Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00, and at Busan with 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Seo Beom-seok and CC Wong will team up again with the “Famous” silks (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not the strongest of maidens to kick off with. (1) BILLION BOY trotted along at the back on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start two over this distance on January 19th, leading for much of the way. He draws well to lead again and won’t need to improve very much to win this. (3) DUSON EUTTEUM also picked up on her latest when 4th in a filly only maiden at the end of December. She comes in fresh after nine weeks off and can build on that here. (11) SEMYEONG STRONG has a 2nd place on his record and while he must contend with the widest gate, he has a decent finish on him and can challenge late. (6) COMMAND BLUE and (8) CYCLONE STAR are others who could improve.
Selections
(1) Billion Boy (3) Duson Eutteum (11) Semyeong Strong (6) Command Blue
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 5
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) CUPID K has been knocking at the door across her five starts so far, most recently a 2nd place over this distance on January 25th when slow away and running on well. If she can be a bit further forward a bit earlier, she is very much the one to beat here. (7) JOSE also has a 2nd place on her record and comes in following a 4th at 1200M on January 19th. She should be on pace in this company and can be in this a long way. (2) GOOGOO ran 2nd last time in a slow race at 1400M. She has placed at this trip too, and from a nice draw can sit behind whatever early speed there is and can challenge. (6) DIRT SPOON and (8) KING WARRIOR are among others with at least placing chances.
Selections
(1) Cupid K (7) Jose (2) Googoo (6) Dirt Spoon
Next Best
8, 10
Fast Start
4, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) UMA DACHI ran a shock 2nd place at this distance at odds of 65/1 on February 9th, settling midfield and running on. While that may have been unexpected, in this company a similar effort can see him go one better. (10) PERFECT DANAEUN hinted at improvement last time out on January 18th when 4th over this distance. He can settle back in this field and can run into some money again. (2) BLUE SUN has finished 5th in both starts so far at 1200M and 1400M. He draws well here and with Maia climbing on, can get closer. (9) K N STORM beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance on January 26th and in a race that is no stronger can be in the hunt again. (4) HIGH FOLLY perhaps the best of a limited rest.
Selections
(3) Uma Dachi (10) Perfect Danaeun (2) Blue Sun (9) K N Storm
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 5, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) PLUTO won a trial at the tail end of last year and then ran a solid 2nd place on debut on January 24th, leading for much of the way around and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He should have come on for that run and will be a warm favourite to go all the way this time. (10) BEOLGYOUI HIM was 4th in that same race after a slow start saw him settle right back. He also has a 2nd place to his name and with the wide draw not a problem he can challenge late here. (6) SO GOOD was an improved 3rd place at start number three on January 17th only narrowly on the wrong side of a tight three-way finish. Seo Seung-un stays aboard and he can be a danger. (4) CHOEGANG TRIPLE and (8) JEONGMUN FELIX are the other contenders.
Selections
(3) Pluto (10) Beolgyoui Him (6) So Good (4) Choegang Triple
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (9) BEOLGYO GRAMMY got her maiden win at 1000M last October and then took a couple of goes to get to grips with this level. Last time out she overcame a wide draw to come from off the pace for a solid 3rd place over this distance and while she carries 2kg more this time, she can win. (7) ANDAMIRO was a beaten favourite in a similar race to this on February 9th when settling midfield but only managing to run on for 5th. At her previous start she was a good 3rd and from a slightly better gate today, she can be given another chance. (4) SEOMDOLMORU is yet to win but is up in class following back-to-back 2nd places at this distance. She carries a light weight, she draws well, and she can measure up in this modest company. (3) SEMYEONG DIA and (10) GULJAK SUN are perhaps the best of a limited rest.
Selections
(9) Beolgyo Grammy (7) Andamiro (4) Seomdolmoru (3) Semyeong Dia
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
1, 3, 9, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) MORNING DEW got his maiden win three starts back and has since raced twice at this class, both times ending in 3rd place at 1200M, most recently on January 24th when beating a couple of today’s rivals. In this company he can be expected to be on or close to the pace – as he was when he won – and he is the one to beat here. (10) MONSTER DRAGON returns to action for the first time since last May. Before the layoff he registered a win and three 3rd places from four starts and has been gelded since. He trialed up well and while his match fitness will have to be taken on trust, he has quality. (11) MAENGNYONG is yet to win but has four 2nd places from five starts and should be there or thereabouts again. (1) EVERY KING IJI and (7) STORMING MAGIC others in the frame.
Selections
(4) Morning Dew (10) Monster Dragon (11) Maengnyong (1) Every King Iji
Next Best
7, 5
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s been seven starts since (6) SHINE BOLT got his maiden win, but he has put in a few decent efforts since, not least last time out on January 25th when he was an on pace 2nd at this class and distance. Ruan Maia rode him for the first time that day and he stays on here with every chance of going one better. (10) NURI CHEONWANG got his maiden win at this class and distance on January 18th, coming from off the pace. He comes up 3.5kg in weight but he has never finished worse than 2nd and he can be firmly in the mix again. (7) MORE THAN JOKE has been the beaten favourite on each of his last three outings. His latest effort was his only poor one though and from a slightly better gate he can be given another chance today, if not as favourite. (3) LEGEND WOW and (5) SCALE KING the other contenders.
Selections
(6) Shine Bolt (10) Nuri Cheonwang (7) More Than Joke (3) Legend Wow
Next Best
5, 2
Fast Start
1, 7, 9, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
March gets underway with a 10-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Global Hit goes around at Meydan on Saturday evening/Sunday morning (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Maidens with all but two racing for the first time. (8) WE GO HIGH looked very assured in his trial, crossing the line 1st on the bridle and without much encouragement in what was a quick time compared with most trials recently. If he brings that form to the races, he wins. (4) THUNDER FIRE drew the widest gate on debut and after going forward early got shuffled right back before running on. He should have derived some benefit from the experience and with a much better draw today, can improve. (10) ACE MATCH was slowly away on his debut but ran on pleasingly enough for 5th place and he too can have come on for the run. Returning to the first-time starters, (1) WHIZ GOLD and (6) TOUCH THE SKY looked the best in trials.
