Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10.35 to 17.55) and at Busan (7 races from 11.25 to 16.55). There are no Listed or Graded races or even class 1 events, but there is still plenty to get stuck into. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) MORNING CHIEF was the best of the newcomers in trials, racing handy for a close 3rd in a decent time. From a central gate she should be prominent early and she can win. Of the experienced ones, (7) WONDER GRACE was the most convincing on debut when he came from gate ten to sit midfield and run-on for a not too distance 6th. He can strip fitter for that run and have an edge on plenty here. (8) SEVEN FORCE took a few goes to qualify but looked well enough when he did and can be given a chance. (11) UNICORN ACE and (10) CITY OF DREAM others who hinted at ability in trials.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Seven fillies and one gelding in this maiden. (1) STORM CRUSH was 2nd at start two over this distance in April before putting in an ordinary effort on June 7th over 1300M. We’ll draw a line through that and back at 1200M, he can break through. The sole gelding is (6) RAON EXTREME, He debuted all the way back last November, running 3rd over 1200M after which he had surgery for a chip fracture. During his time out he was gelded and he finally returned to work in May. He led in his June trial before finishing midfield and can be competitive. (4) NINE SPEAR recorded back-to-back 4th places at 1300M in May and early June before parting company with her jockey coming out of the gates on June 20th and galloping around herself. So long as she came out of that ok, she should match or better those 4th places. (5) WINNER NAMCHON and (7) LOVING PURPLE others in the frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) SWEET MAN has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at this distance on June 5th when ridden much handier than in previous runs. Expect similar tactics here and he has every chance of going one better. (7) LOOKS GOOD enters off a best to date 3rd place at 1300M on June 28th when close to the pace throughout. She makes a quick return here and should be challenging for the lead from the start. (3) SHINING CLUTCH has got a bit far back in his races but gets a 2kg claim today and going on his 4th place at 1200M two outings back, has to be given a chance to improve in this company. (9) RESPECTING GIRL and (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN other place chances.
Selections
(4) Sweet Man (7) Looks Good (3) Shining Clutch (9) Respecting Girl
Next Best
5, 2
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
One debut-maker here and (5) MR. DOR certainly caught the eye in his trial, settling back before pulling away to cross the line seven-lengths to the good. The way he finished off suggests that 1400M can suit first up and he can win. (1) CLAIR FREEDOM looks to be figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, showing on pace both teams and beating a couple of these in the process. In the absence of much early pace in this race, she can get an easy run to the lead and can be in the finish. (2) CLUB MAN was a much-improved 2nd at start six over 1700M on June 21st. He has raced handy in each of his last two and back in trip should do the same with every chance of another place. (9) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN and (7) ROAD TO SPEAR others in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Mr. Dor (1) Clair Freedom (2) Club Man (9) Wonderful Darshaan
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:
New cafe open in the Seoul Racecourse infield park (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
(7) GRAND PAS CLASSIC trialled well prior to his first race with a front-running four-length success before a decent second on debut. He was one-and-three-quarter lengths and one place ahead of the reopposing (6) HOPE K that day and can confirm the form. However, it would be no surprise if the latter were to reverse the deficit. He won his trial prior to his first start by ten-lengths where he led throughout. Both horses raced a bit greenly when taking each other on in their debuts and the one that races the most generously will win. They will be the two favourites by a fair way. (9) MIGHTY SAVER was fourth behind these two horses in the same race on debut and rates next over (8) CASTELLA, which is an Australian bred debutante by Prince Fawaz, (5) CLASSIC AUTUMN and (4) DAEHANUI YEONGUNG.
Selections
(7) Grand Pas Classic (6) Hope K (9) Mighty Saver (8) Castella
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) KATARINARA has trialled twice for a seventh on May 7 before making up ground for second on June 25 beaten four-lengths. She was ridden by Ruan Maia in the most recent of those trials and he retains the ride for her first race and is the one to beat on that trial effort in a very winnable event. (8) POINT I has not been far away in three runs to date and that form is more than good enough for this despite being a beaten odds-on chance last time. She has the most consistent form of the raced brigade along with (5) DELTA DAECHEON so the latter obviously also rates as a strong chance. (9) WALLSTREET has had four runs and run deplorably in three of them, but the other run saw her only beaten four-and-three-quarter lengths by Concord Blue. They are surely the only four chances with (4) ROYAL MANSE and (2) FIRENZE GOLD best of the outsiders.
Selections
(7) Katarinara (8) Point I (5) Delta Daecheon (9) Wallstreet
Next Best
4, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(3) GOLDEN WARRIOR has been around the mark in most of her runs so in a tough race she gets the nod from an each-way perspective. A similar comment can be applied to (7) ECLAIR WIND who should also not be far away and (1) RACE DIVA must have as good a chance as any for Kozzi Asano and Tony Castanheira as she has been getting better with each start. (5) YEONDONG STAR rates next over (4) QWAEGEOL CHUNHYANG with (8) SAMJEONG YEOJE and (2) JEJU PRINCESS not hopeless either in a race where you could make a case for every runner.
