Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Former Singapore based jockeys Harry Kasim and CC Wong will both make their Korean debuts during the card. Here are the previews:
Nice Time won the Sports Seoul Trophy last Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) ACAPEL was well supported on debut on January 27th but started slowly from a wide gate before running into 4th. She should have come on for that run and from a better gate and with a better start, she can win. (10) BEST DAERO and (7) PROCEED weren’t especially fancied when they both debuted in the same race on January 28th, but they acquitted themselves well, coming home in 4th and 5th place respectively, with just a neck separating them. Both should have derived benefit from that experience, and it is hard to split them here. (9) MAX MA is a bit more experienced and while he has weakened after leading I his latest two, he does have a runner-up finish to his name and is not to be dismissed. (6) JEONGSANG HIT another possible for the minors.
Selections
(4) Acapel (10) Best Daero (7) Proceed (9) Max Ma
Next Best
6, 8
Fast Start
1, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Weak maiden here. (3) MENI WIN comes in following a last start runner-up finish over this distance when leading for much of the way around. Without the benefit of an apprentice claim, he comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but that’s balanced by a nice draw and third-up this preparation, he may be peaking fitness-wise. (5) GLOBAL CODIE came from well off the pace to run a fair 5th at 1200M on February 3rd. In this company he will probably be ridden further forward and won’t need to improve much to go close. (10) EUNPA JOY finished midfield at this distance last time out but going on his 4th place two starts back in a quick race at 1200M, must be given a chance here. (9) MR. POWER and (7) MAGIC SILENCE others who may improve.
Selections
(3) Meni Win (5) Global Codie (10) Eunpa Joy (9) Mr. Power
Next Best
7, 2
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) DREAM CARD has been getting closer across his three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on January 27th. He has come from off the pace each time, doing his best work late, so it is possible that the additional half furlong can suit, and he can go one better. (10) VICAR NAREUMA has two 5th places and two 3rd places from four starts so far, most recently at a mile on February 3rd. He too likes to come from off the pace and he shapes as the main danger and possibly the betting favourite (he started as favourite last time out). Harry Kasim takes his first ride in Korea and while it may not be his best chance (7) BAEDARI HYANGGI comes in off a pair of 4th places from her latest two appearances and can match or better at her best. (6) TAENGGEURI and (5) GIANT M are others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies and mares only here. Since getting her maiden win, (3) RAON THE DAESE has a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes in three attempts at this class (along with an also-ran in a Listed race for juvenile fillies). She has a very smart finish on her and while she is back in trip, she draws well and could have too much. (1) GEUMAK JINJU comes in having got her maiden win in a very similar race at class and distance on February 3rd when she settled midfield and proved too strong. She comes up 3kg in the weights, but a repeat shouldn’t be ruled out. (10) BEOLGYOWISU got her maiden win at start two but finished down the field on her first try at this class on January 21st over 1300M. She got bumped at the start before being ridden up to be handy then weakening and is worth another chance today. (6) SMART BYEOL and (9) GLOBAL CHANGA among other place chances.
Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(9) BADEN BADEN showed plenty of ability with two wins before her three-year-old campaign was cut short. She returned from nine-months out to run fairly over 1400M on January 27th and with some natural improvement from that run, has every chance here. (1) LEGEND K got his maiden win two starts back over 1200M and was then 3rd over 1300M on January 28th. He tackles a mile for the first time, but his recent running style suggests that it can suit, and he can be a danger here. (6) KWAEHYANG returned from an absence of almost five months to run a solid class and distance 3rd on February 3rd, albeit well beaten by a good winner. He should strip fitter for that run and should go close today. (5) CHALLENGE SOCKS and (4) DIA KEY among others who can enter the calculations.
Seoul and Busan host their Classic trials on Sunday with both the Listed Sports Seoul Trophy in the capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy on the South Coast. There are 11 races in Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 in Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Hangang Class was champion juvenile last year and starts his 3yo campaign in Busan’s Classic trial (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Not the worst maiden to start with and (9) CUPID MIR will be favourite. He has made steady progress across three starts so far with his latest on January 20th being his best when an on-pace 3rd over 1300M. He should be on or close to the speed here and he can win. (12) RAON THE CLIPPER did nothing on debut last summer but was then put away for a few months. He trialled well in December and then ran a much-improved 3rd on his return over this distance on January 28th. He should strip fitter for that and can be a danger here. (3) MONEY TOUCH has shown signs of figuring things out in her latest two and should be challenging late on here. (8) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG and (4) MARU STAR others who have hinted at ability and shouldn’t be far away.