Selections
(8) We Go High (4) Thunder Fire (10) Ace Match (1) Whiz Gold
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
2, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (11) GWANAKSAN JOY has finished between 2nd and 4th in each of her four starts so far, including last time out on December 28th when she was a beaten odds-on favourite in 3rd. She likes to race on pace, so she does have the challenge of the wide draw here, but she is worth another chance. (2) INDIAN TAPIT has a 5th and a 4th from her two outings to date, both at this distance and most recently racing handy. Kozzi rode her both times and third up she can be peaking. (3) HYEOKMYEONGUIJILJU didn’t do much from a wide draw on debut but has raced on pace in her latest two and has finished 3rd and 4th. She draws well to get forward again and can match or better those finishes. (4) WONPYEONG NURI and (8) CUPID WORLD are the other place chances.
Selections
(11) Gwanaksan Joy (2) Indian Tapit (3) Hyeokmyeongjilju (4) Wonpyeong Nuri
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) SEOBU SKY ran a solid 3rd on debut over 1200M on January 26th, settling just behind the speed and running on well. He should have come on for the run, Ruan Maia climbs on, and he can win this. (3) ARCH DAY is the main danger. He has two 3rd places among his six starts to date, one at this distance and today comes into a better gate than last time. That should allow him a soft run to the speed, and he will be in this a long way. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but (1) SEOHAE BADA does have a 3rd on her record and enters off a useful enough 5th over 1400M and from the inside gate may make for some interest on a place line. (2) DIA ROOK and (10) BLACK RUSSIAN others in the frame.
Selections
(7) Seobu Sky (3) Arch Day (1) Seohae Bada (2) Dia Rook
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) PURGE STEP was a winner on debut over 1300M on January 25th, overcoming a wide draw to jump out fairly and then be ridden up to the pace. She comes up in class and slightly in trip, but neither should be an issue, and she can measure up. (4) CHEONGSAN JILJU got his maiden win two starts back but had a slightly disappointing day at the office on his first try at this class and distance on January 25th. That was the first time he had missed the top five and he is well worth another chance here. (1) SUNSHINE QUEEN is winless in eleven, but she came close two starts back and ran a fair 5th on her first try at this class on January 18th. She’s nicely in at the weights and from the inside gate can be in the finish. (5) LOTUSMIREU and (7) CHEONJI SKY are others who can contest at least the minors.
We’re just over a month away from the first leg of the Triple Crown and both Seoul and Busan host their respective main Classic Trials on Sunday. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
A rather ordinary maiden to open with. (7) MISS FAMOUS has a 4th and a 6th from two starts so far, both at this distance. Ignore the times as the track was very slow, but she ran through the line fairly enough on both occasions. CC gets on and third up she be peaking. After an inauspicious debut, (8) RAON SPILETTA has posted a 4th and a 5th, both at this distance. In this company she can compete for the early lead and can be in the finish. (1) CRAZY MARI debuted fairly last August but didn’t run again until December when she was less impressive. She does draw the inside gate though and may be a bit fitter this time. (4) LASER RUN has been back to trial since a woeful debut and should be better this time around. Debut-maker (10) GREAT CHARM trialed adequately and in such a weak race, has to be given a chance first-up.
Selections
(7) Miss Famous (8) Raon Spiletta (1) Crazy Mari (4) Laser Run
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 4, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and (6) I AM GO will be the warm favourite. She is yet to finish outside of the top five across her five starts to date and enters off a 3rd place at 1200M on January 11th. She should get quite an easy lead here and can go all the way. (7) SWITCH POWER actually finished ahead of I Am Go when they ran 4th and 5th over this trip last November. She has since picked up a 5th and a 3rd in two subsequent starts and shapes as the main danger. (4) JUNMA FORCE came from well off the pace to run an improved 4th at start number two on December 29th and can continue to make progress here. (11) SAMJEONG WINNER and (10) MODERN DANCE are the other main place chances.
Selections
(6) I Am Go (7) Switch Power (4) Junma Force (11) Samjeong Winner
Next Best
10, 5
Fast Start
5, 6, 7, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) TAPDINE has run twice and finished 3rd twice, both at 1200M and most recently when slightly slow away on January 11th before quickly being ridden up to the pace. He steps up to 1400M for the first time and can win from the front. (2) RAON NOTHERN DANCE has made good progress across four starts, culminating in 2nd place at 1300M on January 19th. In this company and well-drawn, he can also be expected to be on the speed and to be in this a long way. (7) GRAND KWAEMA has been consistent across his four starts so far, never finishing worse than 4th. Moon Se-young stays on and he should be there or thereabouts today. (9) GWANAKSAN CHECK IN may appreciate the additional distance today and along with (8) DYNAMIC SONG is another to consider for the minors.
Selections
(6) Tapdine (2) Raon Nothern Dance (7) Grand Kwaema (9) Gwanaksan Check In
Next Best
8, 11
Fast Start
2, 6, 7, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Twelve fillies in the south coast opener. (2) QUEEN LIRUN debuted on December 22nd but laid out and became unmanageable before being discontinued with three furlongs left. She was ordered to take two trials as a result and came through them very nicely, finishing 3rd in one and winning another. She draws nicely to lead and if she behaves, she can win. (11) BLACK TREE was an improved 4th at start number two over this distance on December 13th. She comes in fresh after ten weeks off and with Seo Seung-un climbing on, may well start as favourite. (10) GLOBAL HEROINE was found to be lame after a disappointing outing last month. She came back into work on February 9th and going on her 3rd place at the start before, has to be in this. (5) QUEENS DRAGON and first-time starter (7) FINAL ATTACK are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Queen Lirun (11) Black Tree (10) Global Heroine (5) Queens Dragon
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
2, 5, 8, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) GOLD QUEENS was a winner on debut in November before running a fair 4th on her first try at this class, again at 1200M, on January 11th, settling midfield and running on. She draws well, stays under a light weight, and she can win here. (1) NAEGILUI YEOJEONG got promoted to this class with a pair of runner-up finishes and then immediately got his maiden win on January 19th. He comes up 4kg in weight, but from the inside gate can get to the lead and can repeat. (8) WONDERFUL DONGCHON is up in class having scored at this trip aon January 5th and he can measure up in this company. (2) GAMUN PARTY and (9) HAKSAN DARK HORSE others who can be in the mix in a competitive race.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) FLYING THE KHAN enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1300M. He has a smart finish on him so the slight step up in trip can be to his benefit and he can win here. (5) FAST QUEEN came from well off the pace for an improved 2nd place on what was her first try at this distance on January 12th with a couple of today’s rivals behind. The track was very slow that day so ignore the time, and she is another who can be dangerous late on. In contrast, (3) SEOGWI WORLD should be on pace. He weakened on debut but should have derived benefit from the run and nicely drawn he can be in this a long way. (11) STAR FORCE and (4) ROCK CANDY are among other place chances.