Selections
(3) Golden Warrior (7) Eclair Wind (1) Race Diva (5) Yeondong Star
Next Best
4, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) BULGEUN POKPUNG has been second in two of his past four with one of those runner-up finishes being a one-and-three-quarter length defeat behind subsequent Derby fifth placegetter Concord Codie which naturally reads as strong form for this. (1) GWANAKSAN CHAMP won on debut last year before finishing in the second half of the field in feature juvenile races. He has been knocking on the door for a win this season and could get it in this. (8) FINAL CHUKJE has been consistent enough to rate as an each-way chance. There are a lot of other hopes which include (4) MAX PARTY which could improve on recent runs and of course (5) RAON BLAIDE which has both the ability and Seo Seung-un to ride but he has a big weight as well. (10) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG rates next.
Selections
(2) Bulgeun Pokpung (1) Gwanaksan Champ (8) Final Chukje (4) Max Party
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10.35 to 17.55. And at Busan with 7 races from 11.25 to 16.55. The nation’s top sprinter, Vincero Cavallo, will step out for the first time since his defeat in May’s SROA Chairman’s Sprint in Seoul’s concluding feature race. Here are the previews:
Can Vincero Cavallo bounce back? (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has finished 4th on no fewer than six occasions across her twelve starts but she comes in off her best to date when 2nd on a filly maiden over 1400M on May 3rd. She’s had nine weeks off since and from a good draw, she can go one better today. (8) MR.CREDIT has a couple of 3rd places to his name and has also beaten a couple of these in his latest couple and that’s enough to have him in the numbers here. (1) COSMO JJIN ran 2nd three starts back at 1200M and was 3rd on her first try at this distance on May 10th when settling midfield and running on. She should be there or thereabouts again. (4) VALKYRIE and (6) P N S ME are the other place chances.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not a strong maiden. (9) DONGJIN BIRYUONG ran fairly on debut for 5th of eleven in a slowly run race over 1200M on June 6th. He previously finished 2nd in a trial and having derived benefit from that first effort, he has as good a chance as any here. (8) ROAD TO PERFECT has been consistent with five of her six starts to date ending up in 4th or 5th. She likes to settle back and run on and she should be aiming to go much closer today. (6) LAVITA showed on pace last time before knocking up quickly but going on the 3rd and 4th she managed in her two previous outings, she can be given another chance. (5) SEONGSIL WINNER and (2) CHEONMA NUBI others in line for the minors.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) SPEED BUMP looks like she is finally figuring things out with a close 2nd place over 1200M on June 5th when racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win. (6) DUBAI CANDY has mixed her form across his seven appearances so far but on her best, demonstrated when 3rd at 1300M in April, she is a chance here. (8) FANTASTIC ONE was a much-improved 4th at start number three behind Speed Bump in that June 5th race when coming from well off the pace. Debut-makers (1) FANTASTIC CHEETAH and (2) DAEGIL HWANHO have to be given a chance given the strength – or lack thereof – of opposition.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) MEGA WIND has made progress across five starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1300M on June 14th when settling back and running on. In this company, and from a good gate, he should be on pace, and he has every chance of going all the way. (1) THE SUPER RUNNER hasn’t quite been super just yet but he does come in off his best so far when 2nd at this distance on May 10th, leading for much of the way. He too should be up with the speed and can be in this a long way again. (5) POWERFUL ARCTIC drops back in trip following a 2nd place over 1700M on May 23rd and she shouldn’t be far away. (2) WONDERFUL CATHY and (6) PNS GUNS others in the frame.
Selections
(4) Mega Wind (1) The Super Runner (5) Powerful Arctic (2) Wonderful Cathy
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 6
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) JADE PALACE ran twice in early summer last year and then once in November when he managed to pick up a win over 1200M. He has had several setbacks since then but has been in regular work since May and he looked well when 2nd in a June trial. We know he can run well first-up and he is the one to beat here. (9) CHOEGANG LOUIS is yet to win in sixteen but enters off his best result at this class when 3rd at this distance on June 7th, showing handy throughout. He continues under a light weight and can aim to match or even better that here. (2) ROAD TO FIGHTER was 2nd at this class three outings ago. He can get a bit far back in his races but is a place chance here. (8) TRIPLE J and (3) PURE MARINE perhaps the best of a limited rest.
