rd. He’s had a couple more months off since and comes in here looking to have a chance. (1) BEOLMAUI SIN has also just started once, that was only two weeks ago when he ran 5th of 14 over this distance. He can improve today. (10) BUGYEONG DOLPUNG has been coming closer with a 4th and a 3rd from his last two attempts. A big danger though will be (8) DANCING STAR. A much improved 4th on what was her 2nd start last month, she will set the pace here and can go well. (2) DORAON GANGJA is another who has shown glimpses of talent in two starts to date and can improve.

Favourites: (11) Choegang Dream (1) Beolmaui Sin (8) Dancing Star (10) Bugyeong Dolpung
Next Best: 2, 5,
Outsiders: 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12
Fast Starters: 8, 10

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

A host of perennial non-winners here so it is perhaps best to look at those that have done the least wrong so far. (11) DANGCHAN JILJU fits the bill in that regard, finishing an improved 5th last time, four lengths ahead of (4) WINNING OFFICER, and can be in contention today. (7) GOLD RUSH has a 5th and three 6th place finishes in stronger company than this while (1) NOBLE WARRIOR was 7th of 14 on his second run in March, six months after his first. He didn’t quicken in the closing stages that day but should have come on for the run and is in weaker company today. Among the more experienced ones, (6) KWAEHAN EUTTEUM can be looking to match the 3rd place over this distance she achieved last month while (5) FOREST TAEYANG, the only one of these to have a 2nd place to his name, should go forward early and can be considered. (9) POWER CHAMP showed some promise in four runs last summer and returns today following seven months out.

Selections: (11) Dangchan Jilju (7) Gold Rush (1) Noble Warrior (6) Kwaehan Eutteum
Next Best: 5, 9, 3, 2
Outsiders: 4, 8, 10
Fast Starters: 2, 5, 11

Race 4: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

A competitive even that brings together a number of up and comers. (4) ROCKET BLADE was a winner on debut in January and has performed creditably in three starts at this class since, beating three of these when finishing 3rd at 1300M last time. He will look to come from just off the pace and looks the one to beat here. (2) WORLD FLASH and (7) GOLDEN LEO are both up in class following maiden victories last start. The former was more eye-catching when scoring a five-length victory at this distance and will be better fancied to repeat. Having said that, Golden Leo finished very strongly to get the better of (11) SAEBYEOK STAR at the minimum distance. Saebyeok Star is yet to win but has two 3rds and that 2nd to his name and should be competitive here too. (6) UNFLAGGING HEART, a five-length winner at the distance on Christmas Day, will be fancied to overturn the form on (12) SEUNGNI ICON, who she finished behind last time.

Selections: (4) Rocket Blade (2) World Flash (7) Golden Leo (6) Unflagging Heart
Next Best: 11, 12, 10
Outsiders: 1, 3, 5, 8, 9
Fast Starters: 2, 5, 11, 12

Race 5: Class 4 / 1000M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(4) THE QUEEN disappointed on her first try at this class on March 11th, only managing 6th when sent off as favourite. She gets another chance in weaker company today. (3) KKEUTPAN DAEJANG has shown signs of being ready to get back in the winner’s circle and drops down to the minimum distance for the first time in a long time follow a 2nd place last start over 1200M and is the main danger. (6) CLEAN GONGJU never really got going over 1200M last month but can be given another chance here. All the others will need to find plenty but somebody has to take the minor money and (1) LONG STRIDE is perhaps best of the rest.

Selections: (4) The Queen (3) Kkeutpan Daejang (6) Clean Gongju (1) Long Stride
Next Best: 5, 7, 2
Outsiders:
Fast Starters: 3, 4

Race 6: Class 5 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 16:40 (KST)

Plenty of up and comers here. (12) SAEROUN STEALTH was a winner on debut over 1000M at the end of December and comes in following a 2nd and a 3rd place in his last two starts. Although well beaten by good winners in both, he is favoured to get his second win here trying the distance for the first time. (10) MR. SPENDING got his maiden victory the same day Saeroun Stealth did and with a 3rd and two 4ths in three subsequent starts must be strongly considered. He’s twice beaten (1) DOCHI, himself a winner in January and another who looks to have more improvement in him despite letting punters down when well backed both times since. Likely pace-setter is (2) ONLY BLUE, another who tries the distance for the first time and if he stays on, can go well. (9) MINE is the other one to look out for. An impressive winner at 1200M in February, she was 4th at 1300M a month ago and should enjoy the extra half furlong today.

