Seoul

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

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Lala K will be the main attraction as he kicks off his three-year-old campaign in the class 3 race 10. Here are the previews:

Lala K goes around on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Three-year-old maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. After winning an October trial, (2) RUN WILD debuted over 1200M on December 10th and raced on pace before running a very close 2nd in a fair time. He gets a good draw here and has every chance of going one better. (6) DONGJIN BULPAE was a close 4th on his debut at 1200M on December 31st. He was doing his best work late and like Run Wild, should have derived benefit from the experience. (5) YONGAM SESANG debuted last August and ran 2nd to Hangang Crown over 1000M in a quick time with a very fast final furlong. He hasn’t raced since but looked well in a trial last month and he can be competitive first up. (1) RAON THE SPRINTER likewise returns five months after his most recent start. He won a trial at the turn of the year and can also be involved. Among the first-timers, trial winner (11) GIANT STEP perhaps offers the most appeal.

Selections(2) Run Wild (6) Dongjin Bulpae (5) Yongam Sesang (1) Raon The Sprinter
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (7) QUERER ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in October and has subsequently finished in 6th place twice, most recently on Christmas Day when beating a couple of today’s rivals. That form, while not exactly world beating, is significantly better than anything else here has produced, and she will be a heavy favourite. The only other one to have picked up any prize money at all is (3) B.K. BELLE. She could only manage 9th place in that Christmas Day race but if we go on her 4th place at start number two in November, then she has to be in with a shout here. It gets patchy after that, but something has to finish 3rd although it really is hard to make a case with any conviction. (1) JILJU CHEONHA should at least be on pace from a good draw, and they might not all get past. (2) NATURAL SOUND and (5) MAGIC SOUND – the latter on the grounds of having done the least wrong by only racing once – other potentials.

Selections(7) Querer (3) B.K. Belle (1) Jilju Cheonha (2) Natural Sound
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

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

The form here is much better than in the previous race but there will still be a warm favourite. That’s (1) SMART CLAIR who comes in off a close 2nd place over this distance on December 23rd when handy throughout. He has only missed the top-five on one occasion and today should be his day. Plenty of others come in with a win in them though. (7) STUNNING MONEY came close on December 10th when well beaten by a good winner (My Khan) but with clear daylight back to 3rd. A similar run here will put him in the finish. (11) GROUPER is done no favours by the draw here but if he can get a bit of luck at the start and find a decent position close to the pace, he can be in this a long way. (6) NAEGILUI LEADER and (5) TESTA BLUE among others who it would be no surprise to see in the mix.

Selections(1) Smart Clair (7) Stunning Money (11) Grouper (6) Naegilui Leader
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 9, 11

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

Twelve three-year-old imported maidens go around here with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) BULTANEUN SIMJANG is the one to beat. After impressing in trials, he was sent off as favourite on debut in a similar race to this back on November 18th but while he finished off well, he could only make it up into 2nd place. He’s had nine-weeks off since then, and with some natural improvement, he can go one better. (10) GLOBAL CLASS came from well off the pace to run 5th in a very quick race on debut on December 16th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can be a danger late here. (1) YEONGWON BIG MAN was similarly 5th on debut the same day but comes into a much better gate this time and can get closer. Among the first-time starters, (12) DRAGON BULPAE and (3) MIGHTY NIC ran 1st and 2nd in a December trial with little between them and both can go well first-up. 

Selections(4) Bultaeneun Simjang (10) Global Class (1) Yeongwon Big Man (12) Dragon Bulpae
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11

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

(more…)

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

There are the usual 17 races across the two tracks on Sunday although unusually, it is Busan that kicks things off. Busan hosts 8 races from 10:35 to 17:00 while Seoul has 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Ilgan Sports Trophy winner Nut Play is in the Seoul feature and finale on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Unusually for a Sunday, we begin on the south coast and a maiden with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (5) SAENAE HIT is the only one to have raced three times already, and she will be favourite. Her best was her latest on December 29th when she was handy throughout and ran on for 2nd. She was well beaten by a good winner that day but won’t need to improve much to win here. The best of the first timers looks like (2) TOP LINE. She only went through the one trial, but she led for most of it, ultimately crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. She draws nicely to lead again and can be in this a long way. (10) MONSTER DRAGON also trialled fairly enough and in this kind of race can be given a chance first-up. Among the others with experience, (3) HARVEST MOON and (9) GWANGSOKMA look the most likely to improve.

Selections(5) Saenae Hit (2) Top Line (10) Monster Dragon (3) Harvest Moon
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

(5) DRAGON SQUARE has finished in 3rd place in both his two starts so far at 1400M and most recently at this distance, coming from off the pace both times. Third-up today, he can be peaking and Tony Castanheira’s charge is the one to beat. (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has shown steady improvement across six appearances to date, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on December 2nd when on pace throughout. Expect her to be on the speed again here and she can go close. (11) TONNERRE comes into slightly softer company than he has faced in his two prior outings and that, combined with the slight step up in trip, can see him more competitive today. (3) JEONGSANG HIT and (9) GANGHAN NURI are other possibles.

