Busan

Mayor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 25)

Global Hit is the main attraction as the Stayer Series comes to end with the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2) the feature at Busan on Sunday afternoon. For TV purposes (KBS N Sports) the big race is race 2 at 13:10. There are 6 races in total at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30 while there are 11 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Tunhonui Banseok won his second Mayor’s Cup, beating Global Hit, a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

Competitive maiden. (6) CHEONGRYONG GIUN ran 5th on debut in March and followed up with 3rd at start number two over this distance on April 20th when coming from off the pace. Third up he can be peaking and with Moon Se-young staying on, he may be the one to beat. (2) DURAY SHOW and (1) YEONGGWANGUI SKY came home in 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at this distance on April 13th. For both it was a significant improvement and from good draws, both can be in the mix again with the latter, especially likely to be on pace. (4) DAEHAN COCO’S debuted in that race on April 20th, running a solid 4th behind Cheongryong Giun. She should have come on for that run and can be competitive here. (3) KIA ORA another placing chance.

Selections(6) Cheongryong Giun (2) Duray Show (1) Yeonggwangui Sky (4) Daehan Coco’s
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

(2) SEUNGNI BAROWS has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 3rd place at this distance on May 11th when settling midfield and running on. He makes a quick return here and in this company should be on pace from the start and prove too strong. (4) HAKSAN PRINCE was well fancied last time out but got crowded at the start and lost ground only making I tup to 6th. Going on his previous two efforts when 4th and 3rd, he can be given another chance here. (6) THUNDER MARVEL was an improved 3rd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on April 26th. He has the fastest final furlong average time among these and can be a danger late. (7) MYEONG POWER and (5) SMART NOTION other minor chances.

Selections(2) Seungni Barows (4) Haksan Prince (6) Thunder Marvel (7) Myeong Power
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

(8) ELDORADO HEUNGBU remains a maiden after ten attempts but has only missed the top five on two occasions. He has placed in both his previous tries over 1400M, and in this company, he can be on pace and make his breakthrough. (5) MIGHTY BOM is also a maiden, in his case after sixteen outings. He enters in strong form though, with a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes from his latest three, all at 1800M. He has three 3rd places over this distance as well as the quickest time among these for the 1400M, and he can be a threat. (9) QUANTUM K comes up in class having led from gate to wire to win over this distance at start three on April 20th. He comes down in weight and can measure up. (3) ORANGE TIME and (10) NONSTOP YEOLCHA others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Eldorado Heungbu (5) Mighty Bom (9) Quantum K (3) Orange Time
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) YEONGGWANGUI HONEY has made steady progress across her three starts to date, most recently running a very close 2nd at 1300M on April 4th having been ridden further forward than in her previous two. She should be on pace again here and she will be a short-price favourite to go one better.  (5) LOILOI has mixed her form but comes back into the same gate from which she ran 2nd over 1300M in March, and she looks to be the main danger. (4) SEONGSIL SIDAE was a significantly improved 2nd when only going down very narrowly at 1300M on April 13th. She is another who should be on the speed and can be in this a long way. (9) CRUELLA and (2) REAL RESPECT others to consider for the minors.

Selections(3) Yeonggwangui Honey (5) Loiloi (4) Seongsil Sidae (9) Cruella
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) NURI CHEONWANG has been very consistent across his five starts so far and enters having overcome wide draws on both his latest two to run 4th. The step up in trip can suit and he can win here. (4) ECLIPSE EDGE is another who may be suited by coming up to two turns for the first time. He was 3rd behind Nuri Cheonwang when that horse got his maiden win and has acquitted himself well at this level in subsequent starts, most recently when 4th over 1400M. He will be expected to be on pace here. (1) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG remains a maiden after fifteen races but has nine top-five finishes and this is the kind of race he can pick up a cheque in. (8) TAEPYEONGMU and (9) RED DRAGON perhaps the best of an uninspiring rest.

Selections(10) Nuri Cheonwang (4) Eclipse Edge (1) Beautiful Hwaseong (8) Taepyeongmu
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class Open (1800M) Weight for Age / Busan Mayor’s Cup (KOR G2) KRW 700 Million

Busan’s biggest race of the year and it is a rare home track appearance for (5) GLOBAL HIT and having marked his return from Dubai with a five-length win in last month’s YTN Cup over 2000M at Seoul, he will be hot favourite to win this. Stablemate (4) SPEED YOUNG got the closest to him that day in 2nd, adding to his runner-up finish in March’s Herald Business, the first leg of this series. There is little to suggest he can overturn that form, but he is the most likely contender to fill out the exacta. In the absence of Global Hit, (10) SUCCESS BAEKPA won the Herald Business before running 4th in the YTN and he can be running on strong late again. The rest will need to step up with (11) TIZ BAROWS and (13) NUT PLAY perhaps being the most likely.

Selections(5) Global Hit (4) Speed Young (10) Success Baekpa (11) Tiz Barows
Next Best13, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here. (6) GRACE ROUTE got her maiden win at this distance in January and while she was beaten by a couple of these when 5th when slower away on her first try at this class in February, she came back out on April 27th and ran a close 2nd over 1400M. In this company she can sit just behind the speed and can win. (5) RACE ROSE comes up in class having scored her maiden win over 1200M on April 13th. The win had been coming and with a weight drop she can be competitive here. (9) AWESOME QUEEN got her maiden win at start three with an all the way effort over this distance on April 20th and she too can measure up at this level. (3) SSAK DANAEUN, similarly up in class and down in weight, along with (1) CUPID CHIC, are other place chances.

Selections(6) Grace Route (5) Race Rose (9) Awesome Queen (3) Ssak Danaeun
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

(5) WONDERFUL FEVER enters off 3rd place at this class over 1400M on May 2nd when leading into the final furlong. He has won at this trip and from a good draw can be on pace and potentially go all the way. (4) TRIPLE SINHWA was a class and distance winner on April 25th, making much of the running. He comes up a full 4kg in weight but that’s balanced a little by a good draw and he will have plenty of backers for a repeat. (7) MORNING DEW was 2nd in that April 25th race. He gets a weight swing from Triple Sinhwa this time and can be in the mix again. (8) GRAND DREAM and (10) GALLOP QUEEN are among others with every chance of competing for the places.

