Seoul

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 21)

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

Raon The Point (centre) won the Busan Ilbo Sprint in March and goes in Seoul’s Sunday feature (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden fillies in the opener. (8) KYLIE has been slowly figuring things out and comes in off her best finish to date when 3rd over this distance on June 30th. She races on pace or handy and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (7) FLYING LION has three 5th places to her name which is enough to put her in contention in this company. One of those was her most recent outing on June 15th when she raced a little more forward than usual and with CC climbing up, she should be aiming for a best finish so far here. So too should (2) HAKSAN DAESE. She has also finished no better than 5th but she draws nicely here and should have the beating of most. (10) CHALLANHAN NALGAE and the debut-maker (11) GANDAGO are perhaps the best of the rest of an uninspiring bunch.

Selections(8) Kylie (7) Flying Lion (2) Haksan Daese (10) Challanhan Nalgae
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 11

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

(7) DAEMYEONGJANG ran 2nd two starts back over 1200M before following up with a 4th place at this distance on June 22nd when going right back and running on. He has a runner-up finish to his name over this trip as well and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do, has every chance here. (5) GREEN CONCORD has been making progress lately and enters off two 4th places and most recently a 3rd over this distance on June 15th when coming from off the pace in a filly only maiden. She will probably settle back again here and will be challenging late. (6) MR. POWER used up plenty of energy to get on pace from a wide draw on his latest outing on June 16th before weakening but two starts back he came from off the pace for a smart 3rd and that’s enough to put him in contention here. (1) JURING SKY and (11) MODERN DANCE others in the frame.

Selections(7) Daemyeongjang (5) Green Concord (6) Mr. Power (1) Juring Sky
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) BABEL DREAMY has six top-five finishes from her seven starts so far and enters here having run 3rd and 4th in her latest two, both over a mile and with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before and comes from off the pace so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she’ll be a warm favourite. (3) MUNMAK USANG and (1) SEONGSILCHAMPION came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other over 1400M on June 21st, both coming from off the pace and running on well and both may be ready for another crack at a mile. (9) SUPER KANEL is a twenty-four-race maiden, but his recent form reads relatively well, and this is the kind of company in which he can pick up some minor prize money. (7) ILNYEOM SINHWA is the other placing chance.

Selections(10) Babel Dreamy (3) Munmak Usang (1) Seongsilchampion (9) Super Kanel
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 9, 11

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

(10) EAST QUALITY has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place on his first try at this distance on June 15th when racing handy. He has the challenge of a wide draw, but should prove equal to it, and can win here. (11) BREEDO GIRL has had a wind op since her disappointing run when favourite on her third start back in April. She previously ran 2nd over this distance and while she may need this, she can be considered. (2) SINUI UNMYEONG raced on pace last time out over this distance on June 22nd, ultimately finishing 4th. He draws nicely to get forward again and can be in this a long way. (3) YONGBICHEON ran 5th behind East Quality last time out and along with (6) WHIZ LOVER is another to consider for the minors.

Selections(10) East Quality (11) Breedo Girl (2) Sinui Unmyeong (3) Yongbicheon
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (9) ARI DRAGON was a winner on debut over 1200M on June 28th when settling handy and running through the line well. She comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be a problem, Munro climbs on, and she can go two for two. (10) DAESEUNGNIJA is yet to score in ten tries but has plenty of near misses including last time out on June 21st when she led for most of the way around only to be ultimately passed by a good winner late on. She doesn’t need to lead, so the wide draw shouldn’t be a concern and while she comes up 2kg in the weights, she is the clear second favourite. (1) DAEHO NARA enters off a front-running 2nd place over 1400M at this class on June 23rd and from a great draw can be in the mix again. (3) MASTER ROAD and (6) AWESOME SUNRISE among plenty of others with placing claims.

Selections(9) Ari Dragon (10) Daeseungnija (1) Daeho Nara (3) Master Road
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

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

(7) AMAZING ROCK obliged when favourite to get her maiden win over 1700M on June 29th, leading all the way around. She comes up in class but down in the weights, and she can win again. She probably won’t be favourite though. That’s likely to be her fellow three-year-old filly (9) MYUNGJINBULLPAI who comes out of a spin around in the final leg of the Triple Tiara. That didn’t go well but it was at 2000M, and she comes back to a distance at which she has the fastest time among these and a level at which she has placed three times. She’ll be firmly in the mix. (3) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL was winner at this class over 1300M two starts back. She followed it up with a 3rd place at the same distance a month ago and is in the placing frame again here. (8) P N S CAR and (5) RAIN STAR others to consider.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 20)

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

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

Eleven previously unraced two-year-olds make their debuts here and (7) REAL DEAL will be the hot favourite. He went through two trials, qualifying in the first of them but then completing another voluntary one (which may not appear in all race cards so be aware) on June 20th when leading all the way and stopping the clock in a time significantly superior to what any of the others here clocked. If he brings that form to the races, he will take some beating. (5) GLOBAL HAMSEONG also went through a couple of trials, improving in the second and he can go well first up. (2) BEOLGYO D Y was on pace in the second of his trials (also voluntary so again, be aware) and with a good draw and Moon Se-young booked, will have backers. (10) MORE THAN JOKE and (11) HWANGGEUM MASK others who hinted at ability.