Selections
(9) Cupid Mir (12) Raon The Clipper (3) Money Touch (8) Geumak Myeongjang
Next Best
4, 11
Fast Start
1, 4, 9, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) YONGAM SESANG was 2nd on debut all the way back in May of last year but didn’t re-appear again until this January 20th when he ran an on-pace 3rd over this distance. He was favourite that day but evidently needed the run and with some natural improvement, he will be the one to beat here. That will require him to overturn the form on (12) RAON THE SPRINTER. He too returned from a layoff in that January 20th race, in his case of five-months since an underwhelming debut. He won his December trial and then was a smart 2nd on his return, two-and-a-half lengths clear of Yongam Sesang. He has the challenge of the widest gate today, but he should be close. With a 2nd and a 4th over 1300M from his latest to, (10) STUNNING MONEY looks to be the logical third pick while (1) YEJIMONG and (2) CROQUIS are others who may warrant support on a place line.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It took (2) GWANGYAEUIHAMSEONG a couple of goes to figure things out but on the evidence of his latest two, he is getting there. He has recorded a 3rd and a 4th over 1300M both in fast times and running through the line well. He has by far the fastest final furlong average time and the slight step up in trip can suit. (11) BIG WILD is getting there too. She has recorded back-to-back 3rd places over this distance and while the times weren’t quick, they were in much slower conditions than those experienced by the favourite. She has the challenge of a wild draw but should be a danger. (4) WONDERFUL FEVER will also be disputing favourite status. After running 3rd on debut, he was 2nd over this distance on January 26th, settling midfield and running on. Again, his times haven’t been quick, but he will be competitive here. (12) LUCKY HIT and (5) CHRYSOL HERO other place chances.
Selections
(2) Gwangyaeuihamseong (11) Big Wild (4) Wonderful Fever (12) Lucky Hit
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
4, 5, 6, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(1) DAEMUL SOCKS comes in off a best to date 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on February 4th. He draws very nicely to be on the speed again and he can go one better this time. (9) NARAOLA enters following a 5th and a 4th from his latest two, most recently beating a couple of these on January 28th on his way to posting the quickest (it’s all relative) time that any in this field has achieved for the 1400M. In this company, he should be able to get on to the pace from the start and will be in this a long way. (10) SHOUT KURO was away slowly and never a factor behind Naraola on January 28th. Prior to that though he had been in good form with a smart 3rd place over 1300M and he can be given another chance here. (4) SHARKTEN and (2) NEXTLEVEL among other minor money chances.
Selections
(1) Daemul Socks (9) Naraola (10) Shout Kuro (4) Sharkten
Saturday’s action is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. There was a lot of snow in Seoul on Wednesday and Thursday and while it will probably all have melted by the time racing gets underway, there could accordingly be a very wet track surface. Here are the previews:
Plenty of snow around this week
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. It is the experience that will be favoured though and chief among them is (7) GIANT STEP. After winning a trial he debuted on January 20th and came from off the pace to run a solid 4th in a decent time over 1300M. He should have come on for that run, the extra half furlong can suit, and he is the one to beat. (2) MK LEE was slowly away on debut but worked home very well to run 4th over 1200M. Moon Se-young remains aboard, and he too should appreciate the extra trip. (8) TAENG TAENG BALL. He raced handy on debut, coming home in 2nd place over 1200M. In this company he should be on or close to the pace and should be in this a long way. (11) NESSUN DORMA and (9) BEAT YEONGUNG are others who hinted at ability on debut and should show some natural improvement here. All of them tackle 1400M for the first time.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
This is a very ordinary maiden with four of the twelve racing for the first time. Given the paucity of the exposed form, we’ll take a chance on newcomer (3) BARO DANAEUN. The Hansen filly only went through one trial, but she ran second in it and while the time was only fair and it was all the way back last November, she draws nicely and can put in a bold showing first-up. After a poor debut, (1) MAX WEEK has finished midfield twice in better company than this. He gets a much better draw today and should be a danger. (10) SHINE BOLT similarly improved to 5th at start number two, albeit in a very slow race on January 14th. She came from off the pace and a similar run should see her closer. (5) MO CHUISLE has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before – not exactly an impressive feat, but enough to put her in the numbers. She trialled up fairly at the end of last month having last raced in September. (6) HERO GOLD another who could improve.
Selections
(3) Baro Danaeun (1) Max Week (10) Shine Bolt (5) Mo Chuisle
Next Best
6, 11
Fast Start
4, 5, 8, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (8) GENERAL POWER has steadily improved across three starts so far culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on New Year’s Eve. She has come from off the pace all three times and the additional half furlong may be what she needs to get the breakthrough. (4) STUNNING CHAMP comes in having beaten a few of these on her way to a close 4th at 1200M on January 27th. She also has a 3rd place to her name and shapes as the main danger here. (5) DIVA LAURA has raced just the once, but it was a good showing, with her finishing 2nd at 1200M in a similar race to this. The time wasn’t quick, but she should have benefitted from the experience and can go well again. (7) NATURAL SOUND and (12) RAIN STAR others to consider for the places.
Selections
(8) General Power (4) Stunning Champ (5) Diva Laura (7) Natural Sound
Next Best
12, 3
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) CHEONGUCHAT will be a warm favourite. After a couple of ordinary showings, he has been figuring things out in his latest couple, running 2nd and 3rd at 1200M and most recently this distance on January 28th. He draws well, Moon Se-young climbs on, and today should be the day. (3) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE led on his latest on January 7th but was ungenerous in the straight to the extent he was sent back to trial despite still finishing 4th. He passed his heat in good fashion and with slightly better manners and from a great draw, he can be a danger. (2) BAEKRYONG has a 2nd place to his name over this distance which he achieved on Christmas Day when settling midfield and running on. He led in his latest start over 1400M, ultimately coming home in 5th and he should be closer here. (10) TOJONG GLORY and (4) SAENAE PARK others in the frame.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) STORM GUY got his win at 1200M last November making all and has since run 2nd and 5th in two tries at this class and distance, most recently on January 13th. He draws very nicely to lead here, Moon Se-young gets on, and he can go all the way. That will mean overturning the form on (12) LAST PITCH. He ran 3rd in that January 13th race, making light of a wide draw to close strongly. He draws even wider today but his one win came at this distance in December, and he shouldn’t be dismissed here. (1) SLAM DRAGON comes up in class having won at this distance on January 21st with a front-running effort. He comes down in the weights, he draws nicely, and he can be competitive here. (5) GLOBAL MENI and (11) GUKDAE FIGHTER also both come up in class and in distance following maiden wins on their respective latest starts and both can measure up in this company.