Selections(5) Wonderful Fever (4) Triple Sinhwa (7) Morning Dew (8) Grand Dream
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) PUNGUNJIMA returned from eight months out to run 2nd at this class and distance on April 13th, leading for the early part of the race. She has to contend with the widest gate here but she should strip fitter for that run, Moon Se-young, who has won on her twice, returns to the ride and she can win. (4) RUN WILD returned from a layoff of his own to win at this distance at class 5 level in March before running 2nd on his first try at this class over 1400M on April 19th when settling right back and running on. There is a danger that he can leave himself too much to do but with two wins and two runner-up finishes from four tries at this trip suggests he must be taken seriously. (5) STAR TREK beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place at class and distance on April 26th and under a light weight can place again. (10) ULTRA SOCKS and (6) BEST CLONE others in the frame.

Selections(11) Pungunjima (4) Run Wild (5) Star Trek (10) Ultra Socks
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) FORCE BE WITH YOU was a winner over 1300M on debut in March before running 5th when stepped up to this class and distance on April 25th, among plenty of today’s rivals. He should have benefitted from that experience, third-up he can be peaking, and he can win. That will mean overturning the form on (5) NEOM CITY, who was 2nd in that April 25th race. She is yet to win but that was her second consecutive runner-up finish at this distance and under a light weight, she can be there or thereabouts again. (6) FLYING THE KHAN is also yet to win – or even finish 2nd – in six attempts but he has three 3rd places, including on his sole try at this trip and he should be in the mix here. (11) MAKE IT BETTER and (7) COLONEL FLYING, the latter 3rd in that April 25th race, others to consider.

Selections(9) Force Be With You (5) Neom City (6) Flying The Khan (11) Make It Better
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 8, 9, 11

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

(5) GINSHARI BOY won back-to-back races in January and March to get rapidly promoted, but had a poor day at the office when tried at this class for the first time over 1400M on April 19th, showing on pace but weakening to finish midfield. He cuts back in trip here, Moon Se-young gets back on, and he’s worth another chance. (1) GEUNYANG GARA took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this level but ran a solid class and distance 3rd on May 11th leading for much of the way and from a good draw should be in this a long way too. (10) GLOBAL SERVE is up in class having won at 1300M by a big margin on April 27th. Despite the class rise he is up in weight, but he can measure up. The returning (3) KOREAN DREAM, along with (6) KLIMT WORLD are others to consider on a placing line.

Selections(5) Ginshari Boy (1) Geunyang Gara (10) Global Serve (3) Korean Dream
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) ARION KING CAR was a winner at this distance at class 5 level in March before running a very close 2nd on his first try at this class on April 30th. Drawn well to be on pace, he can go one better today. (7) DONGNAM GANGTAJA was 3rd behind Arion King Car in March before getting a win of his own at this distance on April 18th. That brings him up in class, but he is down in weight, Seo Seung-un stays on, and he is the main danger. (3) BEOLGYO WANGCHO has won just the once but has been ultra consistent across his six starts so far. A front-runner, he comes up in class but is down significantly in weight and can continue his good form. (10) WIN WIN and (4) BUSAN TODAY the other place chances.

Selections(2) Arion King Car (7) Dongnam Gangtaja (3) Beolgyo Wangcho (10) Win Win
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 11

Seoul Race 8: Class 1 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

Class 1 but with a rating cap of 95. (1) WONPYEONG STORM won his first five starts up to class 2 and 2000M before being given his chance in the Herald Business, the first leg of the Stayer Series in March. That proved too much too soon, and he finished well down the field. He’s had a couple of months off and looked well enough when 3rd in a trial earlier this month. This looks a very suitable first-up assignment. (8) MIGHTY NEO was a winner at this distance at class 2 level in March but was somewhat flat when getting passed late by a couple when favourite on April 26th. He comes up to class 1 for the first time but is down a full 5.5kg in weight and is the danger. (3) GIANT STEP won a value trophy race over the distance on April 13th and drawn well and nicely weighted, can measure up. (7) HERO FIGHTER and (10) NEULGAEUL others in the frame.  

Selections(1) Wonpyeong Storm (8) Mighty Neo (3) Giant Step (7) Hero Fighter
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(6) HWANGJE enters off three consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently over a mile on his first try at this class. 1800M seems more his go though and he is favoured to go one better today. (2) NICE BIG GUY was a winner at this class over a mile on April 25th coming from well off the pace. He comes up 3kg in weight, but he has a good record at this distance and can be competitive. (1) OASIS POWER was a solid 4th in the valuable trophy race at this distance on April 13th. He is very nicely treated by the handicap conditions and looks to have two turn wins in him sooner or later. (5) JANGSAN LEMON and (11) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE are others to look out for.

Selections(6) Hwangje (2) Nice Big Guy (1) Oasis Power (5) Jangsan Lemon
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(7) SEIRENE got her maiden win the final leg of last year’s Triple Tiara and then didn’t score again until this January when prevailing at this class and distance when racing handy. She could only manage a midfield finish in a valuable trophy race last month but this looks much more suitable and with Moon Se-young back on for the first time since her last win, today can be her day. (6) ARGO RICH won back-to-back races at this class and distance in March and April before running 4th from a wide gate last time out. An apprentice takes the edge off his weight here and he is a big danger. (2) ZETTA MASTER has been getting closer with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance. That brings him up in class but the weight drop of 5.5kg brings him into contention. (4) COMPLETE LEADER and (10) K N GOLDEN KING other place chances.

Selections(7) Seirene (6) Argo Rich (2) Zetta Master (4) Complete Leader
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 10

Seoul Race 10: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(2) ORION ALPHA has seven top four finishes from eight starts so far and comes in having run 2nd at this class and distance on April 20th with three of today’s rivals behind him. He was also 2nd on his only previous try at this distance and well-drawn and under a light weight, he is the one to beat. (6) PEPPER X had a poor day at the office when a well beaten favourite on April 20th. There weren’t many excuses, and he wasn’t lame but if we go on his previous start, which was a win at this class and distance, then he is worth another chance here. (9) WILD SOCKS was 4th behind Orion Alpha in that April 20th race and is a two-time winner at this distance. He has a fast finish so the wide draw won’t matter, and he can be dangerous late on. (1) MIGHTY JJANG and (4) DIANA the others to consider on a place line.