Selections
(7) Flying The Khan (5) Fast Queen (3) Seogwi World (11) Star Force
Next Best
4, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 9, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maiden fillies in the opener. Ruan Maia has been in excellent form since the short Lunar New Year break, and he can continue here with (7) KOTAP. She has a best of 3rd and comes in following 5th place in a tougher race than this on January 4th. She draws well to lead, and she can go all the way. (10) EXCELLENT HANSEN took a few goes to figure things out but raced on pace for the first time on December 29th and finished a much-improved 2nd. He has the challenge of a wider gate but can build on that here. (2) NAEGILUI ACE was a well beaten but improved 5th at start two and from a good draw can get closer. (3) GIDAEHARA and (5) FLYING LION others to consider.
Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million
Imported maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time and we’ll take a chance on one of them with (4) WHIZ REALITY. He went through two trials, winning the second of them when leading all the way (on January 2nd, beware it may not appear in all racecards). He draws very nicely to lead and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (9) GRAY CANDY didn’t do much on debut but was much more accomplished at the second time of asking at this distance on January 25th, leading for most of the way and running 2nd in a good time. He too will be aiming to get on-pace, and he can go one better. (8) TIARA SUA was 3rd in that January 25th race. She has four-lengths to find on Gray Candy but can improve. (6) NOBLE MY DEAR and (11) FLYING OAKS also in the frame.
Selections
(4) Whiz Reality (9) Gray Candy (8) Tiara Sua (6) Noble My Dear
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
4, 5, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) DIXIE MAN had a poor day at the office two weeks ago when sent off as favourite over 1400M. Except for copping a bump at the start, he doesn’t really have any excuses but Moon Se-young stays on and so shall we, going on his effort two starts back when 3rd at this distance. He can sit handy here and is worth another chance. (6) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG has a 3rd and a 4th from two starts so far at 1200M and last time out at this trip on January 26th when going right back and running on. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and has every chance of going better. (5) BEATRIZ has been ordinary in her latest three, but she should at least be on pace and if the track is anything like it was last week, she can be in this for longer. (3) CAPTAIN RISE and (7) BEST SHARK the other placing chances.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) CHRYSOL MAJOR returned from three months out to run 4th at 1300M on January 19th. He steps up to two turns for the first time, but his running style suggests that it can suit and stripping fitter for that effort a month ago, he can win. (7) SANBANG BOMNAL beat three of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance on January 25th. That was by far his best effort to date and from a similar gate and against similar opposition, he can repeat. (8) SAVANA CHARLIE was 5th in that race settling back and running on. He has never finished inside the top two but has been between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than twelve occasions and should be there or thereabouts again. (6) GRAND FLYING and (9) MARUBYEOL others in the hunt for the minors.
Selections
(3) Chrysol Major (7) Sanbang Bomnal (8) Savana Charlie (6) Grand Flying
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Plenty enter with recent form reading well, but (3) CUPID IT will be favourite. An also-ran in the Rookie Stakes, he got his maiden win at start three over 1200M in October before running 2nd on his first try at this class and distance in a double-quick race at the end of November when leading for much of the way. He had a couple of issues after that but has been back in work this month and from a great draw he can lead all the way. (7) YONGBI TAEYANG and (10) UGWANGMYEONG came home 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced one another at this class and distance on January 18th. The former was on speed with the latter coming from well back and with similar tactics expected from both, they can be in the mix again. (2) GREEN FEELSTAR and (11) WANGCHOEGO among plenty of other placing chances.
For the first time in more than two months Stakes race action returns to Korea as the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M takes place at Seoul on Sunday afternoon. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:
Last year’s Segye Ilbo was won by Vics Go, who doesn’t return to defend his title (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) ROAD TO A SPUR has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd place over this distance on December 22nd. CC stays on, he draws well to lead and today can be the day. (11) SPARTAN has mixed his form across seven appearances so far with his best being a pair of 3rd places over this distance. He has the fastest time among these for the 1200M and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he can be a danger. (8) BS STORM was a fair 5th on debut over 1300M on December 28th, starting well before getting shuffled right back but then running on. He should have come on for the run and be closer here. (9) STUNNING WORLD and (6) NONSTOP SERVE others who can be considered.
Selections
(2) Road To A Spur (11) Spartan (8) BS Storm (9) Stunning World
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and plenty look ready to win. (6) TURBO CHARGE ran 4th a couple of times before an improved 2nd over 1400M on January 4th when she led for much of the way around. She comes back slightly in trip, she draws well to lead again, and she can win. (2) MUNHAK BELL was 6th on debut before running 2nd at start number two over 1200M on January 5th, settling in the front end of midfield and running on. Third up she can be peaking fitness wise and has every chance. (5) RAON THE AFFIRMED ran 3rd in that January 5th race having also shown on the speed. She has two-and-a-half lengths to make up on Munhak Bell but looks good for at least another place finish. (7) GRAY PHANTOM and (4) GWANAKSAN WONDERFUL are among plenty of others who have shown potential.
Selections
(6) Turbo Charge (2) Munhak Bell (5) Raon The Affirmed (7) Gray Phantom
Next Best
4, 10
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) LADY BLUE beat three of these on her way to an improved 2nd place on January 18th, racing on pace throughout over 1300M. Like most of these, she comes up to1400M for the first time, she draws well to lead again, and she can go one better. (4) BLACK SMILE ran 5th in that January 18th race having gone well back and run on. That continued signs of her having started to figure things out and Maia climbing on means she can continue to make progress here. (5) YONGAM GIPPEUM also looks to be on the right trajectory and comes in off a 4th place at this distance last time out. He likes to settle back and run on, and he can be a danger late here. (8) HEEMANGBAND and (10) EAGLE WINGS are others who may improve.
Selections
(3) Lady Blue (4) Black Smile (5) Yongam Gippeum (8) Heemangband
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (9) KYUNGNAM DRAGON ran twice last summer for a 4th and a 2nd at 1000M and 1200M. She hasn’t raced since but she looked well when 3rd in a January trial and Seo Seung-un partnering with Bart Rice means she should be sent off as favourite. (8) RIGHT CHAMP has been getting closer in recent starts, most recently when 3rd at 1400M on January 19th. In this company, she can be on pace and has a chance (4) THE NOMINATE was 7th on debut last May and then didn’t reappear until January 19th when she was a solid 3rd place at this distance. She should strip fitter for that run and can press again here. (12) QUEEN TYCHE was 2nd in that January 19th race, her best so far and she can be in the mix again. (10) ILLUSION another place contender.
