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.
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 Best
11, 8
Fast Start
1, 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.
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.
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 Best
3, 11
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million
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 Best
9, 11
Fast Start
2, 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.
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 Best
6, 11
Fast Start
5, 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 Best
1, 4
Fast Start
1, 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.
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 Best
10, 9
Fast Start
2, 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 Best
11, 7
Fast Start
2, 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 Best
2, 4
Fast Start
1, 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.
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 Best
8, 3
Fast Start
3, 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 Best
2, 6
Fast Start
1, 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 Best
11, 6
Fast Start
2, 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 Best
3, 4
Fast Start
2, 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.
Horse Racing in Korea 