The 2024 Stakes program gets underway on Sunday as the long road to the Korea Sprint starts with the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:
Daehan Jilju (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(8) STUNNING FLATTER didn’t catch the eye in trials but instead saved it for races, running a good 3rd on debut on January 7th over this distance, settling back and running on. He should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, he is the one to beat here. (12) STAR CHANGER has made progress across four starts so far and enters off a close 3rd place in a slow race over this distance on January 14th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can get closer this time. (4) SOLAIRE has a 3rd and a 4th from his latest two, both at 1300M. He has the best finish on him among these and can be a danger late. (10) BLUE RACER and debut-maker (3) MR. TROT others who may feature.
Selections
(8) Stunning Flatter (12) Star Changer (4) Solaire (10) Blue Racer
Next Best
3, 7
Fast Start
3, 7, 10, 12
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(4) CHEONMA BULPAE comes in having beaten a couple of these on his way to a to date best finish of 3rd over this distance on January 21st when racing handy throughout. He is under the same weight today and comes out of the same gate and with Breux climbing up, he can make the breakthrough. (5) FLYING KING has been getting steadily better across four starts, culminating in 3rd place last time over 1300M. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time today and should be on pace and in this a long way. (1) BLOOD MOUNTAIN was 4th behind Cheonma Bulpae in that January 21st race, coming from off the pace. That was his best finish so far and he should be there or thereabouts again. (6) CRAZE CHANG and (12) TONNERRE others in at least the placing frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Three first-time starters in this field and we’ll take a chance on one of them (1) THE GREY MAN ran 2nd in a quick trial two weeks ago, running on pace. He draws nicely to be on pace and the apprentice engaged means both a light weight and probably a slightly better price than otherwise. (9) WORLD MAID CAT will probably jump as the favourite. She came from well off the pace to run 2nd over this distance on debut on January 12th with a couple of today’s opponents behind her. She should have come on for that run and can be a big danger late on here. (6) YEONGGWANGUI ROSE ran 4th behind World Maid Cat in that race having led for much of the way. She should be on pace, and she too should show some natural improvement. (4) MR.KEYMAN and (12) MASTER ROAD are others who have hinted at ability and can be considered.
Selections
(1) The Grey Man (9) World Maid Cat (6) Yeonggwangui Rose (4) Mr.Keyman
Next Best
12, 10
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Weak maiden here. (4) ASSI JANGGUN has a 2nd place to her name over 1200M in a decent time back in December when coming from off the pace. She wasn’t completely horrible when 6th on her return on January 14th and won’t need much improvement to win this. (5) YEONGWON POTEN overcame a wide draw and a slow start to run on for a midfield finish on debut on January 6th. With a bit more experience, a better draw and hopefully, a better start, she can get much closer here. (3) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has a 3rd place to his name over the distance and while he has been ordinary in two subsequent starts, that’s enough to put him in contention in this company. (2) AWESOME BRAIN did nothing on debut on New Year’s Eve but has since been back to trial and looked better. (6) FEDERAL PRESS another who may improve.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and it features the first real heavyweight clash of the season as promising four-year-old colt Nut Play faces filly Wonderful Slew in the class 1 finale. Here are the previews:
Nut Play (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener with all tackling the 1400M for the first time. Of two debut-makers. (7) MIGHTY BOM was an improved 2nd at start number two on January 13th over 1200M, settling midfield and running on but unable to get to the winner. Third-up he can be peaking fitness-wise, and the step up in trip should suit. Debut-maker (10) GLOBAL GUNJU won a trial, racing handy throughout and finishing off well. In this limited company, he has to be given a chance first-up. (6) SPACE RUBY came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1200M. She should have come on for the run and she may well appreciate the additional furlong here. (11) SEGWANG JILJU and (3) ÉCLAIR POWER among others with the potential to improve.
