Juveniles headline both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with each track hosting its “Rookie Stakes”, the first step towards this autumn’s Juvenile Series. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

Anything could win this maiden. (10) NAMSAN MINYEO was a fair 5^th on debut over this distance on July 19^th, racing handy throughout. She previously showed well in a trial and with some natural improvement has as good a chance as any at probably an each-way price. (4) RAON THE BIG RED did nothing on debut but since has a 3^rd and a 2^nd. He was well beaten by a good winner having led in the latest of those but won’t need to improve much to be very close here. (11) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG also has a 2^nd place on his resume and most recently ran 4^th at 1300M on July 26^th. He’ll be in the mix again. (9) EAST SKY and (8) JILPUNGA are among plenty of others in with a chance.

Selections	(10) Namsan Minyeo (4) Raon The Big Red (11) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (9) East Sky
Next Best	8, 1
Fast Start	4, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only. After a decent trial, (8) VOSTOK ran 4^th on debut over 1200M on July 19^th, settling back and running on strongly. She should have come on for that run, the step up to 1400M can suit, and she is the one to beat.  (6) BLACK SUN similarly hinted at ability on debut, in her case over 1000M on July 12^th. She was doing his best work late and with some natural improvement, she can get closer this time. (9) FOX TROT is more experienced with nine races in the bank. Her latest two have been her best with a 3^rd and a 5^th and tackling the 1400M for the first time, she can keep that momentum going. (1) SPICE BAND and (7) AMENO, the latter a last start runner-up, are others in the hunt.

Selections	(8) Vostok (6) Black Sun (9) Fox Trot (1) Spice Band
Next Best	7, 11
Fast Start	4, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) MIGHTY BOM is yet to win in eighteen attempts, but he has no fewer than ten top three finishes, and his recent form reads very pleasingly. He has placed on all three tries at this distance and new overseas rider Diego De Gouveia has a chance to break his Korean maiden here. (9) WORLD JOY does have a win to his name and has also performed well around two turns. In this company he can settle just behind the speed and can be a big danger late on. He will though need to overturn the form on (11) GRATITUDE, who ran 3^rd to World Joy’s 5^th when they met at this class and distance on July 13^th. Gratitude has subsequently put in a disappointing effort but is not to be dismissed. (5) YEONGWON GIANT and (6) STUNNING SERVE among others to consider.

Selections	(8) Mighty Bom (9) World Joy (11) Gratitude (5) Yeongwon Giant
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	2, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) SHACKLE LAUD finally got off the mark at start eleven on July 20^th when handy throughout and running on. The win had been coming, and it was at this class and distance so while he is up 3.5kg in weight, there is no reason why he can’t repeat today. (2) CHEONHAJIYU is yet to win in eight attempts but has placed twice at this distance and enters off a fair 4^th on August 1^st. He draws well, an in-form Franco is on, and he can be a danger. (7) HAEUNDAE POWER was a winner on debut on May and has since run 2^nd and 5^th in two tries at this level, beating Cheonhajiyu in the former. He’ll be on pace and can be in this a long way. (5) ROAD TO WIN and (6) KWAEHAN YEONGUNG, the latter a bit of a wildcard as he returns from over a year out, others to look out for.

Selections	(4) Shackle Laud (2) Cheonhajiyu (7) Haeundae Power (5) Road To Win
Next Best	6, 1
Fast Start	1, 2, 5, 7

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

(2) KING WARRIOR got his sole win to date three starts back but has since managed a 3^rd and a 2^nd in two tries at this class over 1400M and 1300M, leading for much of the way both times. He draws nicely to get a soft run to the lead and while he carries his fair share of weight, he can win. (7) NAMCHON TOWN returned from seven months out to score his maiden win over 1200M on July 6^th. He is up in class but down in weight and stripping fitter for that run, he can measure up in this company. (3) HANEUL GAMDONG enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes at this class, coming from well off the pace both times and he can be running on again. (11) LASER RUN and (9) ÉCLAIR can also have a say.

Selections	(2) King Warrior (7) Namchon Town (3) Haneul Gamdong (11) Laser Run
Next Best	9, 5
Fast Start	2, 5, 7, 10

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

(4) TUHON FIGHTER was a good class and distance winner on July 13^th, taking things up at the top of the straight and running on strongly. She is only up 2kg in weight and in tis company, she can win again. (1) LADY OF WIN took just two goes to be exactly that, scoring over 1200M in dominant fashion on July 11^th. She is up in class here but down in weight, Seo Seung-un gets on, and the manner of that win suggests that she can more than measure up at this level. (8) SEUNGNI CHANSA was a somewhat unexpected maiden winner at a mile on July 18^th. He carries a feather weight here and can be in the finish. (5) SEOBU CAPTAIN and (2) OAK RIDGE are the other main chances.

