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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 20^th and ran 2^nd 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 25^th 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.

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

(5) TRIPLE ACE enters off back-to-back 3^rd 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 2^nd 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 2^nd at start number four on July 27^th, 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.

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 5^th on debut, she was an improved 3^rd over this 1200M on July 28^th, 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 4^th behind Khan Nut in that July 28^th race. She also has a 3^rd place on her resume already and can be in the mix again here. (11) SKY TEN beat Khan Nut on the way to 2^nd place two starts back on July 6^th in a similar filly maiden to this. She led in her latest over this distance on   August 3^rd 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.

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 3^rd 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 2^nd and a 3^rd 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 9^th. 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.  

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

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 27^th 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 4^th in debut in a decent time over 1000M on July 6^th, 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.

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 20^th, settling midfield and running on for 3^rd 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 3^rd 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.

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 2^nd over this trip on July 21^st, 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 2^nd at start number two over this distance on July 28^th 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 3^rd places and five 4^th 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.

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 14^th for the first time since last Christmas Day and ran a strong 3^rd 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 2^nd in a quick race at this class and distance on July 14^th, 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.

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

(9) MAGIC PRINCE got his maiden win two starts back before running 2^nd on his first try at this class over this distance on July 17^th, 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 3^rd 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 14^th and took to it well, running 3^rd. 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.

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