Seoul

Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (October 25)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55, and at Yeongcheon where there are 6 races from 12:45 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

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

(10) GEOLJAK MARU was 3rd at start two over 1200M in August and was then given a run in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy where, as the longest shot on the board, he ran a creditable 5th of nine. That form is far superior to anything else here. (7) METAL INVADER hasn’t raced since finishing 4th over 1200M back in March. He’s been back in work a long time though and has been gelded since we last saw him. He showed at the front in a trial at the start of this month and while he did weaken, he couldn’t have a softer race to return in. (11) DANAEUN RUBY has a 3rd and a 4th to her name and that’s enough to put her in line for a place here. (1) INDIE MINISTER and (3) LOOM CHUKJE other contenders for the minors.

Selections(10) Geoljak Maru (7) Metal Invader (11) Danaeun Ruby (1) Indie Minister
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 23, 11

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

After running 4th on debut in July, (4) GOLD X has finished 3rd in two subsequent tries, both of them over this distance and both times coming from off the pace. Expect similar tactics today and he should be too good late on. (10) PNS LEAF comes in off a much-improved 3rd over 1300M on October 5thh when slow out and running on. The time was slow, but he steps up to 1400M for the first time today and it may well suit. (11) CHEONGGANG GYEOUL similarly was an improved 3rd last time when ridden forward much earlier than in previous efforts. She has the challenge of the widest gate this time but with a touch of luck at the start, she can be in this. (5) THUNDER RUN and (7) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG are the other main contenders.

Selections(4) Gold X (10) PNS Leaf (11) Cheonggang Gyeoul (5) Thunder Run
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

It took (1) GEOLJAK TIARA a couple of goes following her maiden win to get accustomed to this level, but she has been very consistent since, with two 2nd places and two 4th places from her latest two. In this company and from the inside gate, she can be on pace, and she can win. (6) SUNGANUI FIGHTER was a winner at this class and distance two starts back before running 3rd on September 12th, coming from off the pace. He is up 4kg from his win but can be challenging late again. (2) DONGBAEK comes up in class following and all the way win over this distance on September 19th. This is tougher, but the manner of that victory suggests that there can be more to come. (10) STORM CRUSH and (9) HOT FEVER are among plenty of other chances.

Selections(1) Geoljak Tiara (6) Sunganui Fighter (2) Dongbaek (10) Storm Crush
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(3) MAEUM HANA is a winner of five from eight so far, most recently at this class over 1200M in August. He weakened to 5th having led when tried at 1800M last time out on September but back down in trip he should be much more comfortable today and looks hard to beat. (11) RAON NIZHINSKII needs a line drawn through his latest but going on his 2nd place at this class and distance on August 29th, he is worth another chance here. (8) LUCKY FRANK was a beaten favourite last time out but is a multiple placer at this level and is also worth another chance. (5) DREAM HONOUR and (6) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL are others who can ave a say in the finish.

Selections(3) Maeum Hana (11) Raon Nizhinskii (8) Lucky Frank (5) Dream Honour
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

Fillies and mares only. (1) RACE NINE was 2nd on debut before getting her maiden win in a lightning quick time over 1000M at start number two in August. She was then 3rd on her first try at this distance on September 18th. She comes to Yeongcheon for the first time, she can be on pace, and she can win. (2) FANTASTIC QUEENS was an on-pace winner over 1000M in an all-filly maiden on September 18th. She is up in class and in trip but there’s nothing to suggest that she can’t measure up. (9) YEONGGWANGUIROOKIE enters off a useful 3rd place at this class and distance on September 6th and can aim to match that here. (3) GOLDEN CODE, who got her maiden win last time out, is another contender. The form falls off after those four, with (5) BLACK WAVE probably the best of the rest.

Selections(1) Race Nine (2) Fantastic Queens (9) Yeonggwanguirookie (3) Golden Code
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 24)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10-races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (3) NIGHT THUNDER was a trial winner in August before debuting over 1000M on September 19th and overcoming a slow start to motor home for 4th. The step up in trip should be very much in her favour and she will be a short price to win this. (2) GEOSEN BEONGAE similarly did his best work late on debut over the shortest trip on September 6th. He was the longest shot on the board that day after a couple of unimpressive trials, but he is another who can show more over a longer trip. (8) FLYING UNO looks the best of the first-time starters. He was an on pace 2nd in his trial and if he brings that form to the races, he should be firmly in this. (4) RISING KILLER beat a couple of these on debut and can improve while (6) VELOCE is a debut-maker who hinted at ability across two trials.

