Seoul

Holiday Monday Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (August 17)

It’s a public holiday on Monday and that means a special 11-race Seoul card from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(2) GWANAKSAN BIGSTEP is a colt by Vics from the Song Moon-gil stable that won by a lazy thirteen-lengths in his one and only trial on July 16 where he led from start to finish in smart time. That will send him off as a long odds-on favourite for his debut. (5) BIG WIND is by Courvoisier with the in-form Lee Shin-woo stable and trialled once for a fourth on July 23 and rates as best of the rest under Andre da Silva. (9) TONNERRE DOS has never been better than midfield in two runs but rates next over (7) DU UM, who a similar comment applies to, with (6) CHEONMAUI HANSEONG and (1) SHARP GUY, a Moon Byeong-ki prepared Concord Point colt, potential place chances.

Selections(2) Gwanaksan Bigstep (5) Big Wind (9) Tonnerre Dos (7) Du Um
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6, 7

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

(2) INFLATION has taken a while to get to the races as he had two trials last year for a fifth in July and a front-running victory in December before most recently trialling on July 16, this year, when second beaten a nose behind Geosen Daero, fourth in last year’s Rookie Stakes. If this Medici Glory colt out of a Canadian mare is good to go, he can go close. (8) RAON THE RIPON has trialled once, also on July 16, for a thirteen-length second to Gwanaksan Bigstep. That horse will be the odds-on favourite in Race 1 so supporters of Raon The Ripon will be keeping a big eye on what happens twenty-five minutes before this Musket Man colt with Lee Kang-seo makes his debut. (1) GEUMBIT YEONGUNG has a runner-up and two fourth places from three runs and will go close whilst (11) STUNNING SKET has a second and a third from his pair of starts. (6) WONPYEONG DREAM looks the other key player with (3) SPICY JERRY best of the rest.

Selections(2) Inflation (8) Raon The Ripon (1) Geumbit Yeongung (11) Stunning Sket
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

(1) MYUNG BRACING resumes since the winter when finishing second in a pair of maiden events in December and January. She was fifth in a trial on July 23 and should go close first up. (7) SILK SPECTER was fourth in a decent race for this grade two back and could be at decent value in this event. (2) GANGHAN GAMMA is a maiden who has struggled in two runs at this grade but had run minor placings just behind some decent winners in three of her maiden runs prior so should not be totally discounted. (6) EXCELLENT HANSEN has been third in each of her last two runs which have been at this level and rates as a solid chance as does recent dual runner-up (3) GEOLJAK TIARA, who will be well fancied, with (5) HAEMAJI best of the three outsiders.

Selections(1) Myung Bracing (7) Silk Specter (2) Ganghan Gamma (6) Excellent Hansen
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7, 8

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

(5) MR. DOR and (4) CLUTCH DERBY have both had one trial for one impressive win and one race for one impressive win so this looks set to be an exciting race for the grade. The former came from well back to win his trial by seven-lengths before pulling Kozzi Asano’s arms out when he attempted to ride him with a sit in the early stages on debut before pulling him to the outside a long way from home and eventually recording a sixteen-length score. The latter has been arguably the most impressive looking juvenile we have seen this year to date with front-running victories in his trial by seven-lengths before a winning margin of nine-lengths on debut, yet we do not seem him in the Rookie Stakes twenty-fours earlier but in a Class 5 where he will not get it all his own way against a smart looking rival two years his senior. However, Clutch Derby will start favourite over Mr. Dor in what should be a top match race with the rest all battling out third to ninth with (6) POWER BEST and (7) THUNDER FIRE the best of the bronze chances over (9) HYEWONYONGMA and (8) FINAL JILJU.

Selections(5) Mr. Dor (4) Clutch Derby (6) Power Best (7) Thunder Fire
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 7

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

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Rookie Stakes Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 16)

Seoul and Busan both hold their prep races for the Juvenile Series on Sunday as a small collection of the most promising two-year-olds at each track line up for the Rookie Stakes. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens although all but one have raced at least once before. (3) WONDER GRACE has raced twice, improving to 2nd at start two over 1000M on July 12th. The step up in trip can suit and third-up, she can be peaking. (8) ECLIPSE GOLDEN was 3rd on debut over this distance on July 19th, well beaten by the promising Clutch Derby, but nevertheless putting in a solid effort. He should have come on for the run and shapes as the main danger and possible betting favourite. (9) G B ACE was a beaten favourite on debut over 1000M on July 4th but showed enough in 4th place to suggest he is worth another chance here. (1) BONBON TIARA and (6) SEOGWI MENIQUEEN among others who hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(3) Wonder Grace (8) Eclipse Golden (9) G B Ace (1) Bonbon Tiara
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(10) SAMJEONG YEOJE enters off back-to-back 3rd places over 1400M racing on pace both times. She draws a touch wider than ideal but se won’t need to find much improvement to win this. (5) JS LOVE did nothing in her first two starts this spring but having gone back to trial, reappeared on July 18th with a close 2nd place at 1200M. She draws well here and can match or better that today. (1) HWARYEOHAN YUSAN was an improved 2nd over this distance on June 7th when racing on pace throughout. He can lead ere again and can be in this a long way. (3) GEOSEN HAMSEONG and (9) ILGEUP BISUL are among others who can be aiming for the places.

