Seoul

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (September 1)

Sunday sees daytime meetings at both Seoul (10 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (7 races from 11:25 to 17:00). Here are the previews:

It’s Just a week until the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint (Pic: KRA)

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

Small field of imported maidens with six of the eight racing for the first time. We will side with experience though and (7) NAVY CAPTAIN was 2nd on debut over 1200M on July 28th racing on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time, albeit well beaten by the winner. That should stand him in good stead here and with some natural improvement, he will take some beating. (4) CHEONDUNG LION debuted at this distance on July 13th and ran well, settling handy and running on for 4th, again a long way behind a very quick winner, but showing potential. He should have come on for the experience and be close. Of the debut makers, (1) M G BEST looks the best. He was slowly away in his trial but gathered up speed and ran on well for 4th in a decent time. If he gets away a bit better, he can put in a bold showing. (2) DREAMER WHIZ and (5) WORLD PEOPLE the others who hinted at ability in their trials.

Selections(7) Navy Captain (4) Cheondung Lion (1) M G Best (2) Dreamer Whiz
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

Two standouts here. (10) ASSI JANGGUN has been knocking at the door in her latest few and while she hasn’t shown much in the way of speed, she isn’t alone in that regard. She can race on pace or settle midfield and grind her way on and she will be in the mix. The danger and probable betting favourite is (9) K POWERFUL. After an inauspicious debut, the Shackleford juvenile ran an improved 4th at start number two over 1200M on August 3rd, leading for much of the way around. He will aim to lead here and can go all the way. (7) IRON LEG may not be the greatest name of hoping for some speed, but he ran fairly for 5th place on debut at 1200M at the end of July and should have come on for the run. (3) NONSTOP YEOLCHA and solitary debut-maker (2) WONDERFUL ENERGY are others to consider.

Selections(10) Assi Janggun (9) K Powerful (7) Iron Leg (3) Nonstop Yeolcha
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 10

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

Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. The limited experience is positive though and we will have those three on top. (4) SAENAE HUNTER went through two trials, improving in the second and then ran well for 3rd place on debut over this distance on August 2nd when on pace throughout. The winner of that race won by fifteen-lengths in a Korea Sprint-esque time, but it was an assured debut and with some natural improvement, he is the clear favourite. (2) KYUNGNAM DRAGON was 4th on debut over this distance on August 2nd having settled midfield and run on. He finished off well, the step up in trip can suit, and he is a big danger. (7) WIND KINGDOM rounds out the experience. He debuted in the same race as Saenae Hunter on August 2nd and ran 5th having been in midfield throughout. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can build on that here. Among the debut-makers, (8) DRAGON NINJA was the best in trials, with (12) ASTRE also showing potential. 

Selections(4) Saenae Hunter (2) Kyungnam Dragon (7) Wind Kingdom (8) Dragon Ninja
Next Best12, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

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

(7) HANGANG CAPTAIN stepped up to this distance for the first time on July 28th and beat three of today’s rivals on his way to a solid 3rd place finish, settling midfield and running on. Coming in under the same conditions today, he will be a short price to come out on top. (1) MARUBYEOL was 4th in that race and came back out two weeks ago over 1400M when she could only manage 7th but did beat a couple of these. From the inside gate she can be on or close to the speed and is a big chance. (10) DAEMYEONGJANG has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record, and he steps up to two turns for the first time. He has got a solid finish on him so it may well suit and while one-paced, he can stay on. (8) OPUS PURPLE and (2) SPEED HERO others in the frame.

Selections(7) Hangang Captain (1) Marubyeol (10) Daemyeongjang (8) Opus Purple
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

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

(5) LIME TREE ran 5th on debut over 1000M on July 5th before improving to 2nd at start number two over 1200M on August 2nd, fifteen-lengths behind an excellent winner, but ahead of Saenae Hunter who we should have seen in race 1 and who may give us a marker. Third-up he can be peaking, and he is under a light weight. The rather unkindly named (2) FAT BOY (who is actually on the light side) comes in off a useful 4th place in a good time over 1200M on August 10th. He draws nicely and can be a danger. (1) STORMING MAGIC has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 2nd two starts back and beating Fat Boy. She followed up with a 4th place on August 11th and she can be in the mix again. (8) DREAMING BOY and (9) STORM FIGHTER among plenty of others with at least placing chances.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 31)

The short night race program continues this weekend on Saturday at Seoul where there are 11 races from 14:20 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with just three of the twelve having raced before. We will side with one of those in (4) WANGCHOEGO, who did nothing on debut in June, but returned on July 20th and ran 2nd over this distance. He was miles behind an eye-catching winner but showed enough to be backed to go one better here. Among the first timers (8) HYEUKMUSANG led all the way to win a trial on July 25th stopping the clock in a good time. He can be on pace here and can be in this a long way. (6) MIGHTY RUSH and (7) BEST JOY both clocked the same time in their respective heats with the latter winning his and they can be supported first up too. (1) KARA K another who hinted at ability in trials and can go well.

