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

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. The exposed form isn’t very good so we will side with debut-makers. (3) USEUNG CONCORD will be favourite. A half-brother to many winners, most notably the prolific Mirae Yeongung, he ran 2^nd in a July trial, settling midfield and running on well. The time wasn’t quick, but he looked accomplished enough and with Moon Se-young up, he will be expected to win first-up here. (4) SEGWANG FIGHTER was similarly a close 2^nd in his heat also having settled midfield from a wide gate. He won’t need to improve much on that to go close here. (1) GEUMSE posted a fair time in his heat and looks the best of the rest at this stage. (7) EUNPA PARTNER is another first-timer who hinted at ability in his trial while among the three who have raced already, (9) BAEDARI HYANGGI looks the most likely to improve.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden although this half has just four of twelve racing for the first time. (1) RAON THE TAP ran 2^nd on debut in a similar race at this distance on July 15^th when he overcame gate eleven to run on well. He has a much better draw this time around and can be on pace this time and can win. That will mean overturning the form on (7) NAEGILUI WINNER, who ran 2^nd in that July 15^th race on what was also his debut. He led for much of the way around and will be aiming to do similar here. (5) JECHUK IHO ran close to Raon The Tap in a trial and then ran a good 2^nd on debut in a quick time on July 23^rd, racing on pace throughout. Like the others he should have derived benefit from that and shouldn’t be far away. Of the first timers, (8) LUCKY PARTY is the pick, having improved in the second of two trials in July. (6) SEOUL DOLPUNG, the only one to have raced twice, the best of the rest.

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

Valuable maiden for imported juveniles (northern hemisphere) and three-year-olds (southern). We’ll take a chance on a couple of debut-makers in the shape of (11) UWANGRYUNG. The Tapwrit colt won a trial very handily at the beginning of the month leading all the way around and while the draw is a touch wider than ideal, if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (6) DREAM ISLE also goes around for the first time. He went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them on August 4^th (which may not appear on all race cards as it wasn’t a mandatory trial). Moon Se-young’s presence aboard will ensure he is well backed and with some more improvement he can be a danger. As for those with experience, (2) POWER PALIYEONG showed not to rely too much on trial performances as he was the longest shot on the board on debut on July 22^nd but defied that to finish a good 2^nd over 1000M. He ran through the line well and the step up in trip may suit. (10) ENDING FIRE and (4) SINUI EREUM others who may improve.

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A weak maiden. (12) HAYAN TAEYANG improved to 4^th at start number two all the way back in May. She hasn’t raced since but with Antonio climbing on, that’s enough for her to go on top here. She ran on in both her races so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can win. (8) DAMJAENGI ARGO has finished 4^th or 5^th in five of seven starts. She has posted fair times and she should be claiming a best to date finish here. (4) YONGBICHEON managed a 3^rd place two starts back over this trip when racing handy. The same apprentice who rode her that day returns so she comes in carrying just 50kg and she should be in the hunt. (6) MENI WIN and (7) ARCH CLASS others to consider in a very modest affair.

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(11) WINNER DRAGON is the one to beat here. His best finish was two starts back when a close 2^nd over 1200M having settled back and run on and he followed that up with a fair 5^th over 1300M on August 6^th. He steps up to 1400M for the first time and it could well be what he needs to make the breakthrough. (6) JECHUK ILHO has a 3^rd place to his name over this trip and while he could only manage 7^th on his most recent start, he did finish ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. In this limited field, he shapes as the main danger. (8) CHOEGANG NICE was one of those behind Jechuk Ilho last time out. He tends to get a bit far back in his races, but he has a good finish on him and if in striking range, he can pass plenty late one. (2) SAEBYEOK BULBIT and (9) YEJIMONG others in the minor money frame.