Selections(10) Samjeong Yeoje (5) JS Love (1) Hwaryeohan Yusan (3) Geosen Hamseong
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 10

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

It’s hard to go far past (1) SWEET MAN here. Since switching to racing on pace two starts back, he has a 2nd and a 3rd both over 1400M and while he comes up to a mile for the first time, he can get a soft lead here and go all the way. (9) RIVER RUN was beaten by a couple of these two starts back but comes in following a 3rd place over 1400M on June 21st when coming from off the pace. He comes up to the mile for the first time, and it may well suit. (10) SHINY KOREA was an improved 2nd at 1400M on July 19th and is another who can benefit from the extended trip today. (8) VIRAL HIT and (11) HANGANG BRAVO are the other main contenders on a place line.

Selections(1) Sweet Man (9) River Run (10) Shiny Korea (8) Viral Hit
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

(2) WHIZ POINT hasn’t won but has two 2nd places and two 3rd places from four starts to date and was most recently runner-up at this class and distance on July 11th when on pace and only going down narrowly. He is up 3.5kg in weight, but he can break through here. (1) HOT FEVER is yet to score in nine but got promoted to this class with back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M and 1300M in April and May. She comes in having run 4th at this class and distance on July 19th and she can be closer today. (9) ONNURI BIT beat Whiz Point two starts back when the pair came home 2nd and 3rd and while that was her best finish so far, she can be a place chance again. (4) CLOVER ONE and (6) INSPIRE others firmly in the frame.

Selections(2) Whiz Point (1) Hot Fever (9) Onnuri Bit (4) Clover One
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

(1) PRIME JENNY was an all the way winner on debut over this distance on July 17th scoring with plenty in hand. She could have probably taken her chance in the Rookie Stakes later on, but instead is sent to face older rivals at class 5 and should really win again. (9) CLUTCH RUNNER has mixed his form since his maiden win, but he enters off a 3rd place over 1200M at this class on July 19th when settling midfield and running on. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time, and he will have backers. (10) SKYNEX was a maiden winner two outings back over 1400M before running a solid 3rd place over a mile on his first try at this level on July 12th. He is up 2kg but can be there or thereabouts again. (4) JEONGMUN FELIX is the best of the rest while (8) WONDERFUL LARK, racing for the first time since November 2024, is the wildcard having trialed fairly.

Selections(1) Prime Jenny (9) Clutch Runner (10) Skynex (4) Jeongmun Felix
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 34 Million

(3) BEONGAE LEWIS won a trial by a distance and then scored by six-lengths with a front-running effort on debut over 1200M on July 4th. He comes up in class and in distance, but he is down 2.5kg in weight and the manner of that victory means he goes on top again today. (8) HAKSAN PRINCE is a non-winner of twenty-four and that probably won’t change here, but he has placed on no fewer than nine occasions, including his latest over 1200M on July 18th. He has been runner-up over this trip four times and this is the kind of race he can pick up a cheque in. (2) SINHAN ACE comes back in trip following 3rd place over 1800M on July 18th. He has a 3rd over this distance too and he will be running-on late again. (9) TEN BAGGER and (10) STUNNING SERVE are others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Beongae Lewis (8) Haksan Prince (2) Sinhan Ace (9) Ten Bagger
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

A bit of a battle of the non-winners. (7) QUEEN PERFECT comes in off 2nd place at this class and distance on July 12th in what was arguably a stronger race than this. That was her first go at both the class and the distance and with that experience in her, she can go one better today. (9) DUBAI DREAM is up in class having 2nd over 1400M on July 19th when settling midfield and running on. He gets a 2kg weight drop and the step up in trip can suit. (4) KISS THE RAIN was 4th on his first try at both class and distance on July 5th and just like Queen Perfect, can have come on for that. He’ll be on pace and can be in this a long way. Veterans (1) DORAON SAMSON and (10) COLONEL FLYING also find themselves in a race where they can win a prize.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 15)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 12:55 to 19:55. Here are the previews:

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

(5) WHITE THUNDER was not far away on debut when sent off in the market and this Choi Yong-geon prepared Hansen filly can go close under Kozzi Asano. (7) QUEENS IMPACT was ridden by Asano in each of her two trials and her race debut which yielded a third to a subsequent winner and a subsequent runner-up. Franco da Silva picks up the mount and this Knicks Go filly looks the other key runner. (2) RAON POLIS has trialled once for a fifth beaten twelve-and-a-half-lengths and the Musket Man filly out of a Japanese mare with Lee Kang-seo rates next over (1) LOOM CHUKJE and (9) BLUE HORIZON who are best of the rest over (4) CITY OF DREAM.