There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(6) G B ACE is a Luigi Riccardi prepared debutante that has had the one trial for a win on June 11 by one-length. The colt by Mr. Crow must be given the utmost of respect on debut under Furkan Yuksel. As must the Tony Castanheira trained, Kozzi Asano ridden (10) TONGKWAEHANSEUNGJA who has also had the one trial for a victory and that was also on June 11. In his case he scored by a half-length. (11) WHITE THUNDER is another that has had the solitary trial and it was also on the second Thursday of June where he finished second behind a runaway winner coming from midfield. Seo Seung-un rides the Hansen filly for Choi Yong-geon. The first three trials that were held at this venue from the eleventh of last month look to hold the key to the race with (9) GHOST SONIC another that has trialled once for a second on May 21. (7) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG rates next over (1) BLITZ CARA.
Selections
(6) G B Ace (10) Tongkwaehanseungja (11) White Thunder (9) Ghost Sonic
Next Best
7, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) BEONGAE LEWIS was an impressive twelve-length winner of his trial on June 11 and this Tony Castanheira trained three-year-old Uncaptured colt looks like he will be extremely hard to beat on his race debut. (9) GLOBAL DINO has only raced once and that was twelve months ago when finishing last but in a strong race. He finished fourth in a trial on May 14 and should be kept safe. (4) OPUS ONE has had the two trials for a sixth in November and a seventh in June. The Roshe combination of trainer Seong Sanghyun and owner Park Jae-yong combine and he should not be discarded on debut. (7) DAREURI YEOWANG has been just behind the placegetters in three runs and rates next along with (8) CHEONGGANG BOM and (5) GEUMSEONG QUEEN.
Selections
(1) Beongae Lewis (9) Global Dino (4) Opus One (7) Dareuri Yeowang
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) LOVELY JACKPOT has trialled since last racing and that effort saw him split Mujehan Geup, one of the top juveniles from last season, and Aman Barows, a subsequent impressive trial winner, so in what is the toughest of the three maiden races to assess that form is good enough to go close. (6) SAENAE RANIA was a beaten odds-on chance last time but was going well enough prior to be given another chance. (9) POWER MAGIC has the been clearly the most consistent of these so in a race with little form to go on she is the safest bet in the race each-way. (1) LOOM CHUKJE might be able to improve on her debut with (5) GOD SPEED and (2) PLAY STAY best of the rest.
It’s Owners’ Cup day at Busan with Roshe looking to maintain his unbeaten record in the G3 feature over a mile. 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:
Hangang Class won the 2025 Owners’ Cup in track record fashion (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Imported maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (2) MAHO went through two trials, running 2nd in a slow time in the first of them but then winning the second with an on pace effort (62.3 seconds on May 21st for those whose racecards don’t show it as it was a voluntary trial). From a great draw, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (6) KKUMUI YEONSOK trialed up alongside some experienced horses and didn’t look out of pace as he ran a close 4th in a decent time, and he shapes as the main danger. (11) SAUDI SOCKS and (5) LUCKYRINGMAN are the pair with experience having debuted together over 1000M on May 31st finishing 5th and 6th respectively and they can both have come on for the run. (8) SPEARS is another first-time starter who hinted at ability in two trials.
Selections
(2) Maho (6) Kkumui Yeonsok (11) Saudi Socks (5) Luckyringman
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Decent maiden win four of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (5) ROAD TO CHAMPION, who after a good trial, ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on May 30th, leading and only being caught late by the favourite. He should have come on for that run, he can lead again, and this time he can go one better. (4) VICAR DELLA raced handy throughout for 3rd on debut over this distance on May 16th. She too can have come on and can be even closer here. Of the first timers, (6) INTO THE GALAXY showed fairly for 2nd place in a trial just last week. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up. (11) NURI YEOWANG and (9) RAPID STORM, the latter disappointing on debut but previously a trial winner, are the others who will have some backing.
Selections
(5) Road To Champion (4) Vicar Della (6) Into The Galaxy (11) Nuri Yeowang
Next Best
3, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 6
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only here. After winning a trial, (4) PACHOUI KKUM was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on May 24th and while she raced close to the pace, she ultimately had to settle for 2nd. She should have come on for that, she draws better today, and she will be expected to come out on top here. (5) MAEWU has made progress in her latest couple, most recently when 4th at this distance on May 22nd. The same apprentice keeps her weight nice and low, and she can be a danger here. (8) PILSEUNG WINNER is similarly looking as though she is figuring things out and enters off a close 2nd at this distance on May 31st when on pace. Seo Seung-un is on for the first time and she will have plenty if backers. There are a couple of debut makers and (1) SUPER CROWN performed fairly in two trials. (3) LOOKS GOOD another of the experienced ones who can improve.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) CRUSH GIRL was 4th on debut and followed up with 2nd place over 1300M on May 17th. Both times she has come from off the pace, so the slight step up again can suit and third-up she can be peaking. (8) JECHUK SANJIRO has finished in the top five in all of his four starts so far and he enters off his best to date when 2nd in a slow run race over this trip on May 31st. He can sit just behind the speed here and challenge late. (5) SEMYEONG PEAK was ordinary in her first two, but she has been consistently close in six subsequent efforts, most recently when 3rd over 1700M on May 23rd. She was 4th on her previous try at this trip and should be there or thereabouts again. (10) BEST A ONE and (7) DYNAMIC FORCE others firmly in the frame.