Selections
(9) Kyungnam Dragon (8) Right Champ (4) The Nominate (12) Queen Tyche
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
1, 8, 9, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s hard to go far past (1) ECLIPSE EDGE here. He got his maiden win at start three over this distance last November and then following a dodgy day at the office on his first try at this level, ran 3rd on January 18th, again over this trip. He likes to race on pace or handy and won’t need to improve much to win this. Plenty of others enter in form though. (5) BAEKDU ILSEONG is one for one having scored on debut over 1200M on November 11th. The way he ran on suggests the increase in trip can only suit and the class rise shouldn’t be a problem. (2) HAKSAN CAIRO was 5th behind Eclipse Edge on January 18th on his first try at this class. He comes into a much better gate today and can get closer. (6) ORANGE TIME and (3) EAST GANGJEOK are the other main chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) INDY GHOST has finished 3rd in both outings so far most recently in a slow (even by current standards) race at this distance on January 12th when midfield and running on. Third up she can be peaking, Munro is on, and she can win. (10) GOD NIKE has picked up in her latest two, with back-to-back 3rd places. She likes to settle back and run on so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can get even closer today. (11) DOCTOR CASTLE has mixed his form across his four appearances so far. Three of those have been over a mile but he does have the fastest time at this distance (in as much as times are relevant presently with the slow track) and can be a danger here. (5) BARBELL TROFEO, who needs a line through his latest, and (1) RAON FLATTER are others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Indy Ghost (10) God Nike (11) Doctor Castle (5) Barbell Trofeo
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. It was very hard to pick a winner last weekend in the capita. Whether that was because of the return from the week off, the sub-zero temperatures or the relatively new sand on the track will perhaps become clearer this weekend – when there hasn’t been a holiday, the temperatures are comfortably above zero, and any track maintenance has had another week to bed in. We shall see. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Nine unraced fillies and three unraced colts open proceedings. (11) SWEET SONG is half-sister to Classic winner Betelgeuse and enters having made all to win a trial on January 9th. CC is aboard and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (1) MUNHAK FIGHTER went through two trials, running 4th and 3rd in fair times. From the inside gate, she should be on pace, and she has every chance of being in this a long way. (7) SEOUL NONGBU is another who showed on pace in his trial, leading before ultimately finishing in 4th place and he can be supported first up. (10) NUMBER ONE SOCKS and (12) BEST DREAM are others who hinted at ability in their respective heats.
Selections
(11) Sweet Song (1) Munhak Fighter (7) Seoul Nongbu (10) Number One Socks
Next Best
12, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (6) JOY LIGHT went back to trial after an inauspicious debut last November and was much better when returning on January 11th, leading for much of the way around over this distance and ultimately running a solid 2nd. In this company she can be on pace again and this time she can go one better. (8) GOOD FRIEND similarly ran an improved 3rd at start number two on January 18th, coming from off the pace. Kozzi climbs on and she can continue to progress. After winning a trial (11) CLAIR BIG BANG was sent off as favourite on debut over this distance on January 4th. She started slowly and was at the back a long time before running on well for 5th and she can get better here. (5) RAON THE CAVIAR and (1) BEOLGYO LAVA others with potential for improvement.
Selections
(6) Joy Light (8) Good Friend (11) Clair Big Bang (5) Raon The Caviar
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
3, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) MR. STORM was 4th on debut before running 2nd at start number two over this distance in November when in the speed throughout. That led him to be sent off as favourite for his 2025 debut on January 5th but having drawn gate eleven, he had a hard time finding position and ultimately ran 5th. He comes into a much better gate today and warrants another chance. (2) CHEONJI LADY similarly has a best of 2nd place recorded two starts back when settling midfield and running on. She was 4th on her latest outing on January 4th when handy throughout and in this field and with this draw, she can be expected to be on pace and can go close. (5) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL led for much of the way around over this distance on January 11th, ultimately running 2nd to a good winner. He’ll join the other fancied pair on the early speed and can be in this a long way. (11) THUNDER MARVEL and (9) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL among plenty of other place chances.
Selections
(1) Mr. Storm (2) Cheonji Lady (5) Cheongryongui Cal (11) Thunder Marvel
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (7) RAON DESPERATE was 3rd on debut in December before getting her maiden win at start two over this distance on January 5th when always close to the pace. She comes up in class here but looks to have plenty of potential, and she can win again. (6) CHOWON DOLPUNG got her maiden win in December leading all the way around at this trip. She had an ordinary day when sent off as favourite for her first try at this class last month, bumping on jumping and finishing midfield. Moon Se-young stays on and the manner of that previous win suggests she is worth another chance. (3) HAKSAN CLEAR is a maiden but is up in class following two runner-up finishes from three starts. She draws nicely and can measure up in this company at a probable each-way price. (2) WONDERFUL PASS and (11) HAKSAN DAESE are among others to consider.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
It’s hard to be sure which version of (1) BLUE RACER will show up. He returned from a five-month absence in December to only beat one home with the jockey ordered not to use his stick as the horses has been extremely wayward at times in the past. He looked very well when leading all the way in a January trial and against this modest opposition, if he runs straight, he can win. (6) ELITE PEACE will also have to be forgiven his latest on January 18th when slow away and then shifting out late. A run similar to his 4th place effort over 1400M the time before will see him in the mix here. (11) HAEJE YEOGEOL enters off a 4th place at this class over 1300M last time out and while she is up 2.5kg in the weights, can match or better that here. (3) GEUMSEONG YEOJE and (4) MINT PLAY perhaps the best of a limited rest.
