Seoul

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 28)

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

Autumn colours are out at the track (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) 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 though and (7) PUNGUNJIMA, who after a promising trial, ran 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 23rd.  He stopped the clock in a good time and with some natural improvement can be the one to beat here. (3) BLACK BELT dead-heated for 3rd on debut over 1000M. That was back in July so he comes in fresh after sixteen weeks off and can be a contender here. (6) GOLDBERG ran 3rd behind Pungunjima on debut last month having led for much of the way around. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (2) VICAR NAREUMA and trial winner (4) GEUMAK DIA are others in the hunt. 

Selections(7) Pungunjima (3) Black Belt (6) Goldberg (2) Vicar Nareuma
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

More juvenile maidens, this time with six of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. Again, we will side with experience and there are two standouts. (7) GIANT FORCE debuted over this distance on September 10th and ran well, racing handy and finishing 4th in a decent time. She won’t need to improve much on that to go close here. (3) CUPID MIR was also 4th on his debut. That came over 1000M on September 2nd when he settled back and ran on very nicely. The step up in trip should suit and he can be a big danger. (11) KNIGHT CHARM has raced twice already, positing a 5th and a 4th and should go close again. (9) SAMAEBEONJJEOK and newcomer (10) MYEONGSEONG CHUKJE are others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Giant Force (3) Cupid Mir (11) Knight Charm (9) Samaebeonjjeok
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies here. (8) CHADOL DIA has raced twice for a 2nd and a 3rd at 1000M and 1200M. She has been on pace both times and should do the same again here and she has an excellent chance to make the breakthrough. (3) SEIRENE did nothing on debut but has run well for 2nd and 3rd in two starts since, both at this distance. She draws nicely to settle just behind the speed and run on here and the presence of Moon Se-young may mean that she starts as the betting favourite. The form falls away significantly after those two but (6) HAMPYEONG JANGMI has hinted at ability across four starts so far and is a possible pacesetter. (5) JERAQUEEN and (9) STAR CHANGER are others in the hunt.

Selections(8) Chadol Dia (3) Seirene (6) Hampyeong Jangmi (5) Jeraqueen
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start6, 7, 8, 9

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

A very modest maiden and (10) MENI SHARK will be favourite. We’ll need to draw a line through her latest over this distance on October 9th when having been prominent throughout, she weakened late, but her form prior to that was superior to anything else here and she can be given another chance. (9) MACH YEOJE improved significantly to run 4th at start number two on September 24th, settling back and running on. A similar effort will see her in the finish here. It would be a surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but (5) TAENGGEURI hinted at improvement on his latest outing. He tends to get a bit far back in his races, but he should pass plenty late here. (7) GEOMOON and (11) TES JOY others in the minor money hunt.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 22)

It’s a rare Stakes race free Sunday but there is still plenty of action at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00, and Busan with 6 from 11:50 to 16.35. Here are the previews:

Yongam Boss – one of several contenders in an interesting class 1 finale at Seoul on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Imported juveniles (and one southern hemisphere three-year-old) here. The most experienced, with three starts to her name already, is (3) UWARYUNG. She hasn’t finished outside the top four and has run consistently good times. From a good draw, in this company she should be on or close to the speed and she can make the breakthrough here. (10) OHRA KHAN beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place over 1200M on debut when starting slowly but running on well. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can match or better today. (1) WHIZ RUNNER was 6th in that race on what was his debut too. He rana fast time at this distance in his trial and can improve today. There are four first-time starters and of them, (9) VELOX BOY and (6) TRAUM QUEEN look the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(3) Uwaryung (10) Ohra Khan (1) Whiz Runner (9) Velox Boy
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens with all tackling the 1300M for the first time. (1) YEONGWON GIANT was a much-improved 2nd at start number three on September 16th over 1200M when he raced further forward than he had done previously and finished off well. He beat several of today’s rivals in the proves and from a great draw, he can go one better today. (4) LUCKY PARTY was 4th in that race having been sent off as favourite following a strong 3rd place on debut. He’ll be on pace again here and can be given another chance. (9) PURGE KING came home in 3rd place on September 16th. That continued the steady progress that he has made since his debut, and he is another who should be in with a shout. As for those who didn’t go in the September 16th race, (6) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA looks the best. He comes in off a solid 3rd place in a good time at 1200M a month ago and Moon Se-young climbing on will tempt plenty. Newcomer (3) NAEGILUIKING another to keep an eye on.