There are 10 races on the afternoon/evening program at Seoul on Saturday, running from 14:45 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all eleven making their racecourse debuts. (11) BRAVO PLAY was a trial winner in a fair time back in June when handy throughout and running on well. It has taken him a couple of months to get to the races and he does have the challenge of the wide draw, but he has as good a chance as any. (9) CHADOL DIA ran an on-pace 3^rd in a competitive trial in a good time on a wet track in July. She too will be on pace and shapes as one of the leading contenders. (8) WONPYEONG GANGJA made all to win his trial on July 21^st. Although the time was a little slower than the other two, he did everything asked of him and with some natural improvement, he can be dangerous. (6) CHEONMA BULPAE and (1) CLAIR GOLD others who hinted at ability when qualifying.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

(6) HAENGBOKAN SEUNGJA ran 2^nd on debut over 1000M on July 22^nd, well beaten by a good winner but coming from well off the pace and running through the line well. She should have derived benefit from the experience and the slight step up in trip should suit. She will be a warm favourite. (2) TAEPYEONG HERO was an encouraging 3^rd on his debut on July 23^rd when settling midfield and running on. With some natural improvement here, he should be matching or bettering that finish. Similarly (11) SEOCHEON LION was a close 5^th on his first start on July 1^st. He has the challenge of the widest gate but showed enough potential to suggest he can get close in this company. Those three will be at the top of most tickets with (3) MONEY TOUCH and (9) GOLDEN DRAGON others with the potential to improve.

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

Competitive maiden. (2) MADE STAR was a beaten favourite when 6^th over this distance on August 5^th when, as is her style, she settled right back but just didn’t manage to pass as many as hoped for. At her previous start in July, she ran a strong 2^nd again at this distance and with Antonio climbing aboard today, she can be given another chance. (10) SMART TAEYANG ran an improved 2^nd on his attest appearance on July 16^th when racing midfield and finishing off well. His times haven’t been fast, but he looks to be on the right trajectory, and he can go close again. (1) DIVINE PYEONGHWA was 3^rd behind Made Star in July and returns here for the first time since. She draws nicely and can build on that result. (11) DAONDI and (8) BRIGHT WINNER are others with the potential to improve.

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(7) CHOEGO POINT is yet to win in thirteen attempts, but he has come close on plenty of occasions including his latest on July 23^rd when he settled midfield and ran on for 2^nd place in a quick race at class and distance. Under today’s handicap conditions, he comes down slightly in the weights and it could be his day. (1) BULUI NALGAE was a close 3^rd in that July 23^rd race, having gone right back and then run on. That was his first try around two turns and he should have derived benefit from it and can be in the hunt here. (3) DEVIL K enters off back-to-back 2^nd place finishes at class and distance. He can be on or close to the pace here and can be in this a long way once more. (9) THUNDER PRINCE has a win over this distance at class 6 level and along with the experienced (2) GREEN FEELSTAR is another in the pacing frame at least. 

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

Wide open race. (6) YONGBI POWER was a somewhat unexpected winner on debut over 1000M on July 15^th when settling back and working through the line well. She is up in class and in distance here but with some natural improvement from that effort, she can maintain her 100% record. (8) JAEWOO SIDAE remains a maiden but comes in off two smart 3^rd place finishes, both at this class and distance and in good times. She is another who settles back before finishing strongly and today could be her day. (1) BAEKDU MEOTJAENGI returned from eight months off to get his maiden win over this distance on July 8^th, making all. She comes up in class here but should strip fitter for that run and from a good draw, she can be on pace. (2) ICE CREAM and (3) DOLBAE among plenty of others with minor money claims.

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a twilight meeting consisting of 10 races from 14:45 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with all eleven racing for the first time. Conveniently for us, five of them come out of the same trial on July 14^th which was won – and won well – by (10) SPECIAL FORCE, who was quickly into the lead and crossed the line three-lengths to the good in a fair time. If she brings that form to the races, she will take some beating. We’ll return to that heat in a moment. (6) GEOLJAK SKY failed to qualify the first time around but looked much better in a second attempt in early July, running on pace and crossing the line in front in a good time. She draws better than Special Force and should be challenging from the start again. (1) BLUE LEMON was 2^nd in the July 14^th trial settling handy and running on. She has those three-lengths to make up on Special Force but draws nicely and shouldn’t be far away. (3) LOVE MUNMAK was a further length and three-quarters back in 4^th in that trial coming from off the pace but worked him pleasingly enough to consider. (4) ORION ALPHA another who hinted ay ability in her heat.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRE 25 Million