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:35). Here are the previews:
Derby Winner Eunpa Sarang faces up and comer Wonpyeong Storm on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) AFLEET RUN ran a close 3rd over this distance on debut in December, racing on pace throughout. That led him to be sent off as favourite on his return on January 11th, but he took a bump at the start causing him to stumble and he never really recovered. We can draw a line through that and the Spun To Run gelding can be given another chance as favourite here. Debut-maker (2) DALBIT GEURIMJA may be the main danger. She showed at the front in her trial, ultimately crossing the line in 2nd place and from a good draw, if she brings that form to the races, she should be close. The form is patchy among the rest. (9) HERO CHOICE ran a fair 6th on debut and looks the most likely to improve. (3) YES ANGEL on trial form and (7) ECLIPSE LUCKY the others.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(11) GIANT BOSS ran 6th on debut in November and then led until the middle of the home straight on December 28th before ultimately finishing in 3rd place. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise, Kim Yong-geun booked is a plus, and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he is the one to beat. (3) ECO FORE did nothing in his first three starts, but since returning from a more than eight-month layoff in December, he has shown signs of figuring things out with a 5th and a 4th and from a great draw he can go even closer this time. (8) HWANGGEUM MASK and (10) ARCH DAY came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced one another over this distance on January 5th, with a couple more of today’s behind them. Both should be in the mix again in this company. (1) HYEWONYONGMA ran 2nd two starts back and on the strength of that, can be considered.
Selections
(11) Giant Boss (3) Eco Fore (8) Hwanggeum Mask (10) Arch Day
Next Best
1, 6
Fast Start
1, 5, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) DIXIE MAN has two 3rd place finishes among three starts so far, most recently over 1300M on January 11th when settling midfield and running on. He’s drawn wide every time so far so gate nine won’t be a problem and Moon Se-young stays on. Today can be the day. The main danger is (3) YEOLJEONGMA. After running 6th on debut, he was an improved 3rd when tried at this distance on January 4th. Both times he has settled at the back before finishing strongly and he can be powering home late here. (8) WILD HAPPY was an improved 4th at start number three at 1200M on January 4th. She too has been doing her best work late in races having gone back and she may appreciate the additional furlong today. (6) SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA and (2) MG FIRST among others in the placing frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive opener on the south coast. (3) MEGA MACHINE should have the edge, base don his last start 2nd at this distance on January 5th, when leading into the final furlong. He draws a much better gate today and that could be enough to get him home on top over limited opposition. (2) GUKDAE LEGEND has shown signs of figuring it out in his latest two with a pair of 4th places. This seems to be the distance for him and well-drawn, he can continue to improve here. (7) BAEDARI BOSEOK too enters off back-to-back 4th places and won’t need to be much better to get closer in this company. (6) DOCTOR CURLIN and (11) HI LEGEND are others who can content the minor money.
Selections
(3) Mega Machine (2) Gukdae Legend (7) Baedari Boseok (6) Doctor Curlin
Next Best
11, 6
Fast Start
1, 2, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) RAON NIZHINSKII got his maiden win two starts back over this distance and then followed up with a 3rd place on his first try at this class, again over the 1300M, on December 29th, settling handy and running on and beating a couple of these in the process. A similar effort should see him home on top today. (4) MENI WIN got his maiden win last March at this distance but then didn’t reappear until November. He has a 5th in a 3rd two starts back and drawn nicely and with Johan aboard, can continue to make progress today. (8) FREE TIME won on debut over 1200M in November, making all. That led him to be favourite for his first try at this class on December 29th, but he raced wide and fiercely and ultimately finished 6th behind Raon Nizhinskii. A more fluent performance can see him closer today. (11) AUSTIN LEADER and (5) GEUMA FOREMOST are others to consider.
Selections
(7) Raon Nizhinskii (4) Meni Win (8) Free Time (11) Austin Leader
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(1) BEOLMA KING has a win and two 3rd place finishes from three starts so far, the latest 3rd being his first try at this class on December 13th over 1300M, the same distance at which he got his win. He comes up to 1400M for the first time and from the inside gate, Jung Do-yun can pick his spot behind the speed, and he can win. (3) FLASH RUN got her maiden win at start three over 1300M on December 27th, leading for much of the way around. She comes up in class but is down in weight, draws nicely to be on pace again, and can measure up. (12) BEST PRIME is a fifteen-race maiden but has no fewer than nine top five finishes, most recently a close 2nd at this class and distance on January 17th. He is up 2kg on that, but the wide draw won’t matter, and he has the quickest final furlong among these on him. (10) TEAM SURPRISE and (9) EMPIRE DAY among plenty of others with at least place chances.
Selections
(1) Beolma King (3) Flash Run (12) Best Prime (10) Team Surprise
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only and it’s very tricky as a genuine case can be made for most. We’ll take a chance with (9) MISS CONCORD. She got her maiden win at this distance last September and since then has a 2nd, a 4th, and a 3rd in three efforts at this class, most recently on January 5th at 1300M. In this company she can be ridden on or close to the pace and has as good a chance as any. That will mean overturning the form on (7) HERO JILJU, who was 2nd in that January 5th race, continuing a very consistent run of form. An apprentice keeps her weight nice and low, and she can be competitive again. (11) ANDAMIRO enters off a solid 3rd place in a very similar race to this on January 11th, coming from off the pace and a similar effort will see her close again. (1) BISANG DAY and (8) DAESEUNGMA among plenty of other chances.
Selections
(9) Miss Concord (7) Hero Jilju (11) Andamiro (1) Bisang Day
Next Best
8, 5
Fast Start
1, 7, 8, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here and it’s hard to go far past (4) PARANG ENERGY. A winner at this distance on debut, she has a 3rd and a 4th in her two subsequent starts at the same distance at this class, with only a spin around 1400M being disappointing. She draws nicely to be on pace and Franco, who won on her is on. (12) B.K MAGIC comes up in having got her maiden win at 1200M on January 12th at this distance from a similarly wide draw. It was at this class so she comes up 3kg in weight but can be competitive again. (11) BROWN ROOKIE had a poor day at the office in that January 12th race, but prior to that was a good winner at this distance in December. She stays under a light weight and can be given another chance. (6) NEW LEADER and (5) THIS WAY, 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced each other on January 5th, are the other main place contenders.