Selections
(1) Crush Girl (8) Jechuk Sanjiro (5) Semyeong Peak (10) Best A One
Next Best
7, 11
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(2) STEALTH KINGMAN was 2nd on debut over 1300M in April and then won at the same distance at start number two on May 31st, both times racing on pace. He is up in class but is down in weight, nicely drawn, and he can win again. (6) BORYEONGUIKWAESOK is never going to be beloved by racecallers, but she won her only start to date all the way back last September over 1000M. She performed fairly enough in a late May trial and under a light weight, she could pick up from where she left off. (8) WHITE OIL beat four of today’s rivals when coming home an in excess of 20/1 winner at this class and distance on May 31st. He is up 3kg in weight but warrants more respect today. (11) HEUIMANG TAYO and (4) WORLD BOLD MAN others in the hunt.
Saturday’s racing sees 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55. Champion jockey Moon Se-young will have his retirement ceremony after race 5. Here are the previews:
Moon Se-young’s retirement ceremony is scheduled for Saturday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(8) ROYAL HOPE K was third in his one and only trial on May 21 and this son of Gaon Champ prepared by Moon Byeong-ki should go close under Seo Seung-un. (7) URIUI GIPPEUM is a To Honor And Serve filly that was third in her trial on May 14 after leading and she finished well ahead of (3) BEAT STAR who subsequently trialled again on May 21 and led throughout to score by nine-lengths. Both must be given the utmost of respect. (11) LEGEND MONSTER is a stablemate of Uriui Gippeum and under CC Wong rates next over (6) POWERFUL MR. and the Luigi Riccardi trained (2) K SOCKS. (5) GRAND POKPUNG should not be denied a chance either.
Selections
(8) Royal Hope K (7) Uriui Gippeum (3) Beat Star (11) Legend Monster
Next Best
6, 2
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) BIBA CHARM produced a good effort when first-up for ten months on June 13 coming from well back to run third. She can improve from that run and can go a few places better. (11) QUEENS TIGER ran well on debut similarly coming from well back and with some luck from the draw can go close. (1) WHITE JACKPOT was down the track on his debut but may be able to get an enjoyable time in front in a race where it is hard to work out where the early speed will come from. The extra 100M will not hurt (3) TOO BIRD HIT going on her debut run and she rates next over (4) GEOLJAK CROWN and (7) BULGEUN YEOJEONSA.
Selections
(2) Biba Charm (11) Queens Tiger (1) White Jackpot (3) Too Bird Hit
Next Best
4, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) KING SPICY has been the most consistent of these except for his debut run in September. Despite the wide draw he strikes a winnable race following his last start third place and can score. (1) THE QUEEN ROSE also comes off the best result of her career with a third at the beginning of this month when leading for most of the way. She can go close if able to hold her own from the inside which she should. (8) AREUMDAUN BIT has been close at her last two runs and rates next over (10) JISAN FOREVER, a debutante by Chrysolite, (4) ILGEUP BISUL and (2) SAMJEONG BLUE.
Selections
(11) King Spicy (1) The Queen Rose (8) Areumdaun Bit (10) Jisan Forever
Next Best
4, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) ARION QUEEN CAR has her quirks but also has ability and if she can be on her best behaviour she should be able to go close to recording her second victory. She almost refused to race when resuming from a two-month ban, for refusing to race, in March before picking up late for third and then chased home a smart horse last start. If she can learn how to be a racehorse she does have a future. (11) NUNI OLKKAYO is another smart enough type on his day that resumed with a second a month ago at this level beaten a neck. He was considered good enough to be close in the market to subsequent Derby winner Hwang Geum Eo Jang when taking him on in the winter and rates highly. (2) MONEY MOVE has done little wrong in three starts and broke through most recently. (6) STUNNING CALIBER was a thirteen-length winner of his maiden over course and distance last start and must be respected as should (7) WONPYEONG GANGJA, under Seo Seung-un, and (8) BREEDO CALEY in a decent race for the grade.
For the first time since February, there is no Listed or Graded action at either Seoul or Busan. There is still plenty to get stuck into though with 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17:55 and 7 from Busan between 11.25 and 16:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Ten fillies and one colt in this maiden. (8) DREAM DIA looked set to breakthrough when sent off as favourite over 1400M but ultimately ended up in 3rd place having been handy throughout. That was her second consecutive time as the beaten favourite, but in this company, she warrants one more chance. (11) SPICY JERRY was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M in June 6th from a similarly wide gate to today. She should have come on for that run, and she can get closer today. The solitary colt, (1) PERFECT GAME, was disappointing from a wide gate when well supported last time out, but going on his 3rd place two outings back, has to be considered again. (9) CHARON EDGE and (10) EVER LOVELY are place chances.