Selections(7) Real Deal (5) Global Hamseong (2) Beolgyo D Y (10) More Than Joke
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

Not the strongest of maidens so we might as well take a chance on solitary first-time starter (4) MARU JANGGUN came from midfield to win his trial two weeks ago, stopping the clock in a fair time. He draws nicely here and the 1200M may well suit first-up. (5) CHRYSOL MAJOR ran twice as a three-year-old without distinction and returned on June 16th following six months out and was an improved 5th over 1300M having overcome a wide draw. He should strip fitter for that run and can be close here. (9) RUNNING ARTIST has made progress across three starts so far, most recently a 4th place at this distance on June 23rd. She draws wide here but there is no early speed so she may well go forward herself and she has as much chance as any. (6) CHOCO BEAUTY and (2) ÉCLAIR STAR others who may improve.

Selections(4) Maru Janggun (5) Chrysol Major (9) Running Artist (6) Choco Beauty
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

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

(2) CHEONGRYANGSAN is yet to win in seven attempts but has no fewer than six top-four finishes and registered back-to-back runner-up efforts at this class in February and March. His worst was his latest on June 1st, but he can have a line drawn through that as he was slow into strode, took a bump, and was later found slightly lame. Back fit today and with Moon on, he can win. (7) INFINITE HONOR got his maiden win over 1400M in April and, following a shaky effort in May, confirmed he can compete at this level on June 23rd, when a front-running 5th, again at 1400M. The slight step back in trip can suit and he looks the main danger. (9) BIG BRIDGE is winless but has finished no worse than 5th in five starts. She carries a light weight here and can be finishing strongly. (1) DOWN THE ZONE and (6) EDENUI DONGJJOK other place chances who are perhaps better than their respective latest efforts.

Selections(2) Cheongryangsan (7) Infinite Honor (9) Big Bridge (1) Down The Zone
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Competitive race. (1) BEST THOR got his maiden win three starts back over this distance and has since run 2nd and 4th in two tries at this level, most recently coming from off the pace to beat a couple of today’s rivals on June 8th. He has the fastest time among these for the 1400M and he may be available at an each-way price. (9) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG is yet to win but enters with recent form reading well and only went down very narrowly on his first try at this class on June 22nd. In this company he can be close to the place and is a big danger. (8) GLOBAL JINGYEOK also comes in following a last start class and distance runner-up finish. He carries his fair share of weight here but should be in the mix again. (2) WONDERFUL WELLS and (4) BULGEUN POKPUNG among others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Best Thor (9) Geumak Myeongjang (8) Global Jingyeok (2) Wonderful Wells
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 9

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

After getting his maiden win at this distance in January, (11) SAHARAMOND didn’t race again until May when finishing midfield on his first run back over 1300M. That was followed by a close 2nd place on June 22nd and while he comes up in the weights and has the challenge of the widest draw, he can be peaking fitness-wise here and is the one to beat. (4) BEAUTYWONDERFUL is yet to win in seven attempts but comes in off three consecutive 2nd place finishes, most recently at this class over 1300M on June 16th. She is lightly weighted here and can be a danger. (1) GLORY AND HONOR can mix her form, but she looks nicely in here and was 3rd last time out at this class and distance. (8) ELITE ROYAL and (7) GEOSEN YEOJE others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Saharamond (4) Beautywonderful (1) Glory And Honor (8) Elite Royal
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 14)

Sunday sees 17 races across the country with 9 at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00 and 8 at Busan from 10:35 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

World Dragon (purple cup) was 2nd in the Derby – he runs Sunday at Busan (Pic: KRA)

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

It’s juvenile maiden fillies only in the opener. (9) ECHO CHAMP is among six of the nine coming racing for the first time. She was the best of these in trials, racing on pace and running home 4th in a quick time. If she can bring that form to the races, she can win. She is the first by her sire, Champ Line, who was also trained by Thomas Gillespie, to make the track. (4) OWNER CHAMP also impressed in her heat, coming from off the pace to run 2nd in a good time. She draws nicely and can be a danger. The three with prior experience all debuted in the same race on June 21st over this distance and it was (1) DOCTOR MEGA who came out the best of them, racing handy and finishing 5th. (3) FANTASTIC HIT was 7th in that race but had previously shown well in trials and can improve. (2) GREEN SHARPEY the best of the other first-timers.