Selections(3) Night Thunder (2) Geosen Beongae (8) Flying Uno (4) Rising Killer
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Juvenile maiden although all but one have prior experience. (2) NAREUSYA GOAT was 5th on debut over 1000M in August before running 2nd at start number two over this trip on September 20th when he led for most of the way (before a very good winner cruised by) and beat several of today’s rivals. From the same gate he can lead again and this time he can go one better. (6) GRAND PAS CLASSIC has finished 2nd in both his starts so far, both over 1000M and both times showing on pace. He is up in trip and can be in the finish again. (3) ESSENTIAL FORCE was 3rd in that September 20th race. E only has a length to find on Nareusya Goat and comes into a much better gate. (7) FLASH BOLT and (1) CLASSIC AUTUMN are the other main contenders in a decent-looking race.

Selections(2) Nareusya Goat (6) Grand Pas Classic (3) Essential Force (7) Flash Bolt
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) INFERNO was a front-running 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 6th. He should ave come on for that run, Franco stays on, and he has every chance of going one better today. (3) BEAT STAR as a couple of 4th places and a 5th from three outings so far. From a good draw, he should be on the pace, and he should be aiming for a better finish today. (11) WONPYEONG DREAM looked good in trials and was then a close 3rd on debut over this distance in July when he came from well off the pace. He then went lame but has been back in full work for most of this month and can run well on return. (6) URIUI GIPPEUM was a much-improved 2nd on September 13th, with Beat Star back in 4th. He can build on tat here. Of the two debut-makers, (1) UNICORN PRINCE looked fair enough in trials.

Selections(7) Inferno (3) Beat Star (11) Wonpyeong Dream (6) Uriui Gippeum
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

(5) SEOUL BIHAENG is yet to win in seven attempts but has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, including his latest at this class and distance on August 29th when he raced handy throughout. He is up 2kg, but draws well and in this company, today could be the day. If he does find one too quick again, it might be (2) CRAZY CHAMP, who enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on October 11th when he led until the closing stages. He is up 3kg in weight but draws better to get an easier run to the front. (9) THUNDER MATA was an on-pace winner over 1000M on September 13th. He is up in class and in distance, but he can measure up. (7) HOLLY TIARA ran three times across the turn of the year, winning once at this distance. She hasn’t raced since January, but she looked well when winning a trial at the start of this month and she can be in this. (8) PARKA SHINE perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Seoul Bihaeng (2) Crazy Champ (9) Thunder Mata (7) Holly Tiara
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

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President’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (October 11)

The penultimate local Group 1 of the season takes place on Sunday with the President’s Cup at Seoul. The big race is the 8th on an 11-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 17:55. There are also 6 races at Yeongcheon from 12:45 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Speed Young won the President’s Cup a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (11) CYBER TIGER settled handy in his trial, before running on for 2nd behind a nice-looking winner. The draw shouldn’t be a problem, Maia stays on, and he has every chance of winning first up. (6) VERY LUCKY was a close 2nd in his trial, showing on pace throughout. From a central draw, he can aim to lead here and could go all the way. (7) LUCKY EUNPA won her trial, leading all the way around and stopping the clock in a fair time. If she brings that form to the races, then she can be a big chance here. (4) RUN TO WIN trialed up fairly, seven-lengths behind G B Queen, who was a debut-winner last week. Seo Seung-un’s booking means he will have backers. (2) GHOST PLASH another who hinted at ability in his heat.

Selections(11) Cyber Tiger (6) Very Lucky (7) Lucky Eunpa (4) Run To Win
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Fillies only in this maiden with four of the eleven racing for the first time. (10) RAON POLIS has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, at 1000M and most recently at this distance on September 12th, coming from off the pace. Third-up she can be peaking and she has as good a chance as any here. (3) FOREVER HIT raced twice last autumn for a 3rd and a 4th but then didn’t re-appear until this September 5th when she ran a solid 4th place over 1300M in a similar maiden to this. She should have come on for the run, and she can get closer today. (7) MIGHTY MULAN was an improved 3rd at start number two in a very quick race over 1000M on August 29th, showing on the speed. She comes up in trip for the first time and can be in the finish. Those are the three main chances, with (9) TAKE CHARM looking the best of the first timers, while from a good draw, fellow debut-maker (2) CHEONGUN BISANG could also challenge.

