Seoul

KNN Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 31)

The Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer comes to a conclusion on Sunday with the KNN Cup (1600M KOR-G3) attracting a full field of sixteen fillies and mares to the south coast. The big race is race 6 on the 7-race card at Busan which runs from 11,25 to 16.55. There are also 10 races at Seoul with a class 1 test over 2300M as the feature. Seoul’s card runs from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Raon Forest will seek to defend her KNN Cup crown (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Northern hemisphere two-year-olds and southern three-year-olds with all but one of the eight racing for the first time. The experienced one is (3) SOUTH CARNIVAL, who has raced twice for a 3rd and a 2nd, both at 1200M. He was on pace in his latest on March 28th and should have a fitness edge on these. (4) HOPE K was an all the way trial winner in a quick time just two weeks ago, crossing the line ten-lengths to the good. If he brings that form to the races, he can prove hard to beat. (7) GRAND PAS CLASSIC was also a commanding trial winner, leading all the way to score by four. He too can be a danger first-up. (2) SAUDI SOCKS and (6) MIGHTY SAVER others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(3) South Carnival (4) Hope K (7) Grand Pas Classic (2) Saudi Socks
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3 , 4

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

Maidens with five of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and while (2) FLYING SMART has been a beaten favourite in both her starts so far at 1300M and 1400M when settling right back and running on, the fitness edge can be crucial. At the shorter distance, she can be further forward from a better gate, and she can win. (11) BEAUTIFULLY beat a couple of today’s rivals on her debut on April 25th, racing handy over this distance. She has the challenge of the widest gate, but she should have come on for that run and she can be close. Among the debut makers, (9) WHITE JACKPOT ran 2nd in a decent time in a May 14th trial and can put in a bold showing first up. (5) MASK GIRL was 5th behind Beautifull on debut and from a better gate and second up, can improve. (6) PNS BEAUTY another first-timer who can be competitive.

Selections(2) Flying Smart (11) Beautifully (9) White Jackpot (5) Mask Girl
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 11

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

Eight fillies and one gelding in the south coast opener. (4) WIDAEHAN HEART debuted all the way back in October of last year, running a strong 2nd over 1000M. She then went lame but has been back in work since March and looked well when 2nd in a trial on May 7th. She is the one to beat here. (6) NORTHERN QUEEN has mixed her form a little over her six starts but going on her 2nd place two outings back when leading close to home, she has to rate as a chance in this company. (5) DIA X is an eighteen-race maiden but has two placings and no fewer than ten finishes in either 4th or 5th and he can be close today. (7) MAGIC TREE was a nondescript 7th on debut all the way back in July last year. She hasn’t raced since but returned to regular work at the start of April and has trialed well. Debut-maker (1) WONDERFUL PAS went through two trials and should be nice and fit on debut.

Selections(4) Widaehan Heart (6) Northern Queen (5) Dia X (7) Magic Tree
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(5) SAENAE RANIA has thrived since being stepped up to this trip, recording back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both times racing on pace. From a good draw, she will be on the speed again, and she can win. (11) JECHUK SANJIRO ran 3rd at start number two over this distance in April. He leaned in heavily when 5th over 1700M on May 9th to the extent that he was sent back to trial and having come through that in fine fashion, he is a chance today. (6) SEOPOKCHAT has a 3rd and three 4th places to his name. He has settled back and run on strongly each time. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time and there is every chance that it can suit. (10) UMARU and (3) TRIPLE S are other place chances.

Selections(5) Saenae Rania (11) Jechuk Sanjiro (6) Seopokchat (10) Umaru
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

(5) STEALTH KINGMAN was an on pace 2nd in a decent time over 1300M on April 17th. He should have come on for the run and from a good draw he can be on pace again and this time he can go one better. (4) PILSEUNG WINNER returned from over three months off in April and has since run 3rd and 4th at 1400M and at this distance, settling in midfield and running on. Third-up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness wise, and she can be close. (3) MORE QUICKLY enters off a best to date 4th place on May 17th and should be aiming to match or better that in this company. (7) WONDERFUL WIND and (8) WORLD TRIPLE CAT are others in contention for the minors.

Selections(5) Stealth Kingman (4) Pilseung Winner (3) More Quickly (7) Wonderful Wind
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

(10) NINJA TIGER is yet to win, though she is far from alone here. She comes up in class following two 3rd places and most recently a 2nd at 1300M on May 2nd and under a light weight, she has as good a chance as any. (5) HAKSAN PRINCE is a twenty-one-race maiden but has placed on eight occasions, including last time out when 3rd at this class over 1700M. Four of his five runner-up finishes have come at 1400M and while he has his fair share of weight, he can be a danger. (7) WONPYEONG GANGJA has come from off the pace to run 3rd in both his latest two at this class and distance and he can do similar today. (2) GOLD SPINNING has at least won at this distance and along with (8) HANGANG FANTASTIC, can be considered on a place line.

Selections(10) Ninja Tiger (5) Haksan Prince (7) Wonpyeong Gangja (2) Gold Spinning
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 30)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55. The capital hosts its first juvenile race of the year in the shape of the opener while the feature is a class 2 even over the rarely used distance of 1900M (race 9) featuring up and coming US import G B Vault. Here are the previews:

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

(6) GRAND POKPUNG is a Park Jae-woo prepared Concord Point filly that has been around the mark in two trials with a fifth beaten six-and-a-half lengths on April 23 before a third seven days later beaten nine-lengths. MAJOR FURY (2) is a Revolutionary colt from the Kim Dong-kyun stables who has trialled once on April 30 for a four-length second. He is the only colt with fifty-three kilograms on his back as he gets a two-kilogram apprentice claim from Woo In-cheol and will go close. (9) LOOM CHUKJE trialled back on April 16 and was second throughout beaten seven-lengths and is a filly by Connect trained by An Byung-ki. (1) ROAD TO CHAMPION is an Indie Band colt with Jung Ho-ik who has one-and-a-three quarter lengths to find with Grand Pokpung from his solitary trial on April 30. They are the main quarter for the first juvenile race of the season with (5) BLITZ CARA and (3) NAMGYEONG SPINNING next best.