Selections
(8) Dream Dia (11) Spicy Jerry (1) Perfect Game (9) Charon Edge
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI has drawn a blank in sixteen starts, but he is getting closer with his best results coming in his latest four with two 4th places sandwiched between a 2nd and a 3rd, the latter when beating a couple of today’s rivals over 1400M on May 17th. He wasn’t close in a previous try at this distance but could very well be ready for another go. It’s not an intimidating field. (9) THE SUN COMING has five finishes between 3rd and 5th and while he was behind Hwarangsan Jeonggi last time out, he shapes as a rival. (8) MAX MAN returned from five months out on May 16th and having run a fair 5th over 1400M, can strip fitter today. (10) SPICE BAND and (5) CLUB MAN are the other main chances.
Selections
(11) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (9) The Sun Coming (8) Max Man (10) Spice Band
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Since returning from six months out, (3) P.D SPECIAL has recorded a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts back, most recently beating a few of today’s rivals in a front-running effort over 1300M on May 22nd. Third up, he can be peaking, he draws well to be on pace again, and he can win here. There is just one debut maker, but (10) GEUMA STUNNING ran well for an on pace 3rd in a trial in a quick time, and despite the wide draw, this is a nice race to debut in. (1) DIMENSION has had a stop-start career so far with just two starts last autumn but registering a 2nd place in the second of them over this distance in December. He hasn’t raced since and didn’t offer too many clues in a May trial but from the inside gate he should be a chance here. (7) DUBAI DREAM and (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN, the other chances.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) EVERY TIME raced three times in late summer and autumn last year, finishing 2nd in all three of them up to this class and 1400M. He hasn’t been in action since the end of October, but he looked very well when blitzing a trial on May 28th from on pace in a quick time, and if he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (5) SUNGLASS hasn’t quite lived up to the promise shown in her impressive debut win and she wasn’t great over 1300M last time out. Down in trip and down in weight and with Luis on for the first time, she can go close. (8) AESUNI beat Sunglass as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd at this class and distance two starts back. She’ll be on pace and should be in this a long way. (6) HAEMAJI and (2) SILLAUI FIGHTER, perhaps the best or an ordinary rest.
Selections
(7) Every Time (5) Sunglass (8) Aesuni (6) Haemaji
Next Best
2, 3
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) IT’S LIT overcame a slow start to run 2nd on debut over 1200M on May 15th, well beaten by a good winner. He should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and he can go one better today. (8) GAON PERFECT has shown progress across three starts so far with his latest his best when 2nd on his first try at this distance on May 24th, running on from midfield. In this company he can be a little further forward a little earlier, and he is a big danger. (5) SUNDAY QUEEN has also got better over three outings. She comes back in trip following a 4th place over a mile on May 22nd and can continue to get closer. (1) WORLD TREE and (7) CHAMPUI YEONGGWANG others in the placing frame.
Selections
(4) It’s Lit (8) Gaon Perfect (5) Sunday Queen (1) World Tree
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (6) SUPER TTANGKONG, who was 4th on debut and then a comfortable winner at start two over 1200M on February 1st, leading all the way. She hasn’t raced since, but she looked very well when 2nd in a trial on June 4th, leading again, and she can be given every chance first up. (9) THE SUN MONSTER is yet to win but got promoted to this class with back-to-back 2nd places over 1200M in March and then ran 3rd over 1300M on April 25th. She comes in fresh after eight weeks off and is the danger. (1) SAMJEONG LADY is two starts into a comeback following three months out and was 3rd over this class and distance on May 30th. She should strip even fitter here and be close. (10) AFLEET RUN and (5) MUHAN ARGO others in line for the minors.
Selections
(6) Super Ttangkong (9) The Sun Monster (1) Samjeong Lady (10) Afleet Run
Next Best
5, 2
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(7) SKY WIN WIN won back-to-back races in April and May over this distance at class 4 level and then ran 3rd on his first try at this class on May 22nd alongside plenty of others who return here. He likes to race on pace so today’s draw is better, and he can win. He will need to overturn the form on (8) HONORED KHAN, who was 2nd in that May 22nd race. That continued an excellent run of form for the five-year-old having won at this class and distance on May 1st, and while he continues to come up in the weights, he can be in the finish again. (6) FLYING THE KHAN is up in class after a close on pace win over this distance on May 10th and he can measure up in this company. (1) UNJU CHALLENGE and (2) CRAZY ARMY others in the hunt.