Selections(10) Raon Polis (3) Forever Hit (7) Mighty Mulan (9) Take Charm
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

After a couple of solid trials, (7) WORLD OF DREAM was a good winner on debut over this distance on September 13th, racing handy throughout and running on well. He comes up in class here but is down in weight, draws fairly, and he can maintain his 100% record. (6) MYEONGSEONG PARTY was similarly a winner on debut, in her case over 1000M on September 6th when close to the speed and taking things up late. She is up in class and in trip and while she can’t get a weight break, she can measure up. (8) SEVEN KAISER broke through at this class and distance on August 15th, racing on pace throughout. He is up 2.5kg in weight, but Andre stays on and is not to be dismissed. (1) SUNGLASS and last start winner (4) B.K. DEVIL are others in the frame.

Selections(7) World Of Dream (6) Myeongseong Party (8) Seven Kaiser (1) Sunglass
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

(1) COSMO LONG went around in all three legs of the Triple Tiara and while she was well back in all of them, she returned to shallower waters and ran 5th on August 15th. She has placed at this distance and with Franco on for the first time, this looks winnable. (5) HAKSAN SWORD is a bit of a form mixer, but he got his solitary win to date over this trip, and he enters following a close 2nd at class and distance on September 13th. He has his fair share of weight but can sit behind the speed and be a danger. (3) SONGDANGMANGCHI races for the first time since winning at this class and distance on January of 2025.  Caution must be applied to any horse returning from an eighty-nine-week lay-off, but he certainly looked well enough when 2nd in a summer trial to suggest that in this company he can go well first-up. (2) SAMJEONG YEOJE and (7) INSPIRE others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Cosmo Long (5) Haksan Sword (3) Songdangmangchi (2) Samjeong Yeoje
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 7, 10, 11

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) DUBAI DREAM can have a line drawn through his latest on September 18th when the reins broke with five furlongs left to travel. He had won his two races leading up to that over 1400M and a mile and he heads to Yeongcheon for the first time and looks nicely in ere to recoup and then some the 3 Million Won fine Lim Sung-sil copped for the faulty gear. It’s not a strong race. (3) OVER RAINBOW was a winner over this distance two starts back and then ran 5th from a wide gate at big odds on his first try at tis class on September 11th. He draws better today and can be close. (5) SINCHEON FREEDOM should be on pace and this is the kind of race were she can pick up some prize money. (1) CHOEGANG LOUIS and (4) BEOLGYO MABEOPSA other place chances.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 10)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. The Autumn Festival will continue after racing until 9pm. Here are the previews:

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

(11) DAON HUNTER was best of the rest on debut behind a smart winner on Korean Cup Day and on that form alone looks hard to beat despite the tough draw. (5) CRAZY BLUE was not far away on debut when finishing fourth and can be expected to go close once more. (9) YEONGWONHAN BOSS has had the one trial for one score and although the time was slow you cannot do anymore than win. (3) MR. BULLS and (4) POINT WIND, from the stables of Lee Shin-woo and Kim Dong-chul respectively, are two of the other debutantes and rate next with (7) NAREUSYA VICTOR, which has trialled once for a second, and (8) MAGIC TOUCH.

Selections(11) Daon Hunter (5) Crazy Blue (9) Yeongwonhan Boss (3) Mr. Bulls
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

(6) MY CITY has trialled twice for two front-running victories, and the form does not look at all bad out of those two heats so this Park Byeong-il trained colt by Improbable with Andre da Silva on board looks as if he will be very hard to stop. (7) MIGHTY HUNKY and (9) SINGSING MORNING came home third and fourth separated by one-length in the feature juvenile race over international weekend and both have to be given outstanding chances as does (3) SPEARS who was third on debut prior to making up ground from last to run fourth in the Rookie Stakes. (10) GWANAKSAN BIGSTONE was third in the most recent of his pair of trials and rates next over (4) EAST WINNER in an enthralling race for the foreign bred, they are all Americans, juveniles.