Selections(2) Orion Alpha (6) Pepper X (9) Wild Socks (1) Mighty Jjang
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

Seoul Race 11: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(5) MIGHTY SHONE has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts since returning from a near six-month layoff in March, both times coming from off the pace at this distance. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise, and he can go one better. (2) DRAGON BULPAE was 3rd behind Mighty Shone when they raced one another at this class and distance on April 20th, settling right back and running on. He can be a danger again. (9) SEOBU TEUKSONG won three in a row up to last October and then didn’t reappear until April 13th when she had a decent, if unsuccessful, run out over 1200M. She should strip fitter for that run and can be closer to her old form here. (3) PANORAMA KING and (7) DUSON OPEN others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Mighty Shone (2) Dragon Bulpae (9) Seobu Teuksong (3) Panorama King
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 9
(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 23)

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

Three-year-old maidens with three of the twelve racing for the first time. One of those first-timers is (2) HEUIMANG TAEYO, who overcame a wide draw in his trial to run on pace and cross the line 2nd in a quick time and just a couple of lengths behind the class 2 veteran B.J. CHIEF. From a great draw, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (10) ALL ROUND ONE raced once last October for a fair 4th. He has been gelded in the interim and looked well when trialing up at the start of this month. (6) VICTORY STORY was an improved 4th at start number two on April 20th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process, and he can get closer today. (3) S. BELLE and debut-maker (11) WORLD TOP TIER are others to consider.

Selections(2) Heuimang Taeyo (10) All Round One (6) Victory Story (3) S. Belle
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(11) NAMHAE MAGIC has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both at 1200M and most recently coming from off the pace behind a good winner on April 6th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and with an extra half-furlong to play with, he can go one better here. (3) APDOJEOK NUMBERONE has two 4th places and a 2nd from three outings to date, showing handy or on pace each time. He draws very well and can be in the finish again. (5) TANTAN DAERO was an improved 2nd at start two at this distance on April 27th, doing his best work late, and he too can be a danger here. (9) HIGH TENSION and (7) BORYEONG MIRACLE others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Namhae Magic (3) Apdojeok Numberone (5) Tantan Daero (9) High Tension
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) CHOGYEOKCHA won back-to-back races at the end of last year to get rapidly promoted to this class and has since been the beaten favourite in three outings – including in Busan’s Classic Trial. He enters off a quick 3rd place over a mile on April 13th and coming into much more amenable company, he will be favourite again. (2) HONORED KHAN was a class and distance winner in February and while he is up 3.5kg from that mark and had a hard time last start, he can be given a chance. (1) BREEDO ODIN returned from four months out to run an improved 3rd at a mile on April 18th when sent off as the longest but one shot on the board. He comes up to 1800M for the first time but should strip fitter for that run. (9) DAESEUNGNIJA and (6) NANGMAN DAERO other potentials for the minors.

Selections(4) Chogyeokcha (2) Honored Khan (1) Breedo Odin (9) Daeseungnija
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

(9) UNLIMITED RUN got his maiden win at start number three over 1300M and has since run 3rd in two outings at this class and 1400M and most recently this distance on April 18th. In this company he can settle just behind the speed, and it can be third time lucky at this class. (10) CHOEGANG TRIPLE is up in class following a maiden in at start five over this distance on April 20th when overcoming the widest gate to race on pace. He comes down 3kg in weight, and he can measure up. (4) BREEDO MIRACLE is yet to win but is up in class following back-to-back runner up finishes at this distance in contrasting styles. He to is down 3kg in weight and he can be competitive. (8) HAMAN YEOHANGSAN and (2) SING FOR ME others to consider.

Selections(9) Unlimited Run (10) Choegang Triple (4) Breedo Miracle (8) Haman Yeohangsan
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start2, 7, 10, 11

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here and it’s competitive. (1) QUEEN SPICY ran 4th on debut before getting her maiden win at start two at 1300M on April 18th, leading all the way. She is up in class and slightly in trip, but is down in weight, draws well to lead again, and she can be in this a long way. (8) THE NOMINATE is the danger. After getting her maiden win, she then ran a close 2nd at this class and distance on April 20th, settling midfield and running on. She only comes up 1kg in weight and has every chance. She will need to overturn form on (2) RIGHT CHAMP, who was the 16/1 winner of that April 20th race, when ridden further forward than usual. She is up 3kg in weight but that’s balanced by a much better gate, and she warrants more respect this time. (7) WORLD PINK CAT and (5) WANNABE WITH YOU among plenty of others who can go well.

(more…)

SROA Chairman’s Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 18)

The Sprint Series concludes at Seoul on Sunday with the SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) when Vincero Cavallo will seek to complete a clean sweep of the series, having already taken out the Busan Ilbo Sprint and the SBS Sports Sprint. The big race is race 8 on an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00, which also includes the Listed Sports Chosun Trophy. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Vincero Cavallo (KRA)

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

Small but competitive field in the opener. (7) STUNNING WORLD was a solid 3rd last time out over 1200M on April 6th, racing handy. She also has a 2nd place on her record. She comes up to the 1300M for the first time and she can win. (2) TEUKGEUP PARTY also has a runner-up finish to her name, which she achieved on debut at the end of December. She has since run 5th in back-to-back outings and from a good draw here can lead and be in this a long. (6) HWANGGEUM MASK got his best finish of 3rd at this distance and on his latest couple of outings, both ending in 4th, has to rate as a chance. (5) WILD HAPPY and (4) PROOF others who could have a say in the minors.

Selections(7) Stunning World (2) Teukgeup Party (6) Hwanggeum Mask (5) Wild Happy
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(9) WILD WHIZ ran once last summer for 3rd place at 1000M. He hasn’t been seen since, but he trialed well in mid-April under Moon Se-young, coming from off the pace and finishing well. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first-up. (4) PINE PINK also ran just the once last year, in her case a 4th place in December. She offered fewer clues in her trial at the start of this month but from a good draw, if she brings that form she showed before, she can be in this. (7) TIGER K has mixed his form across four starts so far but does have a 2nd place on his record and that’s enough to have him in this. (6) SOMETHING DARK and (3) AMENO are others to consider.