Selections: (12) Saeroun Stealth (10) Mr. Spending (2) Only Blue (9) Mine
Next Best: 1, 11, 6, 3, 5
Outsiders: 4, 7, 8
Fast Starters: 2, 6, 8

Race 7: Class 4 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

(10) HAEUNDAE GISANG got her second win in four starts last month and is sent out against imported opposition for her first try at class 4. It looks a shrewd entry as she should have too much for this limited field. She will be strong favourite and will likely look to lead the whole way. (9) CHEONMA CHUPUNGO is yet to win in fourteen outings but was a useful 3rd last start and in this company should at least match that. Also 3rd last start was Japanese import (12) GOLD BLUE. It was the filly’s debut and she showed enough to suggest she should be much shorter than the almost 50/1 she was that day. (4) JAYU DAERO was 5th in a very similar race at 1200M on March 11th and can match or better that here while (5) ARION METAL made his first appearance of the year behind Cheonma Chupungo last month and should have come on for it.

Selections: (10) Haeundae Gisang (12) Gold Blue (9) Cheonma Chupungo (5) Arion Metal
Next Best: 4, 6, 8
Outsiders: 1, 2, 3, 7, 11
Fast Starters: 3, 8, 10

Race 8: Class 3 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 17:00 (KST)

(8) WORLD CHAMPION is up in class and distance today having won four of his six starts to date and finishing 2nd in the other two. Half-brother to an Oaks winner, the distance shouldn’t be a problem. Trainer Kim Young Kwan shuffles his jockeys and Choi Si Dae rides for the first time but the colt should looks capable here. Main danger is (7) DONGNAM CHEONHA, 3rd behind KRA Cup Mile winner Power Blade a couple of starts ago and a good 2nd at this distance last month. This two are a significant cut above the rest. (1) BEOLMA SONYEON and the down in class today (5) YANKEE DREAM are perhaps best placed for the minor money.

Selections: (8) World Champion (7) Dongnam Cheonha (1) Beolma Sonyeon (5) Yankee Dream
Next Best: 3, 4
Outsiders: 2, 6
Fast Starters: 8

Race 9: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(8) B.K. PHIL won his first two races at the turn of the year and was 3rd at class and distance last start. He likes to lead and if he can get forward early, he will be tough to get past. (7) BAEKDU was disappointing on his first start of 2016 over 1800M just two weeks ago but should go much better dropped down to 1200M today. (4) AJU CHOEGANG has shown plenty in three outings so far and is another who will look to get forward early while (6) YOU’RE HILARIOUS makes his first start of the year and looked sharp when winning a recent trial. (5) HANBANDO JEONGBOK returns after a couple of months spelled and can improve.

Selections: (8) B.K Phil (7) Baekdu (4) Aju Choegang (6) You’re Hilarious
Next Best: 5, 11
Outsiders: 1, 2, 3, 9, 10
Fast Starters: 3, 4, 5, 8

Race 10: Class 2 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 19:00 (KST)

(2) PUREUN ACE beat six of these when racing 2nd over a mile on March 11th and as such must be strongly considered to go one better this time. (12) GYEOUL WANGGUK was one of those beaten but came back out just two weeks ago, also over a mile and was a 15/1 winner and therefore must be respected. (7) SEMPER FI has won just three of twenty-one outings but very rarely misses the money and there’s no reason why he should today. The wildcard is (9) BUHO. The winner of five from eight as a three-year-old in 2014, he missed all of last year. He returned indifferently over 1800M last month but mustn’t be overlooked here. (4) UBAKI and (6) SANGSEUNG MODE, 4th in that race behind Pureun Ace, are the others to look out for. (3) NAMHAE SINHWA returns for the first time since last year’s KRA Cup Mile – he was talented but it may be best to take a watching brief first up.

Selections: (2) Pureun Ace (7) Semper Fi (9) Buho (12) Gyeoul Wangguk
Next Best: 4, 6, 11
Outsiders: 1, 3, 5, 8, 10
Fast Starters: 4, 7, 9

Busan shifts to its summer Friday timetable this week. First race is at 12:50 and the last is at 19:00.