Selections(6) My City (7) Mighty Hunky (9) Singsing Morning (3) Spears
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

(9) ECO BOLT was best of the rest behind Clutch Derby on debut which led him to be sent off a 2.1 favourite for his second race where he made a mess of the start and subsequently did too much work to find a position. If he begins with them today, he can make up for last time. (4) BLITZ CARA comes off a fourth in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy four weeks ago so naturally rates as a strong chance as does (7) STAR PLAY who had been in front of Blitz Cara in his first two starts before racing very greenly in that Listed race and subsequently finishing last. They do the look the main three with (10) SEMYEONG FAKER perhaps next best over (5) DU UM and (6) MASK GIRL.

Selections(9) Eco Bolt (4) Blitz Cara (7) Star Play (10) Semyeong Faker
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) YONGBI SINSEONG is a two-year-old that has had three runs for a second and a fourth with a tenth sandwiched in-between. This is a winnable maiden and despite the draw he can make his presence felt. (8) LOVING PURPLE was going to go close to winning two starts ago before dumping her pilot and was stood down to trial on two occasions prior to resuming at the races with a fifth. (10) WALLSTREET has some inconsistent form but the form of her two third place finishes gives her a chance with (1) PASA ACE, (2) DREAM DIA and (3) NIGHT CAPTAIN not hopeless and neither are (7) ROAD TO SPEAR, (4) CHRYSOL TEN and (5) WONDERFUL CATHY.

Selections(11) Yongbi Sinseong (8) Loving Purple (10) Wallstreet (1) Pasa Ace
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 11

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

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Holiday Monday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 5)

There has just been a string of public holidays in Korea and Monday is another. A Monday holiday means there is a 10-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(10) LUNA SOCKS ran second in her one and only trial prior to her debut where she was a beaten odds-on favourite but was not disgraced finishing a two-and-a-half length third. (11) SENNA k was also relegated to third as the odds-on chance on her respective debut, but both fillies can be given another chance despite drawing the widest gates. The Tony Castanheira trained (3) B WORK has made up some ground from the rear in both his solitary trial and race and rates next over (8) HAENGUN STAR which was fourth on debut with (9) BAEKSAN RACE, who was not far away in his first start, an each-way chance with (1) SMART BIGBANG, which has trialled twice for a fifth and a fourth,

Selections(10) Luna Socks (11) Senna K (3) B Work (8) Haengun Star
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10, 11

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

(3) ROAD TO PERFECT has only finished outside of the top five once in eight starts and the closest she has come to breaking through was her most recent run when finishing third, so she rates as a solid each-way chance. (10) GEOSEN HAMSEONG has the best performance out of all of these with a last start second so naturally he must be given a strong chance. (4) FLYING CHIEF was well turned over on debut when pulling up lame but if he has come on for the experience he can do better with (2) HONEY SKY, a last start third, next best over (6) GEUMSEONG SHINY and (5) BULPAEUI YEOWANG.

Selections(3) Road To Perfect (10) Geosen Hamseong (4) Flying Chief (2) Honey Sky
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10

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

(4) SURPRISE was an outstanding winner of his second career start at the beginning of the year but subsequently suffered a fracture in the near hind sesamoid and has been off the scene since. He resumed with a trial on September 17 where he was only beaten a nose by the Listed Segye Ilbo runner-up from February in Yeonggwangui World which is outstanding form and he should pick up where he left off and hopefully the sky is his limit. (5) RAON KINGSMAN has two fifth places as his best efforts so far from three runs at this grade and rates as one of the key place chances with (7) STEPPING STONE, who was a debut winner before finishing ninth and fourth in two runs at this level, next best over (11) GLOBAL CARD, (8) BIBA CHARM and (6) BLACK SPECTER with (3) YONGBI SHINHWA, (9) MUHAN ARGO and (2) EODIDEUNJI all solid place chances as well.

Selections(4) Surprise (5) Raon Kingsman (7) Stepping Stone (11) Global Card
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7, 11

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

(5) SAEROUN BISUL ran a placing to this year’s Minister’s Cup runner-up Mr. Taeyang at the end of his juvenile campaign before beginning this preparation with a victory in July. He was then second when having his first Class 5 run at his most run and can go one better. The main danger is the Tony Castanheira prepared (10) BLUE HAWAII which caught the eye on debut coming from well back for second, one place ahead of a subsequent winner, before confirming that promise when again coming from well back to win his second race start by three-lengths. That pair clearly have the best form with (11) COWBOY QUEEN perhaps not a bad place chance with a featherweight on her back thanks to a two-kilogram claim from Kwon Jung-seok whilst (3) JOY CHEONHA, (8) SEUNGNI BAROWS and (7) JIJON BULPAE are next best.