Selections	(4) Tuhon Fighter (1) Lady Of Win (8) Seungni Chansa (5) Seobu Captain
Next Best	2, 3
Fast Start	1, 2, 4, 7

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

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This year’s juveniles get their first opportunities to run for serious prizes on Sunday as both Seoul and Busan hold their “Rookie Stakes” races, the lead in to the Juvenile Series this autumn. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:40 to 17:00. Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong will also be in action in Busan’s Class 1 finale. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with three of the ten racing for the first time. There’s no clear favourite so we’ll go with (4) GREAT STORM at what could be a decent price. He overcame gate eleven to run a decent 4^th on debut over 1000M on July 23^rd, when settling just behind the speed and running on. The time wasn’t especially quick but the step up in trip can suit and he has as good a chance as any. (5) HWASANGWIHWAN won a May trail and then following an indifferent debut was an improved 5^th of eleven over this distance on July 16^th racing on pace. He looks nicely in here and should be a danger. (1) EUNPA SARANG was a fair 5^th in debut in July and should have come on for the run. (7) YEOWANG SOCKS and first-time starter (2) WONDERFUL JET others in the frame.

Selections	(4) Great Storm (5) Hwasangwihwan (1) Eunpa Sarang (7) Yeowang Socks
Next Best	2, 10
Fast Start	4, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

The stable has zero wins from 135 starters so far in 2023 but that really should change here with (4) NAOL SIDAE. He comes in off a much-improved 2^nd place at start number two on June 10^th when settling midfield and running on in a good time. He draws nicely and today should be his day. Should the unthinkable happen and the losing streak continue, it’s most likely to be at the hands of (2) JANGHEUNG CLASS. He enters having run 4^th on July 22^nd despite losing a lot of ground around the turn when resenting kickback and racing ungenerously. He’s been back to trial since then and with a more mature performance here, he can be a danger. (5) TESTA BLUE was a touch disappointing last time out but based on his 2^nd place over this distance in early July is worth another chance here. Debut-maker (8) TOJONG GLORY along with (7) NEW POINT are other possibles for minor money.

Selections	(4) Naol Sidae (2) Jangheung Class (5) Testa Blue (8) Tojong Glory
Next Best	7, 11
Fast Start	2, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the South Coast with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) HIT SOCKS debuted on July 30^th over 1000M and beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to a strong 2^nd in a quick time coming from off the pace. The way he finished off suggests that the additional furlong can only be in his favour, and he can win this. (3) OVER ENERGY debuted in the same race overcoming a wide draw to run on for 3^rd, just half a length behind Hit Socks. He too should have come on for the run and can go close again. (11) GLOBAL TAEYANG was a quick 2^nd over 1000M on her debut on July 21^st. She showed a really good turn of foot late on and she is another who the extra trip should suit. (5) GEUMA PRECEDE and (9) ROAD STAR, who debuted together on July 23^rd, are among others to consider.

Selections	(4) Hit Socks (3) Over Energy (11) Global Taeyang (5) Geuma Precede
Next Best	9, 7
Fast Start	2, 3, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

This is a competitive maiden. (7) SMART SOCKS just about gets the verdict having steadily gotten closer in her latest few culminating in 2^nd place at this distance in a good time on August 5^th when leading for most of the way around and she can go one better today. (10) BEAT RACER has been similarly knocking on the door in recent efforts which include a runner-up finish two starts back at this distance. Moon Se-young is engaged again, and the pair are sure to have plenty of backers. (12) NAOL JEONGSANG debuted on Christmas Day last year, running a decent 4^th but then wasn’t seen again until a month ago. He should strip fitter for that comeback run and can be a factor here. (3) FLYING ZEST and (9) SMART CLAIR look to be the logical other placing hopes.

Selections	(7) Smart Socks (10) Beat Racer (12) Naol Jeongsang (3) Flying Zest
Next Best	9, 6
Fast Start	3, 5, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Competitive race with two standouts.  Humbly named (7) THE BEST EVER enters off a smart runner-up finish at what was his fourth career start on July 30^th when racing handy throughout. He is one of only two in the race to have tackled this distance before and he can use that experience to his advantage here. (2) CORNER ONE shapes as the danger. He’s finished 5^th in both starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. He has finished off his races very smartly and the additional furlong should be exactly what he needs to get closer. (9) HOTFLEX raced twice last autumn without distinction but returned in July following nine months off and ran a good 2^nd over 1200M. He should have derived benefit from that run and can be competitive here. (11) GRAY BOSS and (3) ANOTHER ONE are other ones to keep safe.