Selections(4) Wangchoego (8) Hyeukmusang (6) Mighty Rush (7) Best Joy
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(5) TRIPLE ACE enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this distance, racing close to the pace both times. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and from a good gate she should be on the speed again and with Moon Se-young on, today can be the day. She will vie for favourite status with (10) CHEONGUNG STORM, The Shackleford colt raced on pace for much of his debut over 1000M, ultimately coming home 2nd in a fair time. He should have derived benefit from that experience and while up in trip and with the challenge of a wide draw, he can be a big danger. (8) YEONGWONHARA was a much-improved 2nd at start number four on July 27th, leading for much of the way and beating Triple Ace. Expect her to be on pace again and in the mix. (1) TALITHA CUMI and (6) ELDORADO HEUNGBU others who can improve.

Selections(5) Triple Ace (10) Cheongung Storm (8) Yeongwonhara (1) Talitha Cumi
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 10

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

Fillies only here and (10) KHAN NUT shapes as a short-priced favourite. After running 5th on debut, she was an improved 3rd over this 1200M on July 28th, when she led for much of the way around and beat a couple of today’s rivals. Despite the wide draw, she can be on pace here and offers jockey Ruan Maia a good chance of opening his Korean account. (6) SILVER MOON ran 4th behind Khan Nut in that July 28th race. She also has a 3rd place on her resume already and can be in the mix again here. (11) SKY TEN beat Khan Nut on the way to 2nd place two starts back on July 6th in a similar filly maiden to this. She led in her latest over this distance on   August 3rd but from the wide draw here can be ridden a bit more patiently and challenge late. (3) DONKEY PLAY and (7) MISS CONCORD others in the frame.

Selections(10) Khan Nut (6) Silver Moon (11) Sky Ten (3) Donkey Play
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 10

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

(2) SAMAEBEONJJEOK got her maiden win at start number nine at this class and distance on August 3rd when racing handy and running on with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She comes up 3.5kg in the weights but draws well and a repeat isn’t impossible. (6) MINT PLAY remains a maiden after sixteen attempts but enters with recent form reading consistently well at this class. She has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this class and distance and under a light weight, she should be a big danger. (11) FINAL GO got his maiden win three starts back over this distance and enters off a smart runner-up finish at this level on June 9th. He comes in fresh after twelve weeks out and the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem. (8) MO CHUISLE and (1) ULTRA MANGCHI the other main placing chances.  

Selections(2) Samaebeonjjeok (6) Mint Play (11) Final Go (8) Mo Chuisle
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 25)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (12 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (5 races from 12:45 to 16:05). Feature is the Rookie Stakes at Seoul, the first big race of the year for juveniles. Busan’s equivalent did not attract the minimum number of entries required. Here are the previews:

A certain Lala K won last year’s Rookie Stakes at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maiden fillies only in the opener with all but one racing for the first time. The pick from trials is (4) LALA GIRL. She failed to qualify in her first attempt in June but looked much more assured at the second time of asking on July 11th, leading her heat for much of the way before crossing the line in 3rd in a decent time. She should be on pace and can go all the way. (11) SWITCH POWER qualified at try number one but went through another trial on July 25th (voluntary so be aware it won’t show in some racecards). She was much better in the second showing on pace and if she shows similar improvement here, she will be close. (6) DUSON OPEN led her trial and was a very close 2nd in a fair time. (12) STUNNING WORLD and the sole one with experience, (2) BEAT DOKKAEBI are other chances.

Selections(4) Lala Girl (11) Switch Power (6) Duson Open (12) Stunning World
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 11

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

(3) CLAIR GOLD enters off a fair midfield finish over 1300M last time out, but if we go on her 2nd place two starts back on June 22nd at this distance, she has to be firmly in the mix. In this small field she can be on or just behind the pace, and she has a smart finish on her. (7) SEONGSIL YEOGEOL hasn’t done much across ten starts but perked up a bit last time out on August 3rd when 4th in an all-filly race over 1300M. She won’t need to improve much on that showing to be in the finish here. (8) TRES VITE has finished in 4th or 5th place on no fewer than nine occasions, but never any better. She came from off the pace to run 4th over this distance last time out and could go one better here. (1) JEWELRY FASHION and (2) EVER THE CROWN others potentially in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Clair Gold (7) Seongsil Yeongeol (8) Tres Vite (1) Jewelry Fashion
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) KYLIE has been getting closer across seven starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place finish over 1200M on July 21st when racing handy throughout. She was a fair margin behind a good winner, but she draws well, Moon Se-young gets on, and today could be the day. (10) THUNDER STORM has two 3rd places to her name, including at her latest outing on June 29th when coming from off the pace and finishing strongly at this distance and she can be a danger here. (8) MAGIC IMPACT ran once, somewhat anonymously back in January and then didn’t return until July 13th when she ran a fair 5th over 1400M, showing close to the pace. She can strip fitter for that experience and be close here. (7) CHOCO BEAUTY and (11) LEGAL LAHUI other place chances.

