There’s an 11-race card at Seoul on Saturday from 10.35 to 18.00. Here are the previews:

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

Twelve unraced three-year-olds, nine of them fillies. The best in trials was (10) BITNARA, who after failing to qualify in May, came back at the start of this month and having settled midfield, ran through the line well for a close 3^rd in a decent time If he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (9) FASHION STAR took a while to get going in her trial but finished off pleasingly enough clocking a fair time. The 1200M of the race should be better than the 1000M of the trial and she can run well first-up. (12) THUNDER FIRE is another who ran on from an unpromising position and can be considered. (6) GIDAEHARA showed on pace in her trial and while she weakened that’s enough to give her a chance here. (3) HAPPY FRIEND another who hinted at ability.

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

Imported three-year-old maidens with two of them racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on both of those newcomers (8) GLORY YEONGGWANG, who led all the way to win his trial very comfortably in a quick time at the end of November. Ruan Maia has begun the year in great form, and he can continue here. (5) MIGHTY EVER trialed up on Boxing Day, settling midfield and running on well for 2^nd in a good time given the conditions. The 1200M can suit first up and he can be a danger. Among the experienced, (10) GWANAKSAN BLACK led on debut over this distance on November 10^th, ultimately coming home 5^th. He has had eleven weeks off since so comes in fresh and with a bit of luck at the start, he can find a forward position. (9) TIARA SUA and (1) GRAY CANDY others who can improve.

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

Weak maiden. (8) MALSGO did precisely nothing in two starts in November and right at the beginning of December. He has though been back to trial since then and looked much better, running a close 2^nd in a good time. If he brings that form in here, he can win. Debut-maker (7) CHRYSOL NIKE didn’t set the world alight in her trial but stuck to her task well enough to suggest she has potential. Kozzi is aboard, she draws nicely, and she should be available at an each-way price. (3) CHAMP HAMSEONG ran 5^th on debut in November, and that’s probably enough for her to have favourite status here. She was poor on her second start but is worth another chance in this company. (10) CUPID WORLD and (11) CAPTAIN RISE others who may improve.

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

Another modest maiden although this one is very competitive so should have plenty of interest. (7) SAVANA CHARLIE beat three of these on his way to 3^rd place at this distance on December 29^th, settling back and running on. It was an uptick in his recent form, and he has as much chance as any here. (9) FLYING LUCKY stepped up to 1700M for the first time in that December 29^th race and ran a solid 4^th place. She should have derived benefit from a first spin around two turns and under a similar weight and with Jeong Woo-ju, who is riding well lately, staying up, she can get closer. The pair of those have no wins from thirty-one starts between them so if you prefer one with more potential improvement then (4) EUNPA MUSIC could be it. He ran 5^th in that December 29^th race in what was his first try at 1700M and just his fifth race overall, and he can get better. (2) NAEGILUIYEONGGWANG has a 2^nd place to his name over this distance and must be considered. (11) GHOST CHRYSOL another in the frame.

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 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

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener and (10) SEOMDOLMORU will be the hot favourite. After an inauspicious debut, she was a much better 2^nd over this distance on December 14^th, racing handy and nearly getting up. She won’t need to improve a lot on that to win here. (8) MISS FAMOUS beat a couple of these on her way to 4^th place on debut in a similar race to this on December 21^st and looks to be the main danger. That pair were (5) GOOD FRIEND and (2) NAMSAN SONYEO who came home 6^th and 7^th respectively although both showed enough then and in their prior trials, to suggest they can get better. There are two debut-makers and (7) LA FESTA perhaps has the best chance of making an immediate impact.

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

(5) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG has been getting closer in his latest few, culminating in a 2^nd place on what was his first try at this distance on December 21^st, when he raced on pace and beat a couple of today’s rivals. The same apprentice keeps his weight nice and light and he is the one to beat here. (8) TRES VITE was 3^rd in that race, his best finish in twenty-six outings. He too has been getting progressively closer in recent starts and can go one better today in what is, frankly, one of the weaker maidens you will find at Seoul. (1) CHOCO BEAUTY has a 2^nd place on her record as recently as October and can be running on late. (6) BLACK RUSSIAN and (2) YONGBI KING, the latter 4^th in that December 21^st race, are other placing chances.

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

Another short-priced favourite in the shape of (6) EAST GANGJEOK. After finishing 5^th on debut, he has since registered back-to-back 3^rd places at 1200M and last time this trip on December 14^th. He’ll be on pace, Ruan Maia climbs on, and today should be the day. (9) CHANGJOUI GIDONG returned from six months out on December 21^st to run a fair 6^th of eleven over 1400M. Before the layoff he managed a 2^nd and a 3^rd and stripping fitter today, he can be a threat. (11) CHOWOLMA has hinted at ability in two outings to date, most recently 5^th behind East Gangjeok in that December 14^th race. The wide draw shouldn’t prove a problem, and he can continue to improve. The form drops off considerably after those three, with (1) LADY BLUE and (5) BLACK SMILE perhaps best of the rest.