Selections(5) Dragon Square (8) Hampyeong Jangmi (11) Tonnerre (3) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start4, 8, 9, 11

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

Tricky one. (10) LOLLY comes in having run a solid 3rd over 1400M on Christmas Eve, beating a couple of these in the process. She has proven herself a good finisher and the step up to a mile for the first time could very well suit. Four of these raced each other over this distance in a different race on Christmas Eve. (3) HERE THE QUEEN was the favourite that day but while showing handy, ultimately finished in 5th. Seo Seung-un climbs aboard today and third up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness-wise, and she will have plenty of supporters again here. The best of those in the mile race on December 24th was (2) YEONGGWANGUICLASS, who came from off the pace to run 3rd. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and he can be in the mix again. (1) MIRACULUM was 4th in that race and along with (6) LEMON DOKKI, is another to consider for the minors.

Selections(10) Lolly (3) Here The Queen (2) Yeonggwanguiclass (1) Miraculum
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 11

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

Fillies only for this maiden and (9) SHACKLE POINT will be a hot favourite. After running 3rd on debut over 1200M, she then ran 4th on a snowy day on December 16th, again at this distance. Given the running style she has displayed so far, the wide draw won’t be a problem, and she can win here. The most credible danger is (3) ASSI JANGGUN. She was the longest shot on the board for her third career start on December 16th but made a mockery of that to come from off the pace for a fast-finishing 2nd. Her time was significantly quicker than that Shackle Point recorded over the same distance on the same day (although in a very differently run race) and she can be taken seriously here. (7) LADY HANABI and (8) TIZ MORNING both hinted at ability in their respective first outings and can improve here. (1) BEATRIZ debuted almost a year ago and wasn’t seen again but did win a trial last week and is the wildcard.

Selections(9) Shackle Point (3) Assi Janggun (7) Lady Hanabi (8) Tiz Morning
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

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

A small but competitive field. (7) SUCCESS BAEKPA got his maiden win at start number four on December 10th when he led for most of the way around the 1300M and ultimately won by ten-lengths. He comes up in class and slightly in distance today, but the manner of that last start win suggests there is more to come, and he goes on top again. (2) SEUNGNI TAKEN is similarly up in class following a last start maiden win. In his case, it was over this distance on December 17th when he made all and from a good draw and slightly down in the weights, he can be in this a long way again. (6) HUIMANG CANDY got her maiden win two starts back before running 2nd on her first try at this class and distance on December 8th. She is another who likes to be on pace and who can be a threat. The rest will all need a line drawn through their respective latest outings with (5) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL and (1) QUEEN’S ROAD perhaps best placed to return to form.

(more…)

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

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Racecourse was looking well in the snow earlier this week. The weekend should be dry though.

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

Three-year-old fillies only in the opener and ten of the twelve are racing for the first time. We will tentatively side with experience though and (6) VIVA CHEONGSU, who came from off the pace to run a close 3rd in a decent time over this distance on December 16th. She should have come on for the run and can go one better here. The pick of the first timers is (2) BYLONG STAR. She raced handy in her trial before taking things up late on and crossing the line 1st. She draws nicely to be on pace here and should go well. (3) SOFT POWER came through the same heat and was just a head back in 2nd place and clocking the same time. She too will have supporters first up. (5) WONPYEONG NURI has raced once before, leading for much of the around on October 28th over this distance before ending up in 4th. She has had eleven weeks off since but will be in the market. (10) AWESOME CREDIT took three goes to qualify but is the next best of the newcomers.

Selections(6) Viva Cheongsu (2) Bylong Star (3) Soft Power (5) Wonpyeong Nuri
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

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

The most experienced in the race gets the verdict in this maiden and that’s (6) SEOCHEON LION. He has raced five times and is yet to finish outside of the to-five with his best being a runner-up two starts back over this distance when close to the pace throughout. He did weaken having led on his most recent appearance, but he should have too much here. There are two first-time starters and (8) P N S NALA may make for some appeal. He was on-pace in his trial, crossing the line 3rd in a fair time and if he can get a forward position here, he can be a factor. (3) MIGHTY BOM was 2nd in his trial before finishing in midfield on debut on December 10th. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can get closer this time. (4) BEAUTIFUL HWASEONG and (11) THUNDER DRAGON are others in contention for the minors.

Selections(6) Seocheon Lion (8) P N S Nala (3) Mighty Bom (4) Beautiful Hwaseong
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

Small field but it’s competitive. (8) RAON JUMP has eight top-five finishes from fourteen starts and comes in off a useful 4th place over 1300M on December 3rd when coming from well off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She tends to get a bit far back in her races but the combination of the step back up to 1400M as well as less likelihood of traffic problems with a small number of rivals may make it her day. Should she leave herself too much to do again then (6) WONDEFUL WELLS, who will be betting favourite, may oblige. She has been solid, if unspectacular across her six starts to date and in the absence of any speed in this race, should get to a more forward position than usual. The step up to 1400M can suit. (1) SUPER ONE has hinted at ability, especially when 4th of twelve two starts back. He will probably be on pace too. (3) NEXTLEVEL and (2) DANGCHAN NANGBO others who could pick up a cheque.