Selections(5) Saeroun Bisul (10) Blue Hawaii (11) Cowboy Queen (3) Joy Cheonha
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 11

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

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Ilgan Sports Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (October 4)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 17:55) and at Yeongcheon (6 races from 12:45 to 16:30). The feayure is the Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy which is race 8 at Seoul. Here are the previews:

A past edition of the Ilgan Sports (Pic: KRA)

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

(9) G B QUEEN led throughout to win her trial impressively by five-lengths on September 3 and looks a good chance of stepping out on debut to land the spoils for Kim Hyo-jung and Luigi Riccardi. (1) WILD CAVIAR also won her trial on the same day by a lesser margin and in a slower time but should be respected from the Tony Castanheira stable. (2) CLOVER SOCKS trialled once for a narrow second to (7) MEMENTO but with a weight swing from that trial could reverse the form. (8) RAON THE SKY and (10) ADI SOCKS rate next.

Selections(9) G B Queen (1) Wild Caviar (2) Clover Socks (7) Memento
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) GOLDEN DIVA comes up to Class 4 for the first time following a second beaten a half-length over this distance a month ago. It is a race of many chances, but she can acquit herself well. (9) ECLIPSE TANGO has been disappointing this preparation, but his best form would probably win this. (5) STORM TROOPER was a Class 5 winner over this distance three runs ago whilst (7) UNJU TIME is knocking on the door for a win with (3) MY SUPERMAN and (4) PICTURE other each-way chances along with (10) BREEDO PHOENIX.

Selections(1) Golden Diva (9) Eclipse Tango (5) Storm Trooper (7) Unju Time
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9

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

(2) SINCHEON HEART comes off a last start second on Korean Cup Day in a race over this distance and at this grade and looks to be getting closer to breaking through for a victory but will be well under the odds. (7) KATARINARA finished in the second half of the field in her first two runs when well fancied but was better last start when making up ground for third. It will be interesting to see how she goes rising in trip by 400M. (4) RISING WIND has been sixth in each of her last two starts but was second three runs ago so that form would give her a chance. (6) BEOLGYO SIGNATURE outran odds of 22.0 on debut before only finishing midfield as a 2.2 favourite at his second run. The only juvenile in the field is (8) FLYING DREAM and whilst he has finished in the second half of the field in both of his runs, he should be kept safe whilst (5) GANGHAN PRINCESS rates next.

Selections(2) Sincheon Heart (7) Katarinara (4) Rising Wind (6) Beolgyo Signature
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) MIGHTY CHAMP has the widest draw to overcome but can be given a good chance on his debut third on August 8 although he was not quite as good last start when finishing midfield as favourite on September 13. Two-year-old (4) RAON THE RIPON was behind Mighty Champ in that September race and only managed midfield at his other prior run but they both strike a winnable race here. (5) CUPID DREAMER is another juvenile, and she is by Race Day on debut and has trialled twice with the best of those being a third place on September 3 where she made up ground. (7) THUNDER RUN is hard to catch but gets a four-kilogram apprentice claim which keeps him in contention with other juveniles (10) ECLIPSE EAGLE, who will be well fancied, and (9) NEWBAL SOCKS the other chances.

Selections(11) Mighty Champ (4) Raon The Ripon (5) Cupid Dreamer (7) Thunder Run
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10                                                                     

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

(2) OASIS GIJEOK could never get into the thick of things at his last run three months ago when running at Class 5 for the first time but his two second places prior to Brown Choco and Lightning Force are the best piece of form on offer in this race so he can break his maiden here if running to that form. (8) TOHAMSAN DRAGON has up and down form but his third two runs ago behind a subsequent winner rates as good enough to win this if he runs to a similar level. (4) TRICK SHOT won a trial at the end of August before finishing fifth over class and distance at Busan at the beginning of September and he will start as the favourite. (7) CHAMP GIRL has had three runs finishing out the back in two of them, but she did win her other run. (5) WONDERFUL LARK has had her issues but from the Thomas Gillespie stable should be respected with (1) GOLDEN POINT next best in a tricky race to assess.