Selections(9) Echo Champ (4) Owner Champ (1) Doctor Mega (3) Fantastic Hit
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 9

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

Competitive maiden. (1) JEONGSEONG VICE has a runner-up finish to his name and comes in off a close 3rd place over this distance on June 2nd when on pace throughout. He draws well here, Johan remains aboard, and he can make it ninth-time lucky. (2) HANGANG PERFECT was well fancied on debut over 1000M having previously shown well in a trial, but he got quite a long way back and only ran on for 6th. He should have derived benefit from the experience and the step up in trip can be in his favour. (3) CRAZY SHAH completes the top line of favourites with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M. She can be on pace here and in things a long way. The form drops off after those although (11) GROUPER also has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record and along with (10) GOLDEN JACKPOT, who looks the better of the two first-timers, can be considered for the minors.

Selections(1) Jeongseong Vice (2) Hangang Perfect (3) Crazy Shah (11) Grouper
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

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

(5) DREAMING BOY ran 3rd on debut over 1200M in May but put in a disappointing effort second up at 1300M on June 7th when awkwardly away and colliding with the adjacent horse and then seemingly getting caught in kickback. We’ll draw a line through that and with Munro climbing on, give him another chance. (7) UNJU GUY was a solid 2nd on debut over 1200M on June 16th, settling right back and working home well. He didn’t get anywhere near the very good-looking winner, but he should have come on for the run and the extended trip should surely suit and he will probably start the betting favourite. (6) PURUEN YEOLJEONG has perked up considerably in her latest two and may be a racehorse after all. She was on pace last time and in this company, should be again. (2) NEOM CITY and (4) SIMON STAR among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Dreaming Boy (7) Unju Guy (6) Puruen Yeoljeong (2) Neom City
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

(1) COING made most of the running on debut over 1200M on June 16th only to be passed late but holding on for 2nd. He should have derived benefit from that experience and from a good draw, he can lead again, and this time go one better. (6) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE has finished no worse than 5th in any of his eight starts so far and beat three of today’s rivals on his way to a best so far runner-up finish over this distance on June 9th when settling midfield and running on. He shapes as the main danger here. Those two will make up everybody’s quinella such does the form drop off after them. (4) HERO CHAMP does have a couple of 3rd places on his record which despite recent form being poor, is enough to make him a money chance here. (2) SCALE KING and (7) GEUMSEONG YEOJE other minor contenders.

Selections(1) Coing (6) Heunghaeng Bulpae (4) Hero Champ (2) Scale King
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

This is a really nice-looking race for the level. (3) LEMON BULPAE has placed at this class and distance and has finished 4th in two starts back since returning from a four-month layoff. He carries his fair share of weight, but he draws nicely, he has the fastest time among these for the distance, and third-up, he can be peaking fitness-wise. (4) MORPHEUS was slightly disappointing last time out in early May but was later found to be slightly lame and to have cast a plate. He has won at a mile and placed at this class at 1200M and is a big danger. So too is (9) WONDERFUL FEVER. He is yet to win in five attempts but has never finished worse than 5th and placed twice at this distance at class 6 level. (2) QUEEN’S FLETAR and the up in class (6) POMPEII among plenty of others who can be in the mix.

Selections(3) Lemon Bulpae (4) Morpheus (9) Wonderful Fever (2) Queen’s Fletar
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 9

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

Decent race but it’s hard to go far past (1) BUGANGJILJU. He got his maiden win at start number two in March before stepping up to this class and distance on June 15th and almost leading from gate to wire, ultimately getting passed late on by a good winner. He comes up in the weights but that’s balanced by a good gate, and he can go all the way this time. Neither (5) EUREKA nor (9) DREAM SKY win out of turn, but both are ultra-experienced at this level, and both enter with their recent form reading well. The latter gets a nice weight drop with an apprentice climbing on, putting her back below the mark she won at over 1200M three starts back, and both can be competitive here.  (4) GANGHAN NURI and (7) SMART WORLD among others in the pacing frame.

Selections(1) Bugangjilju (5) Eureka (9) Dream Sky (4) Ganghan Nuri
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 13)

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

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

Maiden juvenile fillies with six of the ten racing for the first time. Conveniently, the four with experience all debuted in the same race over this distance on June 22nd and with (4) JOSE coming out the best of them that day, she is hard to oppose here. She led for much of the way around, ultimately coming home in 2nd and shouldn’t need to improve too much to go one better. A couple of the debut-makers showed potential in trials. (7) MISS DORTIE came through two heats, winning the first, but going faster in the second, both times overcoming a wide gate. She should be nice and fit and is a chance first-up. (10) OKCHEON WIN STAR ran 3rd in her trial having shown on pace. Her time was fair, and she offered enough to suggest she can go well first-up. (6) I AM GO was 4th in the June 22nd race and along with (8) FOX TROT, who was 6th, can improve.