Selections
(7) Mighty Bom (10) Global Gunju (6) Space Ruby (11) Segwang Jilju
Next Best
3, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 10, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (8) CHANIGO has raced three times and was an improved 2nd in the latest of those, over this distance on January 21st when on pace throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. She can be on the speed here and this time can go one better. It’s a competitive race though. (11) MAGIC IMPACT looks a good debut-maker. She got quicker over the course of three trials, winning the latest at the start of this month in a good time and racing on pace. The draw does her no favours, but she can put in a bold showing first-up. (2) THUNDER STORM came from off the pace to run 4th on debut. She gets a better draw here and with some natural improvement can get closer. (9) LADY HANABI and (5) HERO JILJU others with claims for improvement.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) JEONGSEONGTIGER has improved across four starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on Christmas Eve when, as has been her style, she raced handy throughout. She draws nicely here, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she can go one better. The big danger is (1) PASALUBONG. He also has a runner-up finish to his name and comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance. He likes to race on pace, so he gets a great draw to be on speed and he could well lead all the way. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella as the rest of the form is very patchy. (6) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG has hinted at ability, while (2) TURN TABLE and (4) GRATITUDE look to be others with the most chance of challenging for the minors.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(9) SEOBU TEUKSONG obliged as favourite at start number two over 1200M on January 6th, settling handy and running on. She comes up in class and in distance here, but she carries a nice light weight, and she could repeat. (4) HAKSAN MACHO is yet to win in seven attempts but has plenty of near-misses and was 4th on his first try at this class over 1300M on January 21st. He can race on pace or from the back and he can be a danger here. (5) VIVA CHEONGSU is also yet to win but comes up in class having run 2nd in both her first two races over 1200M She has been doing her best work late on so the step up to 1400M may well suit and she comes in under a light weight. (8) BEAT RACER and (10) HANGANG POWER, who is back in trip and has been back to trial since his latest effort, are among others to consider for the places.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Small but competitive field. (2) LEGENDSUN was thought highly enough of to be given his chance in a Listed race for juveniles last autumn. That didn’t go well, but he has more than held his own at this class with back-to-back 3rd places at this distance and while he carries his fair share of weight here, he will surely be in the finish again (9) DONGJIN BULPAE was a winner at start number two over this distance on January 20th when he began fairly before being ridden to the pace and ran on to score well in a time considerably quicker than any of the others here have achieved. He comes up in class today but won’t need to improve much on that to win this. (6) BEOLGYO VERITAS was a convincing winner on debut over 1200M before running a close 4th on his first try at this class and distance on January 6th. He will be on pace here and has every chance of going all the way. The wildcard is (8) GHOST WOLF, who won her only start to date all the way back in July 2022. She offered few clues in her December trial but is worth keeping an eye on. (5) ARCH RUNNER among plenty of others with claims.
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:25 to 16:05). It’s the last racing in Korea until February 16th because of the Lunar New Year holiday next week. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden and (8) PINK GOLD is the pick and probable favourite. She showed on pace on debut over this distance on January 6th, ultimately coming home in 5th place. She should have come on for that run and this time can go all the way. (5) ROYAL PLUS has raced twice already, improving to 4th at the second time of asking. Her times have been slow but that seems to be a trend at the moment, and she shapes as the main danger. The exposed form drops off significantly after those two so it really is taking your pick as to who might improve. (7) HERO NARA wasn’t horrible on debut and along with (3) TAP DIA and (2) SEMYOUNG GHOST, the latter 6th on debut in a fair time, seem the most likely.
Selections
(8) Pink Gold (5) Royal Plus (7) Hero Nara (3) Tap Dia
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(7) YEONGGWANGUI WORLD will be one of the shorter priced favourites of the day. After running 6th on debut in November, he overcame gate eleven to race handy and finish 3rd in a good time over 1200M on New Year’s Eve. He comes into a better gate today, the additional half furlong can suit, and he should have too much. (8) EUNPA JOY has shown progress in his latest couple with a 5th and 4th, both at 1200M. He has the fastest final furlong among the field, and he can be a danger late on here. (10) FLYING COMMAND has a 3rd place to her name and while it was recorded two starts back in restricted filly-only company, it is enough to put her in the placing frame here. (11) LONDON BISANG and (5) LONDON GOLD are others to consider for the minors.
Selections
(7) Yeonggwangui World (8) Eunpa Joy (10) Flying Command (11) London Bisang
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
1, 7, 10, 12
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(5) SPRIT FIGHTER has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, most recently over this distance on January 12th when racing handy and running on. He can sit just behind the speed here and has as good a chance as any. (11) MIRACLE MARINE won a December trial before finishing 3rd over 1200M on debut on January 5th. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement he will be in the mix. (8) AWESOME SUNRISE has three top-five finishes from five starts so far, including his latest over this distance on January 7th. That was a monumentally slow race, but she had previously gone quicker over this distance and that’s enough to put her in the frame here. (10) HEUIMANG FLYING and (7) HI LEGEND others in the hunt.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) BAEDARI HYANGGI comes in off a 5th and a 4th from her latest two, over 1200M and 1300M, both times coming from well off the pace. She draws nicely here and as such, she may be ridden a little further forward than in those races, and stepped up to 1400M for the first time, she can win. (4) WONDERFUL SPIRIT has raced just three times and enters off her best so far when 3rd at 1200M. She has been doing her best work late on each time and she should relish the additional furlong that she has to play with today. (8) JECHUK ILHO is a bit more experienced. He was 3rd on his latest start, which came over this distance on January 7th when settling midfield and a similar performance should put him in the mix again. (10) STUNNING SERVE and (3) DAEMUL SOCKS other placing chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (3) DAEJIUIYEOJEONSA has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating with a runner-up finish over this distance on January 5th when handy throughout. She draws very nicely here and today could be her day. She’ll be disputing favourite status with (7) NONSTOP DUTY. She too has improved, in her case over the course of five starts, and her times have been superior. Most recently, she ran 3rd over 1200M on December 29th when she was on pace throughout, and she is sure to be a danger here. (4) UNJU TOP has a 3rd place over this distance to her nae and then ran 5th from a wide gate over 1200M last time out on New Year’s Eve. From a better draw, she can go close. (1) CHEONHA GEONGANG and (9) BROWN FALCON among others in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) PURGE KING has five top-five finishes from seven starts so far, with his win coming at 1300M at class 6 level. He enters off a 4th place at class and distance in a fair time on January 13th when he settled midfield and ran on and in this company, he looks to be the one to beat. (5) GANGHAN NURI comes up in class after two runner-up finishes. The most recent of those was in one of the slowest 1300M races in history, but on a quicker track he had shown speed on debut. He is down in the weights and there is no reason he can’t measure up in this company. (12) MYEONGSEONG CHUKJE was a winner on debut and has since registered a 6th and a 5th at this class, both at 1300M in fair times. He has better early speed than most of these so despite the wide draw, he may well be on pace and in this a long way. (8) HEART K was a winner at this distance on January 7th and comes up in class and he, along with (7) SEMYEONG LADY, who has won at this class and distance, are others in the hunt.