Selections(2) Oasis Gijeok (8) Tohamsan Dragon (4) Trick Shot (7) Champ Girl
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 3)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. It’s also the first day of the Autumn Festival which continues after racing with obligatory drone show. Here are the preview:

Malma beer is back for the autumn Festival

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

(2) RUN CROWN has trialled three times and the best of those was his most recent when running third on August 6 beaten two-and-a-half lengths behind a subsequent debut winner. Andre da Silva rides and the Hansen colt can close at value. (8) SLING SMILE is one of only three in the field that has had a race and based on that third place on July 12 can go close under Seo Seung-un. (10) CUPID LUCKY and (9) WONPYEONG CAT, the mounts of Luiz Quiroz and Ruan Maia respectively, came home third and fourth separated by three-lengths in a trial on September 3 and can run well whilst (5) CENTI FORCE is next best over (11) LUMINOUS which has had plenty of trials but has improved markedly along the way.

Selections(2) Run Crown (8) Sling Smile (10) Cupid Lucky (9) Wonpyeong Cat
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

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

(6) MACHEON MAMA was second favoured in the market on debut and was far from disgraced finishing in that place chasing home a decent winner. Ruan Maia retains the ride on the juvenile filly, which had led throughout to win a trial by seven-lengths prior, and she is the one to beat. (3) POWERFUL MR. has been close in each of his three starts behind some decent winners and whilst that may be the case again in this it is possible that he could break through at the fourth attempt. Seo Seung-un rides (5) OPUS ONE which has been just worse and just better than midfield in two runs whilst a similar enough comment can be made for (7) FULL STRIKE. (11) INTO THE GALAXY is a roughie chance if not getting too far out of his ground with (2) TOO BIRD HIT next best.

Selections(6) Macheon Mama (3) Powerful Mr. (5) Opus One (7) Full Strike
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) LEGEND MONSTER is a two-year-old colt that is taking on the older horses for the first time following three starts for two minor placings behind smart winners and a fifth when favourite. This is a winnable race for him, and he is the one to beat under Furkan Yüksel. (9) MYEONG POWERFUL has finished in front and behind Legend Monster in each of his two runs making up good ground on each occasion and if not getting too far out of his ground will go close. The two juveniles look clearly the pair to beat with (2) PNS GUNS next best over (8) ILGEUP BISUL, (10) PERFECT GAME and (7) GLOBAL HANAM.

Selections(6) Legend Monster (9) Myeong Powerful (2) PNS Guns (8) Ilgeup Bisul
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11

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

(3) STEEL MORE has been placed in each of her three runs and that brings her up to one-win company for the first time. She was first-up for eight months last start when attempting to lead throughout and was only beaten a narrow margin and can go one better. There are plenty of dangers though and amongst them is (6) NAOL AURORA who led throughout to win her maiden very easily at the end of April but has been a beaten favourite in three of her next four runs, all at this class. Seo Seung-un rides for the first time which is interesting. (10) ECLIPSE MARVEL won her maiden last November and at her only run since in August was fourth in perhaps a stronger race than this. (11) HAKSAN SAMMY will do her best work late whilst (2) BINNALEEDS and (5) HAKSAN WINNER, who will perhaps be favourite, are the other main chances.

Selections(3) Steel More (6) Naol Aurora (10) Eclipse Marvel (11) Haksan Sammy
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10

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

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Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter: Jeju Governor’s Cup Preview & Form Comments

The Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter series for fillies and mares kicks off on Sunday at Seoul Racecourse and the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) is shaping up as one of the most intriguing – and trickiest – puzzles of the year so far. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 RACES ACROSS SEOUL & YEONGCHEON ON SUNDAY.

Boryeonglightqueen is the defending champion (Pic: KRA)

All the big hitters of the division are there, including the defending champion BORYEONGLIGHTQUEEN, as well as the 2023 and 2024 winner JEULGEOUNYEOLJEONG. Others who have won Queens’ Tour races in the past and take their chance include GLADIUS, who was such an impressive class 1 winner last month, as well as the evergreen RAON FOREST and Ttukseom Cup winner FANTASTIC VALUE.

Then there is the three-year-old generation, who take on their elders for the first time. All three winners on the Triple Tiara series line up. CLEARLY WINNER won the Luna Stakes before running 2nd to CATCH RACE in the Korean Oaks. Both face off again and they are joined by Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner SUN RISE.