Selections(8) Raon Jump (6) Wonderful Wells (1) Super One (3) Nextlevel
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

Two standouts here. By virtue of a better draw, the nod goes to (3) CHAMJOEUN INYEON. She comes in off her best finish so far, when 2nd over 1200M on December 9th having raced handy throughout. From a great gate, she should be close again. (10) ACRO MARINE also has a 2nd place to his named, achieved over 1200 last October. The wide draw need not be too big an issue as he can finish off well and he should be a danger late on here. (5) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL was 4th behind Chamjoeun Inyeon last time out. She is yet to finish in the top two but has no fewer than seven finishes between 3rd and 5th and she should be there or thereabouts again. (4) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (2) THORUI MANGCHI among others in the frame.

Selections(3) Chamjoeun Inyeon (10) Acro Marine (5) Gangcheol Yeogeol (4) Hampyeong Fighter
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

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

(more…)

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

There are 11 Sunday races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Choi Bum-hyun rode his 900th career winner last week – he isn’t riding on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

(6) HEART K comes in off back-to-back 3rd places, most recently at this distance on December 2nd when settling handy and running on having overcome hate eleven. He gets a kinder draw this time and could well have too much. (7) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE ran 4th in that same December 2nd race, sitting midfield and finishing well. That was his second 4th place in just three starts to date and he can get closer here. (9) E.H. COCO comes in following a best to date runner-up finish over this distance on December 10th when leading for most of the way around. He has the challenge of the widest draw this time but can be competitive again. (1) ÉCLAIR STAR and (8) BEAT RACER others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(6) Heart K (7) Heunghaeng Bulpae (9) E.H. Coco (1) Éclair Star
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(1) THE SUN FIGHTER will be a short-priced favourite here. He has been getting closer across his three starts to date and comes in off his best so far, a close 3rd over 1200M in a quick time on December 10th when coming from off the pace. He draws nicely here, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he should win. The logical danger is (4) FIRST CHOUX. He is yet to win but has seven top-five finishes and his latest was his best, when 2nd over this distance on December 17th having led for part of the way. He is nicely drawn and should go close again. There isn’t much else in the way of exposed form but (11) THUNDER SPEED has hinted at having a bit of speed and if we go on his 4th place on debut instead of his poor effort last time, he can be considered. (7) CRAZE CHANG and (2) MR. POWER are the others who will get some support on a place line.

Selections(1) The Sun Fighter (4) First Choux (11) Thunder Speed (7) Craze Chang
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

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

(2) RAINBOW ROAD has finished no worse than 4th in three starts to date most recently coming home 3rd when tried at this distance for the first time on December 17th. Her style is to race on pace and handy and with not much early speed to contend with here, she should get an easy run to the front and can go all the way. (7) FLYING DIA has mixed her form across seven outings but going on her latest when 3rd in a quick time over 1300M, she has a chance here. She’ll be one of those up with Rainbow Road on the speed. (1) BLACK FALCON was an improved 2nd at start number three over 1300M on December 10th. The step up in trip can suit and he is very nicely drawn. (8) VALHALLA and (11) YEONGGWANGUIPRINCE others to keep safe.

Selections(2) Rainbow Road (7) Flying Dia (1) Black Falcon (8) Valhalla
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

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

(7) BEST WHIZ has a 5th and a 4th so far at 1200M and at 1300M, racing on pace both times. He looks nicely in here, Moon Se-young climbs on, and today could be the day. (6) SAENAE PARK was slowly away on debut over this distance on December 3rd but rallied well late on to get up for 2nd place, albeit a decent distance behind a good winner. He should have come on for the experience and if he can put himself in a better position a bit earlier, he could go one better. (10) SAHARAMOND has two 4th places and two 4th places from four total starts so far. He has been racing on pace, but he has coped well from a wide gate already and he should be in the mix here. (2) PINK MELODY won a trial and from a good gate can be considered first up. (3) FEDERAL PRESS another in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Best Whiz (6) Saenae Park (10) Saharamond (2) Pink Melody
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 7, 10, 11

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

(9) RAON VIBE MAN ran 4th on debut over 1200M in November before following up with a 2nd place, again at the six-furlong trip on December 10th, settling handy and running on. He can be peaking fitness-wise third up here and the slight step up in distance can see him home on top. (1) WONDERFUL ONE is yet to finish in the top two but has run some decent times including when 6th over this distance on December 3rd. He comes in under a light weight with an apprentice claiming and he can be in the mix here. (10) HI WINNER has finished 3rd to 5th in her three starts so far. She seems to like to be on pace so the draw is a little wider than ideal, but she shouldn’t be too far away. (5) TAP BOLT and (8) CHRYSOL HERO look the best of a limited rest.