Saturday’s action is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (9) BREEDO GIRL ran 4th on debut over 1200M on December 2nd, having been slowly away before making up good ground late. She should have come on for the run and has as good a chance as any here. It’s a similar story with (8) SEOBU CHAMP, who was also slowly away on debut on December 30th before running on well. For 4th place. She went through a lot of trials before that so she should be fit, and she too should have derived benefit from that experience. (5) SHARKTEN didn’t do much on debut last summer but was then put away and returned to action on January 7th to run a solid 5th over 1300M. He is another who should strip fitter this time and can appreciate the slight step up in trip. There are two first time starters and of them (2) DRAGON KINGDOM looks to be the best. He won a trial last September although never made it to the races and trialled again in fair fashion last week. In a race with no obvious early speed, he should join (1) CHOGANGBULPAE, another potential improver, on the pace.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) BELOTERO will be a hot favourite here. She has steadily improved across three starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on January 6th when she settled midfield and ran on well behind Goldberg. Moon Se-young climbs up for the first time today and she won’t need to improve much – if at all – to win this. (7) HERO JEONSA stepped up to this distance for start number four on January 6th and was an instant improver, racing much handier than he had before and finishing a close 2nd. He can sit close to the speed here and can go close again. (4) GOLDEN BALL is another last start improver, coming from off the pace to run 2nd over 1200M. She can be there or thereabouts in this company. (3) SEOUL DOLPUNG and (9) CROQUIS others to consider.
Selections
(6) Belotero (7) Hero Jeonsa (4) Golden Ball (3) Seoul Dolpung
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) GEUMAK MYEONGJANG did nothing on debut back in October but after going back to trial, he looked a much better prospect when returning on January 6th and running 3rd over this distance, settling midfield and running through the line well. He comes into a much better gate today and Moon Se-young being engaged will probably be enough to make him the favourite. (10) BUNDANG TSUNAMI has raced on pace in all four of his starts so far with his best finish being 2nd over 1000M. Despite the wide draw he should be on the speed again and can be in this a long way. (6) SPINNING BOOM and (9) WONDERFUL PASS have identical form each having a 7th and a 4th from their two respective starts. Both should be in the mix here too. (7) SUNNY ROAD another with the potential to improve.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(12) TAENGGEURI has been getting progressively closer and ran a very close 2nd when stepped up to two-turns for the first time on Christmas Day. He has the challenge of the widest gate here but doesn’t need to lead so with a patient ride, today can be his day. The main danger is (7) VICAR NAREUMA, who has two 5th places and a 3rd from three starts so far up to 1300M. His times have been good and running style suggests the step up in trip can suit and he will be vying for favourite status. (2) NATURAL CLASS races for the first time since last June. She had hinted at ability in coming from off the pace in her first couple of starts and she looked well when running 2nd in a trial three weeks ago. 1700M is a hard ask first up but there is not a whole lot to fear in this company. (4) NEXTLEVEL and (1) MAGIC K other placing chances.
Selections
(12) Taenggeuri (7) Vicar Nareuma (2) Natural Class (4) Nextlevel
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(4) URUS KHAN was a winner on debut over 1200M in November before running 2nd on his first try at this level over 1300M on New Year’s Eve when he raced handy throughout. He draws nicely here to be on pace again and he can go one better. (1) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA will be the second favourite. His debut was the only time in seven starts that he has finished outside of the top four and he is already a winner at this class having scored at 1200M in December. He carries 3kg more than he did that day, but he should be more than competitive in this company. (2) CHADOL RUN has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin and her recent form reads fairly. She can sit behind the early speed and looks a decent chance on a place line at probably a good price. (11) ARGO MUJEOK and (5) CLOUTER among plenty of other minor money hopes.
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(7) SSEULMO is yet to win in nine attempts, but he came very close in his latest, at this class over 1200M on January 6th when he settled midfield and almost got there. He is third-up this preparation so he should be peaking fitness-wise and today can be his day. The main danger is also a maiden. (1) HWASANGWIHWAN was similarly promoted to this level following too many near-misses and he comes in following a solid 3rd place over 1200M on January 6th when he led for much of the way. He draws very nicely to be on pace again and he may take some getting past. (12) MYEONGJINBULLPAI had been working towards a win and she got it at start number four on December 30th over 1300M, coming from well off the pace. She comes up in class here but is nicely weighted and can measure up. (8) RAON AIR FORCE and (11) SINUI HAMESONG are others in the placing hunt.