The penny seems to be dropping for (1) HANGANG SKY who comes in following a much-improved 4^th and 3^rd from his latest two at 1200M and 1300M. both times coming from off the pace from wide draws and most recently beating three of today’s rivals on July 9^th. The step up to 1400M for the first time can suit and from a better gate, he is the one to beat. (5) EFFEL TAP has mixed his form across seven starts so far but does have a couple of 3^rd places to his name. He weakened late on when returning from five months out at the end of July but should strip fitter for that run and can go closer today. (8) THEME TANSAENG was 4^th behind Hangang Sky in that July 9^th race. He too comes up to seven-furlongs for the first time, he should be on pace, and he can be in this a long way. Those three look superior to the rest and will make up just about everyone’s top-three in some order. Something has to finish in 4^th or 5^th though with (3) DINSI CHAMP and (6) GEOMOON perhaps the most likely.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(6) TAEPYEONG FIGHTER led on debut before weakening but then stayed on much better for 2^nd on her re-appearance on July 9^th, well beaten by a good winner but in a quick time, nonetheless. She comes up in trip for the first time, she surely leads again, and she may not get caught. Except when missing the break two starts back, (7) NEW POINT has performed fairly across four outings so far, with a 2^nd and a 3^rd, most recently in an all-filly race over this trip on July 2^nd. She can sit handy here and can still be there at the business end. (4) BANFF has finished no worse than 5^th from four attempts. He has the fastest time for the distance among those here who have previously attempted it, recorded when 2^nd back in March. He has a strong finish on him and should be a danger late on here. (11) BOREUM DALBIT is a bit of a wildcard having raced just the once back in April. She showed promise finishing 4^th and while she has had fifteen weeks off since, she can be given a chance. (9) NURI TAEYANG perhaps the best of the rest.

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) WONDERFUL JOY led for much of the way around at class and distance on July 8^th, ultimately running a close 5^th. He has a solid record at this distance and today could well be his day. The main danger and probable betting favourite is (5) CAMINO He has only raced seven times but has a 2^nd and a 3^rd at this distance with the latter being at this class on June 17^th when leading until the closing stages. He comes down slightly in the weights. He will surely be on pace again and may take some getting past. (3) LIONETTE has run fairly in two starts back following a six-month absence. While yet to finish in the top two, she has posted a quick time at this trip, Johan climbs aboard, and third-up this preparation, she may be peaking fitness-wise. (6) DESIRE TO WIN, who is a class and distance winner, and (9) ORGALIM among others with at least placing claims in a competitive race.

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Since scoring on debut, (9) BLOOMING STAR has been working back up towards another won and most recently ran a very close 2^nd at class and distance on July 2^nd having led almost the entire way around and just being taken down on the line. He does come up 2.5kg in the weights and he draws a little wider than ideal but neither of those are insurmountable and he is the one to beat. (7) WHIZ UP was a class and distance winner two starts back in June and while he never really got into things over 1400M when 6^th on his return on July 8^th, the margins weren’t huge, and he shouldn’t be too far away here. (1) ECHO ZONE comes in off a solid 2^nd place at class and distance on July 9^th when he began well, dropped back to midfield, and then ran on. He draws the same inside gate and won’t be far away. (10) WONDERFUL NAMCHON returned from four months off to get his maiden win over this distance at the end of June. He comes up in class but down in the weights and can measure up. (5) MONEY STONE another in the placing frame.

Seoul is the only racecourse hosting live racing on Sunday with a 15-race daytime program from 11:35 to 19:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (8) MIRACLE HANGANG, who ran a solid 2^nd on debut over this distance on July 2^nd, leading for much of the way, only to be left behind by a good winner in the closing stages. He’ll be on pace again and has every chance of going one better. (11) MORNING BOLD is the only one in the field to have raced twice. He ran 2^nd on debut in June before then finishing 3^rd behind Hangang Miracle in that July 2^nd race having settled handy. He has a length and a quarter to make up but shouldn’t far away again. (6) GOLDEN LINE was an on-pace 3^rd in a quick race on debut on July 1^st. He should get to the lead again and may take some passing. Among the first-time starters, (2) NICE TIME looks the best He went through two trials clocking similar times in both and from a nice draw can go well first-up. (4) ORAEDAHAMKKE, 4th on debut, another who can improve.