It’s set to be a wet Saturday for racing at Seoul. There are 10-races from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
(6) HWANSANGUI LUNA was fourth in her first trial on May 7 before winning on June 4 by one-and-three-quarter lengths. She is one of two runners for trainer An Byung-ki and owner Hwan Sang-ma and is the choice of CC Wong. (10) BAEKSAN RACE was fifth and second in his two trials in May and rates as a chance. (11) DU UM came on from his appalling first trial on May 21 to win his second trial on June 4. However, he looks to be the secondary runner for the stable. (7) GEOLJAK YUNSEUL finished third in her sole trial and rates over (2) ECLIPSE SODA and (9) BLAZEMAN whilst (4) NAREUSYA LUNA was much improved in her second trial and should not be forgotten.
Selections
(6) Hwansangui Luna (10) Baeksan Race (11) Du Um (7) Geoljak Yunseul
Next Best
2, 9
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) TOUCH THE SKY is far from the soundest horse in the world but going on his sole start back in March 2025 when finishing a two-length second to We Go High he must be a huge chance of winning if he is good to go. He has been in and out of work this year but has been back in regular work since June 7. (3) TIGER MANGCHI is a debutante that was out the back throughout in his first trial before winning his second trial on May 21. (5) PIEONARI should be around the mark once more especially considering he only carries fifty-three kilograms as he gets a four-kilogram claim from apprentice Jo Seong-hwan. (4) NINE SPEAR also has that weight with a two-kilogram claim from Woo In-cheol whilst (8) MR. KAI, the mount of Seo Seung-un, and (10) THE SUN AMIR, the bottom weight with fifty-two kilograms, rate next.
Selections
(7) Touch The Sky (3) Tiger Mangchi (5) Pieonari (4) Nine Spear
Next Best
8, 10
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) PASA ACE has been third in each of his last two over 1300M and once again gets two-kilogram apprentice Woo In-cheol to ride. The extra 100M is no concern and he can go a couple of places better. (6) SMART RISE has been a beaten favourite in each of his last three starts but has not been far away and should be thereabouts again. (3) DELTA EAGLE was an improved effort at her third start most recently and the extra 100M should suit. (1) SKYLOR TAEHA has one minor placing from three starts and rates next over (7) LUGE, whose chances depend on how he begins, and (8) ENERGY POWER, who produced a clear career best last time.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) BEST SECRET was fourth on debut in March behind a subsequent winner before leading throughout to win her maiden impressively by eight-lengths a month ago. This is a strong race for the grade, but she will be hard to toss. (3) HWANSANGUI NARA is extremely hard to catch but her best form is good and if she can run to that she will go close. (1) CRAZY CHAMP led throughout to win her maiden over the course and distance last time and is a chance of doing so again. (2) DURAY SHOW is still a maiden, but the consistent four-year-old filly is worth an each-way investment under Seo Seung-un. (11) HANAM LASER and (8) HAKSAN HENNY rate next.
Selections
(9) Best Secret (3) Hwansangui Nara (1) Crazy Champ (2) Duray Show
Next Best
11, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / Sergeant Reckless Commemorative Race / KRW 45 Million
The Triple Tiara reaches its conclusion at Seoul on Sunday with the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3), race 8 in Seoul. There is no Tiara sweep on the line but still plenty of intrigue among the field of ten fillies. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) GEUMBIT YEONGUNG has run 4th in both starts so far over this distance, most recently as favourite on April 11th when he got a long way back before running on. He enters fresh after nine weeks off and with a good apprentice claiming 2kg, he can win. (1) DONGBAEK was an improved 3rd at this distance on May 10th, coming from off the pace. She comes into a much better gate today so can sit a bit further forward and can be a danger. (7) MISS CHRISTIE similarly draws better than she did at her latest and with a 4kg claim today, she can be much closer. (5) JEONGMUN KINGDOM and debut-maker (10) SAVERS are others who can be in the hunt.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) ILGEUP BISUL returned from eight months off to run a fair 5th over this distance on May 16th, settling back and passing a couple late. Before the layoff she had a 3rd place to her name and stripping fitter today, she has as good a chance as any. (9) ECLIPSE SUNNY ran a solid 3rd on debut in March but was lackluster on her second appearance and was later found to have bled. She was stood down the obligatory month and came through a May trial without issue so is well worth another chance here. (8) MEGA WIND hasn’t been far away across his four outings to date and can be around the placings here. (7) NAEGEROWAJWO and (4) DIABIT among other chances.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) BABEL FOLGORE has made progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over 1200M on May 10th when on pace and beaten by a good winner. She stretches out to 1400M for the first time but in this small field, she should be on the speed again, and she can win. (6) DIA KINGDOM has a 3rd and a 2nd among three outings to date. He has been a huge price on all three occasions but can start to be taken a bit more seriously here. (1) OASIS HWANHUI ran 2nd at start number two all the way back last October. He hasn’t raced since but he looked well in a May trial and can be a danger first up. (3) RED KING and (2) YEONGGWANGUI GREEN others in the frame.