Selections(5) White Thunder (7) Queens Impact (2) Raon Polis (1) Loom Chukje
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7, 9

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

(3) CLAIR FREEDOM was out the back in each of her first three runs but looks to be knocking on the door with a second, third and fourth in each of her last trio of starts so under the in-form Kim Hyo-jung she can go close. (10) SAMJEONG BLUE is another that has continued to get better with more racing and has been just behind the placegetters of late. He gets a four-kilogram apprentice claim in this so that can help achieve an even better result here. (4) PERFECT GAME was second three back and finished fourth last start and Seo Seung-un rides whilst (5) THE QUEEN ROSE comes from the Luigi Riccardi stable and has been third at her latest two. Recent runner-up (1) ECLAIR WIND rates next over (6) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN.

Selections(3) Clair Freedom (10) Samjeong Blue (4) Perfect Game (5) The Queen Rose
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11

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

(1) MR. KAI draws to hold a forward role and with Seo Seung-un to ride he will be one of the main fancies. (5) VICAR DELLA dropped out after leading last start but at her prior two career starts had finished in third after being on pace and can be given another chance. (2) BIBA CHARM can go close on his third place three runs ago whilst (7) DANAEUN RUBY was third at her most recent run. (11) SAHARA ROSE and last start runner-up (10) RISING WIND rate next.

Selections(1) Mr. Kai (5) Vicar Della (2) Biba Charm (7) Danaeun Ruby
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10

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

(11) POINT I has been consistent without winning and despite coming up to one win grade for the first time as a maiden can go close with a light weight. (9) CHEONGGANG YEOREUM comes off back-to-back wins over 100M further and shorter and despite rising seven pounds and two-and-a-half kilograms on last start can complete the hat-trick. (6) POWER MAGIC comes off a course and distance maiden win and rates as one of the chances along with (1) POMADE on his effort three back. (3) TRIPLE S won her maiden over (2) SAENAE RANIA two back whilst the latter has been behind the former as well as Power Magic at her last two but drops two kilograms by coming up in class.

Selections(11) Point I (9) Cheonggang Yeoreum (6) Power Magic (1) Pomade
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 11

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

(7) CHAOS led throughout to break her maiden when resuming on July 26 following a second to the subsequent impressive debut winner Clutch Derby, who we see on Monday, in a trial on July 2. That form should stack up well as she comes up to Class 5 and she can make it two for two this preparation. (8) SEVEN KAISER is still a maiden and comes off a career worst performance, but he had been consistent prior and rates as an each-way hope. (2) NINE SPEAR was a two-and-a-half length course and distance maiden winner last month and rates as the other main player with (10) TURBO CHARGE, (6) QUEEN ABIGAIL, and (9) MIGHTY AMI best of the rest.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (August 9)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55 and at Busan with 7 races from 11.25 to 16:55. Here are the prviews:

Oaks winner Catch Race is back on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Imported maidens with three of the nine racing for the first time. The only southern hemisphere runner is (2) VICTORY LIFE. He looked good when 2nd in her trial in a decent time having been handy throughout. A concern is that was at the end of the April, and he has been lame since, but he has been back in work since the end of June and is worth a chance in this company. (5) A.K JUN looks the best of the experience. He raced handy on debut over 1000M on June 28th, ultimately running on for 4th place, albeit a long way behind a good winner. He beat two of today’s rivals in the proves and he will probably start as the betting faovurite. (8) ESSENTIAL FORCE is another debut-maker who looked well when an on pace 2nd in his trial and can go well first up while (4) NAREUSYA LUCKY went through two heats improving in the second and should be nice and fit for this. (1) BULTAOREUNE was a fair 6th of nine on debut and is the best of the rest.

Selections(2) Victory Life (5) A.K Jun (8) Essential Force (4) Nareusya Lucky
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

(9) STAR PLAY was sent off as the longest shot on the board on debut over 1000M on July 4th but made a mockery of that by coming from well off the pace to run a close 2nd. The additional furlong can suit and with some natural improvement, he can go one better. After an eye-catching trial, (4) BEAT STAR was sent off as the long odds-on favourite on debut on June 27th but while he led, he knocked up quickly and finished 4th. He should have learned a bit from that and can be given another chance here. Sole debut-maker (7) MAGIC TOUCH went through two trials and was much improved in the second of them (be aware that as a “voluntary” trial, it won’t appear in all race cards, but it was on July 9th) leading all the way and stopping the clock in 62.2 seconds. If he brings that form to the races, he is a big chance first-up. (8) BLITZ CARA was 5th on debut and then 3rd behind Star Play on July 4th. Third-up he can be peaking and he can be close. (2) K SOCKS can improve on an ordinary debut.