Selections(4) Jose (7) Miss Dortie (10) Okcheon Win Star (6) I Am Go
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Ten young imports make their racecourse debuts. Based on trials, (5) MIRACLE HANAM is the one to beat. He qualified only at the second time of asking, but he did it well, showing at the front and crossing the line five-lengths in front of the rest in a decent time. That was in early May but presumably he has been kept back for this race, and in that form, he can win. (3) DREAM HONOUR also came through two trials, winning the second of them on June 7th (it was a voluntary trial so may not appear in all racecards). His times have been good, he draws nicely to be on the pace, and he can be in this a long way. (4) CHEONDUNG LION registered a time as fast as any of the others here in his second heat (another voluntary one so be aware; it was on June 13th) and merits consideration. (9) A PURE GOOD WOMAN and (8) GLORY CITY are others who hinted at ability.

Selections(5) Miracle Hanam (3) Dream Honor (4) Cheondung Lion (9) A Pure Good Woman
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 10

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

Having first trialed back in the summer of 2023, it took an look time for (6) PHANTOM DRAGON to get to the races, but it looks to have been worth the wait as the Federalist colt ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on May 18th, showing on pace throughout. That day’s winner has gone on to run 2nd at class 5 and Phantom Dragon can be going one better today. (5) SAEROUN GUY is the only one who has shown enough to suggest he can challenge the favourite having made steady progress across three outings so far, culminating in a 3rd place at this distance on June 16th when handy throughout. Expect similar tactics today and with some more natural improvement, he can be a danger. There are four first-time starters and while none really convince in their trials, (11) SHINING CHARM did show a bit when finally qualifying on June 7th and in this limited company can be given a chance first-up. (10) HERO NARA and (7) TALITHA CUMI are others likely to be in the placing market.

Selections(6) Phantom Dragon (5) Saeroun Guy (11) Shining Charm (10) Hero Nara
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

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

Small but competitive field (it’s a split race with Sunday’s race 2). (5) GOOD FIGHTER didn’t do much on debut last November but finally returned to trial twice in good fashion in May and then ran a solid 5th of eleven over 1200M in an all-filly race on June 22nd. She should strip fitter for that run, CC climbs up, and she has as good a chance as any. (3) SHINE BOLT has four top-five finishes from five starts so far with her best being a 3rd place two starts back over 1200M. She comes up slightly in trip today and her running style suggests it can suit. That will mean overturning form on (6) STUNNING SERVE, who finished 4th to Shine Bolt’s 5th when they raced one another at 1200M on June 2nd. That equaled Stunning Serve’s best result to date, but he can get as close or closer this time. (8) MAX PARTY and (4) JILPUNG JAZZ others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Good Fighter (3) Shine Bolt (6) Stunning Serve (8) Max Party
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 7)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (8 races from 11:25 to 18:00) and Busan (9 races from 10:35 to 17:30). Here are the previews:

Gangpungma won the Sports Chosun Trophy and returns in Sunday’s Seoul feature (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (2) QUEEN OF DRAGON will be the hot favourite. Having put in two good trials she was well supported on debut over 1200M on April 19th and finished 2nd to the favourite, King Dragon. She has had eleven weeks off since then but should have come on for the run and from a good draw and against modest opposition, can win. (8) HAERANG JINJU has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both times racing handy. She shapes as a potential danger here. (5) GUKDAE MIRACLE has raced twice, finishing 3rd on both occasions in similar all-filly fields and should be there or thereabouts again. (9) SPECIAL MATE and (4) GREEN BULLDOZER others who can improve.

Selections(2) Queen Of Dragon (8) Haerang Jinju (5) Gukdae Miracle (9) Special Mate
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

(10) SEOBU CAPTAIN has done most of his recent work over a mile including a last start 4th place on June 7th that suggests he is coming into some form. His solitary place was a 3rd over this distance, and he has as good a chance as any in this competitive affair. (4) B.K. MARON comes in off a best to date 4th place on May 31st over this distance when overcoming gate eleven to work home very well. He gets a better draw here, Franco climbs on, and he can be aiming to get closer this time. That may mean overturning the form on (8) AMAZING MOVE, who ran 2nd in that May 31st race when handy throughout. Tanaka remains aboard and he can be in the mix again. (6) OAK RIDGE mixes his form but going on his 2nd place at 1300M two starts back has to be a live contender here. (11) RAON STROKE another in the hunt.

Selections(10) Seobu Captain (4) B.K. Maron (8) Amazing Move (6) Oak Ridge
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Tricky opener in the capital with not a huge amount of form to go on. (4) SERGEANT LIGHT perhaps has the most upside after back-to-back 5th places from his first two starts, both over this distance and in fair times. Both races were in probably tougher company than this and from a good draw, he can sit behind the early leaders and can prove too strong. (2) MAGIC SOUND has three consecutive 5th places from her latest three and while up in the weights, she draws well and in this modest company can be going better. Continuing on the theme of finishing 5th, that’s where (5) CAPTAIN MUSIC was on his debut on April 13th, having raced handy over this distance. He has had twelve weeks off since but should have derived benefit from the experience and can be in the mix here. Without a huge among of confidence, (6) YUSUBUJAENGSEON and (7) ARCH ROCKET are other possibles in a race that something has to win.