Selections(6) Grand Pokpung (2) Major Fury (9) Loom Chukje (1) Road To Champion
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 9

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

(8) RAPID STORM trialled well when coming from midfield to win by a length on April 23 and this Shim Seung-tae prepared four-year-old filly by Thunder Moccasin must be a good chance of winning on her debut based on that effort. (2) BINNALEEDS is getting closer to a win and should get her chance from a low draw under Luis Quiroz. (3) JEJU BLUE has been around the mark in three runs to date which include a second on March 2. (9) BEAT CODE has also been close-up in three starts finishing just behind the placegetters in each. (5) ROAD TO PERFECT, (4) DANAEUN RICH and (6) SEONGSIL WINNER are the other chances.

Selections(8) Rapid Storm (2) Binnaleeds (3) Jeju Blue (9) Beat Code
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 6

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

(9) MANGEUM DAON ran a one-length second to a subsequent winner on debut back in October before resuming with a fifth at the start of last month. He brings the best form, primarily from his debut effort, and if he stays, he will go close. (8) BROWN JACKPOT could be a roughie chance as she gets a weight swing on (3) BEOLGYO ALADDIN from April 12 when she was two-lengths behind the latter who carries three kilograms extra in this race. Beolgyo Aladdin has subsequently been second on April 25 when attempting to lead throughout. (2) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN has not been too far away in many of his runs and once again receives a two-kilogram apprentice claim from Woo In-cheol. (10) BLUE DRAGON rates next over (7) WONDERFUL CATHY.

Selections(9) Mangeum Daon (8) Brown Jackpot (3) Beolgyo Aladdin (2) Wonderful Darshaan
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9

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

(1) RAPID THUNDER has been beaten into second in his two runs where he has completed the course, as an odds-on chance each time, and whilst letting punters down on those occasions he should really be going close to breaking through here. However, he will need to get away a lot better than last start when he dumped Jo Jae-ro leaving the gates as a 2.5 favourite and was out of business from the word go. (10) ORATORIUM led throughout to win by a nose last start in a 1300M maiden on April 25 and the second placed horse subsequently won very easily last week so there is no reason she cannot go up one grade and win again. (11) YES ANGEL was five-lengths behind (4) GWANAKSAN CHECK IN last start, when the latter stormed past tiring rivals late to win easily, however whilst she carried two-and-a-half kilograms less than Gwanaksan Check In that time in this race it is six kilograms less so she could turn the form around. There is a lot of early speed in the race so that will suit Gwanaksan Check In. The consistent (9) PNS GONGJA rates next over (8) MIRACLE SOCKS, (5) JURING SKY, (2) NAREUSYA NOVA and (6) AMOS STAR in a competitive race.

Selections(1) Rapid Thunder (10) Oratorium (11) Yes Angel (4) Gwanaksan Check In
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 11

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

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Mayor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 24)

The Stayer Series concludes at Busan this Sunday with Clean One making his return to face off against Success Baekpa, Speed Young, Global Hit et.al. in the final leg of the Stayer Series, the Busan Mayor’s Cup (1800M KOR-G2). There are 7 races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55 and 10 at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Success Baekpa and Global Hit reoppose on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(7) GOLD ID didn’t do much on debut in March and ended back in a trial on April 16th where she cruised away to cross the line 1st in a quick time. It is worth mentioning that she had trialed well before her debut too, but she is worth another chance here. (8) JISAN COMING SOON went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them when on pace throughout. If he brings that form to the races, he can be a danger first-up. (4) PIEONARI ran a fair 5th on debut over this distance on May 2nd, racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and he can improve here. (6) CHRYSOL HEELS and (10) PNS LEAF other potential improvers.

Selections(7) Gold ID (8) Jisan Coming Soon (4) Pieonari (6) Chrysol Heels
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

After a good trial, (6) NAEGILUIWONDERFUL was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on April 25th and after a slow start, rallied for 4th place. He should have come on for that run and with a better break has every chance today. (5) COWBOY QUEEN was 5th on debut and followed up with a 2nd and most recently a 3rd place in two subsequent outings, both at 1200M. She stays under a light weight with an apprentice claim, she draws well and she can be a big danger. (9) PASA ACE was an improved 3rd at start four over 1300M on April 26th, settling midfield and running on. He too keeps the same apprentice claim and can go close. (10) LOVING PURPLE and (1) SMART GRAND others in the minor money frame.

Selections(6) Naegiluiwonderful (5) Cowboy Queen (9) Pasa Ace (10) Loving Purple
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

(6) PERFECT POINT has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on April 19th when on pace throughout. He’ll be on pace again, Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and today can be the day. (11) O.K. BABY was a very close 2nd at start number two over this distance on May 1st when he very nearly led all the way. Without an apprentice claim he is up 3kg in the weights and he has to contend with the widest gate, but he can be in the mix again. There are five debut makers and (9) PACHOUI KKUM looked good when winning a trial in a quick time on April 23rd, showing handy throughout. If she brings that form to the races, she is a big chance first up. (4) FLASH COCO and (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN are others with experience who can improve.