Selections(9) Wild Whiz (4) Pine Pink (7) Tiger K (6) Something Dark
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) GHOST CHRYSOL was an improved 2nd over this distance on March 30th when racing handy throughout. He carries a similar weight, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and a similar effort should be sufficient to win this. (3) TTOSUNI SEOUL stepped up to 1700M last time out and came from off the pace to run a decent 3rd. She should have benefitted from that experience and can be a danger here. (10) CHAMPIONS FIELD enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over this distance and should be there or thereabouts again. Plenty of others have hinted at ability too with (8) EUNPA SWEET and (7) TEN KOREA perhaps the most likely to challenge for the places.

Selections(11) Ghost Chrysol (3) Ttosuni Seoul (10) Champions Field (8) Eunpa Sweet
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(9) ONEULISUNGAN was a winner at this class and distance two starts back before running 4th in a competitive Trophy race over a mile on April 13th. He carries 3kg more than his winning mark but is one for one at the trip and five from ten in total and he can win again here. Both of (8) SOLEDAD’s wins came at this trip and she enters in consistent form, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on her way to 4th place in another April 13th Trophy race, in her case over 1800M.  She has the fastest time among these for the distance and is a danger. (2) SPECIAL WIND won over this trip at class 4 level in February and hinted at getting to grips with this class when 5th on April 4th. He draws nicely and under a light weight can be backed on a place line (4) DANGDAE STAR and (6) MORPHEUS others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(9) Oneulisungan (8) Soledad (2) Special Wind (4) Dangdae Star
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

Fillies only. (8) DONKEY PLAY was a winner at this class and distance in a similar all-filly affair on April 19th when settling midfield and running on. That was her maiden win, but the manner of it was strong and while she carries an additional 3kg, there is little to fear here. (10) LALA GIRL remains a maiden but comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and this distance. In doing so, she posted a quicker time than any of these for the 1300M (albeit on a wet track) and she can measure up. Seo Seung-un is in town to ride Black Mamba in the big race later and he picks up the ride on (6) WONDERFUL PASS. Another non-winner, she comes in off a smart 4th at this class over 1200M and can go close. (11) LUCKY DAY and (9) KOTAP others to consider.

Selections(8) Donkey Play (10) Lala Girl (6) Wonderful Pass (11) Lucky Day
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

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

Fillies only in this maiden and it’s not a strong field so we’ll take a chance on the solitary debut maker. That’s (6) MAGIC SHOW, a Federalist filly who looked good in her trial, showing handy and finishing in 3rd place in a fair time. If she can have some natural improvement from that then she has as good a chance as any. (7) GOLDEN CARD enters off an improved 3rd place over 1400M on April 18th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. In the absence of much early speed, she may well be the early leader and can be in this a long way. (2) SEONGSIL WORLD came from well back to run 4th at start number two on April 4th. Third-up she should still have scope for improvement. (8) WINNERS ROOKIE and (1) HIT WINNER others to consider for the minors.

Selections(6) Magic Show (7) Golden Card (2) Seongsil World (8) Winners Rookie
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 16)

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

(2) LION MAGIC has been consistent across his four starts so far with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times racing handy to the speed. He draws nicely here and today can be his day. That will mean overturning the form on (10) THUNDER PASSION, who came from well off the pace to finish 2nd to Lion Magic’s 3rd on April 20th. That was a big uptick in form at start number three, but he can build on it here. (8) GRAND MORE didn’t show much when favourite on debut but is worth another chance based on his strong trial. There are four debut-makers and of them (6) HAEUNDAE POWER and (1) CHOEGANG LOUIS showed the most in trials and have every chance of going well first up in this company.

Selections(2) Lion Magic (10) Thunder Passion (8) Grand More (6) Haeundae Power
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

After a couple of good trials, (2) JUST SHINY was a fair 5th on debut in a decent time over 1200M. He should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can suit as he was doing his best work late, and jockey Jin Kyum will be brimming with confidence following his Korean Derby win last week. (6) RAON FLATTER has been knocking on the door across her ten starts so far. She has a 2nd and most recently a 3rd at this distance and she should be there or thereabouts again. (1) GANGSEO GENIUS debuted in 6th place at this distance behind Raon Flatter a month ago. He comes into a much better gate and with some batural improvement can get closer. (8) BLACK SQUALL and (7) SHACKLE SUN others in the frame in a competitive affair.

Selections(2) Just Shiny (6) Raon Flatter (1) Gangseo Genius (8) Black Squall
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Strong race for so early on a Friday. (9) DOCTOR OSCAR was 3rd at this class and distance on February 28th, coming from off the pace. He was found to have bled so was stood down for a month, but he looked very well winning a trial last week in a quick time and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, has every chance. For the first time in a while (3) MAGARITA draws a good gate. All her three wins have come at this trip and while she has form to overturn on three of these who beat her on April 18th, she can get an easier run today and is a danger. (6) BORN DIA has done her recent work at further, but she has two wins and three placings at this trip and should be on pace and in this a long way – she will probably start as favourite. (2) DRAGON REVENGER and (7) JEOLDAE BOSS were two of those ahead of Magarita in that April 18th race and can both be in the mix again.

Selections(9) Doctor Oscar (3) Magarita (6) Born Dia (2) Dragon Revenger
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

(7) WONDERFUL JONES was 3rd in Busan’s Classic Trial before finishing down the field in the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown last month. He steps back into much more amenable company today over a distance at which he got his win, and he can win again. (9) TUHON FIGHTER comes up in class having scored his maiden win over this distance on April 18th having raced handy. He has the challenge of a wider than ideal gate but he comes down 3kg in weight, and he can measure up. (3) RAINBOW ROAD enters off a 2nd place at class and distance on May 2nd and makes a quick return here with claims to go close again from a good draw. (4) BARBELL MOMO and (10) TRIPLE AXEL among others to consider.