Here is a full run-down of the full field of sixteen who will go to post for race 8 at Seoul on Sunday with a local post time of 15:40:

1. SUNRISE – 4th in the Oaks, she won the final leg of the Tiara, the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, over 2000M in June. 2nd at class 3 level over a mile in her latest when closer to the pace than usual, she may not be a top line favourite here but can be a minor money chance.

2. CLUB Q – A winner of five from ten, all of them coming over this distance and at up to class 3 level. First time in elite filly and mare company today, this has been jockey Kim A-hyun’s career defining horse so far and she returns from injury to partner her. A very strong finisher, she could run into some money.

3. ONEULDO SMILE – A winner of six from twelve, two at this distance, but she struggled in the Spring/Summer series and hasn’t raced since May. She came back into work on August 20th but didn’t offer too many clues in a trial at the start of this month. Others favoured but should be on the early pace.

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Queens’ Tour Sunday Seoul & Yeongcheon: Race-By-Race Preview (September 20)

It’s the final weekend of racing before the short Chuseok break and the Queens’ Tour Fall/Winter kicks off with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) the main event. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 6 at Yeongcheon from 12:45 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Gladius will be favourite for the feature (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Juvenile maidens with three of the eleven racing for the first time and a couple of them look interesting. (6) THE ROAD led in his second trial, crossing the line alongside top sprinter Super Finish in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he wins. (3) ULTRA CROWN went through two trials, winning both of them, most recently last week when settling back and running on strong in a quick time. The 1200M should suit and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can win first-up. (8) BULTAOREUNE was 6th on debut and then an improved 3rd at start number two over 1000M on August 9th when he beat three of today’s rivals. Third-up he should have a fitness edge here, and the way he has finished off these races, suggests the step up in trip is in his favour too. (5) FLASH BOLT and (2) NAREUSYA GOAT finished 4th and 5th respectively on debut behind Singsing Nashe and both can improve here

Selections(6) The Road (3) Ultra Crown (8) Bultaoreune (5) Flash Bolt
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens, although all of them have raced at least once before. After running 4t on debut, (9) UNICORN ACE was a close 2nd at start number two on August 22nd in a quick time over 1000M. He is up significantly in trip, but he has been doing his best work late, and he has every chance here. (8) GOLD X stepped up to this distance at start number two on August 30th and came from off the pace to run a solid 3rd place. Luis climbs on for the first time, and he can be dangerous here. (4) ECLIPSE GOLDEN has run 3rd in both starts so far at 1200M. He as been back to trial since his lates, which he came trough well, and he can at least place again. (11) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG and (6) CHEONSANGGEOMNYONG among plenty of others who can step up.

Selections(9) Unicorn Ace (8) Gold X (4) Eclipse Golden (11) Cheonmaui Hanseong
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 25 Million

A “second chance” race for those yet to win any prize money from at least five starts. And none of them started their respective last race at odds shorter than 26/1, so it’s a case of good luck solving this one. (3) SEMYEONG HEIDI has done the least wrong in that she has only raced five times and does at least have a 6th place. She also hasn’t raced since May and crucially went through a trial in August that she won in a quick time, making all. If she brings that trial form to the races, she will win this. (1) PNS RUNNER does usually show on the early speed and if from the onside gate he gets off to a good start, most of these rivals might not be good enough to get past him. (6) VICTORY SECRET is another who can be on pace and in this a long way. Without any level of confidence, (7) DUKE SOCKS and (4) HAEMARU CHAT are others who could run into some money.

Selections(3) Semyeong Heidi (1) PNS Runner (6) Victory Secret (7) Duke Socks
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) POWERFUL ARCTIC has been knocking on the door in recent starts wit a 2nd place tree back and then a 3rd on his latest on August 9th. Both those were at this distance coming from off the pace and against this modest opposition, he won’t need to improve by much to win this. (10) SONGDANG JILJU has picked up in her latest two, both at 1400M, passing plenty late for back-to-back 4th places. Previous tries at 1700M were not successful, but she may be ready for another crack. (1) NURI EUTTEUM has never been better than 4th but managed to finish in that position last time out on September 6th and making a quick return here and drawn in a much better gate, she can match or better it. (8) GANGHAN PRINCESS and (7) GRAND COURAGE other place chances.