Busan punters will have a chance to bet on Moon Se Young on Friday (Pic: KRA)

Champion jockey Moon Se Young is in town ahead of the KRA Cup Mile on Sunday and he is in with plenty of chances.

English racecards can be found here. Here are notes on races 2-10

Race 2: Class 6 / 1200M / Allowance / KRW 40 Million / 13:25 (KST)

(8) INDIAN CHIEF has come home in 5th place in each of his three attempts so far, all of them at 1000M and he could be the one to make the breakthrough here. He’s shown the best finish of any of these and the extra furlong may be to his benefit. The one with the best result so far is (6) B.K. ONE, who was beaten three-lengths into 2nd at this distance on a sloppy track a month ago. That was much improved from his debut and he should go well again. The others do not excite. (10) BEST CHEONGCHUN was ok on debut and can be given another chance after a disappointing second start and we’ll expect improvement from (1) GEUMTE and (2) VICAR FAMILY. The one debut maker (7) STYLISH was hardly impressive in trials but must be given a chance against this average lot.

Favourites: (8) Indian Chief (6) B.K. One (10) Best Cheongchun (2) Vicar Family
Next Best: 5, 7, 9, 1
Outsiders: 3, 4,
Fast Starters: 1, 5, 8

Race 3: Class 6 / 1300M / Allowance / KRW 20 Million / 14:10 (KST)

This lot come in with 0 wins for 118 starts between them so something has to give. It’s tempting therefore to go with the ones who have done the least amount wrong so far. They would be (1) CAPE MAGIC and (7) OH MY CAPTAIN with the latter the more favoured of the two. He runs best when he can get forward early and should be able to here. Best at this distance is (4) CHEONGMA DAEJANGUN. He tends to go back at the start and close and against this calibre of opposition, should be going very well. The other one to consider is (3) EUNGDAPARA, who does at least have a 3rd place to her name.

Favourites: (7) Oh My Captain (4) Cheongma Daejangun (1) Cape Magic (3) Eungdapara
Next Best: 6, 5
Outsiders: 2, 8
Fast Starters: 7

Race 4: Class 5 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:00 (KST)

Just fillies and mares and (1) GOLDEN KINGS is up in class following her maiden victory on her 2nd start on March 4th. She’ll need to find some more here but will go forward early and has good claims. Also up in class in (2) BLUE CAT. She has finished 2nd in both her two starts to date but shouldn’t be overwhelmed by anything here. She will also go forward. There are a couple of big dangers among the more experienced runners. (6) ULTRA MAGIC looks the best of them, 3rd last time out and perhaps ready to win again. Seoul’s champion jockey Moon Se Young is in town to ride in the KRA Cup Mile on Sunday and he takes the mount on (7) KWAEHAN MYEONGPUM who has come close in both her starts so far this year. (4) DAMYANG CHEONSA, (5) CHOEGANG TUHON and the up in class (11) MAIN VICAR are others capable of finding the money in this competitive event.

Favourites: (1) Golden Kings (2) Blue Cat (6) Ultra Magic (7) Kwaehan Myeongpum
Next Best: 5, 4, 11
Outsiders: 3, 8, 9, 10, 12
Fast Starters: 2, 11

Race 5: Class 5 / 1300M / Handicap / KRW 40 Million / 15:50 (KST)

(5) YEONGGWANGUISINHWA made all to get her maiden victory over 1200M on March 4th. She’s up in class today but must be given respect. She’s from the track’s top stable and has a chance of repeating. (1) SUNGANUI BEOPCHIK was considered sufficiently talented to be sent to Seoul for the nation’s top juvenile race last November. That didn’t go well and nor did his next two starts but he returned to form with a good 2nd place at 1200M last start and will be backed here. (10) CLEAN CHOEGANG has come close recently and comes close again while (3) LADY CHARTERED can match or better back to back 5ths in her last two starts. Among the others, (6) DONGGWANG JEIL and (7) SHARP WIN look best placed for improvement.