Selections(7) Wonderful Jones (9) Tuhon Fighter (3) Rainbow Road (4) Barbell Momo
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 10

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

(8) DOCTOR KAREN got her maiden win at start number six on April 25th leading all the way over 1400M. She comes up in class but is down 3kg in weight, she can lead again, and she can win again. (11) GREAT TOP has run 3rd and 6th in two tries at this class since getting his maiden win at the second attempt in February. His win came from gate eleven and he can be a danger here. (3) HOLY RUN is yet to win but has six top four finishes from seven starts including last time out on April 11th, he beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place at this class and distance at big odds, coming from well off the pace. He can match or better that here. (6) ONE WAY and (10) UNJU LEGEND are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Doctor Karen (11) Great Top (3) Holy Run (6) One Way
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start7, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(more…)

Korean Derby Day Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 11)

It’s Korean Derby Day. We’ll have full form comments for the big race in a little while but for now here is the race-by-race guide to all Sunday races when there are 11 from Seoul between 10:35 and 18:00 (the Derby is race 7 at 15:15) and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30:

Last year’s Derby was won by Eunpa Sarang (Pic: KRA)

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

Seven fillies and one gelding in the opening maiden and we’ll take a chance on the debut-maker. (1) CHRYSOL POSH looked competent enough when running 4th in her trial in a fair time at the end of March. She draws the inside gate and competent enough could be good enough to prevail here. (5) GLORY QUEEN has a 3rd and a 5th among her four outings to date with the former coming two starts back at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs on for the first time and that will probably make her the betting favourite.  (6) RAON THE CAVIAR was an improved 3rd, albeit in a very slow race over this distance last time out and can be there or thereabouts again. (4) ROAD TO SPEAR and (2) DUSON EUTTEUM the others who will be in the market.

Selections(1) Chrysol Posh (5) Glory Queen (6) Raon The Caviar (4) Road To Spear
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

 (7) SWEET SONG has been on the right trajectory across her three starts to date, most recently a 4th place at this distance on April 13th when she led for much of the way. She can lead again here and can potentially go all the way. (6) PURGE RUBY beat a couple of these on her way to best to date 2nd place on April 20th. It was a slow time, and she was a long way behind the winner, but she won’t need to improve very much to go one better here.  (2) SEUNGNI BAROWS has, like Sweet Song, shown improvement over three outings most recently an on pace 5th when clocking the fastest time among these for the 1400M. Maia stays on and she can go close again. (1) STEP BY STEP and (4) SECRET WOLF are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Sweet Song (6) Purge Ruby (2) Seungni Barows (1) Step By Step
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) GYEOUL JANGMI has made good progress over three starts so far, most recently when 2nd on her first try at this distance on March 15th. She comes in fresh after eight weeks off, Moon Se-young stays on, and she is favoured to go one better here. (1) CHARMING QUEEN raced handy for 2nd place over this distance on debut on April 20th. She should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement can be a danger from a good draw. (6) RAON SILENCE was a well beaten 2nd at this distance on March 30th. She raced on pace that day and should do so again with every chance of being involved for a long way. (9) INDIAN TAPIT and (7) BULGUKSIDAE are the other main chances.

Selections(3) Gyeoul Jangmi (1) Charming Queen (6) Raon Silence (9) Indian Tapit
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 11

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

After an indifferent debut, (7) GEUMA PANTHER was a close 2nd when stepped up to this trip at start two on April 11th, settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be peaking, and he will be hot favourite to go one better here. (5) BABYLON FOX was much improved when beating three of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance in a different race on April 11th. He was ridden on pace for the first time that day and with similar tactics can be close again. (8) HOUND POKER was 4th in that race, one of three top five finishes he has from six attempts, and he can be aiming to find the places here. (4) DREAMMA and (1) UNJU CHEONHA others in the minor money frame.

Selections(7) Geuma Panther (5) Babylon Fox (8) Hound Poker (4) Dreamma
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7

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

(1) GOLD QUEENS was a winner on debut and has been working back towards another in her three goes at this class, most recently when 2nd at 1200M on April 5th. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but draws well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (2) SAEROUN GUY enters off 3rd place over 1200M at this class on April 12th. He is yet to win but on that form can be a player here. (10) SEMYEONG STRONG is up in class having won a quick race at this distance on a wet track on April 6th. He has the challenge of a wider draw this time, but he can measure up in this company. (3) VIVA CHEONGSU and (4) CHRYSOL NIKE, the latter up in class following back-to-back 2nd places in her first two starts, are others to consider.

Selections(1) Gold Queens (2) Saeroun Guy (10) Semyeong Strong (3) Viva Cheongsu
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start3, 8, 10, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (7) PURE MARINE may only have a best of 4th from four starts so far but she comes in fresh following thirteen weeks off and, more to the point, was a close 2nd in a quick trial on April 26th. If she brings that form to the races, she will be able to see off this limited set of rivals. (9) HANEULPYEONGJEONG loves finishing 4th, having done so on five occasions from eleven starts including each of her latest four. She also has a 2nd place on her resume and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. (5) WORLD TRIPLE CAT hinted at figuring things out when an improved 5th ahead of a couple of today’s rivals on April 4th and can aim for better here. (10) OWNER CHAMP and (3) SEOGWI CHOWON other placing chances.

Selections(7) Pure Marine (9) Haneulpyeongjeong (5) World Triple Cat (10) Owner Champ
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) WORLD JOY got his maiden win at 1300M in March before running 3rd on his first try at this class over 1800M on April 12th, racing handy throughout. He is nicely drawn here for Lim Da-bin to pick his spot, and he looks the one to beat. (9) ECO FORE has excelled since being sent up to this distance with a 2nd and last time out a win over it. That brings him up in class but the same apprentice who won on him keeps his weight low, and he can measure up. (3) SUPER BLUEMOON was a winner at this class and distance on April 20th at big odds. He is up 3.5kg in weight and has been a bit all or nothing so far but warrants consideration. (8) SPLENDID comes out of the KRA Cup Mile and should find this a more amenable assignment, while (1) LUCKY FAMOUS is another in the hunt.