Selections(4) Kylie (10) Thunder Storm (8) Magic Impact (7) Choco Beauty
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

(6) GANGCHEOL DRAGON enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at 1300M and most recently this distance on June 22nd when he had a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He has the fastest time among these for 1400M and against this limited set of rivals, he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win. (1) GANGCHEOL BUDAE does have a 3rd place on his resume and third-up this preparation after six months off, may be at his peak here. (7) FLYING LION is slow but has managed to get three top five finishes and should be aiming for a career to date best in this company. (8) CHEONJI MARKET beat a couple of these on her way to 4th place over this distance last time out and can beat a few again. (3) ELITE BOSS another minor money possible.

Selections(6) Gangcheol Dragon (1) Gancheol Budae (7) Flying Lion (8) Cheonji Market
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

(9) WATER DRAGON has a 3rd and a 2nd in two starts so far at 1200M and 1300M first from handy and second leading. In this company, he can be expected to be on the speed and if he didn’t already get it on Friday, it should surely be Kim Young-kwan’s 1500th career win here. (6) WONDERFUL TEAM has mixed her form across four starts so far, she enters off a solid 3rd place at this distance on June 30th. She likes to settle back and come form off the pace and she can be a danger here. (3) DIA MATE beat a couple of these on her way to 6th pace over this distance on July 19th. The time was fair and that’s enough to put her in the mix. (8) GUKDAE LEGEND and (5) LUCKY HIT other placing chances.

Selections(9) Water Dragon (6) Wonderful Team (3) Dia Mate (8) Gukdae Legend
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 24)

It’s an afternoon and evening schedule at Seoul on Saturday with 11 races from 14:20 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A

Juvenile maidens here with four of the nine racing for the first time. The race also marks a first Korean race ride for former New Zealand based Kozzi Asano, and it could be winning one as he partners (4) BEOLGYOUI STAR. The colt debuted over this trip on July 27th and ran on pleasingly enough for a midfield finish in a well-run race. He should have come on for the run and is firmly in the mix here. (7) HANSEN BRACING ran a solid 4th in debut in a decent time over 1000M on July 6th, coming from off the pace. With some natural improvement and a step up in trip, he is the danger. (8) SPLENDID took a while to get going on his debut at 1000M a month ago. He ran through the line very well though and he too should benefit from the additional trip. Among the newcomers, (6) YONGAM KANTHAKA and (9) RAON ECLIPSE looked the best in trials.

Selections(4) Beolgyoui Star (7) Hansen Bracing (8) Splendid (6) Yongam Kanthaka
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

After two trials, (4) GLOBAL HAMSEONG put in an accomplished effort on debut over 1000M on July 20th, settling midfield and running on for 3rd place in a decent time. He should have benefited from that experience, the step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (3) HANGANG FASHIONED was well fancied on debut over 1000M but stumbled at the start and then weakened late on. We’ll give her another chance here and with Moon Se-young getting legged up, she will have plenty of backers. (7) SOFT POWER has a 3rd place on her record and while that was in a slow race, she should be able to compete with this limited set of opposition. (5) GOOD FIGHTER and (8) WONPYEONG NURI others who may improve.

Selections(4) Global Hamseong (3) Hangang Fashioned (7) Soft Power (5) Good Fighter
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start3, 8, 6, 11

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) MR. POWER here. He comes in off his best effort to date when 2nd over this trip on July 21st, when settling midfield and running on. From the inside gate, Moon Se-young should have plenty of options, and he won’t need to improve much from last time to win here. (5) MAX TANGO was an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on July 28th when racing handy throughout. She stopped the clock in a time quicker than any of the others here have managed and he shapes as the main danger. Harry Kasim is back from a short trip to ride at Kranji one last time and he returns on the consistent (4) CUPID MIR. He has two 3rd places and five 4th place finishes from eight starts so far and should be there or thereabouts again. The form drops off rapidly after those three. (11) YONGAM GIPPEUM and (6) AMENO are perhaps the most likely to improve.