Selections
(9) Sseulmo (1) Hwasangwihwan (12) Myeongjinbullpai (8) Raon Air Force
Next Best
11, 6
Fast Start
1, 3, 7, 8
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(3) DOKKI DRAGON is a winner of two from five and is up in class after a comfortable score over 1300M on January 7th when he settled just behind the speed and proved too strong. He draws nicely, the mile can suit, and he has every chance of winning again. (4) DREAM PLAY comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two starts at this class at 1300M and 1400M. He has posted some very good final furlong times, and he is another for whom the step up in trip should be ideal. (2) MY KHAN has won his latest two at 1300M and 1400M to get rapidly promoted to this level. He comes down in the weights and looks to have plenty of scope for more development. (8) MEGA DRAGON and (1) GEUMBIT CHEONHA, the latter just one of two who have tackled the mile already, are among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(3) Dokki Dragon (4) Dream Play (2) My Khan (8) Mega Dragon
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 9
Seoul Race 8: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) GEOLJAK SKY will be favourite having won over this distance at class 6 level in October before recording back-to-back 4th place finishes in two attempts so far at this class. In this company she will probably settle on or close to the speed and she should be too strong at the business end. (3) GOLDBERG is up in class having registered her maiden win at start number four over this distance on January 6th when she beat Belotero, who we saw in race 2. That win had been coming and she should be able to measure up in this company. (10) LADY TAEPUNG defied big odds to run 2nd at class and distance on December 9th and is this company rates as a place chance again. (12) GEUMAK STAR and (4) GEOMIBULU are among others who shouldn’t be far away.
Selections
(5) Geoljak Sky (3) Goldberg (10) Lady Taepung (12) Geumak Star
Next Best
4, 9
Fast Start
3, 5, 10, 11
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
(9) FARCIARZ was a super winner at class and distance on New Year’s Eve, settling just better than midfield before running on well and stopping the clock in a quick time. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights but don’t rule out a repeat here. (8) GLOBAL POWER also comes in off a class and distance win on January 7th. He too is up significantly in the weights but nevertheless shapes as the main danger. (3) COWBOY TANGO may be something of a veteran now abut he enters in arguably the best form of his career with two wins from his latest three appearances. That means a class rise but he is down in the weights, he draws nicely, and he can continue his good run of form. (4) GIANT KILLING and (12) MY CENTER, the latter another last start class and distance winner, are among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(9) Farciarz (8) Global Power (3) Cowboy Tango (4) Giant Killing
Next Best
12, 11
Fast Start
5, 10, 11, 12
Seoul Race 10: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) META BLADE has just the one win from eleven starts so far but has likewise only finished out of the top-five on one occasion. In two starts at this class and distance, she has finished in 4th both times, most recently when favourite on Christmas Eve when she led for much of the way. She remains lightly weighted, she should lead again, and she has every chance here. The big danger is (7) POWER GUNJU. The Ghostzapper import go this maiden in at start number three over 1400M on December 30th, running on well for a narrow victory in a good time. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights, but the two turns can suit, and he can go back-to-back. (3) ORAEDAHAMKKE comes up in class having won over 1700M on January 7th when settling handy. That was his first try at two turns and he comes down 3kg in the weights which should being him into contention. (9) KING SIMBA and (8) SKY HAMSEONG among others to keep safe.
Selections
(4) Meta Blade (7) Power Gunju (3) Oraedahamkke (9) King Simba
Next Best
8, 10
Fast Start
3, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 11: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
(3) RAON THE GOLD was a winner at this class over 1200M two starts back before running 4th last time out on Christmas Day when unable to get to the lead. She remains under a light weight here, she draws very nicely, and she has won at this distance in the past. She is a big chance. (8) SOMETHING LOST ran 2nd in the KRA Cup Mile last April before running 7th and 5th in the two subsequent legs of the Triple Crown series. He races for the first time since the Minister’s Cup last July, but he looked very well in a trial two weeks ago and he can go well first-up here. (2) WONDERFUL KITTY doesn’t win out of turn but placed at this distance in filly and mare Group company last September. She is beautifully weighted and drawn here and should be close. (11) FLYING GOLD and (1) BEOLMAL DAEJANG among others in contention for the minors.
Selections
(3) Raon The Gold (8) Something Lost (2) Wonderful Kitty (11) Flying Gold
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:25 to 16:05). Both tracks host class 1 features. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maidens open proceedings with four of the eleven racing for the first time. The favourite though will be (1) MAX GOLD. He has a 2nd and a 5th place from two starts racing handy on both occasions. His times haven’t been fast, but they have been faster than any of the others here and from the inside gate, he should be on pace early and can lead all the way. The rest of the exposed form isn’t great so we will give a chance to one of the newcomers as second pick. (8) TAENG TAENG BALL ran a fair 3rd in his trial, a long way behind the experienced Wow Wow but he didn’t do too much wrong, and this is a great race to debut in. (9) MAX WEEK improved to 6th at start number two and looks the most likely of the experienced ones to make further progress. (3) BEOLGYOSAMJOKO and (6) CALIPH other potential improvers.