Selections(6) Perfect Point (11) O.K. Baby (9) Pachoui Kkum (4) Flash Coco
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 11

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

(2) MEGA WIND has made progress across three starts so far with his latest being his best when 4th over 1300M on May 2nd when racing on pace. He draws well to lead again, the slight step up in trip shouldn’t be a problem, and he can win. (10) DUSON LIFE registered a 3rd place two outings back over 1300M and while he could only manage 5th on his latest at this distance on April 19th, he can be given another chance here. Duson Life will need to overturn the form on (6) GRAY PHANTOM, who ran 4th in that April 19th race, coning from well off the pace. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and light and she can match or better that today. (1) M J VET, who comes out of a 2nd place in a very limited race, and solitary debut-maker (9) BREEDO EPIC, are others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Mega Wind (10) Duson Life (6) Gray Phantom (1) M J Vet
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

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

After finishing 5th on debut, (2) MAEUMMEOGEUNDAERO was an on-pace 3rd at start number two over 1300M on April 17th. Third-up he can be peaking, he draws well and the slight step up in trip shouldn’t stop him from breaking through. (1) GAON PERFECT was 3rd on debut over 1300M on March 20th before running 4th in that April 17th race, laying out for part of the race. He has four-lengths to find on Maeummeogeundaero but shapes as a big danger. (5) TEAHO beat three of today’s rivals when a much-improved 3rd as the longest shot on the bard on April 24th. He gets the same apprentice allowance today and warrants more respect. (3) WORLD BOLD MAN and (4) SKY BOY others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Maeummeogeundaero (1) Gaon Perfect (5) Teaho (3) World Bold Man
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 23)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Feature race is number 7 on the card where the unbeaten ROSHE will step up to class 2 level and take on the likes of Raon Silence, New Dolkong and My Empire over 1600M. Here are the previews:

Roshe (Pic: KRA)

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

(11) WHIZ POINT has been a beaten favourite in each of his two runs to date, but he has been placed on each occasion and that form is the best on offer in this race by a long way so he really should be breaking through. (5) NEUNGRYEOK DORYEONG is a Shim Seung-tae prepared Nitrous gelding on debut that has trialled once for a three-length third when prominent throughout on April 16. (6) LEGEND MATCH has been just behind the placegetters in all four of his runs and made-up ground from last most recently on April 19 and in doing so ran past the reopposing (2) ONNURI BIT who incidentally rates next over (3) NASCA BULCHUNGGAEK and (4) PRIME STAR.

Selections(11) Whiz Point (5) Neungryeok Doryeong (6) Legend Match (2) Onnuri Bit
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 11

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

(9) BLACK MAMA went within a nose of breaking her maiden last start after finishing just behind the placegetters in her previous couple of runs. She is one of five horses in the race that will be in unknown territory inside the last couple of furlongs but if she stays, she can win. (11) SEMYEONG PEAK has been consistent in seven runs and has not been too far behind a couple of good winners so she must be a chance, but she is also up big in trip. (6) BLACK SUN came from last to run fourth over this distance last start so she will stay and will go close too. (4) SPICE BAND should be around the mark once more with (10) SMART MINK and (2) NURI EUTTEUM next best.

Selections(9) Black Mama (11) Semyeong Peak (6) Black Sun (4) Spice Band
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7, 9

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

(4) CHEONGONGUI SEOM has been placed in two runs this time in over the course, distance, and grade with the winners of those two races going on to subsequently win again and finish a narrow second respectively. He will go close once more and can take first prize this time. (8) TIGER BULPAE has been consistent without winning but she could very well break her duck this time even though she has three-and-a-quarter lengths to find with Cheongongui Seom from March 14. (11) RAON THE CLARA won an incident packed maiden by a wide margin in February before finishing a narrow third on her first run at this level as an odds-on chance. She could go a couple of places better whilst (2) SEVEN KAISER is another who has not been far away and rounds off the key four chances with (1) MY WAY BOSS and (10) JEONGSEONG FACTOR rating next.

Selections(4) Cheongongui Seom (8) Tiger Bulpae (11) Raon The Clara (2) Seven Kaiser
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 11

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

(6) JEONGSANG HERA has chased home Di Ne and subsequent Derby winner Hwang Geum Eo Jang at her last two starts and she ran the latter to a neck when they met on December 6 so that is naturally outstanding form. She was best of the rest behind another top liner in Roshe at the trials on April 30 and should get every chance to win first-up. (10) NAOL AURORA looked good when leading throughout to win her maiden by six-lengths last start and must come in with a decent chance. (11) GOLDEN DIVA is a last start course, distance, and grade winner and whilst going up five pounds and three kilograms for that neck victory she is a hope of repeating. (8) CALL ME SKY has been a beaten odds-on chance at her last two but if you fancy her to win this time you will get better odds. (7) STEEPLE and (3) MIGHTY SHINE rate next, the former had the latter back in third way back on August 23 in a race Jeongsang Hera was second in and the subsequent Oaks winner Catch Race was fourth in.