Selections(1) Mr. Power (5) Max Tango (4) Cupid Mir (11) Yongam Gippeum
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

Fillies only here and plenty enter with recent form reading well. (5) PHOENIX CLASS returned on July 14th for the first time since last Christmas Day and ran a strong 3rd place over 1200M. She can strip fitter for that run and can be on the pace and go all the way here.  (1) BELOTERO was a close 2nd in a quick race at this class and distance on July 14th, coming from off the pace. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights but can be going close again. (7) BEOLGYOWISU is racing for the first time since March. Before her layoff she was a winner at this distance and also placed at this class so while she didn’t offer many clues in her trial, she can be considered first-up. (10) ARCH RUNNER and (6) CHANIGO are the other place chances.

Selections(5) Phoenix Class (1) Belotero (7) Beolgyowisu (10) Arch Runner
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 10

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

(9) MAGIC PRINCE got his maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on his first try at this class over this distance on July 17th, leading for much of the way. He only comes up 1kg in the weights, and he can go one better today. (6) CAMP DAVID was 3rd in that same race, having raced close to the pace throughout and briefly touching the front in the stretch. He was favourite that day having already won at 1700M at class 6 level and he is the main danger – and very probably favourite again – here. (2) HERO QUEEN has loads of experience at this level but stepped up to this trip for the first time on July 14th and took to it well, running 3rd. She can aim to match that here. The up in class (3) LIGHT A BLUE, along with (8) DONGHAENG FIRST are among others with at least placing claims.

Selections(9) Magic Prince (6) Camp David (2) Hero Queen (3) Light A Blue
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 18)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:30.) Here are the previews:

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

Ater a good trial, (6) MARU JANGGUN was unruly in the preliminaries prior to his racing debut on July 20th, parting company with his jockey on two occasions. Regardless, they ran well for 3rd place over this distance. He has since been sent back to trial which he came through in good order and with better manners today, should take some beating. (7) DANGDAECHOWOL put in a fair effort in his debut on June 16th, coming from off the pace to run 4th at 1300M. He has had nine weeks off since and can be a danger here. (1) BEATRIZ is more experienced with four top four finishes from six starts. At her latest on June 29th her apprentice jockey gave up his leading position somewhat tamely, something he won’t do again after suitable chastisement, and his apprentice claim puts her right in this. Solitary debut-maker (8) NAMSAN MINAM looked well in two trials and can go well first-up. (4) ÉCLAIR POWER another in the placing frame having trialled well.

Selections(6) Maru Janggun (7) Dangdaechowol (1) Beatriz (8) Namsan Minam
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

Imported juvenile maidens here including one from the southern hemisphere, and six of the twelve make their racing debuts. After trialling well, (4) LUCKY FRANK was sent off as third favourite on debut over this distance on July 28th and he promptly came home in 3rd place having led for much of the way. He should have come on for the run, he can lead again, and this time can come out on top. (11) DREAM HONOUR beat three of these on his way to 2nd in a quick race over 1000M on debut on July 13th. He finished off with a remarkable final furlong time and he should be charging down late again with every chance.  (7) GWANAKSAN STORM won a trial before running 4th behind Lucky Frank on debut in that July 28th race. He too should have some natural improvement here. Among the debut-makers, (8) KONGNAMUL and (3) MATTERHORN K look the most promising at this stage.

Selections(4) Lucky Frank (11) Dream Honour (7) Gwanaksan Storm (8) Kongnamul
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

After two nice looking trials, (2) DONGNAM GANGTAJA was sent off as favourite on debut over 1200M on July 19th, but after a slow start and settling at the back, she never really threatened before running on for 5th. She should have come on for that run and ridden further forward here, she looks a winning chance. (9) ARION TAEYANG has a 4th, a 2nd and a 3rd from three starts so far at 1000M and 1200M. The slight step up in trip can suit and he will be there or thereabouts again with any top three finish giving him a rating and sending him to class 5. (7) BACK TO THE LADY was truculent on the way to the gate last time out on July 19th and then didn’t have the smoothest of trips on her way to 6th place. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on her 2nd place two starts back which puts her in the mix here under the in-form Franco. (3) BLACK WAVE and (8) BINNANEUNGIL others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Dongnam Gangtaja (9) Arion Taeyang (7) Back To The Lady (3) Black Wave
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