Selections
(4) Parang Energy (12) B.K Magic (11) Brown Rookie (6) New Leader
Next Best
5, 7
Fast Start
4, 7, 11, 12
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(3) ÉCLAIR POWER came from off the pace to run 3rd over 1400M at this class on January 12th. His win came when making all at 1300M last October and he does come up to race at 1800M for the first time. He has prior experience at 1700M (finishing 5th) and from a good draw, he can be in the mix today. The danger is (8) DAZZLE RUSH. He is yet to win in four starts but enters off three consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently at this class over 1700M on January 5th, when he beat several of today’s opponents. He comes up 2.5kg in weights but if anything, the slight step up in trip can suit, and today could be his day. (6) CHOEGANG HYEONMA was 3rd in that January 5th race. He is yet to win in twelve but has finished in the top five on no fewer than ten occasions and should be there or thereabouts again. (10) GOLDEN BALL and (11) COSMO KING, 4th and 5th in that same race, are others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(3) Éclair Power (8) Dazzle Rush (6) Choegang Hyeonma (10) Golden Ball
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 7
Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
There’s no real need to go further than (1) BIG MUSICAL STAR. He’s won two of his latest three, most recently at this class and distance on January 12th when scoring comfortably despite racing ungenerously with his head up and pulling wide to the finish to the extent he was sent back to trial. He came through the trial easily a couple of weeks ago and while he has the steadier of an additional 4kg, that’s balanced by a better draw, and he should win again. (8) AMAZING WORLD has only raced twice, improving to 3rd at start two over 1400M on January 3rd when he led. He comes up in trip and can continue to make progress. (2) NICE BIG GUY enters off a class and distance 2nd at the start of December. He is in fresh after ten weeks off and can be a factor. (11) BACKTOTHECHAMPION and (7) BEST CHAMP, the latter a class and distance winner just two starts back, are the others in the hunt.
Selections
(1) Big Musical Star (8) Amazing World (2) Nice Big Guy (11) Backtothechampion
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
1, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(2) SAINT LUCCA may not win out of turn, but he is very dependable with fifteen top five finishes. His latest victory was only two starts back so he arguably enters in the best form of his career and while he carries 4kg more than he did that day, he draws well, Ruan Maia is on, and he can win. (9) BAEKRYONG was 4th behind Saint Lucca back in December and while he was a well beaten favourite last time out when he pulled hard and raced with his head up before tiring, his previous form earns another chance here. (10) TIZ ENERGY took thirty-one starts to get his maiden win, but it was at this class and distance, and he followed it up with a runner-up finish to New Dolkong on December 21st. He carries his fair share of weight here but should be in the mix. (11) SINUI UNMYEONG and (8) SEONGEUN CROWN are others to consider.
Selections
(2) Saint Lucca (9) Baekryong (10) Tiz Energy (11) Sinui Unmyeong
Next Best
8, 3
Fast Start
1, 5, 9, 1
Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(10) AREUMDAUN INYEON was a class and distance winner on December 22nd when settling right back and running on to pass them all. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights but has every chance of repeating here. (11) GRAY BOSS has an excellent record at 1800M with a win at class 4 level and two 2nd places at this class, most recently on January 3rd when racing on pace and beating plenty of today’s rivals in the process. He only comes up 1kg in the weights. and has run well from gate eleven before. (12) DOCTOR CAPTAIN had a poor day at the office in that January 3rd race but prior to that scored back-to-back wins over this distance and can ne given another chance here. (9) GREAT ONE and (8) STAR DAERO others to consider.
Selections
(10) Areumdaun Inyeon (11) Gray Boss (12) Doctor Captain (9) Great One
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 6
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
We’ll give (6) WHIZ IMPOSSIBLE a pass on his latest when he was well fancied but stumbled at start and then brushed the rail a couple of times before coming back slightly lame. He only missed a week of work and prior to that had shown good promise with a 3rd place at this distance. (11) YEONGWON BIG MAN returned from six months off to run a solid class and distance 3rd on December 29th. He should strip fitter for that run, and while he has to contend with the widest gate, he has a strong late turn of foot and can be a danger. (4) MIGHTY JOY has a win and three 4th place finishes to his name. He draws well to be on or close to the pace and while he has 57kg to contend with, he can be in the mix. Last start class and distance winner (10) SOARA TO TO along with (1) WINNING CHAMPION are others in the hunt.
Selections
(6) Whiz Impossible (11) Yeongwon Big Man (4) Mighty Joy (10) Soara To To
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 7, 9
Busan Race 6: Class 1 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
(6) DAEAM JANGGUN comes in having run 3rd behind the excellent Black Mamba over 1200M on January 12th with a few of today’s rivals behind him. He comes up 3kg in the weights but Franco partnering for the first time is a plus and he can return to winning ways for the first time in a long time. (4) FANTASTIC KINGDOM was among those beaten by Daem Janggun in that January 12th race, having previously been an also-ran in the Listed Kookje Shinmun Trophy. At the start before, he was a very quick class and distance winner and while he has the steadier of 58.5kg on his back, at his best he can be formidable. That pair will top most quinellas. (8) DAEJI CHOICE ran 4th behind Daem Janggun in that January 12th race and is a class 1 winner as recently as November. (9) JEONGMUN COBIT and (1) CATCH THE VICTORY other each-way prospects.
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) DRAGON BULPAE got his maiden win at start three last March and then didn’t race again until this January 4th. He made a very positive return, coming from off the pace to finish a close 2nd at this clas over 1200M. He carries 3kg more but should have derived plenty of benefit from the run and the step up to 1400M can suit. (7) SPALTA was sent off as favourite to snap his streak of five consecutive 2nd place finishes on January 12th. He duly did precisely that, unfortunately though it was in finishing 5th, rather than winning. He was, believe it or not, 2nd on his only previous try at 1400M, and normal service can resume today. (2) NAVY CAPTAIN is up in class following a win at this distance on December 14th. He draws well to be on pace and under a light weight, can measure up. (3) GUKDAE FIGHTER won in a double-quick time at this class and distance on January 4th, and despite an additional 5kg shouldn’t be dismissed. (1) PALATINO another in the hunt.
Seoul Race 10: Class 2 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
(1) WONPYEONG STORM is one of the hottest prospects in Korean racing, having won all four of his starts so far, including one at Listed Juvenile level last November. He kicked off his three-year-old campaign with a comfortable win over a mile at class 2 level on January 5th, and while he is up 4.5kg in the weights and makes a big jump up in trip, he is the one to beat. He faces last year’s Korean Derby winner (9) EUNPA SARANG. The latter returned to winning ways at this class and distance on November 30th in a quick time for the 2000M, and while he too is up in weight to the tune of 4kg, that’s balanced by CC climbing on and he can be a danger to the favourite. (3) ZIGGURAT was 3rd behind Wonpyeong Storm over the mile a month ago and 2nd to Eunpa Sarang at this distance two starts back and should be in the mix again. (5) GEOLJAK ONE along with (7) HIGH GRAND are others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 11: Class 1 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million
Competitive Class 1 with a ratings cap of 100. (9) I’M JJANG won three in a row before a long layoff that kept him out from last March until December. He ran a fair 5th on his return over 1200M on December 8th, looking like he needed the run. He should be better here and with Moon Se-young aboard as part of the 52kg he carries, he has an excellent chance back over the distance those aforementioned wins came at. (6) RAON FOREST enters off a win and two runner-up finishes from her latest two. Her target is probably the Queens’ Tour races that start in March she gives weight away here but isn’t to be underestimated. (11) VICS GO has plenty of quality and while he seems to bounce up and down the distances, he looks to have landed in this race nicely and Maia aboard is a plus. (3) FOREVER DREAM and (10) BOLT MAN the other main chances.