Selections(9) Star Play (4) Beat Star (7) Magic Touch (8) Blitz Cara
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the nine racing for the first time, but it’s the experienced ones who most will go for. (6) OASIS HEUIMANG has raced twice before, finishing 3rd on debut at the end of May and then 2nd when starting the odds-on favourite over 1200M on July 17th. He’ll be on pace here and will be an even shorter price to make it third time lucky. (8) HERO HIT came home in 4th place on debut over 1000M on June 26th, having shown on the speed. She previously won a trial, and she is the main danger here. (9) MORNING ARIA completes the trio wit prior experience. She too ran well on debut for 3rd place over 1000M on July 3rd and with some natural improvement, she can be in the mix again. Of the first timers, (2) ACE LOVE and (7) TWOTWO SPACE showed the most in trials.

Selections(6) Oasis Heuimang (8) Hero Hit (9) Morning Aria (2) Ace Love
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 9

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

(3) BREEDO EPIC didn’t do much on debut on May but was a much-improved 3rd at start number two over 1300M on June 21st. She comes up significantly in trip here but third-up she can be nice and fit, and she can make her breakthrough here.  (7) POWERFUL ARCTIC has been ordinary across seven starts so far but she returns to the distance at which she registered her best result to date at when 2nd – well beaten by a good winner – in May. She can settle midfield and will see out the trip. (10) CLUB MAN has almost identical form with his best also being 2nd over this distance two outings back. He can overcome the wide draw to be handy and can be competitive. (5) GWANAKSAN WISH ME and (4) SINCHEON HEART both picked up in their respective latest outings and can continue to make progress.

Selections(3) Breedo Epic (7) Powerful Arctic (10) Club Man (5) Gwanaksan Wish Me
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

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

(3) MAGIC TREE was anonymous on debut all the way back last July and then didn’t reappear until this May wen a fair 6th of nine over this 1300M. She returned on June 28th to run 2nd over this same trip when handy throughout and she’s favoured to go one better today. There is one debut-maker. (9) HEAR WE GO originally trialed last October but didn’t make it to the races. She looked a much better prospect when winning a heat in early July, showing on pace throughout and if she can bring that form to the races, this is a nice even to debut in. (2) SPEED BUMP was 2nd over 1200M two starts back and would have run better than 4th in her latest outing on July 5th were it not for a bad start and then laying in, as is her habit. She has been back to trial since and with better manners today, she can be a danger. (6) MAGIC OF ART and (8) MISS COCO are the other place chances.

Selections(3) Magic Tree (9) Hear We Go (2) Speed Bump (6) Magic Of Art
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

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

(8) ROYAL HOPE K was a winner on debut over 1000M on June 27th, settling handy before taking things up late on and winning comfortably. He comes up in class and in trip today, but neither should be a problem, and he is favoured to repeat. It’s not a strong race for the level so (7) COMPLETE FUTURE can measure up too. After a 3rd place in March, he got his maiden win in at the end over April over 1300M when on pace throughout. He hasn’t raced since but he has been in consistent work since mid-July and under a light weight, he can measure up. (4) AFLEET RUN is yet to win in nine but has been knocking at the door and looks a strong place chance in this company. (1) P N S NALA and (6) YEONGGWANGUI SKY are others who can trouble the scorers.

Selections(8) Royal Hope K (7) Complete Future (4) Afleet Run (1) P N S Nala
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 8)

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 12:55 to 19:55. Here are the previews:

Twilight racing starts on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) HWANSANGUI LUNA was a trial winner on June 4 which led her to be sent off as an odds-on favourite on debut sixteen days later. She got terribly upset in the gate and delayed the start that day but was passed fit to run and finished third which was not a bad effort under the circumstances. Seo Seung-un rides and if she behaves better and does not use up all her energy before the gates crash, she can do better at attempt two. (1) GWANAKSAN WINDY has trialled once for a half-length second to (4) TONGKWAEHANSEUNGJA on June 11. The former gets a weight swing whilst the latter has had a race since but could only manage seventh. (4) POWERFUL MR. was third in a trial before a fifth on debut and is best of the rest over (10) NAMGYEONG SPINNING and (3) FULL STRIKE.

Selections(6) Hwansangui Luna (1) Gwanaksan Windy (8) Tongkwaehanseungja (4) Powerful Mr.
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6, 10

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

(9) MIGHTY CHAMP was last throughout in his first trial on May 14 but won a trial on July 2 beating a subsequent winner and that form clearly looks the best on offer in what looks a winnable maiden for this three-year-old colt by Girolamo on debut. (4) DAREURI YEOWANG has been in consistent in four runs and has been getting closer so on that basis he looks the best of the raced brigade. (2) KATARINARA was beaten seventeen-lengths into sixth when a 3.0 favourite on debut. She had run second in a trial prior however and rates next over (7) GUNJU MINSU, a debutante by Peace Rules with Seong Sang-hyun, (3) YEONDONG STAR and (5) GOSANBONG.