Selections(6) Jeongsang Hera (10) Naol Aurora (11) Golden Diva (8) Call Me Sky
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10, 11

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

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SROA Chairman’s Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 17)

It’s “Owners’ Day” in Seoul this Sunday and in the feature race Vincero Cavallo will bid to complete back-to-back clean sweeps of the the Sprint Series. The SROA Chairman’s Sprint (1200M KOR-G2) is race 8 with a local post time of 16:30. There are 10 Sunday races in Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

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

(2) GOLDEN WARRIOR has started to figure things out across her latest couple with a 5th and most recently a close 3rd place on April 18th at this distance when, as has been her habit, she was slow away before running on well. So long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can win here. (6) CRUSH GIRL also came from a long way back to run a fair 4th on debut over 1200M. She should have derived benefit from that run, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she is a chance here. (4) NINE SPEAR enters off a 3rd place over 1200M on April 18th and can be in the finish again. (5) B.K. VIVACE and (9) DANAEUN RUBY are others who can be considered on a place line.

Selections(2) Golden Warrior (6) Crush Girl (4) Nine Spear (5) B.K. Vivace
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

(7) BEST FREEDOM has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both times coming from just behind the speed over 1400M. There’s not much early speed in this race so he shapes as the potential leader here and he can win. (4) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI has eight top five finishes including each of his latest four, all over this distance.  He likes to settle back and run on, and he can be challenging late here. (8) SUNGANUI FIGHTER has mixed his form across his five appearances so far but if we go on his 2nd place at this distance at the start of March when he was on the speed, he has to be given a chance here. (6) THE SUN COMING is back in trip and comes out of a trial and along with (1) CHEONDUNGUI JILJU is another in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Best Freedom (4) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (8) Sunganui Fighter (6) The Sun Coming
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

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

(1) POWERFUL BATTLE comes in off a much-improved narrow 2nd place to Powerful Thunder, who went on to win again on Friday (albeit after the favourite unseated his rider). Drawing the same inside gate he can be on pace again and this time he will be a short price to go one better.   There is one debut-maker. (5) FANTASTIC CITY is a half-brother to seven-time winner Baekduui Kkum and looked competent enough in the second of two trials, settling midfield and running on pleasingly enough. This is a nice race to start off in. (8) NOBLE WIND was 4th on debut over 1200M on April 26th and with some natural improvement, can build on that here. (2) SAENAE HILL and (9) HIGH TENSION others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(1) Powerful Battle (5) Fantastic City (8) Noble Wind (2) Saenae Hill
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (1) VINCENT KATHY obliged on debut on April 12th with an all the way score over 1200M. She is up in class here and doesn’t get a weight break but from the inside gate she can lead again and win again. (11) X TEN got her maiden win three starts back over 1300M and has a 5th and a 3rd in two subsequent outings at this level. Seo Seung-un, in town for the big race later, is an interesting booking, and she will be close. (6) GANGHAN GAMMA was 3rd in that April 12th race, settling back early before being ridden up to behind the speed. She is yet to win in four attempts but that was her third consecutive placing, and she can measure up in this company. (9) CHEONG WOL and (7) MIGHTY CAP among others firmly in the hunt.

Selections(1) Vincent Kathy (11) X Ten (6) Ganghan Gamma (9) Cheong Wol
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 11

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

(4) HWARYEOHAN SUNGAN enters off a very close 2nd place over a mile on April 19th. He also has a 3rd place at this distance and with Nam Jong-hyeok’s 2kg claim, he can make his breakthrough today. (8) SPACE GOLD has made progress across three outings so far with his best being his latest on March 1st when 4th over this distance. His times haven’t been quick, but he looks to have the potential for more and in this company, he can continue to get closer. (7) HANGANG BRAVO similarly comes in following is best to date when 4th over 1200M at the end of February. He comes in fresh following eleven weeks off and against this opposition should be aiming for better. (1) LIKE DRAGON and (2) GREAT POWER other minor money chances.

Selections(4) Hwaryeohan Sungan (8) Space Gold (7) Hangang Bravo (1) Like Dragon
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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

(4) AESUNI got her maiden win in convincing fashion on March 1st, leading all the way. She came close to repeating the trick on April 11th on her first try at this class, ultimately coming home 2nd. She does come up 3.5kg in weight here, but that’s balanced by a good draw and she can win here. The one she’ll need to beat is (7) GEUMJEOKSAN. She got her win at start two over this distance last November and has held her own in three outings since at this class at 1300M and 1400M. She is another who likes to be on pace and cutting back in trip, she is a big danger. (9) PANGPANG DAERO and (10) MUNHAK FIGHTER came home 4th and 5th respectively when they raced each other at this class and distance on April 18th. They both come up 2.5kg in weight, but it shouldn’t stop either from being competitive here. Up in class last start winner (5) HAKSAN TAEPUNG can measure up.

Selections(4) Aesuni (7) Geumjeoksan (9) Pangpang Daero (10) Munhak Fighter
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 16)

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

(4) DREAM DIA is the only horse engaged to have run into second place in their career to date and in her case, it was two runs ago on March 21 when grabbed in the last couple of strides. She dropped out and only beat one home last start, when an odds-on chance, which is a concern but if she runs to the form of two back, she can win. (1) BULGEUN YEOJEONSA has been fifth in two runs to date and can get a bit closer in this. (6) MAX MAN has been just behind the placegetters in the majority of his five starts to date and can be around the mark once more. (9) STUNNING CALIBER had two tenth places followed by three consecutive sixth place finishes before a career best third last time. (2) K-QUEEN is next best over (5) LOVELY JACKPOT.

Selections(4) Dream Dia (1) Bulgeun Yeojeonsa (6) Max Man (9) Stunning Caliber
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8, 9

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

(6) BEST SECRET went off well in the market when fourth in a much stronger maiden than this on debut, the winner has subsequently won again, and whilst she was beaten nine-and-a-quarter lengths she can go a few places better. (8) HAKSAN HENNY is the only one in the field to have run second in a race and that came last start on March 22 when running Kia Ora to four-lengths. He has not been too far away in most of his runs to date and that should be the case again here. (5) VICAR DELLA is a Seo In-seok prepared Uncaptured filly on debut that has had the two trials with the best of those her most recent when second beaten one-length on April 23. (10) CHEONGGANG BOM rates next over (11) SMART TOUCH and the other of the two debutantes (2) PNS WINNER.