Selections(4) Sergeant Light (2) Magic Sound (5) Captain Music (6) Yusubujaengseon
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

(1) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH has been working his way back towards a second win and enters off a runner-up finish in a quick time over 1300M on June 7th when coming from well off the pace. He previously has a 2nd place at this distance too and with Masa climbing up, he can go one better today. (9) HAERANG YOUNGUNG is up in class having secured his maiden win at start number eight at 1300M on June 7th when leading all the way around. That was his first start since February, and he can strip fitter for it. Down in the weights, he is firmly in the hunt. (11) GUKDAE STAR was 3rd behind Yeonggwanguitouch in that June 7th race and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, can go close again. (3) WONDERFUL CHEROKEE and (10) HANEUL HAETSAL others in the minor money frame.

Selections(1) Yeonggwanguitouch (9) Haerang Youngung (11) Gukdae Star (3) Wonderful Cherokee
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

(8) YEONGUNG JARYONG ran 4th on debut in May before following up with a 2nd place at start number two over 1200M on June 8th, racing handy throughout. Moon Se-young stays up, he should be on pace, and it can be third time lucky. (4) HANGANG CAPTAIN did nothing in his first two starts but reappeared in May after four months out looking a much better prospect, winning a trial before running 5th and 2nd in two starts back with the latter coming over this distance on June 16th. In this company and from this gate, he can be expected to be on or close to the speed, and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness-wise. (2) WONDERFUL TECHNO was a promising 3rd on debut at this distance on June 9th, coming from off the pace, and should have derived benefit from the experience. (10) POSEIDON BLUE and (3) RAON THE KLAMMER among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(8) Yeongung Jaryong (4) Hangang Captain (2) Wonderful Techno (10) Poseidon Blue
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 6)

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

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

Twelve previously unraced juveniles so we head to the trial videos. (3) HANSEN STAR was beaten only by two experienced winners when posting a quick time in 3rd place in his hear. He led for much of the way only being passed late by the two older horses. If he brings that trial form to the races, he will win. (1) TAEPYEONG LEGEND went through two trials, crossing the line in 3rd place in both, each time running handy and stopping the clock in a decent time. From the inside gate he can get to the front and has every chance of going close. (11) WONDERFUL NORTHERN similarly went through two trials, in his case improving in the second of them (which as a voluntary trial, may not appear in all racecards). That was on June 7th when he came from midfield and ran on for 2nd in a quick time. He is the first foal by 2019 President’s Cup winner New Legend, to make the races. (10) CHEONGONGUI SEOM and (8) HANSEN BRACING are others who caught the eye in trials.

Selections(3) Hansen Star (1) Taepyeong Legend (11) Wonderful Northern (10) Cheongeonui Seom
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

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

Fillies only in this maiden and one of the two first-timer starters is set to be the favourite. That’s (5) KHAN NUT who went through two trials (the second may not appear in all racecards as it was voluntary, so do be aware) and improved significantly in the second, finishing an on-pace runner-up in a good time, four-lengths behind experienced Aman Barows. If she brings that form to the races, she wins this. (9) SKY TEN will be second favourite. That’s based on her last start 4th place at this distance on June 1st when handy throughout. Today’s company is softer, and she should be looking to improve on that. (6) RAON THE PARTA should be on pace against this lot and can be in it a long way. (1) SINUI BLUE and the other debut-maker (2) MAX AERIAL perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(5) Khan Nut (9) Sky Ten (6) Raon The Parta (1) Sinui Blue
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 9, 11

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

(3) KING OF DRAGON ran out a six-length winner on debut over 1200M on May 25, breaking fairly before settling handy and proving far too strong. He comes up in class and in trip, but he draws nicely and with even a small amount of natural improvement, he should maintain his 100% record here. (9) ECLIPSE HONOR ran 2nd and 3rd before getting his maiden in at start number three on June 2nd. All his races have been over this distance and while up in class and drawn wide, neither should be an issue and he can be competitive again. (4) MK LEE similarly comes up in class having won at the fifth time of asking on June 9th. That win had been coming and it was over this distance. CC stays aboard and he can be in the finish. (7) ECHO ZONE and (2) SHARP SUNSHINE other placing chances.

Selections(3) King Of Dragon (9) Eclipse Honor (4) MK Lee (7) Echo Zone
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

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

After using up lots of energy to get on pace from a wide draw and then weakening late on debut over 1300M, (5) WONDERFUL LORD dropped back to this trip for start number two and from a better gate, he raced handy and ran on well. He comes up in class but draws well and can win again. (4) ULTRA MANGCHI similarly comes up in class following a maiden win. In his case, it was on his second outing over this distance on June 8th when making almost all the running. He too should measure up in this class and will be expected to be challenging Wonderful Lord right from the start. (9) JECHUK IHO remains a maiden but is yet to finish outside the top four in seven starts. He has posted the fastest time of any of these for the distance and should be there or thereabouts again. (8) MENI SHARK and (7) PURPLE WINK are others to consider.  