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

Since getting his maiden win at start three over 1200M in October, (10) MORE THAN JOKE has been a beaten favourite in two attempts at this class, running 2^nd and then 3^rd at this distance, most recently on December 21^st. In this company he should be on pace, and he can make it third time lucky here. (4) UGWANGMYEONG was a winner on debut on December 22^nd having drawn the widest gate and then gone right back before swooping home. He comes up in class and marginally in trip here, but he can measure up. (3) PHANTOM DRAGON races for the first time since his maiden win last July. He looked well on a December trial and from a good draw, can be in the mix first up. (2) ASSI JANGGUN and (5) ECLIPSE EDGE others to consider.

Its been a very cold week in Seoul although it should warm up a little before the weekend program gets underway. There are 11 races on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. The experience is by and large good though and (8) AFLEET RUN will be the favourite. He raced handy on debut over 1200M on December 8^th ultimately running home in 3^rd place. He should have derived benefit from that experience and won’t need to improve too much to win this. Nor though will (12) TAPDINE. After winning a November trial, he led for much of the way on his debut on December 1^st, ultimately finishing 3^rd. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but he should be equal to it. (10) BEOLGYO LAVA has raced twice, finishing 4^th on both occasions. Her times haven’t been quick, but she should have a fitness edge on the newcomers and can be close. Of those first-time starters (1) BAEKDU ILSEONG and (9) JECHUK LOG IN looked the best in trials.

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

Three-year-old imported maidens here and (2) PALATINO will be the hot favourite. After running 2^nd on debut in November, he beat three of today’s rivals on his way to 3^rd place over 1300M on December 14^th. He’ll be on pace here and while he was the beaten favourite that day, it would be a big surprise if he falls short again. Naming your horse (5) WINNING CHAMPION is a bold move but he did offer a hint of promise on debut when 5^th over 1200M in a quick race back at the end of October. He comes in fresh after eleven weeks off and can get closer today. There are a couple of first-time starters and (6) SAINT RUNNER came from off the pace to run on well in his trial and 1200M first up can suit. (8) ACE K and (1) BAKCHARA may improve.

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

(6) GWANGGYOUI GISANG debuted with a 3^rd place in November and followed up with a 2^nd on December 14^th when he led for most of the way around over 1300M. In this company he will be on pace, and he won’t need to be much better to go one better here. After an ordinary debut, (9) HIGH CROWN has since registered a 2^nd and a 4^th from two subsequent appearances, both over this distance. He can settle behind the speed here and can challenge late. (11) DIXIE MAN ran 3^rd on debut at this distance and while he weakened having shown close to the front on his second start on December 15^th, Moon Se-young stays up and he can be given another chance. (5) WONDERFUL ALONG and (4) MYEONG POWER the other main placing chances.

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

Competitive maiden. (8) DRAGON K enters off his best to date on December 14^th when he beat a couple of these with a front running effort on his way to 2^nd place. He will be on pace here and has as much chance as any of going one better. (4) I AM GO has finished no worse than 5^th in four attempts so far with her best being a runner-up finish over 1000M back in July. She had four months off after that and has a 5^th and a 4^th in her two starts back. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and Moon Se-young staying on will tempt plenty. (7) SPARTAN has two 3^rd places from his latest three and seems to be figuring things out at last. He likes to lead, and he can be in this a long way. (11) MG FIRST and (3) CHUPUNGNYEONG, the latter finishing off very strongly last time out having gone right back and who can be peaking at start three, are others to keep safe.

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

Fillies and mares only here. (1) GOLD QUEENS came from off the pace on debut to score over 1200M on November 16^th. It wasn’t a quick race, but she did what was asked of her in fine fashion and while she is up in class, she carries a light weight, and she can measure up. (5) GEUNYANG GARA beat Gold Queens in a trial last October and got her maiden win over 1200M in November. She had a poor day at the office on her latest when weakening late over 1300M just before Christmas, but she can be given another chance here. (3) ONEULDO SMILE won on debut over 1000M in August. She hasn’t raced since but she looked well enough when going through a Boxing Day trial and from a good draw can be in the hunt. (8) ANDAMIRO and (4) ROYAL PLUS others to consider. 