Selections(6) Best Secret (8) Haksan Henny (5) Vicar Della (10) Cheonggang Bom
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10

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

(10) GEUMA ON POINT was having his first run since having “the ultimate gear change” last start and the Calandagan treatment seemed to do him well as he ran the best race of his career for second at odds of 113/1. It will be interesting to see if he can back that performance up. (4) WONDERFUL CHIEF has had the four runs with the best of those being a fifth two back and could go close for Jo Jae-ro and Seo In-seok, the winning combination from last week’s Oaks and of course the Vincero Cavallo jockey/trainer combination too. The Japanese owned (8) JEJU PRINCESS is a chance at her best. (9) PERFECT GAME comes off the best run of his career last start and gets a three-kilogram apprentice claim from Kwon Jung-seok. (2) WADALBI and (3) ILGEUP BISUL rate next.

Selections(10) Geuma On Point (4) Wonderful Chief (8) Jeju Princess (9) Perfect Game
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9, 10

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

(6) STORM LIGHT broke through at the sixth time of asking last start when leading throughout to win a course and distance maiden by four-lengths. This is a strong Class 5, but she can go back-to-back. (4) BLAZING ENGINE won his maiden two starts back on March 14 before finishing second in his first run at this grade last time. (2) NICE WINNER is yet to live up to his name as he is still a maiden, but he has the ability at his best. (8) AFLEET RUN has also got the ability but will need to improve on his most recent run back on March 7 when he was resuming from eight months away from the races. (7) KLIMT WORLD and (1) K SIMON are each-way roughie chances with (11) SSOARA HAHA next best in a good race.

Selections(6) Storm Light (4) Blazing Engine (2) Nice Winner (8) Afleet Run
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11

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

(10) GREEN JACKET has had the three starts for three second places, chasing home a couple of smart ones, and after running home hard last start he looks ready to win. The last 400M will be unknown territory but he should stay it out based on last time. (6) PRIMERO is a last start course and distance maiden winner where he led throughout to score by one-and-a-quarter lengths over the reopposing Yeomyeongui Sungan. He will race in a forward role and should be in the finish from there. (8) GANGCHEOL POWER came from well back to win at this grade in November but has not been quite as good since, however he did pull up lame in one of those runs. He however rates next over (9) KARA K, (7) SHARKTEN and (1) YEOMYEONGUI SUNGAN.

Selections(10) Green Jacket (6) Primero (8) Gangcheol Power (9) Kara K
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 10

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

(4) WHIZ PERFECT ran The Sun Bulsajo to a neck when finishing second last start over the course, distance, and grade and whilst coming up four pounds and one-and-a-half kilograms for that minor placing he can go one better here with that piece of form just about the best on offer in this. (10) COMPLETE STEP also comes off a recent course, distance, and grade silver medal when beaten three-quarters of a length behind Gwanaksan Rickey on Derby weekend. That was his best run at Class 4 level for some time, his two prior starts where he ran third were Class 5 contests, and he can go well again. The Japanese bred (1) NARO MA STAR is yet to win but can be around the mark. (11) MUCHO MACHO RAPIDO has been midfield in three runs to date and rates next over (9) WINNERSUN whilst (2) HIDDEN DIA could potentially find this to be the easiest task of her career to date. (7) KOREAN DREAM is one that should not be discarded as well.

Selections(4) Whiz Perfect (10) Complete Step (1) Naro Ma Star (11) Mucho Macho Rapido
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / Kyushu Maju Association President’s Cup / KRW 75 Million

(7) WORLD BLAME has only won one race from twenty-one attempts which is a concern, as is his last start effort, but his efforts two and three back behind smart horses is the best form engaged in this race, so he gets the nod for Luiz Quiroz. (9) YEONGWON BIG MAN is a last start half-length course, distance, and grade winner and comes down one kilogram for that run with Kwon Jung-seok taking the three-kilogram claim, so he is an obvious chance. (6) BS STORM is yet to score at this level from three runs and comes off a poor recent effort at the end of March. His prior form was good however so he can be given another chance. (8) BLUE NELLO is a regular in these types of races and is regularly involved somewhere in the finish as well. (4) COLGIN rates next over (2) SUPER BLUEMOON.

Selections(7) World Blame (9) Yeongwon Big Man (6) BS Storm (8) Blue Nello
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(8) JJARITHAN HAENGBOK will have to do a lot better than what he did last start but he was knocking on the door for a win prior and the fact that Seo Seung-un comes up to headquarters a day earlier to ride this horse and this horse only prior to riding in Sunday’s sprint feature, as well as sacrifice rides from Busan’s Friday meeting to do so, must be a good lead. (4) NAMSAN ROCK comes off a 24/1 win at this level over 1400M when coming from midfield. This is not much harder, and he had not been far away in his three of his four prior runs leading up to his last start victory. (1) ANYANG GIPPEUM has finished in the top five in thirteen of her twenty-two starts but in five of her last six she has not. However, the other run was a victory so if on song she can be in the finish from the favourable low draw over the Seoul mile course. (7) BEOLGYO D Y and HEART K (3) can be around the mark with (5) MY THERN next best.