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

(4) SCALE KING will be favourite here. That’s based on his last start close 2nd place over 1300M on July 14th when he was close to the pace throughout. There isn’t much speed in this race so he can lead, and this time can go one better. (6) MARUBYEOL enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance and a mile. A twenty-one-race maiden, he may not be a winning chance here but in this company, he can be aiming for a best to date finish. (1) POETIC NUBI has shown progress across three starts so far with her latest her best when 4th behind Scale King in that July 14th race. She may be ridden further forward today and can continue to get better. (8) SINUI UNMYEONG and (9) TROLL among others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Scale King (6) Marubyeol (1) Poetic Nubi (8) Sinui Unmyeong
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) WONDERFUL BIDDER was a winner on debut over 1200M in May before running a smart 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on June 21st. That led him to be sent off as favourite at 1300M on July 19th but from gate ten he found himself back and then wide, only managing to finish 7th – albeit ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He comes into a better gate here, and with Munro aboard, he is worth another chance. (2) DOCTOR MEGA looks the main danger. After running 5th on debut, she got her maiden win in fine style at start number two over 1000M, leading all the way and doing the proverbial handsprings. She is up in class but caries a light weight, draws well, and can measure up. (6) SEOBU FLAME did nothing on her first two starts before running out a 40/1 winner at start number three on July 19th. It was over this distance, she led all the way, and the time was fair so while up in class, she’ll warrant more respect this time. (1) QUEEN AND SERVE and (5) RAINBOW ROAD, the latter whose last disappointing start was in the same race as Wonderful Bidder, are others who may place.

Selections(4) Wonderful Bidder (2) Doctor Mega (6) Seobu Flame (1) Queen And Serve
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

(3) BUGANGJILJU shapes as a warm favourite. He got his maiden win at start number two in March before having three months out and then returning with a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts at this class, both over this distance. He likes to race on pace and is drawn very well to do so here and to go all the way. (9) WONDERFUL LORD similarly got his maiden win at the second time of asking and then ran 2nd in a fast race over 1200M on July 6th. He too should be challenging for the lead right from the start and has every chance here. (7) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE comes in off a win over this distance on July 14th. He comes up in class but is down in the weights and can be competitive at a probable each-way price. (5) CHEONGUCHAT and (8) MOON DUST are others to consider.

Selections(3) Bugangjilju (9) Wonderful Lord (7) Heunghaeng Bulpae (5) Cheonguchat
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 17)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 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. (1) DAESEUNGMA has run twice, improving to 4th in the second of them over 1000M on July 13th beating a couple of today’s rivals. She draws nicely to be on pace here and today can be her day. (7) TAEPYEONG LEGEND debuted in a very quick race over the minimum distance on July 6th, running on for 5th. HE should have derived benefit from the experience and is probably the main danger. (4) FOX TROT was 5th behind Daeseungma in that July 13th race. That showed improvement from her debut effort and if she continues to make progress, she can get closer again. (9) ANYANG GIPPEUM and (5) BREEDO TROPHY are others who have hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Daeseungma (7) Taepyeong Legend (4) Fox Trot (9) Anyang Gippeum
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

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

(2) STUNNING SERVE has shown signs of figuring things out in his latest two with a 4th and a 3rd, most recently at this distance on July 13th when settling midfield and running on. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and today can be his day. (7) AMAZING STAR crossed the line first having led for much of the way over this distance on June 29th. It wasn’t an especially quick time, and her post-race test came back above a permitted threshold (for flunixin), the latter being why she finds herself still in class 6 without a rating. Nevertheless, she is yet to finish outside of the top four and can be a danger. (1) MONEY TOUCH ran 3rd on her latest effort on July 21st, coming from off the pace. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but that’s balanced somewhat by a better gate, and she can place again. (6) YEONGWON POTEN and (11) HIPPODROME others to consider.

Selections(2) Stunning Serve (7) Amazing Star (1) Money Touch (6) Yeongwon Poten
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden and the favourite will be (7) OKCHEON WIN STAR. That’s based off her debut effort on July 13th when she settled midfield before running on for 3rd place over 1000M. She should have come on for that, the additional furlong can suit, and she is the one to beat. (4) META debuted on July 13th without high expectations but ran nicely for 4th place over this distance showing on pace and beating a couple of others who return here. She too can have some natural improvement and go close here. (2) MEGA STEP was an improved 3rd at start number two back on May 19th when coming from a long way back She comes in fresh here following thirteen weeks out and can go well first-up. (9) GANDAGO and (10) SHINING CHARM others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Okcheon Win Star (4) Meta (2) Mega Step (9) Gandago
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

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

It’s been a long time since (5) ELITE ROYAL’s solitary win, but her recent form suggests she is ready for another. She comes in having run 2nd at this class and distance on July 20th having shown on pace throughout. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but that shouldn’t be a problem and from gate five, she can get an easy run to the front and lead all the way. (8) SONE SONJABGO won back-to-back races in March and May, with the latter at this class. She didn’t run on in her latest effort on June 15th but comes in fresh after two months off and can be given another chance here. (4) NAOL INDY is an on-pace runner who struggled over 1700M last time out but should appreciate the step back in trip here. (2) RAON THE CLIPPER and (6) JEONGSEONG VICE are the other major placing chances.