Selections(9) Mighty Champ (4) Dareuri Yeowang (2) Katarinara (7) Gunju Minsu
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / August 15 Liberation Day Commemoration / KRW 30 Million

(4) DUSON LIFE came the closest he has come to winning last start with a second place although he did not actually come close to winning at all in the scheme of things as he was beaten sixteen-lengths behind an impressive winner. However, that rates as good form and with Ruan Maia riding once again he can go one better. (1) CHEONMA NUBI has been getting closer and from a low draw rates as an each-way chance whilst from the opposite barrier (11) PNS WORK has been just behind the placegetters in two of her past three. (8) LOVING PURPLE is the only other hope with (6) AREUMDAUN BIT and (9) GOD SPEED best of the roughies.

Selections(4) Duson Life (1) Cheonma Nubi (11) PNS Work (8) Loving Purple
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10

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

(11) CHALLENGE SOCKS has been much improved at her last two starts and is worth an each-way investment at value in an extremely competitive race. She has a half-length to find with (3) BANK LINE from June 6 but a slight weight swing goes in her favour. The latter has raced subsequently finishing third behind the unbeaten Major Fury on July 5. (6) FLASH JUDE won her maiden three back and has been close in two runs at this grade whilst (7) ECLIPSE SUNNY broke her duck on June 14 before only managing fourth as an odds-on chance when running at this class for the first time. (8) TIGER REVENGER and (10) MIGHTY CAP are other chances along with (5) GLOBAL LAND, (1) NASCA BULCHUNGGAEK and (9) MUNHAK FIGHTER.

Selections(11) Challenge Socks (3) Bank Line (6) Flash Jude (7) Eclipse Sunny)
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10

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

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KRA Cup Classic Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 26)

There is no racing next week what with the short summer break, but we go out with a bang with the KRA Cup Classic (2000M KOR-G2) headlining a 10-race (10.35 to 17.55) card at Seoul. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11.25 to 16.55. Here are the previews:

Success Baekpa won the KRA Cup Classic a year ago (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time, but the experience is good. (4) YONGBI SINSEONG was 2nd on debut, coming from off the pace after a very slow start over this distance on June 20th. He should have come on for that run and with a better start, he can go one better. (2) LEGEND MONSTER was a solid 3rd on debut over this distance on June 27th, settling midfield and running on. He comes into a much better gate, and he too should have derived benefit from that debut experience. As for the first timers, (10) SAMJEONG CHEF went through two trials, finishing 2nd in both. He should be nice and fit first-up and can have a say. (8) MYEONG POWERFUL and (11) POWER RACER others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(4) Yongbi Sinseong (2) Legend Monster (10) Samjeong Chef (8) Myeong Powerful
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

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

(5) PIEONARI has raced three times and has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance. He was the beaten favourite last time out on June 20th when he just got a bit further back early than in his prior two runs, but if he can be a bit handier today, he can win. (8) CHAOS registered back-to-back 3rd place finishes at the start of the year, leading both times. She hasn’t raced since March, but she looked well when running 2nd in a trial earlier this month in a good time, and she can be a danger first-up. (1) JEONGMUN KINGDOM was a much-improved 3rd at start number two when leading on June 14th over this distance. He can be on pace again and in this a long way. (10) NURI DOLPUNG and debut-maker (11) ILSAN SNIPER are others in the frame.

Selections(5) Pieonari (8) Chaos (1) Jeongmun Kingdom (10) Nuri Dolpung
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

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

(8) THUNDER WAVE was an improved 5th at start number two over 1000M on June 26th coming from off the pace in a race where everything was blown away by debut-maker Seraph. Seo Seung-un climbs on for the first time and the step up in trip could suit very well. (10) RUBY GONGJU has a 5th and a 6th from two starts so far with the second of those coming in the June 26th race when beaten just a neck by Thunder Wave. Third-up she can be peaking and she can go much closer today. (7) OASIS ROSE debuted fairly enough in midfield on June 19th over 1000M. He should have come on for that, and he is another who may like the extra furlong. Debut-maker (1) SEOBULINA, along with (2) WILD CHAMP, the latter another out of that June 26th race, are others to consider.