Selections(8) Jjarithan Haengbok (4) Namsan Rock (1) Anyang Gippeum (7) Beolgyo D Y
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8, 10

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

(3) PURGE STEP won up to two in a row at Class 4 level on Grand Prix Day and January 11 over 1700M before stepping up in grade to run in the LR Dong-a Ilbo Trophy where she was always out the back and was last to complete the course. This is easier and although it is harder than her previous two victories one grade below this, she should be up to the task. (8) GLORY CITY has been third and eighth in two runs at this level following a win one level below this over course and distance on January 3. He rates as a chance as does (2) DRAGON KILLER although he has been a beaten favourite in all his three runs at this class. (4) THEME TANSAENG led throughout to win over the course and distance at Class 4 last time and now comes up to this level for the first time. (10) KING DIA, (7) K N LIGHT and (6) SEGWANG FIGHTER are each-way chances.

Selections(3) Purge Step (8) Glory City (2) Dragon Killer (4) Theme Tansaeng
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 10

Seoul Race 10: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(3) DI NE looked unstoppable when putting together a hat-trick of wins across October through to January going from Class 6 to Class 5 to Class 4 with the average winning margin across those three scores being twenty-one and three-quarter lengths. However, it has not been smooth sailing since with his trial run for the KRA Cup Mile (Korean 2000 Guineas) being too bad to be true before a slightly better effort, but still below what you would have hoped going on his best form, in the Guineas. He has been back in work for almost three weeks, and it will be interesting to see how he resumes over the sprint trip. (6) ROYAL SOCKS continues to progress and was a course and distance winner last start on April 12. He carries two-and-a-half kilograms more, but he can win again. (2) NAEGILUI WINNER is a consistent customer that will be doing his best work late whilst (2) RAON FLORENCE has never missed the top three and beat five reopposing rivals last time on April 19. (8) M J BEST is dropping right back in grade so is interesting with (10) REAL DEAL next best in what is the most interesting race of the day to close the card.

Selections(3) Di Ne (6) Royal Socks (5) Naegilui Winner (2) Raon Florence
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 9

Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 10)

Sunday is the Korean Oaks at Busan. The second leg of the 2026 Triple Tiara series is race 6 on the 7-race card with a local post time of 16:05. Busan’s program runs from 11:25 to 17:00. There are also 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Fantastic Value won the Oaks last year (Pic: KRA)

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

(8) WORLD VICS has two 3rd places and a 5th from three starts so far, racing on pace each time, most recently on March 29th. She’ll be on pace here and this time, she has every chance of going one better.  (5) CHAOS also has two 3rd place finishes, in her case in consecutive races, most recently when favourite on March 15th over this distance when she led for much of the way around. Jang Chu-youl gets off and on to World Vics, but CC is a more than adequate replacement and she too has winning claims. (4) POWER MAGIC has a 4th and a 5th in two starts so far, most recently behind World Vics on March 29th.  He draws well to be handy and should be in the finish again. (9) YEONDONG STAR and (11) DONGBAEK other place chances.

Selections(8) World Vics (5) Chaos (4) Power Magic (9) Yeondong Star
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

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

(4) SUPERTRAMP has made steady progress across three starts so far with his best being his latest when 4th at 1300M on April 11th when slow away and running on.  While that was the second time he has taken the long way home, he is nicely drawn and can give a little bit more here. (2) SMART MINK has raced fourteen times and has never finished any better than 5th. She did that last time though on April 11th over this distance when coming from a wide draw and beating a couple of today’s rivals. This is one of the shallower fields she has been in so should be aiming for a best to date result. (5) COSMO JJIN has a 2nd place to her name two starts back over 1200M and that’s enough to have her in the numbers here. It’s hard to make a case for any of the others, with perhaps (3) RISING WIND – who was 3rd back in January – and (7) VICAR DRAGON, the best of a limited rest.

Selections(4) Supertramp (2) Smart Mink (5) Cosmo Jjin (3) Rising Wind
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) KING BLACK arrested a run of four consecutive 4th place finishes with a strong 2nd place at this distance on April 5th when handy throughout. He comes into a better gate today and he will be favoured to go one better. (7) WORLD TREE was 3rh in that April 5th race, having led for much of the way throughout. After a 4th place at his previous start, that confirmed that he is figuring things out and Seo Seung-un climbing on for the first time, means a few will fancy him to overturn the form on the favourite. (6) JEONGMUN SKIP has five top five finishes from seven starts and enters off a good 3rd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on April 19th. Like the other two, he races best on pace and can be in this a long way. (1) LOOKS GOOD and (3) SKYNEX the next bests.

Selections(4) King Black (7) World Tree (6) Jeongmun Skip (1) Looks Good
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(8) SUPERDAY got his maiden win over 1300M in February and has held his form in two starts at this class with a 4th and most recently a 2nd place, again at 1300M, on April 5th when as usual, he raced handy to the speed. He comes up to 1400M for the first time, but it can suit and he will be a short price to score. (10) TOUR FELIX is yet to win in six attempts but comes up in class here following three placings, most recently a 3rd on his first try at this distance on April 4th. The class rise means a 4.5kg weight drop and that should be enough to make him competitive in this company. (9) SEUNGNI BAROWS had a hard time from an even wider gate last time out but going on his runner-up finish at this class and distance two starts back, warrants another chance here. (6) STUNNING STEP and the down in class (2) HERO JEONSA others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Superday (10) Tour Felix (9) Seungni Barows (6) Stunning Step
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

(3) BABEL FOLGORE has a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M, both times racing on pace. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and drawing much better today, she can get an easier run to the front. (6) AEGIS CHEONMA ran a good 3rd on debut over this distance on April 10th, racing just behind the speed and beating a couple of today’s rivals in a good time. He should have come on for that run, and he will be disputing favourite status here. (10) GREAT LUCKY raced three times last year and was a much-improved 2nd in the last of those, all the way back in August. She ran well in an April trial and has every chance of a bold-showing first-up in this company. Among the three debut-makers, (1) KANGCHEOL YEONGMA was the best in trials and can be a minor money chance first up. (11) RANI, 6th on debut, can improve.