Selections(5) Elite Royal (8) Sone Sonjabgo (4) Naol Indy (2) Raon The Clipper
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 11

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

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KRA Cup Classic Sunday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (August 4)

The KRA Cup Classic, the only midsummer Korean Graded race, is the feature of a Sunday where Seoul is the only track staging live racing. There are 14 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong is among those tackling the KRA Cup Classic (Pic: KRA)

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

Eleven juvenile maidens, all racing for the very first time. The favourite, and a warm one, will be (6) LEMON K. She went through two trials improving in the second of them on July 11th when she showed on pace and crossed the line in 3rd place in a decent time behind two horses with racing experience. If she brings that form to the races, she will take some beating. (3) RISING MO recorded the second fastest trial time, when showing towards the front in her heat. She draws nicely to be on pace and can be in this a long way. (11) SEMYEONG STRONG and (4) GEOLJAK HAPPY trialled up together on July 11th coming home in 3rd and 4th respectively in fair times and both can be considered first up. (7) RAON THE IMPACT perhaps another who could go well.

Selections(6) Lemon K (3) Rising Mo (11) Semyeong Strong (4) Geoljak Happy
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 11

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

(2) BEST MAYA debuted back in April and finished so far back he earned himself not only a re-trial but also a trip to be gelded. That seems to have had the desired effect as he blitzed trials in consecutive weeks in early July, winning both and leading every step of the way. He draws nicely here and on that trial form, he wins. (7) SEOHAE BADA registered a 3rd and a 5th in two outings around the turn of the year. She hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialling on July 19th and can make a positive return here. (8) SPARKLING registered a much-improved 2nd at start number four on July 13th when for the first time ridden on pace and stopping the clock in a good time over 1300M. Moon Se-young getting the leg-up here means he will probably start as second favourite. (1) YEOGEOL BISANG and (4) CANVASEN GO are others in the placing hunt.

Selections(2) Best Maya (7) Seohae Bada (8) Sparkling (1) Yeogeol Bisang
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) VIVA CHEONGSU hasn’t finished outside of the top five in five attempts so far. She is yet to win but has a 3rd place finish to her name at this class and distance two starts back. In this company, she can sit just behind the early speed and may prove too strong. (2) QUEEN ABIGAIL got her maiden win two starts back over this distance and then ran 3rd on her first try at this class on July 7th, coming from well off the pace and running on. She comes in under a light weight, draws well, and can go close again. (6) MAGIC STRONG can mix his form but enters off a smart 4th place oat this class and distance on June 1st and coming in fresh after nine weeks off, can go close again. (11) CHEONJANGSA and (10) MISS QUEEN FLY others in the placing hunt.

Selections(3) Viva Cheongsu (2) Queen Abigail (6) Magic Strong (11) Cheonjangsa
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start 6, 9, 10, 11

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

Competitive race. (7) BAZOOKA BOY got his maiden win over 1700M in April and has since run 3rd and 4th at that same distance in his first two tries at this class. He has a 2nd place to his name over this distance and in this company can settle behind the pace and has every chance of running on. (5) SEOBU CHAMP has had her best results at this distance with a win and a runner-up finish, both at class 6. She showed he can measure up in this class with a 4th place over 1300M last time out on July 7th when slow away and coming from well back. She carries a light weight and can be a big danger. (8) GOLDEN DRAGON hasn’t raced since finishing down the field in Seoul’s Classic Trial in February. He is a winner at this class and during his layoff, he has been gelded. He looked well in a trial in late June and could provide some each-way interest. (4) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG and (2) CHOEGANG HYEONMA others to consider.

Selections(7) Bazooka Boy (5) Seobu Champ (8) Golden Dragon (4) Seongsil Yeongung
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) SHADOW HUNTER won back-to-back races in March and May to get rapidly promoted to this class and then proved he can be competitive in this company with a 3rd place over this distance on his first class 4 effort on June 29th when coming from midfield. Expect similar tactics today and under a fair weight, he will be favoured to win. (3) AMAZING ROCK has won her latest two to emulate Shadow Hunter in being rapidly promoted to this class. Her latest was a narrow score in a good time over this distance on July 21st and she returns quickly here under a light weight and very well drawn with every chance to measure up. (5) ILDONG BAKSU returned form over five months out to run a solid 3rd at this class and distance on July 7th – her seventh 3rd place finish in eleven starts. She should strip fitter for that run and can match or better today. (7) FLY DAY and (2) DALMAJI others in the frame.