Favourites: (5) Yeonggwanguisinhwa (1) Sunganui Beopchik (10) Clean Choegang (7) Sharp Win
Next Best: 3, 6, 2,
Outsiders: 4, 8, 9, 11, 12
Fast Starters: 5, 7, 11

Race 6: Class 4 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 16:40 (KST)

Small field but open race and (8) BRAVO MARINE is the pick. Peter Wolsley’s Aussie bred was 5th over a mile a couple of weeks ago and can go better back at 1400M today. Kim Yong Kwan’s (1) GUMALLI was 3rd on debut three weeks ago and will be well backed to follow up while (2) SINSEGYE SINHWA is sent in against imported opposition and should be competitive following a decent 3rd place behind two good ones last start. (7) GANGJA BONSAEK and (5) HWANHUIUI BYEOL, up in class following a four-length victory last time and likely to be the pace-setter here, are the others to consider.

Favourites: (8) Bravo Marine (7) Gangja Bonsaek (1) Gumalli (2) Sinsegye Sinhwa
Next Best: 5, 3
Outsiders: 4, 6
Fast Starters: 5

Race 7: Class 4 / 1600M / Handicap / KRW 55 Million / 17:20 (KST)

(1) STEAL THE SHOW WHY could only manage 4th of 6 in a Korean Oaks trial at the start of last month but should have too much for this field on what will be her first try at a mile. She will look to lead all the way. (3) PURPLE OCEAN and (5) HOT COMMEND both ran in last year’s Oaks and the former is better placed to stop the favourite here. She will though need to be forgiven for a poor effort at this distance two weeks ago. (8) WORLD QUICK has three 3rd places in three tries at this class and should improve. She was one place behind (6) MUBI SONATA back in January – the latter returns for the first time since here.

Favourites: (1) Steal The Show Why (3) Purple Ocean (8) World Quick (5) Hot Commend
Next Best: 6, 7
Outsiders: 2, 4, 9
Fast Starters: 1, 7

Race 8: Class 2 / 1800M / Handicap / KRW 88 Million / 18:00 (KST)

A couple of good ones go here. (3) TONGIL SIDAE has won three of five so far including last start at this class over a mile. (1) WONDERFUL TODAY is up in class but comes in following back to back wins including last time at this distance. At this stage Tongil Sidae is favoured but both have every chance. Those two will be a short priced forecast. Ones with the potential to cause them some bother include (4) LAST TICKET, who is a reliable money winner and (5) CHOEGANGIJI, who was 5th behind Tongil Sidae last start. (7) JUNGANG DAEHAE and (8) FIELD SCAMPER are also capable on their day.

Favourites: (3) Tongil Sidae (1) Wonderful Today (4) Last Ticket (5) Choegangiji
Next Best: 7, 8, 2
Outsiders: 6, 9
Fast Starters: 2, 6

Race 9: Class 3 / 1200M / Handicap / KRW 72 Million / 18:30 (KST)

(8) EVANGELINE didn’t get a great trip when well backed in the mud at the start of March but can be supported to get back to winning ways today with the Seoul champion jockey on board. Best placed to stop her is (1) SEORABEOL GONGJU, who beat three of these when a class a distance winner on March 11th. (12) GLOBAL KING was 3rd over 1800M first-up after a spell last month and is an interesting entrant at 1200M today. (6) SUPER STORM is up in class following victory over a modest set of imports and will need to find more here while (2) CHEONHA ULLIM disappointed over a mile last time but has had a couple of months off since and should be happier at 1200M today.

Favourites: (8) Evangeline (1) Seorabeol Gongju (6) Super Storm (12) Global King
Next Best: 2, 5, 4
Outsiders: 3, 7, 9, 10, 11
Fast Starters: 3, 12

Race 10: Class 1 / 1400M / Handicap / KRW 105 Million / 19:00 (KST)

Nice competitive event to finish with and (4) MIRACLE LINE steps up to class 1 for the first time following a dominant six-length win over 1900M last start. This is his first time racing at this distance for over a year and it will be tough but he should be competitive. Also up in class and set to be competitive is (5) INDIAN STAR. She’s won seven of ten so far but is yet to strike at further than 1200M. Top-rated and therefore carrying top weight is (1) HIGH FIVE. He beat three of these when racing 2nd over 1400M on his last start and can go well once more. (7) WINNER’S MARINE was a class 1 winner last start at 1800M and will be shorter than the 19/1 she was sent off that day. (3) MAC AND CHEESE can also be dangerous with a top jockey booking today. All of the rest have some form of claim too but those are the top ones.

Favourites: (4) Miracle Line (1) High Five (5) Indian Star (3) Mac And Cheese
Next Best: 7, 2, 8,  9
Outsiders: 6
Fast Starters: 4, 5