Selections(1) Yeongwon Giant (4) Lucky Party (9) Purge King (6) Seoul Choegangja
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

More juvenile maidens. (2) EUNPA SARANG has a 3rd and two 5th place finishes from three starts to date and has posted a couple of very good times. He has got a bit far back in his races so far but he finishes off very well and if he is in striking distance at the top of the straight, he could be the one to beat. He will need to get past (4) CHEONHAENGCHAT. She has a 2nd and a 3rd on her record, both times racing on pace. She draws well to get forward here and should be in this a very long way. There are a couple of first-time starters and (6) RUBY PORT looked good in her trial, leading almost the entire way around and crossing the line a close 2nd. She can go well first up. (9) OSONGEUI BYEOL and (7) DONGJIN TEUKGEUP are potential improvers.

Selections(2) Eunpa Sarang (4) Cheonhaengchat (6) Ruby Port (9) Osongeui Byeol
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 12

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

Juvenile maidens and (4) FLYING KHAN will begin as hot favourite. After a good trial, he overcame gate ten on debut to run 3rd over this distance in a quick time. He comes into a much better gate today and should get an easier run to the front. He will take some beating. (1) AUTUMN BREEZE was an improved 3rd at 1300M on September 17th, racing handy throughout. From the inside gate, she should be close to the pace here and can be competitive again. (2) ARA NURI made good progress on her second start, finishing 3rd over this distance in a good time. She can settle just behind the leaders here and finish strongly. (11) DOCTOR CAPTAIN looks to be on the right trajectory too and along with first time starter (7) HARVEST MOON, is another to consider for the places.

Selections(4) Flying Khan (1) Autumn Breeze (2) Ara Nuri (11) Doctor Captain
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) GOLDEN DRAGON remains a maiden after three starts but comes up in class here having secured back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1200M, both in quick times. He comes down 2kg in the weights, and from a good draw, he can make the breakthrough here. (1) MUNHAK CENTRAL got her maiden win at the seventh time of asking over 1200M on September 16th when she made all. She too comes up in class and while she only gets a 1kg weight drop, she draws well and can measure up in this company. (7) MY CENTER has placed at this class and distance and also ran a fair 6th in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August. He has consistently run good times and he should be in the mix again here. (5) DAONDI was very close 2nd to Munhak Central last time and accordingly joins her up in class with every chance of being competitive. (10) BEST CLONE another in the hunt.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 21)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden juvenile fillies with all twelve racing for the first time. Going on trials, (11) SANSAMEUN HAMYANG is the probable favourite. She is the only one of these to have won her heat which she did by leading all the way and stopping the clock in a fair time ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. She won’t need to improve much on that to contend here. (2) HOMYEONG QUEEN was of those behind Sansameun Hamyang in that September 22nd trial, but she came back out just last weekend and went through another, showing significant improvement and she shapes as one of the dangers. (6) QUERER also went through two trials, improving in the second of them, sitting handy and running on posting the fastest time of any of these in heats in the process. (12) RAON THE SIDAE and (3) EXCELLENT QUEEN are others who went through two trials and showed improvement and are others to consider first up here.

Selections(11) Sansameun Hamyang (2) Homyeong Queen (6) Querer (12) Raon The Sidae
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 11, 12

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

Imported juveniles with five of the nine racing for the first time. They have a tough task awaiting them though as (5) DREAM ISLE was a winner over 1200M on debut on August 26th when he sat just behind the speed and then pulled away to win by four-lengths. He will be hot favourite to strike again. (3) NONSTOP DREAM is the pick of the debut-makers. She raced on pace in her trial, crossing the line in 2nd place and stopping the clock in a fair time. She draws nicely to be on pace, and she can be in this a long way. (1) MONTAUK CHAT and (4) DALKONG trialled up against one another on September 22nd and both showed promise, finishing 1st and 3rd respectively in good times. Both can be in the mix here. (6) EAST WEST went through three trials in total, leading the final one and is another who could go well.

