It’s another big weekend of racing with the Queens Tour Fall/Winter continuing on Sunday with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, as well as a pair of big races in the Juvenile Series the same afternoon. Saturday’s action 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 maidens with three of the nine racing for the first time. We’ll side with the experience though (6) HYEUKMUSANG won a July trial before running 2^nd on debut over this distance on August 31^st beaten only by a winner who has gone on to score again. He should have come on for the run and will be a warm favourite to prevail here. (1) SAENAE CLASSIC was given a tough assignment on debut in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy but he acquitted himself fairly, running 6^th of eleven having raced just behind the speed. He should have derived benefit from that and can improve here. (2) DRAGON K ran 8^th in the same race having finished 4^th over 1000M on debut. He too can get closer here. (4) SMART TAKE and (3) HAKSAN CAIRO both hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

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

(4) CHEONGSAN JIJLU registered a 4^th and a 3^rd from his first two starts before finishing a good 5^th of eleven in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy at start number three on September 7^th when he beat a couple of the leading contenders for race 1 today. He got a long way back that day before running on and with a better start and in more amenable company, he should be too strong. (3) BREEDO TROPHY has made solid progress across four starts so far with his latest, on September 15^th, being his best when 3^rd over this distance coming from well off the pace. He’s got a smart finish on him and from a good draw, Kozzi can pick his spot, and they will be a danger. (1) MAGIC SILENCE comes in having run an improved 3^rd place at this distance on October 6^th. She makes a quick return here to strike while the iron is at least lukewarm and from her best draw to date, she can get her best result to date. (9) KYLIE and (2) YEONGWON FANTASTIC other chances.

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

(1) RAON HIT MAN enters having beaten a couple of these on his way to 2^nd place on what was his first try at this distance on September 15^th, coming from well off the pace. The extended trip seemed to suit, and he can make it twelfth time lucky today. (5) WITH DIS KURO has finished off well in each of his three outings so far, up to 1300M. Each time he has run out of track, and he too should appreciate the chance to run at further today. (6) P N S ME and (4) NATURAL SOUND came home 3^rd and 4^th respectively behind Raon Hit Man in that September 15^th race. Both have run once since, putting in good efforts and then can be in the mix here. (8) SUN GALLANT the other placing chance.

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

Fillies only here and (10) SERGEANT LIGHT shapes as the warm favourite. She has been getting progressively closer across her six starts to date, culminating in a close 2^nd place over this distance on September 14^th when slightly slow away before being ridden up to race handy. The wide draw shouldn’t matter, and she can go one better this time. (5) MERIT SUNSHINE beat a couple of these on her way to 3^rd place at 1200M on September 14^th, his best finish so far. In this company, she can be ridden forward today and can be in this a long way. (3) DIA ROOK did nothing in her first two starts but only went down by a very narrow margin at start three on August 17^th at this distance having led for much of the way. She can lead here too and be a danger. (11) OKCHEON WIN STAR and (7) CALIPH others in the placing frame.

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) 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 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with four of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (4) GWANAKSAN JOY, who debuted over 1200M on August 31^st when she led for much of the way, ultimately finishing 4^th, six lengths behind the winner who has since won again. She’ll be on pace here and this time can go all the way. Having won a trial, (10) HAKSAN CLEAR was sent off as favourite on debut over this distance on September 8^th when she led but got caught late on. She too should have come on for the run and can be a danger here. (6) CHOWON DOLPONG was a close 2^nd on debut before taking her chance in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy on September 7^th. She finished 7^th of eleven in that but should be happier in more amenable company here. (7) HAENGBOKHAN SEUNGBU and (1) BEOLGYO GRAMMY others who hinted at ability on debut and may improve.

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

Twelve maiden imports here with six of the twelve racing for the first time.  We’ll take a chance on one of those newcomers after (4) SECRET SOCKS more than caught the eye in the last of three trials she went through. It was on September 12^th, and she led all the way around stopping the clock in 60.6 seconds, nine-lengths clear of the rest. If she brings that form to the races, she can win. (9) PEPPER X beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to a solid runner-up finish on debut on September 14^th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar tactics here and with some natural improvement, he has a winning chance. (11) DREAMER WHIZ was 3^rd on debut over 1000M, running on pleasingly enough. The step up in trip can suit, and he can get closer here. (5) GWANAKSAN O TWO and (1) BREEDO SIRIS others who can improve.   