Selections
(1) Max Gold (8) Taeng Taeng Ball (9) Max Week (3) Beolgyosamjoko
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) ROYAL BEST has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on Christmas Eve when he raced close to the pace throughout. From a great draw he can get a soft run to the front again and this time he can go one better. (7) CHEONGUCHAT has similarly shown improvement across his three appearances, most recently registering a 2nd place over 1300M on December 31st when settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip can suit and he will be a danger here. After an inauspicious debut, (3) JERAQUEEN has been there or thereabouts in three subsequent starts most recently racing on pace over this distance on December 30th and finishing 4th in a decent time. A similar run will see her int the finish again. (5) NAVY CHROME and (6) WINNER ZONE among others in the frame.
Selections
(2) Royal Best (7) Cheonguchat (3) Jeraqueen (5) Navy Chrome
Next Best
6, 9
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 5
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Maiden fillies in the south coast opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. The hot favourite though will be the only one who has raced more than once before, (6) DRAGON PUNCH. After running 3rd on debut in November, she overcame gate ten to run a close 2nd on December 29th, again over this distance. She should have too much and go one better here. (9) PASSION ran 3rd on debut over this distance in a faster time than – albeit on a much wetter and faster track surface – than Dragon Punch has recorded so far. She should have come on for the experience and can be the main danger here. Of the debut-makers, (3) RUBY STONE is the standout. She went through two trials and was very quick in the second of them when she led from gate to wire. She draws nicely here and can put in a bold showing first up. (8) SEOGWI STAR and (11) SUNCHEON YEOWANG are potential improvers.
Selections
(6) Dragon Punch (9) Passion (3) Ruby Stone (8) Seogwi Star
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
3, 6, 8, 10
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) BAEKRYONG comes in off a best to date runner-up finish over 1300M on Christmas Day when settling just behind the speed from gate ten and running on well. That continued a positive pattern of improvement and with an extra half furlong to play with here, as well as a better gate, today can be his day. Disputing favourite status will be (8) SHOUT KURO. He is yet to finish in the top two in seven attempts but enters off two 4th place finishes and a 3rd from his latest three, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals over 1300M. He likes to come off the pace so the slight step up in trip can suit and he should be close. (10) CLOVER PARTY was 4th behind Baekryong last time out but two starts back got a runner-up finish of his own over 1200M and while he draws a touch wider than ideal, he can be a danger. (4) DRAGON FANTASY and (7) SINUI UNMYEONG are among others to keep safe.
Selections
(2) Baekryong (8) Shout Kuro (10) Clover Party (4) Dragon Fantasy
Next Best
7, 11
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(6) GRAND CHASER ran a good 2nd on debut to Great Queen, settling midfield and running on and stopping the clock in a good time. She should have come on for the run and she will be expected to go one better here. (2) DREAM WAY got a 3rd place on debut all the way back in June before running down the field in two subsequent appearances. He hasn’t raced since August, but he looked a much better proposition when finishing 2nd in a quick trial earlier this month and from a good draw, he goes straight into contention here. (11) DRAGON FIRE ran 4th on debut over 1200M on December 29th overcoming a wide gate and a slow start. He should have derived benefit from that and can be running on here. (10) BIG WILD and (3) RIVERSTONE among others who can be considered on a place line.
Saturday’s action is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
It’s been another cold week in the capital but temperatures should be above freezing for the weekend’s racing
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. Of the experienced ones, three of them debuted in the same race over this distance on December 16th and it was (10) SEOHAE BADA who was the best, coming home in 3rd place having raced handy throughout. She won’t have to come on much for that to win here. (6) NEOMANEULWIHAESEO is never going to be a race-caller’s friend, but she was the quickest of the newcomers in trials, running with some experienced horses in her latest heat. She should be on pace and can be in this a long way first-up. (4) MAGIC SILENCE won a trial at the start of this month (which as a voluntary trial, won’t be in all race cards) racing on pace and if she brings that form to the races, will go close. (11) ACAPEL and (3) BREEDO MAGICIAN, the latter “winning” one of the slowest trials on record on January 11th, others who hinted at ability.
Selections
(10) Seohae Bada (6) Neomaneulwihaeso (4) Magic Silence (11) Acapel
Next Best
3, 2
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Fillies only in this maiden. (1) RUBY PORT has a 5th and a pair of 3rd place finishes from three starts so far, most recently as beaten favourite over this distance in a similar all-filly race on December 30th when racing on pace. She draws nicely again and can be given another chance here. That will mean overturning the form on (6) DANAEUN REX, who ran a much-improved 2nd in that December 30th race. For the first time in her three starts, she began well and if she can do the same here, she can be in the finish again. (10) PINK WIND was 4th behind Danaeun Rex and Ruby Port in that race, her second consecutive 4th place finish and in this company, she should be matching or bettering those. (11) MAGIC PLEASURE and (5) STUNNING CHAMP the other logical place contenders.