Selections(5) Dream Isle (3) Nonstop Dream (1) Montauk Chat (4) Dalkong
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens. (1) WALTZUI YEOWANG won a July trial and then ran a good 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 2nd in a quick time. She ran on well so the step up in trip can suit and with some natural improvement, she may prove hard to beat here. (3) GEOLJAK SKY has a 4th and a 2nd in two starts so far, both over 1000M. She too has been doing her best work late on so the additional furlong may be beneficial, and she can be dangerous. (9) HEUNGHAENG BULPAE ran a fair 4th on debut over 1000M in a slow race on a dry track. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can improve today. (5) MORNING BOLD and (8) HANGANG GLORY others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Waltzui Yeowang (3) Geoljak Sky (9) Heunghaeng Bulpae (5) Morning Bold
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

(10) VELVETY is the one to beat here. She has been gradually figuring things out across five starts so far and enters with back-to-back 3rd places in her latest two appearances, both over 1300M. Despite the wide draw, in this company she will probably be on pace, and she won’t need to improve very much to win. (5) SHARP SUNSHINE is yet to finish in the top two but as been 3rd or 4th on no fewer than six occasions. She comes back in trip today and should be there or thereabouts. (8) POWER ETCHED also drops down in distance. He comes in off his two best performances to date with a 2nd and a 4th over 1400M and 1300M and he can be in the mix here. (3) BARO CHAMPION and the returning (2) CHROMITE are others to keep safe.

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KRA Cup Classic Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 15)

The KRA Cup Classic headlines Sunday’s racing. The big race is the 8th on an 11-race card at Seoul that runs from 11.35 to 18.00. See here for full preview. There are also 6 races at Busan from 11.50 to 16:35. Here are all the previews:

Winner’s Man (Pic: KRA)

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

A small field of juvenile maidens and (8) LEGENDSUN will be hot favourite to score. He’s finished 4th and 3rd in his two starts to date, both over this trip and both times leading almost the entire way. He should get to the front again and will take some beating. (7) PERFECT TIARA raced twice in the summer and acquitted herself well, running 3rd and 4th, both over 1000M. She comes in fresh after fourteen weeks off but looked well in a trial in early September. She can be a danger here. (5) NAEGILUI WINNER ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in July almost managing to lead the entire way. He only beat two home on his latest stat at this distance on September 16th but it was a quick race, and he won’t need to be much better to be much closer here. First time starter (3) MY KHAN, along with (6) CHEONMA BULPAE are others who may figure.

Selections(8) Legendsun (7) Perfect Tiara (5) Naegilui Winner (3) My Khan
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

More juvenile maidens and another probably hot favourite. (1) GEUMSE ran 2nd on debut over 1000M in August before being a close 4th over the same trip on September 16th. He led both races and from the inside gate, should do the same here and while he comes up in trip, this time he should win. (4) NICE TAEYANG will be second-favourite. That’s based on a much-improved 3rd place at start number three over 1000M on September 10th when he finished off very smartly. The step up in distance should suit and he can go close. (3) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG has already tackled this distance and did well coming 3rd in a decent time two starts back. He’ll be in this. (7) HERO CHAMP and (6) MISS FINAL the other placing chances.

Selections(1) Geumse (4) Nice Taeyang (3) Seongsil Yeongung (7) Hero Champ
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

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

Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (11) SAHARAMOND, who came from well off the pace to run 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 17th. He should have derived benefit from that run and with some natural improvement, shapes as the one to beat. (3) CHOEGANG TIME similarly debuted over 1000M on September 2nd and performed well, finishing 4th of eleven. He too came from off the pace and may appreciate the step up in trip here. A couple of the debut-makers won their trials. They include (4) PASALUBONG, who sat handy in his heat before running on well and recording a good time, as well as (8) RAON TAP PLAY, who did similar, albeit in a slightly slower time. Both can go well first up. (10) DRONE KILLER among a couple of other debut makers who caught the eye in trials.

Selections(11) Saharamond (3) Choegang Time (4) Pasalubong (8) Raon Tap Play
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

A small field of juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast. (5) BUGYEONG LION will be the warm favourite. The only one in the field to have raced three times already, he has two placings to his name including a last start 2nd over this distance on September 15th when leading until the shadow of the post. He should be just a bit too far ahead of these in terms of development and he should win. (1) ROAD TO TOP was an improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M in August, running on well. The step up in trip should suit and he can be a danger. (6) SPRIT FIGHTER has raced fairly in his two appearances so far. In this company expect him to be on pace or handy and to be in this a long way. (2) CHRYSOL SIERRA and (8) GEUMA PRECEDE are others in the frame.

Selections(5) Bugyeong Lion (1) Road To Top (6) Sprit Fighter (2) Chrysol Sierra
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4:  Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) TRAUM KING got his maiden win at start number two over 1200M in early August before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on September 2nd, racing handy throughout and posting a good time. He draws nicely to be prominent again, and this time he can win. The main danger is (6) FLYING CARAVANE. A winner on debut over 1000M in July, he followed up with a very close 3rd place over 1200M at this class on September 3rd. He comes up 2kg in the weights, but the additional half furlong can suit, and he has every chance. (2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG is yet to win but comes up in class following too many near-misses. She is nicely weighted and while she doesn’t necessarily look a winning chance, she can place. (7) DREAM PLAY and (11) MEOTJIN GANGHO others in the frame. 