(more…)

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

The capital’s 2024 program gets underway on Saturday with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

2023’s racing ended in the snow but it should be a clear start to 2024 (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener with seven racing for the first time. (10) CHOEGANG TIME is the only one who has raced twice, finishing 4th on debut in September and then 5th at this distance in October. He has been back to trial since putting in an on-pace 2nd in his heat in a quick time, and he has solid claims here. The pick of the first timers is (6) MK LEE. It took him a couple of trials to get to the races, but he improved significantly in the second of them when an on-pace 4th in a decent time. Moon Se-young’s presence aboard ensures he won’t be missed in the betting market. (9) SEOBU TEUKSONG ran midfield on debut on December 3rd. She should have come on for that run and can get closer today. (1) HANGANG CAPTAIN was slow on debut to the extent that he was ordered back to trial. He got three months off after that and then won his December heat. That requalification run could have been clocked with a sundial, but he did it easy and should be a better proposition today. (7) LADY FOX another experienced one who can improve.

Selections(10) Choegang Time (6) MK Lee (9) Seobu Teuksong (1) Hangang Captain
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 10

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

Maiden fillies here. (3) GOLDBERG raced three times as a juvenile, registering two 3rd place finishes and a 4th. The latest was at this distance on December 2nd when overcoming a wide draw to sit handy and run on well. She comes into a better gate today and can finally jackhammer the field. (8) BELOTERO was an improved 3rd when well backed on start number two on December 9th when racing handy throughout. She has the challenge of a wider draw here, but she should be in the mix. (6) QUEEN ABIGAIL has been getting closer across three starts so far, most recently a close 4th place at this distance. The time was slow, but she seems to be on the right trajectory and in this limited company can place. (11) WONDERFUL SPIRIT and (5) SAMAEBEONJJEOK others in the minor money frame.

Selections(3) Goldberg (8) Belotero (6) Queen Abigail (11) Wonderful Spirit
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

Not a strong maiden. (4) BEST KINGDOM has got a bit far back in each of his races so far, but he has run on pleasingly enough most recently for 5th over 1200M on December 2nd. He draws well, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he has as much chance as any. (3) SOLAIRE ran 6th on debut over 1200M before improving to 3rd when stepped up to this trip at start number two on December 12th. He has shown to have a fast finish on him and will be running on late again here. (8) GEUMAK JINJU showed good speed in her first two starts to run 3rd and 2nd over 1000M. She has since put in fair performances at 1200M will probably start as betting favourite. (10) HEY MAMA is yet to finish in the top-two but she has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than six occasions in her thirteen starts to date and this is the kind of company among which she can pick up a cheque.  (2) CHEONGHAE JEIL may improve on an inauspicious debut.

Selections(4) Best Kingdom (3) Solaire (8) Geumak Jinju (10) Hey Mama
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 10

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

(2) GEUMBIT GANGHO got his maiden win in October over 1300M and has subsequently run 2nd in both his tries at this class, both at 1300M and both times leading. He comes up slightly in trip and while he was a beaten favourite last time out, he is worth another chance here. (5) RAON THE DAESE found herself overmatched in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy for juvenile fillies a month ago, but she has shown promise in her two runs leading up to it and in much more amenable company today, she is a danger. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but (3) MY KHAN got his maiden win at start number three over 1300M on December 10th when settling handy and running on strong in a quick time on a dry track. He comes up in class and in distance, but a repeat isn’t impossible. (11) ONE SPEAR has performed well since being belatedly promoted to this level and this is the kind of race in which he can pick up some prize money. (7) CLAIR POWER another in the minor hunt.

Selections(2) Geumbit Gangho (5) Raon The Daese (3) My Khan (11) One Spear
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

Half of this small field are up in class, and it is wide open. (7) BEOLGYO VERITAS was a winner on debut over 1200M on December 3rd, stalking the leader for most of the way before running on. Despite having previously won a trial, he was sent off at big odds that day. Though up in class and slightly in trip, he won’t here. (4) GIPPEUM HAMSEONG scored his maiden win at start number three on December 3rd, making all over 1300M. He comes up in class but is nicely drawn to be in pace and in this a long way. If you prefer experience at this class, then (5) GLOBAL JINGYEOK is the one for you. He has two 2nd places and a 4th from his latest three, all at this level, and he has the fastest time over the trip.  (6) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA and (8) GOLDEN DRAGON the next bests.