Selections
(1) Ruby Port (6) Danaeun Rex (10) Pink Wind (11) Magic Pleasure
Next Best
5, 9
Fast Start
1, 2, 9, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(2) GUKDAE FIGHTER ran a solid 2nd place on debut over this distance on December 31st, settling midfield and then running on. He should have derived benefit from that experience and from a great draw, he can go one better this time. (4) WONDERFUL SEEKING has shown progress across four prior appearances, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on Christmas Day when handy throughout. She’ll be on or close to the pace here and should be in this a long way. (6) DREAM CARD has a 5th and a 3rd place from two starts at 1200M. Both times he has got himself quite a long way back and the slight step up in trip may be to his benefit. (1) COMPLETE PARTY significantly improved at start number two and can maintain that momentum today. (7) TOJONG GLORY another in the hunt.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
(5) LUCKY PARTY come sin having secured his maiden win on New Year’s Eve over 1300M at this class, when racing handy throughout. He has never finished worse than 4th, and while he comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights, he has every chance of winning again. (10) CITY KING got his maiden win two starts back before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on December 23rd when he led for much of the way. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but with a touch of luck at the start he can find a good position and can go close once more. He will need to overturn the form on (7) CUPID CHAMP. She was 2nd in that December 23rd race and while she is yet to win in eleven attempts, she has six top-three finishes and should be there or thereabouts again. (6) MIRAE TOWER and the up in class and curiously named (9) ENTROPY are others to consider.
Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:35 to 16:05. Top three-year-old filly prospects Baekduui Kkum and Eclipse Berry will make their season debuts on the south coast and in the capital respectively. Here are the previews:
Baekduui Kkum will make her three-year-old season debut at Busan on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
It’s hard to go past (3) SLAM DRAGON here. He has finished no worse than 4th in three starts so far and comes in having beaten a couple of these on his way to 3rd place at 1300M on Christmas Day. He has a runner-up finish to his name at this distance already and he should have too much here. (7) RAIN STAR has shown improvement across three starts so far. He was 5th behind Slam Dragon on Christmas Day and the slight step up in trip may suit. (8) BLOOD MOUNTAIN beat a couple of these on his way to 5th place at 1300M on December 17th. He has been doing his best work late in each run so far and is another who ay like the extended trip. (9) SAEBYEOK BULBIT and (2) ARNOLD QUEEN others in the placing frame.
Selections
(3) Slam Dragon (7) Rain Star (8) Blood Mountain (9) Saebyeok Bulbit
Next Best
2, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
After an indifferent debut, (5) PASALUBONG has scored a 2nd and a 4th over 1200M and 1300M, most recently racing on pace. He draws nicely to get to the lead again and this time he can go all the way. Also vying for favourite status will be (9) HANGANG GLORY. He’s shown steady improvement across six starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on Christmas Eve when he settled midfield and ran on. The additional half-furlong can suit, and he can be a danger. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but (2) SEONGSIL YEOGEOL came from well back to finish a much-improved 6th of eleven over 1200M on December 24th and with similar improvement today, he can compete. (4) SEONGSIN CHEONHA and (6) BULGEUN POKPUNG are others to consider on a place line.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(9) GREAT MAN has shown steady improvement across three starts so far with his latest, a 2nd place over this distance on December 22nd, being his best when he led from the gate until close to home. He draws a touch wider than ideal but should have enough about him to get to the front again, and this time he can go all the way. The main danger is (6) SEUNGNI PARTY. After a plain debut, he raced on pace at start number two on Christmas Eve, ultimately coming home a close 3rd over this distance. He’ll be on pace again and has every chance of going even closer this time. The exposed form drops off the proverbial cliff after that. As a result, we will make first timer starter (1) ONEULISUNGAN the nest best. He posted fair times in two trials and if he brings that form to the races, he can be in with a place chance. (5) TROPHY WARE and (10) SINGAPORE PARTY, the latter having been back to trial since a dreadful debut, others who could improve.
Selections
(9) Great Man (6) Seungni Party (1) Oneulisungan (5) Trophy Ware
Next Best
10, 4
Fast Start
2, 6, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
Small field here and (7) LONDON VICTORY will be a short-price favourite. After a solid 5th on debut over 1000M, he was 3rd when stepped up to this trip on November 12th, racing on pace throughout. Third-up here he should be ready to win. The only other one in the field to have recorded a top-three finish already is (4) MONEY TOUCH. That came at her latest appearance over this distance December 23rd when she settled midfield and then finished off well for 3rd place. That was a big improvement on her previous efforts, and she won’t need to go much better to get closer here. (6) BEAUTYWONDERFUL has a 4th and a 6th among three outings so far and that’s enough to see her in with a shout of the placings here. (1) THUNDER A ONE and (5) CHANIGO others in the frame for the minors.
Selections
(7) London Victory (4) Money Touch (6) Beautywonderful (1) Thunder A One
Next Best
5, 8
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 7
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million
(3) BREEDO WIZARD is the pick here. After a strong trial, he’s finished 4th in both starts so far, both at 1200M and both times settling back and running on well. Franco climbs on, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he can win. (2) GRAY BOSS enters off two 4th places and a 5th from his latest three between 1200M and a mile, each time going right back and running on well. He has super average time for the final furlong and draws a much better gate this time. He can be a danger late. (9) BARADEON BADA was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M after overcoming gate twelve. She should have come on for that run and can match or better it here. (4) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG and (7) DORAON ZETTA among others in the placing frame.