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The first big juvenile races of the year take place at Seoul and Busan on Sunday afternoon, with both tracks hosting their “Rookie Stakes”. Both also have class 1 action. There are 10 races at Seoul from 1):45 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:35 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with six of the ten racing for the first time. The experience here is quite good though, especially (8) RAON THE HIGHMAN. After winning a trial, he ran out a narrow 2^nd on debut over this distance on July 24^th in a fast time. A repeat of that run should see him winning here. (3) LUCKY POWER has raced twice with a 3^rd and a 2^nd, the latter in a fast time. He draws well here and can go close. (9) GEUMA ALLURE similarly improved at start number two, running 3^rd having led in the home straight on July 30^th. She too can continue her development here.  As for the first timers (4) JUMONG CHEONHA won his trial in a good time and looks to have the best chance here. (7) SUPER FINISH also showed a bit of speed when runner-up in the second of his two trials and can go well first-up.

Selections	(8) Raon The Highman (3) Lucky Power (9) Geuma Allure (4) Jumong Cheonha
Next Best	7, 5
Fast Start	1, 3, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens. (8) NAOL SNIPER has a 4^th and a 2^nd in two starts so far, running on well both times. He looks to have more improvement in him and can be winning here. (1) DUSON CLASSIC is the main danger. She has a 2^nd and a 3^rd from her two appearances, the latter when she led until the final furlong coming home in a fast time on a fast track. She draws very nicely and will be in this a long way once more. There are three debut-makers and (3) NANOMETA is the clear top choice among them He won a trial in late July in fine style, sitting handy and then running away from the rest. If he brings that form to the races, he will go close. (9) LAST PITCH and (4) GWANCGCHIGI are others in the frame.

Selections	(8) Naol Sniper (1) Duson Classic (3) Nanometa (9) Last Pitch
Next Best	4, 2
Fast Start	1, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open things on the south coast with all but two of the nine racing for the first time. The two of them showed ability on their debuts, in the same race on July 29^th, and will have plenty of backers here. (2) CHOICE RUN is set to be favourite, overcoming gate eleven that day to get to a handy position and then come hoe 3^rd in a fast time. He draws much better this time and can win. (8) SOLEDAD ran on well for 4^th in the same race, finishing five-lengths behind Choice Run. She should have come on for the experience and can get closer today. (7) HONOR LORD caught the eye in trials. The heat wasn’t a fast one, but he crossed the line a full twelve-lengths ahead of anything else and he will have backers on debut. (5) KF OGONG and (9) VEREUDA, the latter a trial winner, are other first-timers to consider.

Selections	(2) Choice Run (8) Soledad (7) Honor Lord (5) KF Ogong
Next Best	9, 1
Fast Start	2, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) FLASH THUNDER was an all the way winner over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before running 4^th on July 23^rd on his first try at this level, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and should have enough early speed to get to the lead. (9) NEMO PRINCE comes up in class having won at start number two over 1000M on July 30^th when he settled back and ran on. The extra furlong can suit and under a light weight, he should be competitive. (7) MAIN OF KING is yet to win but has placed in two of his latest three outings, all at 1300M. He’ll be challenging Flash Thunder for the early lead and should be in this a long way. (2) G STAR and (1) MAESTRO are among others in contention for at least a place.

Selections	(8) Flash Thunder (9) Nemo Prince (7) Main Of King (2) G Star
Next Best	1, 6
Fast Start	7, 8, 11, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Fillies only here. (3) WISH LUCK has made steady progress over her six starts so far culminating with a 3^rd place over 1300M on July 29^th. She tends to get a bit far back in her races, but she looks nicely in here and today can be her day. (4) AREUMDAUN INYEON will be expected to improve off her 6^th place on debut. She was favourite that day following a trial win and given the trainer/jockey combination, it will be no surprise if she is again here. (2) WONDERFUL OCEAN was a close 2^nd two starts back and then an 4^th on her latest on July 29^th. She comes into a nice gate here and can go close. Plenty of others enter with their recent form reading relatively well and (10) PRETTY CHARM and (11) NAREUCAT look capable of placing.

Selections	(3) Wish Luck (4) Areumdaun Inyeon (2) Wonderful Ocean (10) Pretty Charm
Next Best	11, 8
Fast Start	2, 4, 9, 10

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