(more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 31)

The final race meetings of the year take place on Sunday at Seoul and Busan. There are 11 races in the capital from 10:35 to 18:00, and 6 on the South Coast from 11:50 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden that made up yesterday’s race 1 and nine of the twelve race for the first time. The experience should have the advantage though. After a good trial, (6) CROWN HAMSEONG was sent off as favourite over this distance on November 25th when she raced handy before running on for a close 2nd. She should have derived benefit from the experience, and she will be expected to go one better here. (7) GANGHAN NURI was similarly 2nd on debut. In his case it came over 1000M back on October 7th. He has had twelve weeks off since so comes in fresh and showed enough promise to merit consideration here. Completing the set of experienced ones, (11) YEONGGWANGUI WORLD showed on pace before finishing 6th on debut on November 19th. He can get closer here. As for the debut makers, (12) RAON PARANOMA and (4) DONGJIN BULPAE looked the best in trials.

Selections(6) Crown Hamseong (7) Ganghan Nuri (11) Yeonggwangui World (12) Raon Paranoma
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start6, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

More maidens. (2) EDENUI DONGJJOK gets the verdict by virtue of his 3rd place at start number two over this distance on December 3rd when handy throughout. He overcame gate twelve that day so with a much better draw today, he is the one to beat. (5) GENERAL POWER debuted back in June and then didn’t reappear until running an improved 5th over 1200M on November 26th, beating a couple of today’s rivals when coming from well off the pace. He should strip fitter for the run and can go closer here. (8) EUNPA JOY was also an improved 5th at his latest start and can be considered for more improvement here. (1) CHEONGUCHAT and (4) NONSTOP YEOLCHA are other contenders to challenge for the places.

Selections(2) Edenui Dongjjok (5) General Power (8) Eunpa Joy (1) Cheonguchat
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(9) HAKSAN MACHO shapes as the warm favourite here. He come sin having run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two appearances over 1200M and 1300M. He has the fastest time of any of these over the distance and can sit behind the early speed and prove too strong late on.  (8) GALSAEK DOJEONJA has hinted at ability across three starts so far, with his best being a 3rd place over 1200M in October when coming from off the pace. Moon Se-young climbs aboard today and that itself ensures plenty of backers. (2) SHOUT KURO has made steady improvement and was most recently a close 4th place over this distance on November 26th. He can get a bit far back in his races, but if he is withing striking distance at the top of the straight, he can pass plenty. (11) WONPYEONG GANGJA and (5) BAEDARI HYANGGI others in the frame.

Selections(9) Haksan Macho (8) Galsaek Dojeonja (2) Shout Kuro (11) Wonpyeong Gangja
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maidens in the opener at Busan and it’s hard to go past (2) GUKDAE STAR. After a somewhat plain debut, he ran a good 4th at start number two over this distance on November 24th when settling in midfield and running home strongly ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He won’t need to improve much to win this. (11) RAON STROKE has a 6th and a 5th in two starts so far, both at 1200M. Both times she has been a long way back before running on and the slight step up in trip can suit. (8) BIG WILD ran 8th on debut behind Gukdae Star. He had previously been quick in a trial and should have benefited from his first-up experience. Debut maker (9) FUERTE along with (10) JOJOBA are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Gukdae Star (11) Raon Stroke (8) Big Wild (9) Fuerte
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (10) BLACK BELT is up in class having broken through at start number three over 1200M on November 26th. His style has been to go right back and run on and the step up to 1400M can suit. (7) DALMAJI has put together some consistent results at this class, most recently a strong 2nd place over 1300M on November 11th when on pace throughout. In this company he can employ similar tactics today and can go one better (3) MIRAE TOWER got his maiden win at start number five on November 19th over 1400M when leading all the way around. The win had been coming and while he is up in class here and doesn’t get any weight relief, he draws nicely and has every chance of measuring up at this level. (2) REAL PACK is yet to win in twenty-eight attempts, but he’s been close on several occasions and comes in with recent form reading well and along with (4) NEMO SPIRIT is a place chance here.

Selections(10) Black Belt (7) Dalmaji (3) Mirae Tower (2) Real Pack
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(11) UNJU TOP has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far at 1000M and 1300M, running on well both times. She has proven to have a smart finish on her, so the widest gate shouldn’t be too problematic, and while she may need a bit of luck at the start, she can prove too strong. This isn’t a strong race so (4) SONGDO GALMAEGI may be worth a chance at a probable even-money price. He did nothing in two starts at the beginning of this year but after ten months off, he looked well when trialling up. He draws nicely. (1) ROAD TO PARTY can also be given another chance following an indifferent debut. He had previously trialled well and from the inside gat e can get an easier early run here. (5) WORLD WINNERS MAN and debut-maker (3) UNJU CHEONHA are others to consider for the minors.

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 30)

The penultimate day of the 2023 season is at Seoul on Saturday with an 11-race card from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. The experience is preferred though. It’s a curious name for a racehorse but (6) ENTROPY went through a couple of decent trials before running 3rd on debut over this distance on December 2nd when slow away and coming from well off the pace. That experience can stand him in good stead, and he should be favourite. (2) SPECIAL HILL ran on pleasingly enough for 5th of eleven over 1000M on debut. That was back in October so he comes in fresh here and from a good draw, he can go better. (12) NESSUN DORMA trialled well before running 4th over this distance on debut on November 5th. She has the challenge of the widest gate, but she can challenge. The first timers don’t really stand out with (1) SUPER BLUEMOON and (3) BEAT YEONGUNG being the best looking in trials.