Selections
(8) Babel Folgore (6) Dia Kingdom (1) Oasis Hwanhui (3) Red King
Next Best
2, 7
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (1) FLYING SMART has been a beaten favourite in all three of her races so far, getting a long way back and registering a 2nd, a 4th and a 3rd. If she can get out of gates a bit smarter and find a better position she can be given another chance as once out of kickback, she looks to have a bit of pace. If she finds problems again then (3) CLAIR FREEDOM is a decent alternative. She made it to the speed from the widest gate over this distance on May 24th and ran on for 2nd ahead of a couple of today’s rivals and from a much better draw, she won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (5) DELTA DAECHEON looks to be figuring things out with a 3rd and a 2nd from her latest two, both over 1300M and the slight step up in trip today can suit (9) ÉCLAIR WIND and (6) BLACK SUN – who beat Flying Smart when 2nd in April – others to look out for.
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Small but competitive field. (8) DOCTOR HUNTER has won two of his last three, most recently at this class and distance on May 15th racing, as he always does, handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He is up 2.5kg in weight but looks to have more potential and can win. (1) BORYEONG ONE ROAD enters off a very smart 2nd place in a quick race over this class and distance on May 3rd. That was her second consecutive runner-up finish and from the inside gate and under a light weight, she is a big danger. (3) TAEYANG EUTTEUM was 3rd behind Doctor Hunter two outings back and was then 4th from the widest hate on May 31st and she should be there or thereabouts today. (5) DALBITWIE and (6) CALM FAST are others who can compete for the minors.
Selections
(8) Doctor Hunter (1) Boryeong One Road (3) Taeyang Eutteum (5) Dalbitwie
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
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
(1) GHOST SONIC was on pace throughout when second in her trial on May 21 and this Hansen filly prepared by An Byung-ki should go close on that effort. (2) GEOLJAK RUBY has two-lengths to find with Ghost Sonic from that May 21 trial, but she subsequently recorded the best trial of any of these when coming from well back to win by a head on May 28. This Jung Haback prepared Race Day filly will very much be doing her best work late. (8) NAREUSYA BOLT was midfield in his sole trial on April 23 but the Jung Ho-ik trained Dynamic Dash colt gets Seo Seung-un on his back. (10) WONDER GRACE is a stablemate of Ghost Sonic that was fourth in her trial on May 7 and rates next over (4) NEWBAL SOCKS and (9) GAONUI BIT in this debutante’s race.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) RYAN BEAT was well beaten back on debut in the winter but has now joined Luigi Riccardi and based on his second in a trial behind an impressive winner on May 14 he looks the one to beat in a very winnable race. (11) INSPIRE has the most consistent form of these so therefore must be given a chance. (3) JEJU PRINCESS has been not far behind the placegetters of late and neither has (2) YEOKJEONUI HIT who gets Seo Seung-un to ride. (10) CHRYSOL POSH and (8) BIBA CHARM rate next.
Selections
(7) Ryan Beat (11) Inspire (3) Jeju Princess (2) Yeokjeonui Hit
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) RAON BLAIDE was a course, distance, and grade winner over two reopposing rivals three runs ago on February 28 and has since been fourth, when pulling up lame, and third with the recent third place being behind The Excellent and Arion Queen Car which is top form. (6) SEUNGNI BAROWS has one-and-three-quarter lengths to find with Raon Blaide from when they met in February and has also been behind Raon Blaide subsequently on April 5. He rates as second best though over (2) BLAZING ENGINE which disappointed last start but was going well prior. (1) FINAL JILJU looks next best over (10) REFLECT, who was fourth behind Raon Blaide and Seungni Barows in February, and (9) TURBO CHARGE in what is a decent race for the grade.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(11) BEST FREEDOM led throughout to break his maiden by five-lengths over 1400M last start and should be hard to hold out under Seo Seung-un if he can run the extra 300M. (8) FLYING HONOR has been fourth, first, second and third in four runs all over 1200M. He is another that if he can run the trip, he will be in the finish. (1) CHROMITE has been much improved at his last four starts when racing a bit closer to the pace and he is worth a place bet if not an each-way investment. (4) ECLIPSE BAY and (10) CHRYSOL PEACE rate next over (2) ARCH MEMORY.