Selections(5) Wonderful Lord (4) Ultra Mangchi (9) Jechuk Iho (8) Meni Shark
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Owners’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 30)

The final Graded race of the first half of the year is the highlight of racing on Sunday with the Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) being contested at Busan. There are 9 races at Busan from 10:35 to 17:30 and 8 at Seoul from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Tuhonui Banseok is among the Owners’ Cup contenders (Pic: KRA)

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

Unusually for a Sunday, we start at Busan and a maiden for fillies only opens proceedings. (4) NEOM CITY has shown steady progress across six starts to date, culmination in a runner-up finish over 1300M on May 26th in a very similar race to this. She can settle in midfield before running on to go one better this time. (10) DREAM TREE ran a fair 4th of twelve on debut over this distance back in March. She has had a further fourteen weeks off since, but she showed a nice late turn of foot that day and she can be a danger. (2) DAESUNG DOLPUNG enters off a to date best of 3rd at 1200M on June 16th. She makes a quick return here and from a nice draw should be in the mix. (8) GOLDMASK and (1) GREEN LEGEND are the other main contenders.

Selections(4) Neom City (10) Dream Tree (2) Daesung Dolpung (8) Goldmask
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) CHARON TODAY will be a hot favourite here. A winner and two-time placer before a layoff, she returned from nine months away to run 5th over 1200M on June 14th when leading and running out of steam. She should strip fitter for that run, she should be on pace again, and this limited field may not be able to stop her. (8) MACH MAN will need a line drawn through his latest on May 25th but if we go on his class and distance 3rd two starts back then he is in placing contention here. (1) VALHALLA too was only ordinary on his most appearance in April. He was a good winner over 1200M in February and then proved competitive at this class in March when 5th over 1400M. CC climbs on and from the inside gate, he can be close. (11) TWO TWO LIME and (5) RAINBOW ROAD perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(7) Charon Today (8) Mach Man (1) Valhalla (11) Two Two Lime
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 10

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

The capital opens with a maiden where five of the nine line up for the first time and one of those debut-makers, (3) DAESEONG STAR, will be the strong favourite. He came from off the pace to run 2nd in his trial in late May in a quick time. Moon Se-young is engaged and the two-year-old won’t need to find much on that trial to win this. Of the experience, (2) KYLIE is the best of a weak bunch. She hinted at figuring things out with an improved 5th place on June 1st over 1300M when racing on pace. She will be on speed here and can be close. It gets hard after that. (4) FLYING RED was much improved in a second trial and beat a couple of his fellow debut makers in the process, so that is enough for him to go into the numbers here. (5) GEUMSEONG POWER and (1) CANVASEN GO are experienced ones who may – and may is very much the operative word – improve.  

Selections(3) Daeseong Star (2) Kylie (4) Flying Red (5) Geumseong Power
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

Plenty of chances here. (11) COLUMBIA CHAMP come sin off a very close 2nd place over 1200M when coming off the pace from a similarly wide draw. She hasn’t gone well at the 1300M before, but she could be ready for another crack and third-up this preparation following four-months off, she can be peaking fitness-wise. (5) DRAGON PUNCH returns to action for the first time since February. She looked very well when 3rd in a quick trial last week and so long as she didn’t leave her race there, can go well first-up. (7) GONJOHARI got his maiden win at 1200M in April before finishing down the field on his first try at this class and distance on June 2nd. He comes into a better gate today and can be given another chance. (8) FANTASTIC DREAM and (3) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL among plenty of others in the money frame.

Selections(11) Columbia Champ (5) Dragon Punch (7) Gonjohari (8) Fantastic Dream
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

(4) LEGEND TAP is the one to beat. He enters off a 3rd place over this distance on June 15th when as is his style, he came from off the pace and ran on well. He draws nicely, Moon Se-young takes over in the saddle, and he will take some beating. (5) HIPPODROME has mixed his form across five starts so far but his last outing was a solid one when 4th over 1300M. He comes up to this distance for the first time and he shapes as the main danger. (11) GANGCHEOL JEONSA was an improved 4th at start number three over 1300M on May 19th and can continue to make progress in this company. (9) LONDON GOLD and (1) DAEMUL SOCKS other minor money chances.

Selections(4) Legend Tap (5) Hippodrome (11) Gangcheol Jeonsa (9) London Gold
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 29)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Geoljak One (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) DANGCHAN NANGBO has finally looked like she is figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance. She likes to come off the pace and finish strong so from a good draw, Kim Cheol-ho can pick his spot and she can get it right at the fifteenth time of asking. (1) I’M THE BEST did nothing on debut in March but after going back to trial has since run 3rd twice at 1200M. Having finished off those two races well, the slight step up in trip can suit and she is a big chance. (7) BEATRIZ has two 3rd places and a 4th from her latest three and has the benefit of a 4kg claim here which should make her competitive. (2) ULTRA HIT and (9) JERAQUEEN among others in the frame.