Selections(3) Babel Folgore (6) Aegis Cheonma (10) Great Lucky (1) Kangcheol Yeongma
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 9)

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

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) MR.CREDIT was ahead of two reopposing rivals when a four-and-a-quarter length third when stepping up to this distance for the first time on April 12. On that basis he gets the nod. (2) PNS TWIN has two-and-a-half lengths to find with Mr.Credit from that race but must be a chance based on his four-length second over this distance on March 29. (7) JECHUK SANJIRO was an improved effort at his second run making up ground to finish third. He comes up three hundred metres in trip and is an interesting runner. (3) TOUR KING was behind Mr.Credit and PNS Twin last time but his half-length second to Fighter at his prior run, which was over this distance, is the best form on offer in this. They are the only four chances with (8) DIABIT and (4) SMART WARRIOR best of the outsiders.

Selections(9) Mr.Credit (2) PNS Twin (7) Jechuk Sanjiro (3) Tour King
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 9

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

(1) GOLDEN MATCH has been around the mark at each of her last two with a one-and-a-half length second to Flying Honor on March 7 followed by a six-and-a-half length fourth on April 18, where she was a 1.5 favourite. She can be given another chance from the draw and should go close. (4) EVER LOVELY was well beaten most recently but had placed at her previous two starts so on those runs she is a chance. (8) GLOBAL CARD only beat two home on debut but has been third the next two times and CC Wong is on board. (10) MISS CHRISTIE rates next over (3) POINT I and debutante (5) TIGER REVENGER.

Selections(1) Golden Match (4) Ever Lovely (8) Global Card (10) Miss Christie
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11

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

(4) MYEONG DREAM is not a surprise runner this weekend but a surprise runner at this venue instead of down at Busan for the Oaks on Sunday. She made up good ground from last to finish midfield in the Listed Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas) last start and whilst she would have had a place chance in the Oaks she would have been struggling to win whereas she will be struggling lost in this race. (5) POWER BAND was a half-length victor on April 12 over the course, distance, and grade ahead of two reopposing rivals and whilst rising seven pounds and three kilograms she can go close again. (1) FASHION STAR has been close-up in each of her last five and they have all been races under the same conditions as this. (8) QUEEN DIA has not been too far away either and rates next over (3) HOMYEONG QUEEN and (7) HEEMANGBAND.

Selections(4) Myeong Dream (5) Power Band (1) Fashion Star (8) Queen Dia
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) STUNNING BOLT put together three consecutive fifth places prior to a two-length third last start when making up ground. She should be in the finish and can break through. (1) HANAM LASER has gotten better with each start and must be a chance from the draw. (3) SMART RISE has been a beaten favourite at each of his last two but with a three-kilogram claim cannot be dismissed. (2) RAON KINGSMAN has been fifth in three of his five runs whilst (4) DELTA DAECHEON, whose best run was last start, looks the only other chance with (9) CLUB MAN best of the outsiders.

Selections(8) Stunning Bolt (1) Hanam Laser (3) Smart Rise (2) Raon Kingsman
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10

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

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Korean Derby 2026: Preview & Form Comments

FUNNY WILD will head into the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as favourite to win and keep his bid to become the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to win the Triple Crown on course. In the same race one of the most significant jockeys in Korean racing history will be legged up for the last time. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Jigeum I Sungan was Moon Se-young’s first Derby winner (Pic: KRA)

The Choi Ki-hong trained FUNNY WILD won the KRA Cup Mile a month ago in Busan, racing handy throughout and then holding off late challengers. He has already won at the Derby distance of 1800M, but he has a wide draw, and the Bayern colt has plenty to do if he is to give jockey Seo Seung-un his first Derby win.

HWANG GEUM EO JJANG was also on pace in the Cup Mile and stayed on for a narrow 2nd. He gets a much better draw this time and could get a much easier run. Not getting a good draw is LIVE STAR. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but beat himself at the start and never played a role. Draw a line through that and back at Seoul were he was so impressive when winning by half the length of the straight in February, and he can be given another chance.

Finishing rapidly in the Cup Mile were CHOCOLATE and CEONGHUNEUNJAYU and both will have backers to get closer over the extra furlong.

DOCTOR CHRIS didn’t’ go in the Cup Mile but is already a three-time winner over the 1800M and looks a very solid contender. Others who didn’t go attempt the first jewel include AIRFORCEONE and GLOBAL PRINCE.

Ten-time Seoul Champion jockey Moon Se-young has won the Derby twice, with Jigeum I Sungan in 2012 and Wonderful Fly in 2019, and the “Crown Prince” of Korean racing will bring down the curtain on his career in the saddle by partnering MUSKET CLEAVER. The Musket Man colt has won three from seven but will be an outsider to give Moon a golden send off.

As is traditional, General Admission at Seoul Racecourse on Korean Derby day is free. The big race is the 8th on the ten-race program with a local post time of 4:30pm.