Selections(2) World Joy (9) Eco Fore (3) Super Bluemoon (8) Splendid
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 9)

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

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

(7) BEOLGYOUI HIM has a best of 2nd from six starts so far and enters off a fair 5th at 1200M in March. He has had a tendency to be a bit slow away but there is no early speed in this race so he should be much more forward today, the additional trip can suit, and he is the one to beat. (1) STORM POINT has hinted at ability over his eight tries, albeit not getting any closer than 4th. He did that over this distance, he draws well here and in this small field should be aiming for a career to date best. (3) GWANGPUNG STAR has shown improvement across her latest couple with a 3rd place at 1300M being her latest on April 4th. The slight step up in trip can help and she can match or better that here. (8) CAPTAIN KOREA and (4) DIA MATE are the other place chances.

Selections(7) Beolgyoui Him (1) Storm Point (3) Gwangpung Star (8) Captain Korea
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time, but it’s hard to go past (5) JEONGMUN FELIX. After a couple of fair efforts, he was an improved 3rd at this distance on March 21st when on pace throughout. He should be on the speed again here and won’t need to improve much to win in this company. A couple of the debut makers look interesting. (4) SEINE GANG ran 5th in a trial having overcome a wide draw. He gets a great gate on debut here and from on pace can be in this a long way. (9) BIGBANG CLASS beat Seine Gang in a trial, the second time that he showed ability in the morning heats. He doesn’t draw as well, but if he can find a forward position, will be a chance. Returning to the experience, (8) ROAD TO HEUIMANG and (1) FLY GIRL are potential improvers.

Selections(5) Jeongmun Felix (4) Seine Gang (9) Bigbang Class (8) Road To Heuimang
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

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

Competitive race. (8) FLYING RACE was a maiden winner two starts back at 1200M and was then sent off as favourite for his first try at this class on April 11th when from a very wide draw he was slow away and only managed to run 8th – although he did beat a couple of today’s rivals. With a better start here, he can be given another chance. (3) IT’S OK ran once last year for a decent 4th and then didn’t reappear until this April 6th. She made an immediate impact, leading every step of the way to score over this distance with plenty in hand and while she comes up in class here, she should strip even fitter, and can measure up. (1) BROWN ROOKIE took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this level but enters off back-to-back 4th places at this distance and she can be a danger here. (6) DOCTOR CITY and (7) VELOCIRAPTOR others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(8) Flying Race (3) It’s Ok (1) Brown Rookie (6) Doctor City
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) YEOSU SUPER STAR was a winner on debut over 1200M on April 11th, racing handy throughout before striking the front just over a furlong out and running on. She comes up in class and slightly in trip, but neither should be a problem, and she can make it two from two here. (2) CHEONHAJIYU ran 2nd in two starts early last year before suffering an injury setback. She finally returned in February, putting in an ordinary run but returned to form on April 4th with another solid 2nd place at 1200M. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise, and she should be close. (10) MISSOURI CHAMP got her maiden win two starts back and was a good 3rd on her first try at this class on April 11th and she can be in the mix again. (7) SIMON STAR, who needs a line through her latest, along with (3) DOCTOR MATTERS, are other contenders.

Selections(5) Yeosu Super Star (2) Cheonhajiyu (10) Missouri Champ (7) Simon Star
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 11

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

(more…)

Korean Oaks 2025 Form Comments

Two out of the past three years have seen a single filly sweep all three legs of the Triple Tiara and on Sunday Fantastic Value can go one step closer to emulating Golden Power in 2022 and Jeulgeounyeojeong in 2023 by winning the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2) at Busan. SEE HERE FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL & BUSAN.

Fantastic Value comprehensively won the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)

That the three-year-old Korean bred filly division isn’t a very deep one is reflected in only ten going to face the starter, one of which is a maiden with a rating of just twenty-six. FANTASTIC VALUE had little trouble seeing off her rivals in the opening jewel of the Tiara, the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) at the end of March, when she pulled away in the home straight to win by five-lengths.

With that Luna triumph, the Lim Keum-man trained Fantastic Value moved onto four wins from nine starts and has experience of the 1800M Oaks distance having run 4th over it at class 4 level prior to her Tiara 1st leg score.

All first four home in the Luna return for another go in the Oaks, but the most fascinating runner is a newcomer to the Tiara trail. ONEULDO SMILE debuted as a juvenile last August and won but then got injured and didn’t reappear until this January. She has since won three on the spin, most recently a fourteen-length romp at Class 4 level on March 23rd.

CC Wong rides Oneuldo Smile for the first time and while she has never been further than 1200M, the daughter of Federalist looks an enticing prospect.

1. BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN – Ran 3rd in the Luna from a wide draw. A winner and runner-up in two tries at 1800M both at class 5 level puts her ahead of most of these. In the frame.

2. TEAM SURPRISE – Yet to win in eleven and that probably won’t change here but does have nine top five finishes. First try at further than 1400M can suit, but minor money chance only.

(more…)

Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 4)

Sunday’s feature is the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), the 2nd leg of the Triple Tiara series for three-year-old fillies and mares. It’s the final race on a 60race card at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Eclipse Berry won last year’s Oaks (Pic: KRA)

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

(1) DRAGON FANTASY comes in following a best to date 2nd over this distance on April 12th when handy throughout and running on. From a good draw he will be on or close to the pace again and won’t need to improve much on that effort to win. The danger is (4) HAKSAN PRINCE. He is seemingly figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance recording the fastest time among these for the 1300M in the process. He can settle behind the speed and run on. (5) RAON PARANOMA finished off well from a long way back and a wide gate last time out. He can be further forward sooner here and may appreciate the slight step up in trip. (10) HIGH CROWN and (11) ECLIPSE TANGO others who can improve.

Selections(1) Dragon Fantasy (4) Haksan Prince (5) Raon Paranoma (10) High Crown
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (5) MORNING WONDER shapes a short price favourite. From her four starts so far she has been no worse than 4th, including a close 2nd place in a quick time over 1300M two starts back and in this small field she will be on pace and should win. (6) GEOLJAK CHUJKE hasn’t done much in two starts so far but there was four months between them. She led on her return on April 12th and while she ultimately finished back in the pack, she can strip fitter here and in the absence of much early speed here, she can get an easy lead and may be in it for longer. (9) GLORY DAY was an improved 4th at start number three on April 5th, recording the quickest time among these for the 1200M. That’s enough for her to go in the numbers here. (8) WINNER GLORY and (1) MIRACLE SOCKS others to look out for.