Selections(8) Thunder Wave (10) Ruby Gongju (7) Oasis Rose (1) Seobulina
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 10, 11

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

(6) DELTA EAGLE didn’t do much in her first two outings, but she comes in here having run 3rd at the end of May over 1300M, and then 2nd on June 28th at 1400M, both times coming from off the pace. She beat a couple of today’s rivals last time and she can beat them all here. (4) BEST A ONE similarly enters having run 3rd and 2nd in her latest two appearances, both at this distance and both times having been ridden much closer to the pace than in her previous outings. Expect similar tactics today from a good draw, and she can be in the finish again. (5) PNS GUNS completes a trio of last start runners-up, in her case over this distance on July 5th when on pace. Maia stays on and she can be close again. (10) BULGEUN YEOJEONSA and (1) GRAND COURAGE others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Delta Eagle (4) Best A One (5) PNS Guns (10) Bulgeun Yeojeonsa
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

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

(2) GOLD ROGER has never finished outside of the top six with her best being a 2nd place over 1400M three starts back when handy throughout. She was a beaten favourite on her latest, which was her first try at a mile on June 19th when she was awkwardly away and much further back than usual. Seo Seung-un is on and with a better start here this time, she can make her breakthrough. (6) BEOLMAUI GEOIN did absolutely nothing in his first seven starts but patience appears to be paying off as he has a 3rd, a 2nd and a 4th from his latest three with the 2nd at this distance in that June 19th race, and he can be close here. (3) SO FAST was 4th on her first try at this distance on June 26th and can match or better that here. (10) MORE QUICKLY and (9) HAENGBOK TREE other place chances.

Selections(2) Gold Roger (6) Beolmaui Geoin (3) So Fast (10) More Quickly
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 11

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 25)

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10.35 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Derby winner Hwang Geom Eo Jjang is back on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

(5) MIGHTY HUNKY is a Seo Hong-soo trained debutante by Happy Saver that trialled twice in April for a second and a victory. The score was by four-lengths and considering the second placed horse in that trial Major Fury has subsequently had two races for two wins this colt should be extremely hard to beat indeed. (8) MAHO was an odds-on chance on his debut and was a seven-length second behind a smart looking type. He may very well be able to go one better. (3) SAUDI SOCKS has six-and-three-quarter lengths to find with Maho from that race but rates next over Jung Ho-ik prepared Caracaro newcomer (4) GARAKAI with (7) MIGHTY HUSH and (2) SUPREME DIA best of the rest.

Selections(5) Mighty Hunky (8) Maho (3) Saudi Socks (4) Garakai
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 8

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

(8) BREEDO GALAXY comes off a last start second where he was only beaten a half-length and had been just behind the placegetters at his previous two runs so he will go close again. (10) ROAD TO PERFECT has only missed the top five on one occasion from seven starts so with that sort of record rates as a chance. (1) ILGEUP BISUL has almost seven-lengths to find with Breedo Galaxy from their last runs a month ago but rates next whilst (11) DONGBAEK has been consistent enough to be given a hope. (3) LOVELY JACKPOT is best of the rest over (7) SEOBU KING.

Selections(8) Breedo Galaxy (10) Road To Perfect (1) Ilgeup Bisul (11) Dongbaek
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8

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

(4) LAVITA has been close-up in three of her five runs whilst being well out the back in the other two. If putting her best foot forward she can prove hard to beat. (5) QUEENS TIGER has been beaten five-lengths into third and fifth in two runs so that form is more than good enough and Seo Seung-un is on board. (3) DREAM DIA has been a beaten favourite in each of her last three starts but will be around the mark if on song whilst (7) SONGDANG JILJU rates next over (9) ANGEL TIME and (10) P N S ME.

Selections(4) Lavita (5) Queens Tiger (3) Dream Dia (7) Songdang Jilju
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 8

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

(8) FLYING SMART was a bit of an enigma in her first three starts getting out of her ground as favourite on each occasion and subsequently was not sent off favourite last time and duly got the cash. She showed early pace to lead last start, unlike any of her previous runs, and that win should have done her confidence the world of good. She has ability and can go on with the job. (11) GANGHAN GAMMA was behind a couple of nice winners at maiden level but after three minor placings at that grade to be promoted to one win company she only beat three home when running at this class for the first time. She can be given another chance, however. (3) MIGHTY SHINE comes off a last start second and rates as one of the each-way chances as does (4) X-TEN with (7) CUPID K and (10) GRAY GO next best.