It’s been a cold and snowy week in Seoul. Saturday sees an 11-race card from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Two standouts. (9) SALVADOR ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on January 4th when slow away and settling a long way back before rapidly closing late. He should have come on for that run, the slight step up in trip can be in his favour, and he can go one better. (4) JECHUK LOG IN similarly ran 2nd n debut, well beaten by a good winner but doing plenty right, settling handy and running on. He draws a better gate and has every chance. (5) VINCERO CUE is the only one in the field who has raced twice already, securing a 3rd and a 5th, both at 1200M. He has raced on pace both times and should do the same here, with every chance to be in it a long way. (7) RYAN HEART, and (10) SONEULNAEMILEO, both 3rd on their respective debuts, are the others who will be in the market.
Selections
(9) Salvador (4) Jechuk Log In (5) Vincero Cue (7) Ryan Heart
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (11) TEUKGEUP PARTY led for much of the way around on debut on December 29th ultimately to succumbing to a good winner but posting a decent final furlong time herself. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but with a bit of luck at the start she can find a position and can go one better. (5) SAMJEONG LADY has raced twice, registering a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance. She can sit just behind the speed here and third up can be peaking fitness wise. (1) GYEOUL JANGMI didn’t do much behind Teukgeup Party on debut, but she previously trialed well and the jockey booking will focus minds. (3) RACE ROSE, along with debut maker (10) JISAN FRIEND, are others to consider.
Selections
(11) Teukgeup Party (5) Samjeong Lady (1) Gyeoul Jangmi (3) Race Rose
Next Best
10, 7
Fast Start
2, 4, 10, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Ater running midfield from a wide draw on debut, (3) ROPPONGI DRAGON ran an improved 2nd at start two over this distance on December 29th, sitting behind the speed and running on strongly and beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. Expect similar tactics here and he will be a short price to prevail over a limited set of opponents. (1) YEONGWON POTEN has picked up a little in her latest couple, most recently a very close 2nd place at this 1300M on January 4th. She tries the two turns for the first time, and it may suit. (4) MARUBYEOL is a thirty-two-race maiden but comes in off her best ever finish when 3rd at this distance two weeks ago. This race is no harder. (10) BEST KINGDOM and (8) GRAND FLYING are others who may contest the money finishes.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) YEONHUI HERO remains a maiden having got promoted to this class with two close runner-up finishes over 1200M. He ran 4th on his first try at this level at 1300M on December 29th when slow away and always on the back foot but with a better start, he can be on pace here and can go all the way. (7) LEMON K got her breakthrough win at start number five on January 4th when leading all the way. That win had been coming and while she comes up in class today, she comes down in weight, she draws well, and she can be on pace and in this a long way again. (3) CANVASEN GO is another last start maiden winner and in similar circumstances with that win having been coming for a while. He draws well and can measure up in this company. (11) NAMSAN MINAM and (10) GANA POWER others in the hunt.
Selections
(9) Yeonhui Hero (7) Lemon K (3) Canvasen Go (11) Namsan Minam
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
With the short Lunar New Year holiday now over, the 2025 Korean racing season gets underway in earnest in February with racing returning from its one week break on February 7th at Busan and with the first big race due to be run the following weekend.
Those aforementioned big leagues get underway with the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M at Seoul on Sunday February 16th, a lead up to – if not an actual part of – the Sprint Series. Currently thirteen remain entered, chief among them Speed Young, winner of the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) at Busan last summer and notably the best placed local finisher in the international G3 Korea Sprint over 1200M in September.
Vincero Cavallo was 6th in the Korea Sprint in 2024 and has won three out of four subsequent starts, most recently an impressive score after getting a long way back over 1200M at class 1 level on January 12th. An intriguing entry is Naol Sniper, who boasts a rating lower than only Speed Young. Were he to take his place in the gate, he would be tackling 1200M for the very first time (although he did win at five furlongs as a juvenile in 2022). Solid sprinters Raon The Point and Saenae Queen are also among the entries.
The following week, the Triple Crown picture is scheduled to start to take shape with the running of Classic trials over 1400M at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday February 23.
Group racing commences with the speedsters in the Busan Ilbo Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) on Sunday March 9th while the route horses get their first chance for a big prize a week later at Seoul in the Herald Business Cup (2000M), the opening leg of the Stayer Series, on March 16th.
That latter race would normally have marked the seasonal debut for Korea’s top-rate horse, Global Hit. However, last year’s winner remains in Dubai where after a luckless opening effort at Meydan at the end of January, he will take his chance in the G2 Al Maktoum Classic on March 1st.
March 23rd sees the opening leg of the Queens’ Tour for fillies and mares with the DOnag Ilbo Trophy (1800M KOR-L) at Seoul. As it was in 2024, the series is split into Spring/Summer and Fall Winter with the three-year-olds expected to join the latter on the conclusion of the Triple Tiara.
This year’s Triple Crown series kicks off at Busan on April 6th with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) before moving to Seoul for the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) on May 11th and finally the Minister’s Cup (2000M KOR-G2) on June 15th.
For the three-year-old fillies, the Triple Tiara starts with the Luna Stakes (1600M KOR-L) at Busan on March 30th, followed by the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), also on the south-coast on May 4th, concluding with the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul on June 8th.
International invitational races, the Korea Cup (1800M G3) and Korea Sprint (1200M G3) will be run on September 7th while eight other races are Listed in the International Blue Book, including the season finale Grand Prix Stakes (2300M KOR-G1) on November 30th.
Thoroughbred racing in Korea takes place on 50 weeks of the year, usually at Busan on Fridays and Sundays and at Seoul on Saturdays and Sundays.