Selections(3) Dangchan Nangbo (1) I’m The Bes (7) Beatriz (2) Ultra Hit
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) AMAZING ROCK will be hard to go past here. Since running 6th on debut, she has two 4th places and a 3rd up to 1300M and finishing off well. The step up to two turns should suit and Moon Se-young climbing back up suggests today is the day. (8) TAENGGEURI is probably the most dangerous rival. He is the only one n the field who has a 2nd place to his name. That was all the way back on Christmas Day, but it was at this distance, and he should have the beating of most of these. (7) YONGGINAEYO GEUDAE enters off a much-improved 3rd place last time out at this distance and can continue to make progress here. (3) MARUBYEOL and (5) GOLD CHARM are other placing chances.

Selections(1) Amazing Rock (8) Taenggeuri (7) Yongginaeyo Geudae (3) Marubyeol
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(1) GANA POWER has been working back towards another win with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two at this distance and at 1300M. He draws well to be on pace again, he has the fastest time among these for the distance, Harry stays on, and he is the one to beat. (7) DIANA got her maiden win at this distance in March and has since got two 3rd places and a 5th in three starts at this level. She once again benefits from an apprentice claim, and she should be close here. (3) MO CHUISLE got her maiden win last time out over this distance and while up in class, she is down significantly in the weights and can measure up in this company. (11) GHOST DRAGON and (2) YONGBI QUEEN are others to consider.

Selections(1) Gana Power (7) Diana (3) Mo Chuisle (11) Ghost Dragon
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 11

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

(4) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG enters off a best to date of 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on May 26th and racing for the first time on pace. Expect similar tactics today and he can go one better. The danger is (7) SMILE GOLD. She too comes in off a career to date best in 2nd place on June 9th when she raced close to the lead throughout. Coming up to the 1700M for the first time, she could be another winner for the bang in form Riccardi stable. (9) COSMO KING has plenty of experience at this distance with his two placings coming over it.  Any top three finish will earn him a rating and he could exit the lowest level of racing with a win. The form drops off after those three but (1) OPUS PURPLE and (5) GANGCHEOL POWER could challenge for places.

Selections(4) Changjoui Gidung (7) Smile Gold (9) Cosmo King (1) Opus Purple
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 23)

It’s a Stakes race free Sunday but there is still plenty of action to get stuck into at both Seoul and Busan. Seoul has 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00 while Busan hosts 7 from 11:25 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

No Stakes races this weekend after Success Baekpa’s romp last Sunday in the Minister’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) WONDERFUL JET was sent back to trial after his debut 5th in March and ultimately ended up going through two heats, winning the second, before returning to action on May 19th when an on pace over 1300M. Moon Se-young gets on here, the drop back in trip can suit, and he can go all the way. He will be long odds-on and (11) SAMAEBEONJJEOK will be the second favourite. She scored back-to-back 3rd places over this distance in February and April, before running 5th at 1300M on May 26th. She likes to be on pace so has the challenge of the widest gate but there isn’t much else in the way of early speed here bar the favourite and she can get forward and be close. There are three debut-makers and (1) ARCH DAY will have backers. A four-year-old, she is a late starter, but trialled nicely and this is a good race to begin in. Returning to the experience and (9) SARYEONI NIKE and (2) EAST KING STONE are potential improvers.

Selections(6) Wonderful Jet (11) Samaebeonjjeok (1) Arch Day (9) Saryeoni Nike
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

(4) SEONGSIN CHEONHA returned from almost four months off to run a significantly improved 2nd place at this distance on June 9th when settling midfield and running on, having also shown speed in a May trial. He looks nicely on here, should strip fitter for that run, and is the one to beat. (6) EURACHACHA unseated his jockey coming out of the gates at what would have been his second start on May 26th. He was well backed for that having run 3rd on debut in April and has since completed a trial and can be close here. (3) FLYING GLOW returned for his second start on May 11th more than eight months after his debut and ran a solid 4th over 1200M. He should strip fitter for that and will be a danger. (5) NAOL JEONGSANG and (10) DANAEUN REX are the other placing hopes.

Selections(4) Seongsin Cheonha (6) Eurachacha (3) Flying Glow (5) Naol Jeongsang
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

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

(10) SUNCHEON YEOWANG has a 3rd and a 2nd among her four starts so far with the 3rd being her most recent on May 10th when coming from well off the pace in an all-filly race over this distance. She looks nicely in here, the wide draw won’t be a problem, and she can prove too strong late on. (2) GOLDEN NICE enters off a 3rd followed by back-to-back 4th place finishes, all at 1200M. She too has been doing her best work late and may like the slight step up in trip. (4) RAON THE LEGEND has raced just twice but hinted at ability with a 4th on debut and can go closer here. There isn’t much early speed so (7) SUPER KANEL can get an easy run to the front and can be in this a long way. It isn’t a strong race so solitary debut-maker (3) SUPER CELL can be considered first-up.