Selections(3) Traum King (6) Flying Caravane (2) Haengbok Yeowang (7) Dream Play
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (3) SSING GA will be favourite, coming in off a narrow loss when 2nd over this distance on September 8th. She draws well to get to the lead again and she may prove hard to get past. (5) SKY MORNING raced once last year and then twice this spring, all without distinction. She hasn’t run since May, but she did look very well when practically making all in a trial last Saturday, stopping the clock in a good time. If she can bring that form to the races – and so long as she didn’t leave her race in that trial – she can be in the mix here. (6) KICK’N RUSH is a nineteen-race maiden and while her recent form is unspectacular, this is the kind of race she can pick up a cheque in. (8) MACH TURBO and solitary debut-maker (7) EUNSEONG YEOWANG are others to consider for the minors.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 14)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seo Seung-un is in Seoul this weekend to ride Winner’s Man. He has plenty of other rides too (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with seven of the eleven racing for the first time. There were some good trial performances, but we’ll stick with experience and (8) UMAPOY, who after winning a trial ran a good 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 16th. He was doing his best work late, posting a fast final furlong and the step up to 1200M should suit. (1) GEUMA MOMENTOUS took three trials to qualify but once he got it right, he looked very good, cruising away from the rest of his heat to stop the clock in a quick time. He draws nicely and a bold showing first-up looks likely. (10) BELOTERO and (2) THE SUN FIGHTER trialled up together, crossing the line in 2nd and 3rd in decent times. Both can be considered here. (5) CITY KING another to keep safe on debut having hinted at ability in his trial.

Selections(8) Umapoy (1) Geuma Momentous (10) Belotero (2) The Sun Fighter
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies. Having run 5th on debut, (4) EXCELLENT MATTA was sent off as favourite for her second start over 1000M on September 9th when she showed on pace but ultimately had to settle for 2nd. In this company she will be on the speed again, the additional furlong should pose no problem, and she can make it third time lucky. (9) HAPPY ICTUS could pose a danger. She already has experience of the 1200M having run 3rd over it in a good time on September 10th when handy throughout. That followed a 4th place on debut, and she should be close. (2) MIGHTY CAP was a solid 4th on debut over 1000M on September 17th. From a good gate, she should be on pace and like many of these can have derived benefit from her first run. (6) LOVE MUNMAK, 5th behind Happy Ictus last time, and (8) MAGIC PLEASURE are other potential improvers.

Selections(4) Excellent Matta (9) Happy Ictus (2) Mighty Cap (6) Love Munmak
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

Two standouts here and they have both been back to trial since their respective latest outings. (7) JANGHEUNG CLASS has a 2nd place to his name and while he got sent back to trail after his last start 5th for repeatedly racing ungenerously, he looked well in his heat last week, stopping the clock in a good time. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he has a chance. (8) HAYAN TAEYANG raced twice this spring, registering a 6th and a 4th. She trialled up twice in September, posting good times and she can go well first-up. (2) DAERYUN BULPAE ran on well enough for a midfield finish on debut in August. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can improve here. (4) MENI CHARM and the solitary debut maker (3) SWAY are others to keep safe.

Selections(7) Jangheung Class (8) Hayan Taeyang (2) Daeryun Bulpae (4) Meni Charm
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

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

(5) CHOEGANG NICE will be a warm favourite here. He enters off his best finish to date when 2nd over 1400M on August 26th, settling midfield and running on. His times haven’t been quick but that’s true of everything in this race and he can settle off the pace and prove too strong late on. (2) YEJIMONG was well back behind Choegang Nice in that August race but ran fairly enough for 5th over 1200M on September 17th. In this company and from a good draw, she can be on pace and in this a long way. (6) GRAND GUNHWANG showed signs of figuring things out when much-improved at start number four on September 16th and can continue to make progress here. (10) MY ONE and (3) MAGIC K others who could compete for the minors.