Selections(5) Morning Wonder (6) Geoljak Chukje (9) Glory Day (8) Winner Glory
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

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

(2) SSOARA STAR got her maiden win on March 1st at this distance before running 3rd from gate ten on his first try at this class on April 6th. He draws better today and is the one to beat. (11) SMART TAKE returned from five months off on March 30th to get her maiden win over this distance. She comes up in class but is down in weight and she may well prove fitter for that run. (8) RAON NOTHERN DANCE will need a line drawn though his latest when he led before weakening late on over 1400M. He can lead again and the cut back in trip can suit. The up in class last start maiden winners (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (3) GEUMGYEPORAN both showed in their wins that they can measure up at this level.

Selections(2) Ssoara Star (11) Smart Take (8) Raon Nothern Dance (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

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

(7) CHAMP SONNY has two 3rd places and two 5th places from four appearances so far with the former coming at this distance and a mile. He has run both on pace and from behind and today should be his day over a limited looking set of rivals. (4) DOCTOR SOLAR was an improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip on April 11th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar today and he looks the only credible danger to the favourite. (9) HEUIMANG GUNJU has a 3rd place at 1300M two starts back and that’s enough for him to go in the numbers here. (2) MEANINGFUL TIME and (1) SUN JAE other place chances.

Selections(7) Champ Sonny (4) Doctor Solar (9) Heuimang Gunju (2) Meaningful Time
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

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

(10) SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA may be up in class without a win – or even a 2nd place – but looks rather nicely in here in what isn’t a strong race for the level. He has three 3rd place finishes, most recently at this distance on April 5th, coming from off the pace, and coming down a full 4.5kg, should be right in this. (2) ECO WORLD took a couple of goes to settle at this class but was a close 2nd at this distance on April 22nd, racing close to the pace throughout and a similar effort will see her close here. (3) HIGH FOLLY had a hard time on his first try at this class a month ago but comes back up to the trip at which he won in March and is worth another chance. (9) KYLIE and (5) MINT PLAY other possibles.

Selections(10) Songdang Hwangtaeja (2) Eco World (3) High Folly (9) Kylie
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

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

(4) VANGIE got his maiden win at start three over this distance on March 30th, settling midfield and proving too strong. He has made progress across all his starts so far and while he is up in class, he comes down in weight and will be expected to make it two in a row. (5) HANEUL BOSS was an outsider on his latest over this distance on April 6th, but he led for much of the way around, ultimately coming home in 4th. He draws well to lead here and can be in things a long way again. The up in class pair of (2) ROAD TO SPRING and (3) GLOBAL HEROINE both come down in the weights and should be able to measure up at this level. (9) OCEAN ONE TAP another place chance.

Selections(4) Vangie (5) Haneul Boss (2) Road To Spring (3) Global Heroine
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) PALO ALTO had a hard time when sent to Busan for the Luna Stakes, the opening leg of the Triple Tiara, at the end of March. She could have easily got into this afternoon’s Oaks but stays in Seoul to here instead and the drop back in trip as well as a light weight make her the one to beat. (7) GEOMIBULU overcame gate ten to win at class and distance on April 6th. An apprentice claiming 3kg means she comes in at the same weight and she can be close again. (4) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG was a winner at this class over 1700M two starts back and while he had a hard time from a wide draw on his return at the end of March, this should suit, and he can return to form. (6) BEOLGYO CHADOL and (5) CHALLENGE SOCKS others to consider for the minors.

Selections(9) Palo Alto (7) Geomibulu (4) Seongsil Yeongung (6) Beolgyo Chadol
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(more…)

Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 2)

Korean Oaks weekend kicks off with an 8-race card at Busan on Friday. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies only in the opening maiden. (10) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL ran 6th in debut before being an improved 3rd at start two on April 13th. Seo Seung-un stays on and third-up she can be peaking. On debut, she was beaten by (8) JJAK SARANG, who is the obvious danger. She has a 4th, 2nd, and a 3rd from three outings so far, racing handy each time and she will be there or thereabouts again. (7) OH FANTASTIC was beaten by a couple of these on debut in March but was an improved 5th at the second time of asking on April 6th when racing on pace. She has the best start among these, Franco climbs on, and she should be in the mix again. (1) NAMYANG RUBY and (6) TWOTWO PERFOR others who can improve.

Selections(10) Areumdaunnaldeul (8) Jjak Sarang (7) Oh Fantastic (1) Namyang Ruby
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(2) TAMNA FIRST took a while to get to the races, but it was worth the wait with a debut 2nd over 1200M on March 28th, when settling midfield and running on. He should have come on for that run, he draws a much better gate, and he can win. (3) ALL THE WAY also debuted in that March 28th race, coming from well off the pace to run a useful 3rd. She too should have derived benefit from that and can be in this all the way. (9) SHOOT FOR THEMOON impressed in trials and was a fair 5th on debut on March 21st at this distance, settling back and running on. He is another who can have come on for the experience. (10) HIGH TENSION and (8) WONDER MOCCASIN have more experience and can be in this.

Selections(2) Tamna First (3) All The Way (9) Shoot For Themoon (10) High Tension
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

(9) GLORY WIND beat several of these in her way to 2nd from the widest gate on what was her first try over the mile on April 11th. She should get an easier run to the front today and she is favoured to go one better. (1) HIT MAJOR ran 3rd in that race which for him too was a best to date finish. He had been getting better across his last couple of outings and Tanaka stays on. (6) DORAON SAMSON has a 2nd place on his record and while he could only manage 6th on his first try at a mile last month, he can have learned from it and Seo Seung-un climbing up for the first time will make plenty take note. (4) GLORY ALPHA and (2) FLYING ICE other place chances.