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (7) ANYANG GIPPEUM is the only one in the race with a 2^nd place to her name, achieved at start number two over this distance on August 17^th when briefly leading close to home and only being narrowly beaten. She subsequently ran 4^th on September 15^th, and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, on those efforts to win this. (8) DAESEUNGMA comes in off back-to-back 4^th place finishes, actually beating Anyang Gippeum on the latter’s debut in July before finishing behind her in that August 17^th race. She can be on the speed here and in this a long way. (10) HANGANG FASHIONED also enters off a pair of 4^th place finishes achieved in contrasting styles, first when leading and then from behind and she too shapes as a danger, (3) ORION ALPHA and (9) SEOHAE BADA others in the frame.

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

(11) DANGDAECHOWOL got two 4^th places from his first two outings and then ran 2^nd at start three on September 14^th, beating a couple of today’s rivals and posting a time faster than any of the others here who have tackled the distance. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but Kozzi climbs on, and he can go one better this time. (5) ÉCLAIR POWER has a 2^nd and a 3^rd in two starts back following a five-month layoff, settling back and running on both times. Third-up this preparation he can be peaking fitness wise, and he will be vying for favourite status. (1) POETIC NUBI was 3^rd behind Dangdaechowol in that September 14^th race and can aim to match or better it from the inside gate. (3) COMMANDING LEAD and (6) WANCHOEGO others to consider.

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

(3) MAGIC IMPACT got her maiden win on her first try around this distance on September 15^th, leading for much of the way around and scoring by as many lengths as she pleased. She comes up in class, but she draws nicely, and she can make it two in a row. (6) SINUI UNMYEONG was a beaten favourite on his first try at this class and distance on September 8^th, showing on pace and coming home 4^th. The start before he was a smart winner over 1400M and can be given another chance today. He gets a weight swing on (2) BIG BLED, who won that September 8^th race, leading all the way. Her 3.5kg rise is softened slightly by a nice draw and she can be in this a long way again. (1) WONDERFUL WELLS and (4) LEGEND TAP among others in contention in what looks a competitive race.

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 maidens with all but one of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with the newcomers and (3) PALO ALTO qualified at the second time of asking, leading all the way to win a heat on September 5^th in a fair time. He draws nicely, the 1200M should suit first up, and he has every chance. (2) BEST RACE was 2^nd in his trial but it was in a quick time, settling handy and running on If he brings that form to the races, he will be firmly in the mix. The solitary one with experience is (4) GEOLJAK HAPPY and she has raced twice. She improved to 3^rd in the second of them on September 9^th when briefly touching the front in the home straight. She comes up in trip for the first-time and should have the edge on plenty of these in terms of fitness. (8) LUCKY SUNNY and (11) TAEGISAN KING others who hinted at ability in trials.

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

(2) YUSUBUJAENGSEON has steadily improved across four starts so far, culminating in a 3^rd place at this distance on August 18^th when racing close to the pace throughout. The time he recorded was significantly faster than any of the others here have achieved for the 1200M and he will be a warm favourite. The main danger is (5) WONPYEONG NURI. He has a 4^th and a 5^th from his latest two and in this company should be on the speed and can be in things a long way. (8) MG FIRST has mixed his form across three starts so far, but he does have a 3^rd place to his name at this distance and that’s enough to put him in the placing frame here. (3) CHALLANHAN NALGAE and (1) RUNNING ARTIST may be the best of a limited rest.

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (10) FUNNY TAP was 4^th on debut in a quick time on September 12^th when she settled midfield and ran on very pleasingly. She should have come on for that run, the additional half furlong can suit, and she is the one to beat here. (1) BEATRIZ has been knocking on the door over her latest few. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be on the speed from the start. (6) AMAZING STAR actually has a win on her record back in June. She was stripped of the rating points from that after a post-race test (hence why she is still in a maiden) and a subsequent outing in August didn’t go well. She has been back to trial since and looked good when winning a heat last week. Her interesting career can continue here. (5) GREEN CONCORD and (2) GANDAGO others in the hunt.

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) MAGIC PRINCE has two 2^nd places and a 4^th in three attempts at this class and distance, most recently when a very close runner-up on September 15^th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has the challenge of the widest gate here, but his running style hasn’t been to lead early, and he can go one better today.  (9) GEUMSEONG REVERE similarly beat two of today’s other rivals on her way to 2^nd place at this class and distance on August 31^st when leading for much of the way around at big odds. She will warrant more respect here. (7) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG has been ordinary in his latest couple over 1400M, but he comes up to the two turns for the first time and it may suit. (1) DANGCHAN NANGBO and (10) CHADOL RUN others in the frame.