Selections
(11) Best Freedom (8) Flying Honor (1) Chromite (4) Eclipse Bay
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
3, 4, 8, 9, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) ROYAL BEST comes up to this class for the first time following a last start course and distance win one grade below this. The start prior he was six-lengths behind the reopposing Jazz Purple, but he gets a huge weight swing compared to that day, so he is worth an each-way investment under Ruan Maia. (1) JAZZ PURPLE will be an odds-on favourite to complete a four-timer following recent wins by four, five and six-lengths on each occasion racing on speed. He does carry five-and-a-half kilograms extra compared to his last start course, distance, and grade victory on May 9 but that may not stop him. (7) PARISUI BULKKOT was an impressive ten-length winner on debut in the winter but has only been fourth and sixth in two subsequent runs with the most recent sixth being after he missed the start and was therefore never nearer. He does have the ability, however. Both (4) GEOSEN PUNCH and (6) BLUE RAIN have won two of their past four but this is their biggest tests to date, respectively. The down in grade (8) BELOTERO rates next.
Selections
(3) Royal Best (1) Jazz Purple (7) Parisui Bulkkot (4) Geosen Punch
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(5) GEUMA FOREMOST is a maiden from seventeen starts but has recorded nine minor placings with seven of those being seconds. He may very well find one too good for him again, but when you take into consideration in his last four second places, he has chased home Di Ne, Musket Cleaver, Jiljuui Yeowang and Jazz Purple he must be given a chance of going one better here in a tricky race to decipher. (2) HAKSAN CAIRO is another non-winner and in his case, it is from twenty-two starts. CC Wong hops back on board and he is another solid each-way chance. (6) RAON NIZHINSKII has been second in each of his last two and could easily go one better whilst (1) BEOLGYO D Y and (4) WORLD JOY are often around the mark. The key runner in the race is (7) PAS DE CHEVAL who has looked exceptionally good in his two career victories but has left something to be desired in each of his last three defeats as favourite.
Selections
(5) Geuma Foremost (2) Haksan Cairo (6) Raon Nizhinskii (1) Beolgyo D Y
Next Best
4, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(7) WIN CATCHER is naught from twelve but has been knocking on the door for a breakthrough this preparation with a fourth over 1200M prior to a third over 1700M. He should go close in yet another race on the program that is hard to assess. (5) BEOLGYO NAKSEONG is another maiden but bar one run has not been far away and can go close. (9) HIGH FOLLY was a much improved fourth last time and could improve again. (2) MY THERN rates next over (1) HERO JJANG whilst (6) SHINING ROAD and (3) STUNNING FLATTER have big weights but could overcome them.
Selections
(7) Win Catcher (5) Beolgyo Nakseong (9) High Folly (2) My Thern
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 8: Class 3 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(8) GLOBAL CHAMP and CC Wong are looking to complete a hat-trick following impressive wins one grade below this over 1400M and 1600M. He came from a tricky position to score by an extending one-and-a-quarter lengths two back on April 18 before following up in nice fashion on May 17 by eight-lengths. They will however have to contend with (9) CIRCLE A who is another impressive three-year-old for Luigi Riccardi that is first-up since a tough March 21 victory by a head over 1800M. He has been back in work since the end of April and is another that can complete the hat-trick under Furkan Yuksel. It could very well be a match race between that pair with (6) LUCKY FRANK and (7) PASA SPURT looking best of the rest on their best form along with (4) MIGHTY CODE whilst (10) BLUE PIORA draws poorly first-up since pulling up lame in both near legs at the beginning of March.
Selections
(8) Global Champ (9) Circle A (6) Lucky Frank (7) Pasa Spurt
Next Best
4, 10
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 9, 10
Seoul Race 9: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(3) WHIZ STAR has improved with each start and broke through at the third time of asking most recently with an on pace half-length victory over 1200M on March 28. She has been back in work since May 20 and if fit enough can go back-to-back. (7) CHEONHAENGCHAT has been out the back at her last two but was second to Gold Catcher three back and she has only fifty-one kilograms on her back in this as she receives a four-kilogram claim from Jo Seong-hwan. (5) SEONGSIL DAERO has been racing well of late and should be close once more as should (9) SSAK DANAEUN who can win this and was unlucky not to get the prize last time when the bob of the head did not go her way. (1) ANYANG GIPPEUM rates next over (8) JERAQUEEN.
Seoul Race 10: Class 1 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
(10) BEOLGYO VERITAS got past a couple when coming from last in the country’s principal local sprint race of the year at Group Two level last start and prior to that had finished midfield at Group Three level. This is his first run in an actual Class 1 event, but he can take it in his stride with Seo Seung-un an interesting rider booking. (8) SILVER RAIN was a huge fifth in that Group Two Chairman’s Sprint last start also coming from well back. (3) GLOBAL BOBAE is interesting with such a huge weight swing and each-way wise should not be dismissed. (4) FINAL K won a form line race for this when resuming on April 18 before finishing sixth in the Group Two sprint. He is well in at the weights and will be favourite and it will be interesting to see if he can confirm the form from April. In an incredibly competitive race (5) YONGAM SESANG is an each-way chance whilst (1) SINUI EREUM could place.
Selections
(10) Beolgyo Veritas (8) Silver Rain (3) Global Bobae (4) Final K
Horse Racing in Korea 