Selections(6) Entropy (2) Special Hill (12) Nessun Dorma (1) Super Bluemoon
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies and (2) RUBY PORT will be the hot favourite. After finishing 5th on debut, she came home 3rd at start number two over this distance on November 25th, settling handy before dropping back to midfield and then running on well with a few of today’s rivals behind her. She draws nicely and won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win this. (10) FLYING COMMAND was an improved 3rd at start number three on November 26th having led for much of the way around. She has the challenge of the widest gate here but can build on that momentum. (6) PINK WIND was slowly away on debut before running on well for a midfield finish. She then ran 4th behind Ruby Port in that November 255th race, being handy throughout and can be a danger here. The exposed form falls off significantly after those three, with (5) RAON THE SIDAE and (1) CHOGANGBULPAE perhaps the most likely among the rest to challenge for the minors.

Selections(2) Ruby Port (10) Flying Command (6) Pink Wind (5) Raon The Sidae
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go past (9) GREAT STORM. After three consecutive 4th places to start his career, he was then 2nd when stepped up to this trip for the first time on December 3rd, settling handy and finishing off well. He has the nest time of any of these for the distance and he should be winning this. After a shaky debut, (1) JERAQUEEN has run fairly for 3rd and 4th in two subsequent starts at 1200M, showing on pace both times. She comes into a very good gate today and can be on pace again. (11) MYUNGJINBULLPAI has shown improvement across three starts so far with her latest being a good 3rd over 1200M on December 3rd. She has finished off her races well so the widest gate shouldn’t be a concern (5) VICTOR NAREUMA and (8) DAEMUL SOCKS other show have hinted at ability.

Selections(9) Great Storm (1) Jeraqueen (11) Myungjinbullpae (5) Victor Nareuma
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Another maiden with a probably short price favourite. (6) LOVE MUNMAK has been ultra-consistent across her five starts so far and came up to this distance on December 10th and ran a solid, if not exactly quick, 4th. She has a sharp finish on her and should prove too strong in the closing stages. (9) PLAN B and (10) YEJIMONG both have runner-up finishes to their names, both over 1200M. The are both capable of coming from off the pace so should be able to deal with their wide draws, and they shape as the two main dangers here. (11) SARYEONI FOR HONOR debuted fairly over 1200M at the start of the month. He should stirp fitter for the run and can improve here. (3) CHANGJOUI GIDUNG another in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Love Munmak (9) Plan B (10) Yejimong (11) Saryeoni For Honor
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) BRIGHT WINNER comes up in class having got her maiden win at start number seven over 1300M on November 26th when racing handy throughout. She doesn’t get a cut in the weight sunder today’s handicap conditions, but she does draw nicely, and she can repeat. It’s fair to say that (4) LUXURY KING doesn’t exactly win out of turn – once in forty starts – but his recent form is reading well. He comes in off a 5th place at this class and distance in a time faster than any of the rest of these have achieved for the 1400M and it’s not impossible that today could be his day. (5) NURIDAY comes up in class following a win over this distance on December 2nd when he made all. The same as Bright Winner, there is no weight drop – and the win was unexpected – but he shouldn’t be dismissed. (6) ECHO ZONE and (8) AL SIMON are others in the placing frame.

(more…)

Christmas Day Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (December 25)

Where better to spend Christmas Day than Seoul Racecourse? It’s free entry and there is a bumper 12-race holiday card running from 11:00 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Punters file in on Christmas Eve – there is racing on Christmas Day too!

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Maiden fillies kick off the Christmas Day program and there are two standouts. (7) SAENAE VIVA returned from sic months off in October and has run 2nd and 4th in two starts back so far racing on pace both times. Third-up this preparation, she can be peaking fitness-wise, and she should be on speed again and this time stay on all the way. The danger is (9) JEONGSEONGTIGER. She comes in off an improved 3rd place over this distance on November 18th when racing handy throughout. Antonio climbs on today and a similar run should see her close. (10) QUERER did nothing on her first try at this distance on November 25th but her 2nd place on debut over 1000M back in October is enough to give her another chance here. (2) B.K. BELLE and (1) CALIPH others potentially on the right trajectory.