1. DOCTOR CHRIS – Skipped the Cup Mile but has raced six times over 1800M already, winning three. That’s not unusual for his trainer with Derby prospects and he comes in having won his latest two, both at this distance. From the inside gate, he will be on pace, and he can go all the way.

2. HWANG GEUM EO JANG – A bit of an enigma. Beaten just a length in the KRA Cup Mile when he overcame a wide gate to race on a quick pace and stayed on when the leader didn’t. From a better draw, he should have a much easier run this time and the extended trip can be in his favour. He is a big chance.

3. GWANAKSAN SKY – The only perfect record in the race with three wins from three starts, he burnished his Derby credentials with an eye-catching all the way win over 1800M at class 4 level on April 4th. While this is undoubtedly more testing, he is beautifully drawn to lead, on that evidence he has to be a chance.

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Korean Derby Day Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 3)

It’s Korean Derby day and general admission is free to Seoul Racecourse. The big race is set for 4.30pm. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Final Boss was a fine Derby winner (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

(9) PARKA SHINE was a disappointing 7th of eleven when well backed over 1200M on March 1st getting away slowly and then always on the backfoot. Prior to that he looked as though he was figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd and he can be given another chance here with The Moon aboard on his final day. (4) HOT FEVER was an improved 2nd at 1200M on April 5th settling back and running on. He has the fastest time among these for the 1300M, and it would be no surprise if he started as favourite. (10) TAEGUK WANGJA enters off a smart 3rd place over this distance back at the end of January. He has had some issues since that kept him in the swimming pool rather than on the track, but he has been in regular work since April 10th and should be ready for this. Those three will fill out most quinellas, with (7) TWOTWO MAGIC and (5) SMART GRAND, perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(9) Parka Shine (4) Hot Fever (10) Taeguk Wangja (7) Twotwo Magic
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

Fillies and mares only in this maiden. (3) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has raced eleven times and has never finished any better than 4th, but she has done this on no fewer than six occasions. She settles back and runs on and in this company, unless she automatically stops when she has three left to pass, she really should go by them all and win. It’s hard to make a winning case for the others. (11) SINCHEON HEART ran 4th over this distance two starts back and has as good a chance as any of being in the finish. (1) THE SUN STORY improved to 6th at start number two on March 1st and can continue to improve. (4) DAREURI YEOWANG was 6th on debut on March 29th having got a long way back. Natural improvement and the extended trip can see her closer. (7) NURI QUEENS another minor money chance.

Selections(3) Wonderful Tune Up (11) Sincheon Heart (1) The Sun Story (4) Dareuri Yeowang
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 11

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

(3) POWER TIGER could not justify the odds-on favouritism on debut, but he gets an even better chance to here in a very winnable maiden. He may have let punters down at his first start but regardless that piece of form is the best on offer in this race by a long way and he can go one better for Masa Tanaka and Kim Hye-sun. (11) BREEDO SHOOTER has five-lengths to find with Power Tiger from April 3 but with a 3kg claim from Nam Jeong-hyeok he can make up some ground. (10) BRAVE RUN put together three consecutive 4th places prior to finishing down the track last time. (6) PILSEUNG WINNER produced the best effort of her career last start so that is a positive. (9) WONDERFUL WIND has been around the mark a few times whilst (1) GRAND HERO was 2nd in a trial but has only been 8th in two starts.

Selections(3) Power Tiger (11) Breedo Shooter (10) Brave Run (6) Pilseung Winner
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11

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

(8) BLISS STAR has chased home a couple of nice winners in his seven-start career, and they include Musket Cleaver and Concord Blue who we see in the Derby later. He is close to a win and is a chance of breaking through in this. However, he will have to contend with (11) KIA ORA who comes off a four-length maiden victory on March 22 when coming from midfield. Based on that win, she can make it back-to-back. (5) BROWN MAMMA won his maiden before winning at this level across the winter. For his second run at this level, he went up 3.5kg and was beaten as favourite. He carries the same weight here so that is a concern, but he has the ability. (3) CUPID K has been just behind the placegetters of late and rates over (7) MANGEUM CROWN, who makes his first run at this grade, and (10) ROYAL BEST.

Selections(8) Bliss Star (11) Kia Ora (5) Brown Mamma (3) Cupid K
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8, 10

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

(2) NEWWORLD TIARA has had the two starts for a five-length 4th on debut in March before halving the beaten margin when 3rd last month. She clearly goes on top as she brings the most consistent form, albeit from just two starts. (7) QUEEN THE GOLD ran the best race of her career last time when coming from midfield to run a one-and-a-half length 2nd. If she replicates that performance, she could go one better. (6) WONDERFUL PREACH has been just behind the placegetters in the majority of her seven starts and it is a similar story for (5) BREEDO CAPTAIN. (1) GREAT CHAMP and (4) THANKYOUFORTHETIME head the rest.

Selections(2) Newworld Tiara (7) Queen The Gold (6) Wonderful Preach (5) Breedo Captain
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(5) FLYING CONCORD returned from over nine months out to run 2nd at this class over 1200M on April 5th when leading for most of the way. He should have come on for that run, he draws well to lead again, and this time he can go all the way. (2) RAON SAPPHIRE is a winner of two from four, most recently at this class and distance on March 28th when coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she can be a danger again. (11) REFLECT was 4th behind Raon Sapphire in that race, continuing a consistent run of results at this level and he should be there or thereabouts again. Up in class last start winners (7) CLOVER ONE and (3) QUERENCIA, the former scoring on debut, both probably have a bit to find at this level but shouldn’t be ruled out.  

Selections(5) Flying Concord (2) Raon Sapphire (11) Reflect (7) Clover One
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

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

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