Selections(5) Choegang Nice (2) Yejimong (6) Grand Gunhwang (10) My One
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

Fillies only and it’s a good race for the level. (4) LOVE COWGIRL was a winner on debut back in May and has steadily improved across three starts at this level culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on September 2nd when slowly away but running on well. She prefers to be on pace and with a better start she looks ready to win again here. (5) RAON THE FANTA got her maiden win at start number two over 1000M on September 2nd when racing handy throughout and running on. She is up in class and in distance here, but neither should be a problem and she can be a danger. (6) GRACE K made all to win at big odds over 1300M in July and backed it up with 2nd at this class over that same trip on September 3rd. She comes up 2kg in the weights but should be competitive again. (10) FOUR ACE, a close 3rd behind Grace K in that September race, along with the up in class last start winner (7) YEOWANG SOCKS are among plenty of others in the hunt.

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Hangul Day Monday at Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 9)

There is a rare Monday with racing as the Hangul (Korean alphabet) Day holiday is marked with a 10-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Malma marks Hangul Day (Pic: KRA)

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

The first Monday card in Korea in decades gets underway with a maiden. The favourite will be (2) GEUMBIT GANGHO based on his much-improved 2nd place when stepped up to this distance on August 27th and racing handy throughout. That was just his second start and from an inside gate he can be on pace again and with plenty of scope for more development, he can win. (1) RAON JUMP has raced eleven times already but comes in off her two best finishes, a 3rd and most recently 2nd, both at 1200M. She tends to sit back and run on, but she has by far the best average final furlong time of any of these and she may appreciate finally getting a chance at an extra half furlong. (9) LAFAYETTE too has been finishing off his races fairly and can improve of the 4th places he has registered in his two most recent outings. (5) NEMO SPIRIT and (10) MENI SHARK others to look out for. 

Selections(2) Geumbit Gangho (1) Raon Jump (9) Lafayette (5) Nemo Spirit
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 9

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

(8) STEALTH PARK has a 3rd and a 2nd among four starts to date, both at this distance. The 3rd came from off the pace in a quick race while the 2nd was from the front in a low one. There is a bit of early speed here so he may well settle back and run on, and he has solid claims. (9) CHEONGPAUI KKUM improved to 3rd at start number three over this distance on September 9th, settling behind the speed and finishing off well. He can do similar here and has as much chance as any in this modest maiden. (3) GOLDEN FLYING seems to be on the right trajectory with improvement across her latest two and she can go close today. (5) SAENAE VIVA can provide that aforementioned early speed and be in this a long way. (1) AUSTIN LEADER another to keep safe.

Selections(8) Stealth Park (9) Cheongpaui Kkum (3) Golden Flying (5) Saenae Viva
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 11

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

Small field for this maiden and (2) SSING SSING SSING should prove too good. He has the fastest time among them for the distance and from a nice draw can get to the lead with minimal fuss and then go all the way. (3) GANGCHEOL BUDAE is probably the only other one that a winning case can be made for on form. That form consists of a 4th place on August 27th at this distance. The margin was big though, and the time not quick but he does have a 3rd place to his name and at his best is a solid place chance in this company. With only one start so far, (6) YOU TAKE has done the least wrong. He was behind Ssing Ssing Ssing on debut but should have derived benefit from the experience and with some natural improvement can get close. (1) SHOOT UP SPARK and (7) CLOVER PARTY possible for the minors.

Selections(2) Ssing Ssing Ssing (3) Gangcheol Busan (6) You Take (1) Shoot Up Spark
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

Imported juveniles with four of the twelve racing for the first time. It’s hard to go past (7) EOSEOMAREULHAE, who after two very good trials, was sent off as favourite over 1000M on debut on September 3rd and duly obliged to the tune of five-lengths. The trip is longer but in at the same weight and drawn marginally better, he should make it two from two. Four others return from that September 3rd race. (6) PANORAMA KING came home 2nd that day, duelling with Eoseomareulhae for the lead throughout before the latter proved too strong. He should have come on for the run and while it is questionable if he can overturn those five-lengths, he looks the main danger. Likewise, (8) GEOLJAK CHOEGANG came home 3rd, making up good ground. He was finishing better than Panorama King and only has a length to make up. Among the first timers. (4) MAKING STORY went through a couple of trials and much improved in a voluntary one in late September. He and (2) MIGHTY JJANG are perhaps the best of those who didn’t go in the September 3rd race.