Selections(7) Saenae Viva (9) Jeongseongtiger (10) Querer (2) B.K. Belle
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go past (1) PASALUBONG here. After a middling debut, he ran a much-improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on November 19th when settling midfield and running on having been drawn in gate eleven. He comes into a much better barrier, the slight step up in trip can suit, and he should take some beating. (2) WONDERFUL SEEKING has hinted at ability with two solid 4th places from her latest two at this distance and at 1400M. She draws nicely to sit on the speed here and can get closer. (11) WONDERFUL REGAL enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes following a six-month absence and while the draw is not ideal, he can be in the finish again. Continuing on a theme, (8) WONDERFUL WELLS and (3) NAEGILUI LEADER are others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Pasalubong (2) Wonderful Seeking (11) Wonderful Regal (8) Wonderful Wells
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) SLAM DRAGON has a 4th and a 2nd from two starts so far, most recently over 1400M on December 2nd when handy throughout. He draws nicely here for Antonio to drop him in behind the leaders and he should have too much at the business end of the race. (5) CLOVER PARTY is the logical second pick. He has shown his best form so far in his latest two and was a good runner-up over 1200M on November 19th when settling midfield and running on with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. (8) BEAUTYWONDERFUL has run on well enough in her opening two appearances to suggest the slight step up in trip can suit. (11) WONDERFUL SWEET and (10) BAEKRYONG the other logical placing chances.

Selections(3) Slam Dragon (5) Clover Party (8) Beautywonderful (11) Wonderful Sweet
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) TAENGGEURI has been getting progressively closer culminating in a 3rd place over 1300M on November 26th when coming from off the pace. His racing style suggests that the step up to two turns will be in his favour and he can make his breakthrough here. That’s true of (5) CHEONMA BULPAE who got his best finish so far when stepped up to 1400M on November 19th and running 5th, ahead of a couple of these. He has the fastest final furlong average time in the field and can potentially translate that to two-turn success here. In fact, the only one to have previously tackled the distance is (10) TRES VITE. That was several starts back, but he did manage a 4th place over it and that’s enough to put him in the frame here. (3) BEAT RACER and (8) GOLD CHARM others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Taenggeuri (5) Cheonma Bulpae (10) Tres Vite (3) Beat Racer
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A relatively small field but a competitive one. We’ll take a chance on (9) LEGEND K, who had seemingly lost his way for a while but has returned to form of late, registering the fastest time of any of these for the distance when 5th on November 18th and then coming back out two weeks later to run a close 2nd, again at class and distance, on December 3rd. The wide draw isn’t a problem, and he can go one better today. (8) MIGHTY CAP comes up in class having broken through at start number three on November 19th, making all over this distance. Her times haven’t been quick, but she has shown improvement each time, and under a light weight, she can measure up here. (3) PHOENIX CLASS has run 4th in both starts at this class since getting promoted with a smart win over this distance in August. She can be close again. (5) TRISTAN WANGJA is similarly up in class and along with (1) MENI CHARM, looks a place chance.

(more…)

Christmas Eve Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview

With there being an additional card at Seoul on Christmas Day, the usual Sunday roles are reversed and it is Busan where the lion’s share of the action will be. Busan hosts 10 races from 10:35 to 17:30 while at Seoul there are 7 races from 12:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies. (8) GRAY QUEEN is the most experienced, with three starts behind her already and they include a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M. While not quick, her 1200M time was faster than any of the others with experience have achieved and she is the reluctant top pick here. The danger is a first-time starter. (5) GRAND CHASER looked good in a trial, settling handy and running on for a close 2nd to the experienced Mongttang in a quick time. All the trials were fast that day, but she showed enough to be considered first-up. (3) SKY GRIT led that same trial, ultimately crossing the line 3rd. She raced once without distinction in June but should be on the pace and a different prospect here. (6) GOLDEN NICE and (2) BORAM are other contenders.

Selections(8) Gray Queen (5) Grand Chaser (3) Sky Grit (6) Golden Nice
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(6) UNJU TWO HEARTS will be hot favourite here. After an indifferent debut, she has registered three consecutive top-four finishes, racing on pace each time. She comes up marginally in trip but with Seo Seung-un climbing on, and against modest opposition, she shapes to be odds-on to score. (7) RED JASPER was an improved 3rd over 1200M on December 1st, overcoming gate ten to sit back and then run on. She has the best final furlong average time of any of these and from a better gate, if she can be a touch closer this time, she can be a danger. (8) MAJESTIC DANCER was an improved 3rd at start number two on November 17th, coming from off the pace. Third-up she can be peaking fitness-wise and looks a solid place chance again. (4) FLYING AARON and (3) NANGNAM DAERO others who could sneak into the minors.

Selections(6) Unju Two Hearts (7) Red Jasper (8) Majestic Dancer (4) Flying Aaron
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) SEOGWI PERFECT raced on pace on start number two over 1300M only to ultimately go down by the narrowest of margins in 2nd. That was a big improvement from his debut and while he comes up slightly in trip, he also comes into a much better gate, and he can go one better today. The main danger is (3) ARA NURI. She similarly has three top-four finishes from four starts so far and from a good gate can be ridden on pace to be in this a long way. (4) CLOUD LOVE has shown steady but noticeable improvement across his latest few attempts. He doesn’t look a winning chance here but can be matching or bettering his last start 4th. (5) TAP BOLT and (11) NEVER GIVE UP other potential improvers.