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

Fillies and mares only here. (2) GLORY AND HONOR should have won at this class and distance three starts back when 3^rd but she has maintained her form with another 3^rd and then 4^th in two subsequent outings. She draws well, carries a very light weight, and back in filly only company, she is the one to beat. (7) EXCELLENT MATTA comes in off a smart 4^th place over 1300M on August 13^th/ She is yet to win but in this company, she can be on the pace and can be in this a long way. (1) HAENGBOK YEOJEONSA made all to win over this distance and class 6 level three starts back. She enters off a last start 4^th and from a better gate today can get closer. (9) FINAL JILJU and (10) HAEJE YEOGEOL among others to consider.

Racing returns to Seoul on Saturday with a daytime meeting of 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but one racing for the first time.  (10) MIGHTY AMI trialed up in July and while she finished ten-lengths behind the experience Sinui Yeoje, she posted a good time and showed some maturity at the head of the chasing pack. Moon Se-young rides and she has as good a chance as any. On trials, (4) ELDORADO PARTY is the logical danger. She led for most of her heat and was only passed late to finish 2^nd in a good time. She draws well to be on pace and can be in this a long way. She may well start the betting favourite. (2) GWACHEON QUEEN steadily improved across three trials with the best being her latest on August 29^th when 3^rd. She too draws well to sit on speed or handy and can go close. The sole one with experience is (7) RAON THE KEISHA, who only managed 6^th of nine on debut but should have derived some benefit from real competition. Returning to the debut makers, (8) GEUMBIT RUNNER posted the next quickest trial time.

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the twelve racing for the first time. There is some useful experience here though, and (12) DUSON OPEN shapes as the favourite. She debuted over 1000M on August 25 leading for most of the way around before having to settle for 2^nd in a good time. She should have come on for the run and while she has the challenge of the widest gate, she won’t need to find much to win this. (2) TAEPYEONG LEGEND is the only one in the field who has raced twice. After a fair debut, he improved to a close 3^rd in a good time at this distance on August 17^th. From a great draw, he will be on pace, and he has every chance. Turning to the first timers, (3) REMEMBER AGAIN went through three trials, improving each time, most recently with a close 4^th place in a good time on September 12^th. 1200M can suit first up. (1) ONE PUNCH DRAGON took two goes to qualify but looked competent in his second attempt on July 25^th, coming from off the pace and posting a good time. If he brings that form to the races, he will be in the mix. (6) SMART MUSIC, 5^th on debut was a long way behind the winner, but previously won a trial, and may have a say.

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Class 4 but for juveniles so we have a field of imports with ten of the twelve racing for the first time. The two experienced ones showed ability, and they go on top. (10) KONGNAMUL ran 4^th over 1200M on August 18^th, racing handy throughout and clocking a good time. He should have come on for the run and Moon Se-young stays on. (12) WORLD PEOPLE made his debut at 1000M on September 1^st, showing on pace and briefly leading late on before finishing 4^th. He too should have derived benefit from that and with some natural improvement can have an edge over the debut-makers. As for those, (4) FINAL K looked the best in trials. He was a well beaten 2^nd but that was behind only Ultra Galaxy, a five-time winner. He ran on well and can be a threat. (7) ELDORADO HAENAM won his heat and, along with (2) PRIME CROWN, is another first-time starter to keep safe.

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

Standard maiden. (4) K POWERFUL has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 2^nd place over 1300M on September 1^st, when stalking the lead throughout. From a better gate he can be expected to lead, or at least be very close to the lead, and he can go one better today. (1) BEST KINGDOM returned from seven months out to run a fair 5^th over this distance on August 18^th. He should strip fitter for that run, and he has a smart finish on him. (8) MEGA STEP comes in off back-to-back 3^rd place finishes at 1200M. She has come from off the pace to do her best work late in all three of her starts so far, and it is possible that the step up in trip can be in her favour today. (7) ARNOLD QUEEN and (9) SAVANA CHARLIE other place chances.