Selections(8) Flying Smart (11) Ganghan Gamma (3) Mighty Shine (4) X-Ten
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 19)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10.35 to 17.55) and at Busan (10.25 to 16.55). Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. The experience is generally good, but we have an eagerly awaited debut-maker in the form of (1) CLUTCH DERBY. He was an easy trial winner, leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fast time and if he brings that form to the races, he wins.  Helpfully for us, three of the ones who have raced before debuted together over 1000M on June 13th. (10) GEOLJAK RUBY was the best of them in 2nd place finishing well having previously won a trial, and the step up in trip can suit. (5) CHEONDUNGUIBULKKOT and (8) NEWBAL SOCKS were 3rd and 4th respectively in that race and both can have come on for their runs. Returning to the newcomers, (11) ECLIPSE GOLDEN trialed up fairly behind the experienced JD Gangja, and is another who can make an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Clutch Derby (10) Geoljak Ruby (5) Cheondunguibulkkot (8) Newbal Socks
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BLUE RIBBON has made solid progress across three starts so far with his latest being his best when 3rd over 1400M and ridden further forward earlier than in his first two. That was back at the engining of May, so he has had eleven weeks off, but he can win here. Probably betting favourite will be (11) DAEDONGYONGMA. That follows a much-improved 2nd over this distance on June 13th when on pace throughout. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but won’t need to improve much, if at all, on that effort to having winning chances. (5) HERO DRAGON has hinted at figuring things out in her latest couple, and she gets a 4kg claim here. (2) VIVA CISSIMO and (8) NIGHT CAPTAIN are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(3) Blue Ribbon (11) Daedongyongma (5) Hero Dragon (2) Viva Cissimo
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) GYEONGBOK PORTAS has been getting closer over his latest couple with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently at this distance on June 5th. He doesn’t get an apprentice claim today but Park Jae-I climbing on for Kim Hye-sun suggests that he is ready to win. (10) OASIS KINGDOM has also been getting closer and took a big leap last time out at start four when a close 2nd over 1200M on June 12th. A previous try at this trip wasn’t great but he should be ready for another crack here. Those two are the standouts though (3) ONE PLUS ONE does have a 2nd place on his record and that’s enough to have him on a place line here. (9) OVER RAINBOW and (4) SMART YULIM others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(2) Gyeongbok Portas (10) Oasis Kingdom (3) One Plus One (9) Over Rainbow
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 10

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

(1) PALPALNARA did nothing in four starts across the turn of the year but returned from over four months out on June 21st to run a much-improved 2nd over this distance, showing on pace throughout. She should strip fitter for the that run and she can go one better today. (8) WHITE JACKPOT didn’t do much on debut at the end of May but was a strong 2nd at start number two on June 27th over this distance, showing on pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. He can be a danger here. (4) SONNY K came from off the pace to run 4th on debut in May before finishing 2nd when handy throughout on June 7th and he will have plenty of backers to go close again. (6) VICAR DELLA and (7) TWOTWO MAGIC others who can compete for the places.

Selections(1) Palpalnara (8) White Jackpot (4) Sonny K (6) Vicar Della
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Competitive race. (5) WONDERFUL MUD has been quietly getting closer and most recently ran 3rd over 1300M on June 21st, settling midfield and running on. Franco gets on for the first time, and she may well be available at an each-way price. (3) GAON PERFECT has finished no worse than 4th in four starts so far with a 2nd place over this distance two outings back his best. He can settle just behind the speed and run on, and he can be in the finish again. (7) DUBAI DREAM was 4th to Wonderful Mud’s 3rd on June 21st. That was his first run since last November so he can strip fitter here and has every chance of going closer. (1) DOCTOR QUE SERA and (2) THANKYOUFORTHETIME are the other main chances.  

Selections(5) Wonderful Mud (3) Gaon Perfect (7) Dubai Dream (1) Doctor Que Sera
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 18)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

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

(7) BONBON TIARA comes from the Tony Castanheira stable which has produced some impressive debutante winners in recent weeks so with this filly by Old Fashioned having had the one trial for a second beaten a nose there is every chance she can be another newcomer winner for the French trainer. (1) GRAND POKPUNG has not been far away in two race starts and can close under Ruan Maia from the lowest draw. (8) WHIZ CROWN will be looking to give former champion jockey Moon Se-young his first winner with his sixth runner as a trainer and can do so as she finished fourth in her one and only trial in May. (6) A. K SUN and (9) ROAD SOCKS both won trials on June 25 and rate next over (4) MIGHTY MULAN with (3) NAREUSYA LUNA not hopeless.

Selections(7) Bonbon Tiara (1) Grand Pokpung (8) Whiz Crown (6) A.K Sun
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7

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

(5) SAEROUN BISUL comes off a nose trial victory on June 18 where he defeated Bonbon Tiara, who looks hard to beat in Race 1. He chased home some start types in his three juvenile starts last year and his most recent race in November where he split Mr. Taeyang, subsequent Group Two runner-up, and Comeback Holymoely, subsequent multiple winner, is the best form on offer in this maiden by a long shot. (1) AMOS JEONSA did nothing in his first trial in June but looked good when leading throughout to win last week by four-lengths so on that this debutante by Race Day rates as the danger. (2) MY DOLPUNG was a beaten odds-on chance on debut but was not far away and can go close again. (10) DU UM, (11) BIBA CHARM and the second of the newcomers (8) WONPYEONG DREAM are next best.