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

Tricky maiden. (7) TESTA BLUE gets the verdict having run an improved 2^nd over this distance on July 8^th when settling just behind the speed and stopping the clock in a good time. Expect similar tactics today and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (9) MUNHAK CENTRAL has a couple of 4^th places to her name most recently on June 18^th when settling back and running on over this distance. She has run fair times so far and still has some scope for improvement. (4) WINNER JERIN ran 2^nd in a trial and was then a creditable enough 5^th of nine on debut on July 2^nd when racing handy. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can get closer here. (11) NEMO SPIRIT and (1) MISTER STAR, the latter returning ten months after his inauspicious debut but looking much more promising in a June trial, are others to consider.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden. Nothing especially jumps out so without much confidence we’ll go with (9) SHOOT UP SPARK, who has at least been consistent across ten starts so far, picking up four 5^th place finishes. She has run some fair times and facing weaker than usual company, she has as good a chance as any. In an indication of just how weak, (11) CLASS HEEMANG hasn’t raced since a middling debut a full fifty-six weeks ago. She may even start as favourite here though following two very positive trials on consecutive weeks in July where she finished 2^nd and 3^rd, both in good times. That double trialling should ensure that despite the layoff she arrives race fit, and she couldn’t hope for a softer race to return in. (7) SESANG APERUO showed on pace in her second of two starts so far and that’s enough to put her in the frame here. (3) RAON JUMP and (6) WONPYEONG LIST others who could compete for the minors.

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) WINNER DRAGON gets the nod here based on his last start 2^nd place when he came from off the pace to get close over 1200M on June 11^th. He draws well here, carries the same weight and it looks as though he has finally figured things out. (11) VELVETY has steadily improved across three starts so far culminating in a 4^th place at 1200M on July 8^th. She has the challenge of the widest gate but there isn’t much in the way of early speed here and with a bit of luck, she may well get a forward position and can be on this a long way. The additional half-furlong can suit. (1) ONE SPEAR and (8) FOUR ACE came home 2^nd and 4^th respectively when they raced each other over this distance on July 1^st. The former has raced once – disappointingly – since then but comes into a better gate today and both can challenge. (5) MAGUMA another placing chance.

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Wide open maiden. At a potential each-way price we’re happy to take a chance on (1) GEUMA STEADY. After an ordinary debut, she was a much-improved 2^nd at start number two on July 2^nd when racing handy throughout, albeit beaten by a good winner. She draws nicely to do similar here and has as good a chance as any. (8) PURPLE SHINHWA began his career with three consecutive 5^th place finishes before improving to 2^nd when stepped up to this trip on July 8^th and racing on pace. The time wasn’t quick, but he had a couple of today’s rivals behind him, and he will be expected to get to the front again. (7) JECHUK ILHO was 3^rd in that July 8^th race having shared the early lead with Purple Shinhwa. That was a big uptick in form, and he can maintain that momentum today. (10) BUTTER K and (6) COLITAS others firmly in the hunt in a race of many chances.

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Another competitive affair. (3) SAENAE KHAN has only put in one poor performance to date when badly away two starts back. He returned to form with a close 2^nd in a quick time over this distance on July 1^st when racing handy and he could well go one better today. (4) K N GOLDEN KING will ned a line drawn through his latest when well backed but could only managed 6^th of eleven. The margins weren’t huge though and at the start prior he only went down a very narrow 2^nd at class and distance. He will be on pace here and may be hard to pass. (6) PEERLESS is yet to win in seven attempts but has six top-four finishes including last time out at class and distance. She should be there or thereabouts again. (5) GEUMBIT CHEONHA and (7) SONGAM DRAGON among others in the frame.