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Saturday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 3)

With no Jeju this week, there is a rare Saturday card at Busan (Busan will be off on Sunday) joining the regular Seoul Saturday program. There are 9 races in Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:35 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the ten racing for the first time. We’ll side with a debut-maker. (9) GLOBAL TIME took two goes to qualify but looked well in the second of them when coming from off the pace for a close 2nd in a quick time. The 1200M should suit first up and Moon Se-young being booked catches the eye. Seo Seung-un is in town to ride Jeulgeounyeojeong in the KRA Cup Classic on Sunday and he picks up a live chance with (3) CHEONGONGUI SEOM. He beat two of the other experienced ones here when they debuted together over 1000M in a very quick race on July 6th. He came from off the pace, so the extra furlong can be in his favour, and he is the danger. (6) LONG RUN BULPAE finished 7th in that same race and can improve. (4) FUNNY TAP and (5) EODIGADO are other first-timers who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(9) Global Time (3) Cheongongui Seom (6) Long Run Bulpae (4) Funny Tap
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 10

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

A couple of standouts here. (8) RAON THE KLAMMER has been getting closer across his latest few starts culminating with a 3rd and most recently a 2nd, from his latest two. That runner-up finish case over this distance on July 7th when he led for most of the way, ultimately getting passed by the favourite late on. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and today can be his day. (9) GEUMSEONG POWER enters off a best to date 2nd place over 1200M on June 30th when settling midfield and running on. He too has seemingly started to figure things out over his latest few and he is the man danger by some margin. (7) YEONGWON FANTASTIC has only raced twice and managed a 4th on debut before running 6th from a wide draw at 1400M at start number two. He can be closer here. (1) JILPUNG JAZZ and (3) GROUPER others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Raon The Klammer (9) Geumseong Power (7) Yeongwon Fantastic (1) Jilpung Jazz
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden and with two 3rd places and a 4th from three starts so far, (4) GUKDAE MIRACLE will start as a warm favourite. All three of those outings were in similar filly maidens over 1200M and stepping up slightly in trip for the first time, she can be expected to be on pace and is the one to beat. (3) HAEUNDAE SUNSHINE managed three top-four finishes from four starts before a layoff. She returns here for the first time since March and having trialled up fairly and drawn well, she can be considered to go close. (2) RUNNING FASHION also comes in off a layoff having not run since April. She has a 3rd and a 2nd among her latest four and can be in the mix here. (10) HEUIMANG YEOSIN and (5) MOTHER WONDERFUL others in the frame.

Selections(4) Gukdae Miracle (3) Haeundae Sunshine (2) Running Fashion (10) Heuimang Yeosin
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden and (1) SKY TEN has been getting closer across her latest few, culminating in a 2nd place on July 6th over 1200M when coming from ff the pace and beating a few of today’s rivals. She comes into a much better gate today and will be warmly favoured to go one better. (5) DIVA FESTIVAL was slowly away on debut on July 14th. She put in a super final furlong time and while it was only good enough to get her up into 7th place, with a better start and here, she could be dangerous late. (10) MERIT SUNSHINE has been showing steady improvement over four starts so far and can improve on her latest 4th. (2) SINUI BLUE and (3) YONGBICHEON among others who can be in the mix.

Selections(1) Sky Ten (5) Diva Festival (10) Merit Sunshine (2) Sinui Blue
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 8, 10, 11

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

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Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 28)

With no Busan this weekend, there is a bumper 14-race program at Seoul on Sunday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seirene returns for the first time since a shock win in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the very first time. (5) SEOUL BULCHUNGGAK is a half to multiple Group winning filly Jeulgeounyeojeong. It took her two goes to qualify but she looked accomplished at the second attempt, crowing the line in 3rd place in a quick time and the 1200M can suit first-up. The one with prior experience is (1) ECO WORLD, who came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1000M in June 22nd. Experience often counts for a lot in races like this and from a good draw, she can be dangerous. Returning to the first timers, (3) ECLIPSE THE KING overcame gate eleven to run 2nd in a trial on July 4th. The time wasn’t quick, but Moon Se-young being booked will tempt plenty. (9) CHOWON DOLPUNG and (2) NAMCHON TOWN were others who hinted at ability in their heats.

Selections(5) Seoul Bulchunggak (1) Eco World (3) Eclipse The King (9) Chowon Dolpung
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) KHAN NUT was sent off as favourite on debut on July 6th after running 2nd in a good time in a trial. Ultimately, he could only manage 5th place, but he took a bump at the start and ran fairly. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can be better today. (6) ANDAMIRO Similarly ran 5th on debut, which in her case was over 1000M in an all-filly juvenile maiden on June 22nd. She ran on pleasingly enough and the step up in trip can suit. (10) SILVER MOON could only manage 6th when well supported at start number two at this distance on June 22nd but going on her 3rd place on debut in May, can be competitive in this company. (5) JERAQUEEN and (11) OPUS PURPLE among other placing chances.