The capital track’s 2025 season kicks off on Saturday with an 11-race card from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old filly maidens with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (8) SAMJEONG LADY ran 3^rd on debut in a similar filly only maiden to this at the end of October, settling midfield and running on. She’s had ten weeks off since then, but that experience can be key in seeing her home on top here. (9) CLAIR BIG BANG is the pick of the debut-makers. She led every step of the way in her trial, winning it by plenty and in a quick time. If she brings that form to the races, she is a big chance first-up. (5) TTOSUNI SEOUL was a fair 5^th of eleven on debut over this distance on November 23^rd and she can have come on for the run. Returning to the first timers, (11) HERO CHOICE and (6) SALVADOR hinted at ability in trials.

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

After a couple of goes to figure things out, (10) LEMON K has a 3^rd and a 2^nd from her latest two, most recently beating three of these over this distance on December 8^th when handy throughout. Expect similar tactics here and she can go one better. (7) GLOBAL SERVE was 3^rd in that December race having led for much of the way around. He also has a 2^nd place to his name and from a fair draw, can be on pace and in this a long way again. (9) RAON SPILETTA did nothing on debut in September but was much improved at start number two on November 30^th when an on-pace 4^th. An apprentice claim means he carries 2kg less this time and can continue to make progress. (11) CHEONJI LADY and (1) WONPYEONG NURI other placing chances.

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

(1) JISAN FORCE was ordinary on debut in October but came up to this trip for start number two on December 1^st and having drawn the widest gate, came from off the pace to run a strong 2^nd with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. Drawing much better and without much speed in this race, he may well be on pace from the start this time and will be favoured to win.  (6) YEOLJEONGMA was slow away on debut over 1200M on December 8^th but ran on well to finish in midfield. He should have derived benefit from the experience, the additional trip can suit, and he should be closer this time. That will mean overturning the form on (9) TURBO CHARGE, who ran 4^th in that December 8^th race. That matched her previous finish, and she is another who may enjoy the step up in distance. (10) ECO FORE and (4) THUNDER LUCKY others to consider.

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. (8) DONGBANG FORCE enters off 2^nd and a 3^rd from her latest two, both at 1200M and both times racing on pace. She should be the quickest to the front here and she has every chance. (6) DIA ROOK was very narrowly beaten into 2^nd three starts back when she led and was 3^rd on her latest coming from off the pace. She’ll be challenging for the lead here and Moon Se-young being booked for the first time means she will probably start as the favourite.  (3) GRACE ROUTE improved to 3^rd at start two on December 14^th and from a much better draw can be in the finish again. (9) LADY FOX and (2) SWITCH POWER among other place chances.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 12 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juveniles with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with a first timer and (8) SAHARA KHAN who showed on pace in his trial, crossing the line 2^nd in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance first up. (11) SSOARA STAR ran a close 2^nd on his debut over 1200M on December 12^th, settling behind the speed and running on. He should have come on for that run and the slight step up in trip can suit.  (12) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG was 3^rd on his debut on November 24^th, running through the line pleasingly enough and he can be in the frame again here. So too can (2) GWANAKSAN CHECK IN who debuted back in September with a fair 5^th but trialed up again in November and can improve. Returning to the first timers, (7) BS STORM looks next best based on trials.

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

Imported juvenile maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time. (2) DREAMER WHIZ has a 3^rd and a 2^nd from his two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. He was well beaten by the very promising Tap Tier last time out but in this company and well-drawn, he can be on pace, and he can go one better. (7) BLUE PIORA has a 3^rd and a 4^th from her two first appearances at 1200M and 1300M, settling back and running on both times. She has shown good late speed and shapes as the main danger here. (3) DANCING GRAYTIZ ran 3^rd on debut behind Dreamer Whiz on November 24^th, coming from well off the pace. He has three-lengths to make up but should have come on for that run. Among the first timers, (5) MIGHTY SWEET and (10) HANAM ELDORADO perhaps have the best chance of an immediate impact.

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) BYEOKSONG debuted over 1200M on November 23^rd and raced handy before running 3^rd.  The time wasn’t quick, and she was a long way behind the winner, but she should have come on for the run, and she has every chance. (5) GWANAKSAN JOY was 4^th in that race on November 23^rd having led through the early stages. She also has a 2^nd place on her record and well-drawn, she can lead again and be in this a long way. (9) YONGAM SARANG did nothing in her first two starts in September and October, but she looked much better when sent back to trial earlier this month and can be given another chance. (3) STUNNING WORLD and (11) NAEGILUI CHAMP are other potential improvers.