Selections(7) Eoseomareulhae (6) Panorama King (8) Geoljak Choegang (4) Making Story
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

(1) DAEBAK SOCKS won one of three starts as a juvenile last year but then didn’t return to action for eight months. Having won a trial, he finished a strong 3rd on his racing comeback on August 20th when he led for much of the way around. He should strip fitter for that run, and he can win here. After some middling efforts following her maiden win, (2) GALSAEK HYANGGI found some form last time out, coming from well off the pace to run 2nd over 1300M and beat a couple of today’s rivals in the process. Antonio remains aboard and she can build on that momentum today. (6) MISTER STAR is up in class having made all to win over 1200M on September 2nd. He can challenge for the lead and shouldn’t be far away. (5) SPECIAL FORCE is still a maiden but is up in class having finished 2nd in both her first two outings over 1000M and 1200M. She carries a light weight and should measure up. (8) HONEY PUNCH another in the hunt in a small but competitive field.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 8)

The viral superstar Lala K returns to the track as the Juvenile Series kicks off with the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon (live on the KRBC International YouTube channel). Busan also hosts its opening leg of the Juvenile Series with the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes. See here fore a preview of both races. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00, Here is the race-by-race:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all but one having raced before. (4) HERE I AM will start the hot favourite having improved to 2nd place in a quick time at start number two on September 3rd when racing handy throughout. He draws well here and should prove too strong. (10) HWASANGWIHWA similarly improved last time out at what for him was start three in which he raced around in 2nd position all the way. The time was good, and a repeat will put him in the finish again. (9) SMART CLAIR has run fairly across three starts so far. She has been a touch one-paced but if he can settle midfield, he should pass a few late to take some money. (7) BAEDARI HYANGGI and (5) SMART CAT others in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Here I Am (10) Hwasangwihwa (9) Smart Clair (7) Baedari Hyanggi
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

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

Two standouts here. (10) GRAND SILVER gets the nod with steady improvement in recent outings culminating in a runner-up finish at this distance on September 10th when handy all the way. He won’t need to improve much here to win this. (1) HEUIMANGUI CHANGA came from off the pace to run an improved 3rd over 1300M on September 17th. He has looked like he may appreciate a touch further and today he gets the chance to show it and is the main danger. (7) HEY MAMA beat Grand Silver two starts back and then beat three of the others who go here when repeating that finish on September 2nd over this distance. She’ll be on pace here and should be there or thereabouts again. (11) GEOMOON and (2) SANGIM DAEPYO among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Grand Silver (1) Heuimangui Changa (7) Hey Mama (11) Geomoon
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast with all but two having raced before and it’s a tricky puzzle. As a result, we’ll take a chance on the solitary first timer. That’s (2) WORLD DRAGON who looked good when making all to cross the line first by a big margin in a decent time in a late-August trial. He draws nicely to lead on debut and can put in a bold first up showing. (7) BLACK SPRING ran 2nd in a quick time over 1000M on debut in July before finishing last in the Rookie Stakes on August 27th. His time wasn’t bad though and coming back into more amenable company, he can be given another chance. (3) BEOLMAUI MONSTER came from off the pace to run 2nd over 1000M on debut on September 1st. He was well beaten by a good winner, but he should have benefitted from the experience and the extra furlong can suit. (9) STRIDING MAN and (5) MACH MAN among plenty of others with the possibility of improvement.

Selections(2) World Dragon (7) Black Spring (3) Beolmaui Monster (9) Striding Man
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Having won a trial, (4) BRAVO PLAY was sent off as favourite on debut over 1000M on August 19th. He raced handy throughout, briefly touching the front in the straight but ultimately finished a close 3rd. He should have derived benefit from that experience and with some natural improvement, he looks the one to beat here. Both (5) GEOLJAK ONE and (2) MAGIC STRONG had poor days at the office when they came home 8th and 9th respectively when racing one another over this distance on August 27th. Both had shown ability prior, especially Geoljak One, who has a 2nd and a 3rd among four starts and the pair look to be the biggest dangers here. (6) STORM GUY did nothing on debut but has since been back to trial and looked well so could improve. (8) HAMPYEONG JANGMI another in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Bravo Play (5) Geoljak One (2) Magic Strong (6) Storm Guy
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(3) GOOD DADDY was unfancied on debut over 1200M and having come out of the widest gate, it looked as though that pessimism was justified as he sat at the back of the twelve-runner field and did little. Then came the closing stages where he made up excellent ground and finished 5th. He should improve for the run and the early step up to a mile could be very much in his favour in this very weak maiden. (4) COLONEL FLYING ran 2nd in August and then beat plenty of these when 3rd over 1400M on September 10th. We’ll need to draw a line through his latest on September 24th, but his prior form was superior to the rest here and he can be given another chance. He’s not alone in needing forgiveness for his most recent outing. (2) SINHAN GAMBLE was well back in the same race but his 5th at the start before is enough to make him a money chance here. Likewise (7) ROCKS and (8) TOMYRIS have had minor money finishes and could repeat.