Selections(2) Khan Nut (6) Andamiro (10) Silver Moon (5) Jeraqueen
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

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

Tricky maiden. (2) BLUE RACER appears for the first time since running an improved 3rd over 1200M back in March. He looked well when leading for much of the way in a trial on July 11th and from a good draw, he can lead here too, and they may not get past him. (3) CLAIR GOLD has been showing progress across her latest couple culminating in a runner-up finish last time out on June 22nd when coming from off the place. She looks nicely in here and a similar run could see her go one better. (9) FLYING LUCKY also comes in off a 2nd place at her last start. In her case it was at 1400M, and the time wasn’t quick, but she can be competitive again in this company. (4) NONSTOP YEOLCHA will need a line drawn through his latest but was a close 2nd two starts back at this distance and can place. (10) JEONGSANG HIT another in the hunt.

Selections(2) Blue Racer (3) Clair Gold (9) Flying Lucky (4) Nonstop Yeolcha
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

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

(5) WONDERFUL TECHNO ran 3rd on debut over 1300M on June 9th before running 5th at start number two on July 7th when he was slow away before starting to run on late. He was later found to be slightly lame in both forelegs but was quickly back in work and coming up to two turns, has as much chance as any. (10) HANGANG CAPTAIN comes out of the same July 7th race when he had an even worse time than Wonderful Techno, bumping at the start and then racing keen laying inwards in the closing stages. We’ll draw a line through that and instead go on his runner-up finish two starts back on June 16th which warrants him another chance. (9)  NATURAL SOUND and (3) TROLL came home 3rd and 4th respectively when they raced each other at this distance on June 29th and both can be in the mix to match or better here. (1) MARUBYEOL another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Wonderful Techno (10) Hangang Captain (9) Natural Sound (3) Troll
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 27)

Busan is on vacation this weekend so Seoul goes it alone. There are 9 races on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A

Maiden juveniles in the opener with four of the nine racing for the first time. (1) SILVER RAIN was slow away on debut over 1000M on June 15th but rain on very pleasingly for 3rd place, beating a couple of today’s rivals He should strip fitter, he draws well, and the additional furlong can suit. (5) CHEONGSAN JILJU debuted in the same race and was better fancied having run well in trials. He performed adequately, running on for 4th and he too can be better for the experience. (6) WONDERFUL NORTHERN was relatively well supported on debut following a promising trial but was slow away and a long way back over 1000M. With a better start and an extra furlong, he can be given another chance. Among the first timers, (9) BEOLGYOUI STAR was the best in trials showing close to the front and stopping the clock in a fair time. (2) EUNPA MUSIC another who hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Silver Rain (5) Cheongsan Jilju (6) Wonderful Northern (9) Beolgyoui Star
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

(3) COING has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, showing on pace in both, although last time out two weeks ago, he was wayward in the home straight to the extent that he got sent back to trial. They didn’t hang about with him, putting him through a heat last week which he completed without expending much effort and he is quickly in again here with winning chances. The favourite will be (7) TRIPLE ACE. After an inauspicious debut, she overcame gate elven at start number two on July 7th to run 3rd over this distance, well beaten by a good winner but showing great improvement. She comes into a slightly better gate and can continue to make progress here. (8) ULTRA HIT has a pair of 3rd place finishes to her name at this distance and if we draw a line through her latest over 1300M, she can be in the mix here. (6) FLYING RED and first-timer starter (10) IRON LEG are others to consider.

Selections(3) Coing (7) Triple Ace (8) Ultra Hit (6) Flying Red
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

(3) SANSAMEUN HAMYANG took a couple of goes to get accustomed to this level but based on her latest effort on June 23rd when 2nd on what was her first try at this distance, she is getting here. In this company and from a good draw she can be expected to be ridden forward, and she can win. (7) STORM GUY has mixed his form, but he comes in following a close runner-up finish at this class and distance on June 30th when he led for much of the way. He’ll be on pace again here and will be in this a long way. (8) LEGEND TAP is yet to win in eight attempts and is up in class here. However, he comes down in the weights and his last start 2nd was in a time that will be competitive at this level. (6) EUREKA and (2) GREEN FEELSTAR others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Sansameun Hamyang (7) Storm Guy (8) Legend Tap (6) Eureka
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

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

(8) JANGBI DAEUN got her maiden win in fine style at stat number two over 1200M back on May 19th pulling away to win b a full thirteen-lengths in a quick time. She comes up in class and races for the first time in ten weeks, but the manner of that victory makes her hard to oppose here. (2) NAVY CHROME got her maiden win three starts back and has since run 2nd in two tries at this class, both over the 1400M. From a great draw, she can be expected to set the pace here and can be in the finish again. (4) DANGCHAN NANGBO is finally up in class after fifteen goes around in class 6. Her latest three have seen her place at this distance and under a light weight, she can be coming from off the pace and running into the money again. (1) SMART CAT and (9) THUNDER BRAVO other placing chances.

Selections(8) Jangbi Daeun (2) Navy Chrome (4) Dangchan Nangbo (1) Smart Cat
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

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