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) YONGBI TAEYANG did nothing on debut but was a much-improved 2^nd at start number two on August 24^th, when coming from off the pace and beating a couple of these over this distance. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here, and he will start as a warm favourite. (3) BEAT DOKKAEBI is the clear second pick. She too was ordinary on debut but perked up at start two on August 25^th when ridden handier and running on for 3^rd place. Both her outings have been over 1000M, and she may welcome the step up in trip today. (5) KING WARRIOR debuted behind Yongbi Taeyang in that August 24^th race and while he ultimately weakened, he did lead for the middle part. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can stick around a bit longer this time. (1) LEGEND TANSAENG is the best of the rest before the form drops off precipitously. Perhaps (2) YONGAM KANTHAKA can improve having at least hinted at ability in a trial prior to debut.

The short night race season comes to a close on Saturday (there are, of course, daytime meetings on Sunday) with an 11-race card at Seoul from 14:20 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Twelve unraced two-year-olds line up for the first time so we head to the trial videos. It won’t take long to alight on (9) AQUA LINE, who posted the fastest time among these by some margin when narrowly winning his heat on August 1^st. He has the challenge of a wide draw, but any kind of progress from the trial can see him win. Second quickest was (10) RAON NIZHINSKII. He too was on pace in his heat and crossed the line 3^rd in a fair time. (3) EAST GANGJEOK was similarly 3^rd in his trial, a long way behind an experienced winner and showed enough to be considered first-up. (8) GLOBAL SERVE and (5) HAKSAN CAIRO are others who hinted at ability.

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

Juvenile filly maidens here with five of the eleven racing for the first time. The favourite has experience though with (7) HANSEN BRACING having already raced twice, with a 4^th and a 3^rd, the latter over this distance on August 24^th when settling just behind the speed and running on well in a good time. Third-up she can be fitter, and she will be a short-price to win. (3) HIGH CLASS ran a fair 3^rd on debut over 1000M on July 25^th. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can be a danger here. Of the first timers, (6) SMART TAKE looks the pick. She was much improved in her second trial on August 22^nd, settling handy and finishing off well for 2^nd having drawn a wide gate. She won’t need to improve much on that to have a chance here. With the rest of the newcomers not having shown much in trials, (11) QUEEN DIA and (8) BLUSHING ROSE may improve on their debuts. Incidentally none of these have shown any gate speed in races or trials, so the pace map may be a headache and any horse that takes the initiative may have a chance.

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juvenile maidens here (with one southern hemisphere three-year-old). Two of them have raced before and one of those, (7) A PURE GOOD WOMAN, is the pick. Having trialed well, she ran 3^rd on debut in a very quick race over 1000M on July 13^th, showing on pace. She should have benefited from that experience, the additional furlong can help, and she is the one to beat. A few debut-makers caught the eye in trials. (11) MIGHTY NEO won his, leading all the way and stopping the clock in a good time. The draw isn’t ideal here but with a bit of early luck, he can be in this. (3) PEPPER X similarly led all the way to win narrowly in his second trial (it was voluntary so be aware it may not be in all racecards – the time was 62 seconds). He has no problems in terms of his draw, and he is a chance. (12) BREEDO SIRIS, who was quicker than both, and (4) GWANAKSAN O TWO are others who can go well first-up.  

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

Standard maiden here. (1) DANGDAECHOWOL has run 4^th in both starts so far at this distance and at 1200M. He draws well, he has the fastest final furlong average time (albeit from the smallest sample size) and he can win here. The danger is (4) MAX PARTY. He two has a pair of 4^th places on his record with one of them coming at this distance. In this company, he should be on or close to the speed and he can be in this a long way. (6) JILPUNG JAZZ has managed 3^rd place at this distance. He doesn’t benefit from an apprentice claim this time but that’s balanced by Kim Yong-geun climbing on and he can match or better that here. (5) POETIC NUBI and (3) YEONGWON GIANT others to consider.

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) OKCHEON WIN STAR was 3^rd on debut and followed up with a fair 5^th over this distance on August 17^th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up she can be peaking and with similar tactics today, could prove too strong late on. (5) SINUI BLUE is a twelve-race maiden but enters off back-to-back 3^rd places, most recently over 1300M on August 3^rd when settling midfield before finishing off well and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She looks nicely in here and Maia climbing on is a plus. (1) JOSE has finished behind Okcheon Win Star in both his latest two but his 2^nd place on debut suggests he has ability and, in this company, he can be considered for the places. (9) MISS CONCORD and (3) MERIT SUNSHINE others in contention for the minors.