Selections(3) Good Daddy (4) Colonel Flying (2) Sinhan Gamble (7) Rocks
Next Best8, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race. (4) V QUEEN enters with recent form reading well with a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently at class and distance on September 10th when she settled right back and ran on well. She draws nicely here, she remains lightly weighted, and she has as good a chance as any. She has though won just one from thirty-three. (1) MR QUALITY may be yet to win at all, but he has proved competitive at this class in his latest two. He likes to get on pace and from a good draw he can lead and be in this a long way. (6) FINE DAY is another maiden but comes up in class here after too many near-misses at class 6. She comes down in weight and should be prominent here. (2) GEOSEN CHAMP and (8) BEST SUNSHINE among other placing chances.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 7)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul 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 in the opener with all twelve racing for the first time so it’s to the trail videos that we head. Conveniently, three of them went through the same trial and even more conveniently, one caught the eye. (10) STARTER stalked the leader before breezing by in the straight and easing away under a hold in a quick time. If she brings that form to the races, she will win. (6) GLOBAL CODIE led his heat a long way ultimately crossing the line in 2nd. He draws centrally and should be on pace again and in this a long way. (5) CUPID MORNING was 3rd in the same heat with Starter, albeit almost nine-lengths in arrears. Nevertheless, it wasn’t a bad trial, and he looks a placing chance here. (3) SPARK THUNDER stumbled at the start of heat, giving himself plenty to do, but he finished off well enough to suggest that with a clean getaway, he can make an impression. (2) BOLLIN another to keep safe.

Selections(10) Starter (6) Global Codie (5) Cupid Morning (3) Spark Thunder
Next Best2, 12
Fast Start4, 6, 10, 12

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

The second division of the juvenile maiden and again all twelve race for the first time. (7) GIANT M went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them (it was a voluntary trial so be aware it may not feature in all race cards), running handy and crossing the line 1st, stopping the clock in 1:02.3 on September 8th. That’s the quickest time any of these posted and he looks a good chance first-up. (10) WORLD SHANNONS was also a trial winner, beginning well and sitting on pace and responding well when asked for an effort. Moon Se-young’s presence will tempt plenty. (9) ROYAL BEST and (2) FLYING KING came home 2nd and 3rd respectively in their heat in fair times and both can be considered here. (5) FRESH MAN another who hinted at ability.

Selections(7) Giant M (10) World Shannons (9) Royal Best (2) Flying King
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Juvenile maidens although this time all nine have raced before although only four at his distance. One of those is (4) SINUI UNMYEONG who was a much-improved 4th when stepped up to this trip on September 3rd, sitting close throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals in a decent time. He should have benefitted from that experience and has every chance today. (2) MORNING BOLD’s three starts have all come at 1000M, but he has set very consistent times and has a 2nd and a 3rd on his record. That means any top-three finish will give him a rating and from a nice draw, it could well be a win. (6) CHAMJOEUN INYEON too steps up in distance for the first time following a 4th and a 6th in good times over 1000M. She should be in the mix here. (1) STORM BREAKER and (9) FINAL GO others with the potential to improve.  

Selections(4) Sinui Unmyeong (2) Morning Bold (6) Chamjoeun Inyeon (1) Storm Breaker
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

A standard maiden here and a couple look ready to win. (8) RAON AIR FORCE did nothing in his first few starts but has significantly improved in his latest two, posting a 3rd and a 2nd, both at this trop and both times racing on pace. He can be on the speed here and can go one better. (10) POWERFUL VISION has improved across three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place finish over 1300M on August 18th when she led for much of the way around. She may need a touch of luck at the start from the wide gate, but if she can get forward again, she has claims. (7) SAEBYEOK BULBIT has five top-four finishes from seven prior outings, generally sitting behind the pace or in midfield and running on. She can be close her too. (6) WINNER DRAGON and (5) TAPYEONGMU others to keep safe.