Selections(5) Saeroun Bisul (1) Amos Jeonsa (2) My Dolpung (10) Du Um
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9

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

(3) DAEBI MAMA has been beaten a long way in two of her three starts however those two runs were against good opposition including at Group Three level last time in the last leg of the Korean Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies. Her second-place effort to Purple Korea at the second of her three starts to date would give her a good chance in this. (4) INSPIRE has been consistent enough so far without winning and strikes a winnable maiden to go close in. (10) SAMJEONG BLUE has been just behind the placegetters of late and can be around the mark once more. (1) GRAY PHANTOM, (6) DELTA CHOEGANG and (8) LUGE rate next.

Selections(3) Daebi Mama (4) Inspire (10) Samjeong Blue (1) Gray Phantom
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(2) ARION QUEEN CAR is by far the most untrustworthy commodity in this field, but she is also the one with by far the most ability on her day. She has refused to race in effectively two of her past four starts with the other two runs yielding a good second splitting The Excellent and Raon Blaide, subsequent winner, but also a disappointing seventh. She gets the nod on her best ability, but just the same she is far from a safe bet. (4) GOLDEN VENTUS is a two-year-old that won on debut on June 13 and with just fifty-one-and-half kilograms on his back he must be given a strong chance. (6) TIGER MANGCHI came from the other side of Seoul when winning on his debut and whilst that was a bizarre race in many ways, he would have to be given a hope on that effort. (11) SEVEN KAISER has been the most consistent of the raced brigade in the line-up that have never won and rates over (7) BEOLGYO EMPEROR and (1) MUHAN ARGO.

Selections(2) Arion Queen Car (4) Golden Ventus (6) Tiger Mangchi (11) Seven Kaiser
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 11

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

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 12)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10.35 to 17.55) and at Busan (7 races from 11.25 to 16.55). There are no Listed or Graded races or even class 1 events, but there is still plenty to get stuck into. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) MORNING CHIEF was the best of the newcomers in trials, racing handy for a close 3rd in a decent time. From a central gate she should be prominent early and she can win. Of the experienced ones, (7) WONDER GRACE was the most convincing on debut when he came from gate ten to sit midfield and run-on for a not too distance 6th. He can strip fitter for that run and have an edge on plenty here. (8) SEVEN FORCE took a few goes to qualify but looked well enough when he did and can be given a chance.  (11) UNICORN ACE and (10) CITY OF DREAM others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(4) Morning Chief (7) Wonder Grace (8) Seven Force (11) Unicorn Ace
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

Seven fillies and one gelding in this maiden. (1) STORM CRUSH was 2nd at start two over this distance in April before putting in an ordinary effort on June 7th over 1300M. We’ll draw a line through that and back at 1200M, he can break through. The sole gelding is (6) RAON EXTREME, He debuted all the way back last November, running 3rd over 1200M after which he had surgery for a chip fracture. During his time out he was gelded and he finally returned to work in May. He led in his June trial before finishing midfield and can be competitive. (4) NINE SPEAR recorded back-to-back 4th places at 1300M in May and early June before parting company with her jockey coming out of the gates on June 20th and galloping around herself. So long as she came out of that ok, she should match or better those 4th places. (5) WINNER NAMCHON and (7) LOVING PURPLE others in the frame.

Selections(1) Storm Crush (6) Raon Extreme (4) Nine Spear (5) Winner Namchon
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) SWEET MAN has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at this distance on June 5th when ridden much handier than in previous runs. Expect similar tactics here and he has every chance of going one better. (7) LOOKS GOOD enters off a best to date 3rd place at 1300M on June 28th when close to the pace throughout. She makes a quick return here and should be challenging for the lead from the start. (3) SHINING CLUTCH has got a bit far back in his races but gets a 2kg claim today and going on his 4th place at 1200M two outings back, has to be given a chance to improve in this company. (9) RESPECTING GIRL and (5) BORYEONG THE QUEEN other place chances.

Selections(4) Sweet Man (7) Looks Good (3) Shining Clutch (9) Respecting Girl
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

One debut-maker here and (5) MR. DOR certainly caught the eye in his trial, settling back before pulling away to cross the line seven-lengths to the good. The way he finished off suggests that 1400M can suit first up and he can win. (1) CLAIR FREEDOM looks to be figuring things out with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, showing on pace both teams and beating a couple of these in the process. In the absence of much early pace in this race, she can get an easy run to the lead and can be in the finish. (2) CLUB MAN was a much-improved 2nd at start six over 1700M on June 21st. He has raced handy in each of his last two and back in trip should do the same with every chance of another place. (9) WONDERFUL DARSHAAN and (7) ROAD TO SPEAR others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Mr. Dor (1) Clair Freedom (2) Club Man (9) Wonderful Darshaan
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

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