Selections(10) Suncheon Yeowang (2) Golden Nice (4) Raon The Legend (7) Super Kanel
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

(1) MIGHTY BOM is yet to win in six attempts but has a 2nd and three 3rd places to his name. The latest of those was at this class over 1300M on May 19th when coming from off the pace and from a better draw today, he can win. (2) P N S CAR come sin off a very close 2nd place at class and distance on June 8th. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but Harry gets on and from a great draw, he can he a big danger. (7) INFINITE HONOR is the only one of these who have already won at this distance, albeit at class 6 level, and may be worth some interest at what will be at least an each-way price. (4) BAEKRYONG and (8) PINK WIND others whose form reads well and can be involved.

Selections(1) Mighty Bom (2) P N S Car (7) Infinite Honor (4) Baekryong
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(6) BEOLMA BROWN was a smart winner on debut over 1000M on May 31st in the season’s first juvenile race, showing on pace throughout. He comes up in class and in distance but is down 3kg in the weights and can win again. (7) JEOLDAE BOSS will be favourite. A sixteen-race maiden, he nevertheless comes in here with his recent form reading very well, with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two at 1300M and 1400M. In this company he can sit just behind the speed and will be a big danger late on. It could be his day at last. (2) MASTER ROAD is another non-winner, in his case from six starts but with five top-four finishes. Drawing nicely, she can be on pace and be in this a long way. (1) FLYNG THE FORD and the up in class (10) CHAS QUEEN are other possibles. 

Selections(6) Beolma Brown (7) Jeoldae Boss (2) Master Road (1) Flying The Ford
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 22)

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

Ten previously unraced juvenile fillies debut here so we must take our chances with the trial videos. (1) JOSE was the best of them running 4th in her trial in a fair time, settling midfield and running through the line well. She draws nicely and can be the special one first up. (7) ECO WORLD ran fairly in her heat finishing off well from midfield and won’t need to improve much on that to go close in this company. It took (10) GEOSEN YEOJE two goes to qualify but in the second of her trials, she posted the fastest time among these and that should stand her in good stead. (6) DAESEUNGMA and (8) ANDAMIRO were others who registered times not much slower.

Selections(1) Jose (7) Eco World (10) Geosen Yeoje (6) Daeseungma
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 10

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

Maiden fillies but three-year-olds this time. (9) BARO DANAEUN debuted all the way back in February and ran 3rd over 1200M having briefly struck the front late on. She hasn’t raced since so comes in off seventeen weeks out and hasn’t trialled, but there was previously a long time between her trial and debut so first-up shouldn’t be a problem. (11) EAST RISING did nothing on debut but has since run 2nd and 4th in two appearances at 1200M and 1300M. She has the challenge of the widest gate, but with a little luck at the start, she can get a forward position and can be in this a long way. (2) ORION ALPHA debuted all the way back last August with a promising 3rd. She hasn’t raced since but she looked well when running 2nd in a good time in a May trial and from a nice draw can be a danger. (8) SILVER MOON and (5) GOOD FIGHTER, that latter having trialled well twice since his debut las November, are others that can be considered.

Selections(9) Baro Danaeun (11) East Rising (2) Orion Alpha (8) Silver Moon
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 11

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

Competitive maiden. (6) SUNSHINE QUEEN has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name at this distance and while she struggled last time out when sent up slightly in trip to 1400M, she looks nicely in here amongst this very ordinary set of opponents. (1) THUNDER YEOGEOL comes in off a best to date 2nd at this distance on May 26th when racing handy and running on well. She draws very nicely for an easy run to the front and should be in the finish again. (7) CHOGANGBULPAE is another with a 2nd place on her resume already and while she has got a bit far back in her latest couple, in this company, she can be further forward early and is not without a chance. (4) DAEMYEONGJANG and (2) ARGO GUY are other place contenders.

Selections(6) Sunshine Queen (1) Thunder Yeogeol (7) Chogangbulpae (4) Daemyeongjang
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

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

It’s hard to go past (4) MAGIC PRINCE here. He has shown steady progress across three stars so far, culminating in a 3rd place over 1700M on May 26th. He has run a good time at this distance already and in this company can settle behind the speed and prove too strong at the business end. (2) GANGCHEOL DRAGON enters off a 3rd place over 1300M on May 25th when coming from off the pace and running on after a slow start. He comes into a better gate this time and can be a bit further forward. (5) ARNOLD QUEEN looks to be on the right trajectory with a 5th and a 3rd from her latest two and from a better draw today can get closer. (8) CLAIR GOLD and (6) SINUI UNMYEONG are the other minor money chances.

Selections(4) Magic Prince (2) Gangcheol Dragon (5) Arnold Queen (8) Clair Gold
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 9

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

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