Selections(9) Glory Wind (1) Hit Major (6) Doraon Samson (4) Glory Alpha
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (7) FLY TO THE MOON remains a maiden but has never finished any worse than 5th and has a 2nd and a 4th in two tries at this class, both over this distance. In this company she can be on pace and today can be her day. (3) KYUNGNAM DRAGON was the winner of a similar class and distance race on April 11th, settling handy and running on. She has never failed to place over 1200M and while she is up 3kg in the weights, she draws nicely and can be a danger again. (1) SEOGWI LADY was 5th in that April 11th race having previously won on debut at this distance in March. She is another who will be on the speed and can be in this a long way. (5) DAESUNG FLY and (6) MOTHER CHUKJE are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Fly To The Moon (3) Kyungnam Dragon (1) Seogwi Lady (5) Daesung Fly
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(more…)

Ttukseom Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 27)

Sunday sees the 2nd leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer when sixteen fillies and mares will line up for the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul. The big race is number eight on the 11-race card that runs from 10:35 to 18:00, while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Juelgeounyeojeong returns to the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

After two ordinary outings, (10) NURI JILJU led at start number three on March 22nd, ultimately finishing 2nd. Despite the wide draw, she will almost certainly lead again here, and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to beat this limited set of opponents and her odds will reflect that. (3) HYEWONYONGMA is the only other one to have placed. She mixes her form but the 2nd and 3rd on her record, combined with a draw that should see her on the early speed, will be enough to make her the clear second pick. (8) SAINT WINNER may be on the right trajectory with a 4th place at start number three on March 29th and she should be aiming to better that here. Debut-maker (1) SLING STAR along with (9) SSAK DANAEUN, who has been back to trial since a poor debut, are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(10) Nuri Jilju (3) Hyewonyongma (8) Saint Winner (1) Sling Star
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) GIANT BOSS enters looking to complete a hat-trick of wins having scored twice at 1300M, most recently at this class on March 23rd when racing handy throughout. He comes up 3kg in weight but got his maiden win carrying just 1kg less and he can score again here. (8) GEUMA FOREMOST is yet to win in seven attempts but has never finished outside the top five. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his two tries at this distance, the latter at this class last time out, and he should be there or thereabouts again, coming from off the pace. (11) NURI CHEONWANG was a winner at this class over 1300M at big odds two starts back before running 4th on his latest. He does his best work late so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be a danger. (7) TURBO CHARGE and (2) CANVASEN GO others to consider.

Selections(5) Giant Boss (8) Geuma Foremost (11) Nuri Cheonwang (7) Turbo Charge
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) GEUMSEONG BOSS stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 30th and beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place, coming from off the pace. He can have come on for that experience and has every chance of winning here. (6) HEEMANGBAND enters off three consecutive 4th place finishes. She has never finished any better than that, but she steps up to two turns for the first time and the way she has finished off her races suggest that the increased trip can suit. (10) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL has similarly finished no better than 4th. He enters having been 5th behind Geumseong Boss on March 30th and while he doesn’t get an apprentice claim this time, he does get Moon Se-young and he can be a danger. (4) X FACTOR and (9) BEST SHARK the other chances.

Selections(8) Geumseong Boss (6) Heemangband (10) Gwanaksan Global (4) X Factor
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

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

Two standouts here and they have drawn the inside two gates. (1) STARTMAN has a 3rd and a 4th from his two starts so far, showing close to the pace both times. From the inside he will be on pace and can go all the way. The danger is (2) TIP TAP. After an inauspicious debut last summer, he didn’t appear again until March 23rd, but he ran well, settling midfield and finishing off in 4th place over this distance. He can strip fitter for that run and can go closer today. (8) SKY BOY too should be fitter for his debut on March 7th when he was a fair 4th over 1200M. He was doing his best work late, and the slight step up in trip can suit. (9) HIGH LEVEL and (10) WONDERFUL TEAM, the latter racing for the first time since last August but who looked well enough in a trial, are other placing hopes.

Selections(1) Startman (2) Tip Tap (8) Sky Boy (9) High Level
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) CHOEGANG GOLD was a very rare debut maker over 1700M on March 30th, but the plan came together when he led all the way to win. He comes up in class here and slightly in trip, but neither should be a problem and down in weight and well-drawn, he can lead all the way again. (8) FASHION STAR is up in class following two 3rd places and a 2nd at class 6 level. She hasn’t tackled further than 1300M, but she has been finishing off her races very well so the step up in trip can be exactly what she needs and under a light weight she can be competitive. (5) MIGHTY BOM has a 2nd and a 3rd in two tries at this class and distance, most recently beating three of these on March 29th. He comes in under the same weight and can beat plenty again. (1) TAEPYEONGMU and (6) PLAN B others in the frame.

Selections(2) Choegang Gold (8) Fashion Star (5) Mighty Bom (1) Tapyeongmu
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

(9) B.K DANCING GIRL got her maiden win at this distance in January and then, following a challenging introduction to this class in February when weakening over 1400M, she returned to this trip on March 23rd and finished a close 4th having led for much of the way. Franco climbs on for the first time, she should lead again, and she can go all the way. (8) ROAD TO ACE led all the way at start two to get his maiden win and then ran a decent 4th when coming from midfield at this class over 1300M) on February 7th. He comes in fresh after eleven weeks off and back at 1200M, he can be a danger. (11) GRAND DREAM enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on April 4th. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but a similar effort should see him close. (1) DONGBANG JEONSA and the up in class (4) GREAT MARU are others to consider for the minors.

Selections(9) B.K Dancing Girl (8) Road To Ace (11) Grand Dream (1) Dongbang Jeonsa
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (11) PURGE STEP got her maiden win on debut over 1300M in January and has since run 4th and 2nd in two efforts at this class and distance, most recently on March 29th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter as she can settle behind the pace and run on and she looks the one to beat. (9) RED DRAGON had an abysmal performance all around when favourite at class and distance on March 16th, parting company with her jockey in the parade ring and then being restive at the start before proceeding to run very badly. She had looked very good in her two prior efforts though with a win and a 2nd so she gets another chance here. (8) KARA K is yet to win but is up in class following a few near misses and she can be competitive under a light weight. Up in class last start winners (7) SUHYANG MIIN and (4) ALL NUT others to consider.

Selections(11) Purge Step (9) Red Dragon (8) Kara K (7) Suhyang Miin
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

(more…)