Racing will take a one week break, with the action not resuming until February 7. We head into the holiday with Sunday cards at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 16:30). Here are the previews:
Success Baekpa won two legs of the Triple Crown last year. He goes in the feature on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Competitive maiden to open with. (1) SMART A ONE was a front-running 3rd on debut over this distance back on October 26th. She had a setback after that (ligament strain) but has been back in work since early this month and from a good draw, she can be on pace and has every chance here. (3) GINSHARI BOY led on debut at this distance on December 22nd HE ultimately fell away and finished back in the pack, but he should have come on for that experience and can be in this for longer. (2) INDIAN TAPIT ran a fair 5th on debut at the end of last month and she too can have derived benefit from the experience. (10) TROLL and (6) NAEGILUI ACE others who could be in the minor money frame.
Selections
(1) Smart A One (3) Ginshari Boy (2) Indian Tapit (10) Troll
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1, 3, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(10) ECLIPSE BLACK will be the warm favourite. After a shaky debut, he has put together a run of 3rd, 4th and most recently 2nd when stepped up to this distance for the first time on December 28th. He will want to be on pace, so he has the challenge of a wide draw, but CC stays on and he is very much the one to beat. (8) UMA DACHI was slow away at start two in that same race on December 28th but ran on very nicely to finish in midfield. With a better start, he can get much closer this time. (3) KING WARRIOR enters off an improved 3rd place at 1300M on December 22nd when on pace throughout. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time and from a good draw, it can suit. Debut maker (1) CHRYSOL DONGHAE along with (9) CYCLONE STAR are others to consider.
Selections
(10) Eclipse Black (8) Uma Dachi (3) King Warrior (1) Chrysol Donghae
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
3, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (6) FLYING DAY ran out a winner on debut over 1200M in a filly maiden on December 29th when racing handy throughout. She comes up in class and in distance here, but neither should be an issue, and she can maintain her 100% record. (10) STUNNING PEARL got her maiden win at start number two in November and then ran 2nd on her first try at this class on December 15th over 1300M. She comes up slightly in the weights, but the draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can maintain her record of never being outside of the top three. (7) GAMUN PARTY enters off a maiden win on December 29th. It was at this class, so she comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights, but she warrants respect. (5) SEMYEONG DIA and (2) GROW other placing chances.
Selections
(6) Flying Day (10) Stunning Pearl (7) Gamun Party (5) Semyeong Dia
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 9
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies and mares only in the opening maiden on the south coast. (1) GLOBAL HEROINE ran 5th on debut before improving to 3rd at start number two over 1300M on December 27th, with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She led for much of the way that day and from the inside gate can so the same here and this time go all the way. (10) GWANGPUNG STAR has been 4th on both her outings so far, most recently behind Global Heroine in that December 27th race. She can settle back and run on and can be getting closer this time. (9) KKEUTPAN YEOGEOL improved to 4th at start two on November 29th. There isn’t much early speed in this race so she is one of the contenders to join Global Heroine on pace and she can be in this a long way. (8) WONDER MOCCASIN and (6) DOLPHIN KICK others in the hunt.
Selections
(1) Global Heroine (10) Gwangpung Star (9) Kkeutpan Yeogeol (8) Wonder Moccasin
Next Best
6, 2
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Competitive race. (6) SEOUL BINGO got her maiden win at start three over this distance on December 21st when ridden on pace for the first time. She comes up in class here but is down in the weights, Moon Se-young climbs on, and with similar tactics, she can win again. (8) SCALE KING got his maiden win at the eleventh time of asking at this class and distance on December 22nd, settling midfield and proving too strong. He comes up 3kg in the weights but can be competitive again and a danger late on. (7) BAEDARI KWAEGEOM saw her form go a little cold across last summer, but she finished off 2024 well with a 3rd and a 2nd. She comes in fresh off a nine-week lay off and can be in the mix again. (3) NAOL INDY and (5) WONPYEONG GWANGYA other minor money chances.
Selections
(6) Seoul Bingo (8) Scale King (7) Baedari Kwaegeom (3) Naol Indy
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) YOUNG SKYWALKER was a beaten favourite three times before finally breaking through at the fourth time of asking on December 29th when racing handy and running on. That was at this class and distance so he does come up 3.5kg in weight, but in this company, he should be on or close to the pace and the force can be with him once more. It only took (10) TOHAMSAN TIGER two attempts to get his maiden win, which he did at this distance on January 5th. He makes a quick return here up in class but down in weight and he can measure up. (5) SWORD MASTER was an also-ran in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie for juveniles in November but bounced back to run 2nd at this class over a mile just before Christmas, albeit a long way behind a very good-looking winner. He comes back to the trip at which he got his win and Munro knows him well. (4) YONGBI PAEWANG finished 3rd in two Listed events as a juvenile last term and back down in trip can be given a chance. (9) WORLD WINNERS MAN another to consider on a place line.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(8) DREAM CARD returned from six months out in December and has run 3rd twice, both at this class and both over 1400M. He steps up to 1700M for the first time, but his style suggests it can suit and third up he can be peaking fitness wise. (6) SPEED CARA enters having beaten a few of these when an on-pace 3rd at this class over 1800M on December 28th. He is one for one at this distance and shapes as the main danger. (11) ELDORADO HEUNGBU was 4th in that race behind Speed Cara. He is yet to win in six attempts but should have derived benefit from his first go around two turns and can be there or thereabouts today. (1) LOVE O MINE and the up in class (3) LUCKY FAMOUS are others in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Dream Card (6) Speed Cara (11) Eldorado Heungbu (1) Love O Mine
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
2, 3, 8, 11
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) RICH TREE looks the one to beat here. After running 2nd at a mile two starts back, he stepped up to two turns for the first time on December 27th and after a slow start from a wide gate, ran on for 5th. He should have benefitted from that experience and from a slightly better gate and with a better start, he can win. That will mean overturning the form on (12) THE WIND, who ran 4th in that race, coming from well off the pace. The wide draw is no problem, Munro stays on, and he can be there or thereabouts again. (10) BLUE POINT is yet to win in twelve attempts but has been getting closer and comes in off a smart class and distance 2nd just two weeks ago. He is another who likes to settle back and run on, and he can be danger late. (3) FAT BOY and (1) HI CHAMP others in the placing frame.
Selections
(7) Rich Tree (12) The Wind (10) Blue Point (3) Fat Boy
Next Best
1, 8
Fast Start
1, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Horse Racing in Korea 