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

(2) SPLENDID has been knocking on the door across his six starts so far and comes in following the best of them when 3^rd over 1300M on November 24^th when leading in the home straight. He draws very nicely to lead again, and this time can go all the way. (9) ECLIPSE BLACK did nothing on debut in a very tough Listed race in September but has since put in a 3^rd and a 4^th in two subsequent outings, racing handy both times. He has the challenge of a wide draw, but he can be a danger here. (6) CRAZE CHANG is yet to finish in the top two in eleven outings, but he has finished between 3^rd and 5^th in no fewer than six occasions, and this is the kind of race he can pick up another cheque in. (3) CUPID K and (4) RAON THE BELMONT are others in the placing frame.

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

(10) GEOSEN GANGHO ran 2^nd in both his first two starts to get promoted to this level and then ran 3^rd on his class 5 bow over 1300M on November 16^th when settling midfield and running on. He continues under a light weight here and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he’ll be the favourite to make his breakthrough. (3) THEME TANSAENG finally made his breakthrough two starts back at this class and distance. He carries his fair share or weight here but draws nicely and can be a threat. (11) YUSUBUJAENGSEON has a 3^rd and a 4^th in two tries at this class since a maiden win in October. He comes up to 1400M for the first time and has proven tactically versatile so the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem. Up in class (4) WONDERFUL FAPPY along with (8) DREAM CARD are others in the hunt.

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 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with six of the eleven racing for the first time.  (1) GWANAKSAN WONDERFUL was 3^rd on debut in September and followed up with a 2^nd place on October 26^th having come from well off the pace over this distance. Third-up she can be peaking, Moon Se-young climbs on, and she can go one better. (6) SINHAN ACE was a trial winner and was then runner-up on debut at this distance on November 23^rd, settling midfield and finishing off very nicely. He should have derived benefit from the run and shapes as the main danger. Among the first timers, (9) MISS FAMOUS and (10) KIA ORA were the quickest in trials with the latter winning his heat. If they bring that form to the races, both can go close first-up. Returning to the experience, (11) ISEUL CHEOREOM was a fair 5^th in a slow race on debut and can improve.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (2) SUHYANG MIIN ran 4^th on debut in October and then followed up an on-pace 2^nd over this distance on November 30^th when on pace throughout. The only filly in the race, she draws well to get to the lead, and she is the one to beat. (12) HANGANG FANTASTIC was 2^nd on debut over 1200M on November 24^th having raced handy throughout. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but showed promise and can be in the finish here. (5) HIGH CROWN Improved to 2^nd at start number two at this trip last month when in contrast to his debut, he was ridden on pace. Expect similar tactics today and he can be a threat. (11) CHEONGRYONGUI CAL was 4^th on debut and can improve for the run while among the first timers, (10) LEGEND WOW was best in trials.

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

(1) BREEDO KING STAR returns to action for the first time since May. He had four top five finishes from five starts before the layoff and looked well when finishing midfield in a November trial. While his race sharpness will have to be taken on trust, if he can show the kind of form he had previously, he has a winning chance. (8) LADY FOX similarly returns after a lengthy absence, in her case racing for the first time since June. She has a 2^nd and a 3^rd to her name and while she didn’t offer many clues in a slow trial at the end of November, she is a chance in this company. (7) TRES VITE has never finished in the top three in twenty-five attempts but has been 4^th of 5^th on no fewer than eleven occasions and should be there or thereabouts again. (3) POETIC NUBI and (4) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG others in the minor money frame.

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

Two standouts in this maiden. (4) NAEGILUI YEOJEONG was 4^th on debut on October and then followed up with a 2^nd place over this distance on November 16^th when leading for much of the way around. From a great draw, he can be on pace again and can go all the way this time. He will have to dispute that lead with (2) SPARTAN. He has a best of 3^rd recorded at this distance two starts back in a time quicker than what Naegilui Yeojeong has achieved, and his 5^th place last time out was against a stronger set of rivals than this. He too draws very nicely and will be in this a long way. The form falls off after that pair. (9) COMMAND BLUE enters off a fair 5^th over this distance while (11) NONSTEP SERVE has shown gradual improvement across three outings so far and both can be placing chances. (8) RAON THE IMPACT another potential improver.

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

(3) MORE THAN JOKE got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M before running 2^nd when a hot favourite for his first try at this class and distance on November 23^rd when handy throughout. He comes up 2kg in weight but draws slightly better and is well worth another chance here. (2) YEONGUNG JARYONG is the main danger. After having a hard time in his first couple of tries at this class, he returned to form last time out when 2^nd over this trip on November 16^th settling midfield and running on. Moon Se-young, who rode him when he won, returns to the ride and he will be second favourite. (1) CUPID MIR has a 2^nd and a 3^rd from his latest two, both at this class and distance and from the inside gate, should be in the mix again. (5) GLOBAL HAMSEONG and (9) GANGCHEOL JEONSA are others in the placing frame.