Selections(2) Seogwi Perfect (3) Ara Nuri (4) Cloud Love (5) Tap Bolt
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) LEMON DOKKI returned from nine months off to run a fair 6th of eleven over 1400M on December 3rd when settling back and running on. He should strip fitter for that run, the step up to a mile can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (3) AQUARIUS too may find an extended trip beneficial. She is yet to finish in the top-two in fourteen starts but enters with recent form reading well with a pair of 4th place finishes at 1400M. She can settle behind the speed and run on here. (5) HERE THE QUEEN returned from eight months out to run 6th of nine over 1300M on December 8th. She has a 2nd and a 3rd to her name from before the layoff and like Lemon Dokki, should be fitter for her run earlier this month. (10) CHEONSU SIDAE and (9) ASTIN MARINE are others to keep safe.

Selections(2) Lemon Dokki (3) Aquarius (5) Here The Queen (10) Cheonsu Sidae
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies open proceedings in the capital. (1) SEOCHEON LION will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. She is yet to finish any worse than 5th and comes in off her best to date when an on-pace 2nd over this distance on November 18th with a couple of today’s rivals a long way back. She draws nicely and won’t need to improve much – if at all – to win this. (6) CHEONHAENGCHAT has five top-five finishes from seven attempts and the second fastest time among these for the distance. In this company she should be on the speed and can be a factor for a long time. (11) SANSAMEUN HAMYANG was a much-improved 2nd at this distance on November 18th. She had a similarly wide gate to today, and she can be competitive again. (5) HOMYEONG QUEEN and (8) ROYAL BEST the other logical place chances.

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 23)

What with there being racing on Christmas Day, there is only a short 7-race card at Seoul on Saturday running from 13:10 to 18:00 (there will also be simulcasting from the pony racing on Jeju Island). Here are the previews:

It’s cold at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Tricky maiden to begin with but (5) MOMO K just about gets the nod. He’s finished 3rd in both starts so far, both at 1200M and while his times haven’t been especially quick, he’s shown enough to suggest that there can be more improvement in the tank. From a good gate he should be on pace and in this a long way. (9) DRAGON SQUARE won a November trial and then finished a fair 3rd on debut over 1400M on December 10th, settling back and running on. He finished off well in the trial too so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can match or better that 3rd today. (11) JANGGUN GARAM races for the first time since being given his chance in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in early October. He finished down the field but the 2nd and the 3rd prior that led him to that opportunity suggest he should be very much in this. (1) SMART CLAIR and (6) SEONGSIN CHEONHA others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Momo K (9) Dragon Square (11) Janggun Garam (1) Smart Clair
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) SEONGSIL DAERO will be favourite here. After a plain debut, she ran a strong 2nd over this distance on November and followed up with a 4th place, again at the distance, on December 3rd. She likes to race on pace and draws well to get forward and she will take some beating. (3) STEALTH PARK’s recent races have been slow, but he too has a 2nd and a 4th to his name over today’s trip. He also goes best when on pace and should be a contender here. (11) JEONGSEONG VICE enters off a much-improved runner-up finish over tis distance on November 11th. He faces the challenge of the widest gate here but in this company, shouldn’t be dismissed. (4) ON THE ROCKS and solitary debut-maker (8) EAST KING STONE are others in the hunt for the minors.

Selections(5) Seongsil Daero (3) Stealth Park (11) Jeongseong Vice (4) On The Rocks
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to go past (1) RAON THE FANTA. He got his maiden win at start number two over 1000M in September and has since run 2nd on both his tries at this class and distance, racing handy both times and stopping the clock in good times. He does come up a couple of kilograms in the weights, but he gets a great draw, and it would be a big surprise were he not to win this. (9) TAEPYEONG VISION is up in class following her maiden win over this distance on November 26th when she sat midfield and ran on. That marked a big improvement from her previous three efforts, but she won with enough in hand to suggest she can measure up at this level. (6) LADY CODI has put in two fair runs at this class since getting her maiden win in September. She was 4th behind Raon The Fanta two starts back and while she may not overturn that form here, she can be close. (3) SPEAR GOLD and (2) DONGHAENG FIRST are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Raon The Fanta (9) Taepyeong Vision (6) Lady Codi (3) Spear Gold
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) CITY KING got his maiden win at start number two on November 18th, making all over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance here, but he has every chance of a repeat and will start a warm favourite. (5) CUPID CHAMP will be the clear second favourite. She is yet to win in ten attempts but has no fewer than five top-three finished including his latest at this class and distance on November 19th when 3rd having raced midfield and finished off well. She remains lightly weighted and should be there or thereabouts again. (4) MISS HIGH FLY ran 2nd at class and distance two starts back before running a fair 5th in marginally better company than this last time out and that’s enough to see her in the mix here. The returning (2) JJARTIHAN JAYU, along with (8) STORM BREAKER, are others who can enter the calculations.

(more…)