Selections(5) Powerful Arctic (10) Songdang Jilju (1) Nuri Eutteum (8) Ganghan Princess
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

Yeongcheon Race 1: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) WIND MIREU is a winner of three from four and enters having run a close 2nd on his first try at this class over this distance on August 16th when coming from off the pace. He has his fair share of weight to carry again, but he can go one better. (9) SEOBU DANCING returns to racing for the first time since winning at class 5 level under an apprentice claim over a mile in May. He is up in class and bereft of a claim today, but he has Franco on and he looked well when winning a trial two weeks ago. (11) KEUTPAN YEOGEOL enters having finished in 3rd place over this class and distance on July 24th. She races best on pace so she has the challenge of the widest gate, but she can be competitive. (6) STRAWBERRY QUEEN and (7) SHACKLE LAUD among others in the frame.

Selections(4) Wind Mireu (9) Seobu Dancing (11) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (6) Strawberry Queen
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 19)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. here are the previews:

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

(7) NIGHT THUNDER and (1) SONGDANG FIRST both come from the Lee Kang-seo stable, and they are the only two horses in the field that have a won a trial. They both came from well back to score by narrow margins, Night Thunder on August 27 and Songdang First on August 6, and can both go close with the preference being for the former under Seo Seung-un however the latter will start favourite. (6) EVER WINNING comes from the Moon Se-young yard and attempted to lead throughout in her trial on August 20 when only beaten a narrow margin. (5) BEST LOVE has trialled once for a fourth whilst (11) SILVER WAVE, who is out Silver Wolf, and (8) HAKSAN SMARTY rate next whilst the Kozzi Asano ridden Tony Castanheira trained (2) SISILI was only seventh of nine in her trial but the jockey-trainer combination can never be denied.

Selections(7) Night Thunder (1) Songdang First (6) Ever Winning (5) Best Love
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 11

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

(5) NURI YEOWANG came from last to run second on debut to a smart juvenile in Road To Champion, a subsequent winner last Sunday, at the end of June. If not getting too far out of her ground, she can go close to going one better. (6) BLUE ROSE is another that ran second on their debut with her run occurring only three weeks ago and this Lee Shin-woo trained filly has a good chance. Seo Seung-un is riding (7) RAON CHARIS GIRL who in another millimetre would have broken her maiden status on her debut on August 23, she was still five-lengths from the lead with 100M to go, and the extra furlong will help her cause very much. (4) SHARP GUY attempted to go with a smart one on debut and did not run badly and rates next over (9) WHITE STORM, a stablemate of Raon Charis Girl that made up a lot of ground in her trial back in June, and (11) SEVEN FORCE.

Selections(5) Nuri Yeowang (6) Blue Rose (7) Raon Charis Girl (4) Sharp Guy
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 11

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

(6) GRAND POKPUNG is a two-year-old filly that has been close in each of her four runs including behind some of the better juveniles of the year so far in her earlier runs. She gets another chance to break her maiden in this and will be hard to beat. (7) THUNDER RUN is a Tony Castanheira trained three-year-old gelding that was stood down for two months after finishing a forty-two-and-a-quarter length last on April 19. He did however win a trial on August 6 so can be given a chance in this field. (11) LOVING PURPLE was going to be right in the finish before ducking in and out violently and subsequently parting company with her rider early in the home straight last start. She was stood down to trial twice and those two heats yielded fourth and second place finishes. (2) DONGBAEK has not been too far away and rates next over (9) SEOBU KING, which ran well last start behind a subsequent winner, (3) TWOTWO MAGIC and debutante (1) PARKA RACER.

Selections(6) Grand Pokpung (7) Thunder Run (11) Loving Purple (2) Dongbaek
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) CLUTCH WORLD ran a decent third on debut over this distance on August 23, only one-and-three-quarter lengths behind a subsequent winner and can be expected to go close to going a few places better for Kim Hyo-jung and Luigi Riccardi. (3) LOOM CHUKJE is a juvenile filly but gets into a maiden where she should be able to at least finish closer than what she has in three previous starts where her best effort has been a fifth, which was her last run. (8) BREEDO EPIC was a beaten odds-on favourite last start when stepping up to 1700M. Kozzi Asano once again rides and she is an interesting runner. (11) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN will do his best work late and is an each-way chance along with (1) DELTA CHOEGANG and (2) SPICE BAND with (10) GOLD STEP next best.

Selections(4) Clutch World (3) Loom Chukje (8) Breedo Epic (11) Wonderful Darshaan
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 11

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

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