Seoul is the only track in operation this weekend and the two day program begins with a 15 race afternoon and evening card on Saturday with 15 races from 13:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but two racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (9) ZIGGURAT who came from off the pace to run 2^nd on debut on June 24^th over this distance in a decent time. He should have come on for the run and with some natural improvement will take some beating. (6) RAON THE FANTA is the only newcomer who enters having won her trial. She did that on June 9^th, beating a couple of these in the process when settling handy from gate ten. If she can bring that form to the races, she won’t be far away. (10) HERE I AM was slowly away in his heat but finished off pleasingly and while he draws wide, with a better start he can get close on debut. Aside from the favourite, the other one with racing experience is (3) SONGAM SKY. He only beat a couple home in a slow race on July 15^th but had previously gone quicker in a trial and should strip fitter today. (1) GEUMAK EAGLE took two goes to qualify but improved significantly the second time around and if she can maintain that trajectory if development, can be considered.

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imports with northern hemisphere juveniles and southern hemisphere three-year-olds. Seven of the eight have already raced, four of them facing each other in a very similar race to this on June 10^th. (7) ECLIPSE TOWN came out the best of them that day settling midfield and running on for 3^rd in a good time. Like the rest, he should have derived benefit from that experience and looks the one to beat here. The solitary debut-maker has claims. (8) PANORAMA KING. The Tapwrit colt comfortably won his trial settling handy early before dominating in the closing stages and stopping the clock in a fair time. (1) HERO FIGHTER was a big-priced 4^th on his debut on July 8^th with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He draws the same inside gate and will be much shorter this time around. (2) KLIMT WORLD was 6^th in that same race having shown close to the pace and along with (5) VICTORY HIT, the only one in the race to have appeared twice before, most recently behind Eclipse Town, are others to consider.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Back to juvenile maidens here with all but two having raced before although none at this distance. (5) PERFECT TIARA has raced twice, finishing 3^rd and 4^th at 1000M. She can race on pace here and it can be third time lucky. (11) TRAUM KING was a June trial winner before running an on-pace 4^th on debut on July 8^th. He may need a touch of luck from the wide draw ut he too can be on pace and can be in this a long way. (6) VINCENT CAVALLO was slowly away from the widest gat on debut on June 24^th. He draws better this time, the additional trip can suit, and Kim Yong-geun climbs aboard. (4) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG and (8) SMART CLAIR among others with the potential for improvement.

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(5) LUCKY HONEY had a dodgy first couple of outings but has put together four top-four finishes on the spin including a 2^nd and a 3^rd in her latest two, both over this trip when racing just behind the speed. Any top -three finish here will see her into class 5 next time and today could be her day to come out on top. The penny seems to have dropped too for (9) NAOL SKY with two 3^rd places and a 4^th from her latest two. She has posted fair times and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. (7) RAON AIR FORCE was a much-improved 3^rd on June 16^th when for the first time he led. Expect similar tactics today and he can be in this a long way. (3) GRATITUDE and (10) WONPYEONG SKY are others in the minor money frame.

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(4) SEVEN BLADE will be hot favourite here. After running 5^th on debut in May, he was a close 2^nd when sent up to this distance on June 25^th, settling just behind the leaders and running on. In this company and from a good gate, he can be expected to be on the speed, and he will take some beating. (11) MENI SHARK has shown steady improvement across six starts so far, culminating in a runner-up finish over this distance on July 9^th. She has the fastest time among any of these for the distance and she should be a factor here. (7) KARIZMA picked up significantly in his latest outing, overcoming gate ten to run 2^nd. He was ridden much further forward than he had been previously, and similar tactics can be expected here. (5) GOLDEN PEARL and (3) WONDERFUL RULES the other placing chances.

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

Another race with a strong favourite, in this case (7) MADE STAR. After taking a few goes to figure things out, she has a4th and a 2^nd from her latest two, at 1200M and 1300M, both times coming from off the pace. She has a strong finish on her and so long as she isn’t left with too much to do or too much traffic to get through, she should be making the breakthrough here. (11) WONDERFUL FOX is the logical danger. She has been a model of consistency with five top-three finishes from six starts so far and while she is yet to break the top-two, that should change today. Another one with a strong finish, the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and she can be a danger in the closing stages. (2) SMART SOCKS comes in off a best so far 3^rd on July 15^th. She comes into a better gate today and a repeat isn’t impossible. (4) SAEBYEOK ANGAE and (8) ARCH RUNNER others in the hunt.