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Jeju Governor’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (September 24)

The Queens’ Tour is back for the opening leg of its Fall & Winter series as the Jeju Governor’s Cup comes to Seoul on Sunday afternoon. The race will pick the three-year-old Triple Tiara winner Jeulgeounyeojeong against older fillies and mares, including Raon First and Raon The Spurt. See here for a full preview of the big race. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:50 to 16:35. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong will return to the scene of her Triple Tiara final leg win (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with four of the ten racing for the first time. We’ll side with the only one who has raced twice before, (6) GOLDEN DRAGON. Having run 6th on debut, he was an improved 2nd at start number two over 1200M on August 19th, when settling midfield and running on. He won’t need to improve much to win this. (8) CHADOL DIA was a close 2nd when racing on pace on her August debut over 1000M. She should be on the speed again here and strip fitter for the run. Among the first timers, the clear pick is (2) MEGA DRAGON. He first trialled in April but didn’t make it to the races, but he looked very good in another hear on September 8th, settling back and then working through the line well in a good time. The 1200M should suit first-up and a bold showing is likely. (1) VICAR NAREUMA hinted at ability in his trial and along with (3) EUNPA PARTNER, rates as a place chance.

Selections(6) Golden Dragon (8) Chadol Dia (2) Mega Dragon (1) Vicar Nareuma
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

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

More juvenile maidens and (1) USEUNG CONCORD will be a warm favourite here. After a positive trial, he ran 3rd on debut on August 26th, having raced handy throughout. He should strip fitter for that, and the additional furlong can suit. (2) SEIRENE has raced twice, improving to 2nd in the latest of them on August 20th when settling back and running on. The time wasn’t quick, but she should have benefitted from the 1200M experience, and she shapes as the main danger. (11) BLOOD MOUNTAIN and (4) THUNDER YEOGEOL both ran 6th on their respective debuts, the former behind Useung Concord. Both can get closer today. There are three debut makers among whom (9) STAR TREK looks best placed to make an immediate impact.

Selections(1) Useung Concord (2) Seirene (11) Blood Mountain (4) Thunder Yeogeol
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

August’s Rookie Stakes was too much too soon for (6) CHEONHAENGCHAT, but he returns to shallower waters today with solid claims. That’s based on his runner-up finish two starts back over this distance when close to the pace throughout and a similar performance in this company can see him home on top. (2) SEOUL DOLPUNG looks the main danger. After an indifferent debut, he has run 3rd and 4th in two subsequent appearances at this distance and at 1000M both times settling back and running on. He can continue to make progress here. Solitary debut-maker (8) GROUPER looked well in a trial back in June. It’s three months later but in this modest company he has to be given a chance first-up. (9) YONGBICHEON beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place at this distance on August 26th and can go close again. (12) MENI WIN another in the hunt.  

Selections(6) Cheonhaengchat (2) Seoul Dolpung (8) Grouper (9) Yongbicheon
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start3, 6, 11, 12

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

Fillies only in this maiden. (8) WORLD FIRST CAT ran 3rd on debut over 1000M in July and then 2nd on her first try at this distance on August 20th when settling midfield and running on and only going down by a narrow margin. She should be on or close to the pace today and she can exit class 3 with a win. (9) GANGSEO BULPAE was sent off as favourite on debut having won a trial and while she was beaten into 2nd place, she ran well, leading for much of the way around. She should have derived benefit from that experience and is the main danger here. Those two in either order will fill out most quinellas. (7) TOMYRIS put in an improved performance over 1400M last time out and looks the best of the rest, while (3) THE BIG SHOT and (4) SANGIM STAR are other potential improvers.

Selections(8) World First Cat (9) Gangseo Bulpae (7) Tomyris (3) The Big Shot
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

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

(7) GEOMUI JEONSEOL enters off a solid 3rd place at this distance on August 27th when ridden handy throughout. In the process he recorded the quickest time any of these have managed for the distance and in this modest company, he can make his breakthrough. (10) HAPPY PLAY beat a couple of these, including Geomui Jeonseol, on her way to 3rd place over this distance last time out. That was all the way back in June so she comes in following a thirteen-week layoff, but she can be a danger. (8) POWER ETCHED registered his best finish to date when 2nd at 1400M on September 2nd and a repeat of that performance would put him very much in the mix today. (3) SWITCH SONG and (6) QUEEN TOP the best of a limited rest.

Selections(7) Geomui Jeonseol (10) Happy Play (8) Power Etched (3) Switch Song
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(2) THE BEST EVER comes in after a 2nd and a 3rd in his latest two, both at 1400M. He comes up to the mile for the first time, he draws well, and he can come out on top today. (11) GRAY BOSS ran 4th to The Best Ever’s 3rd when they raced each other at 1400M on August 27th coming out of the same wide gate that he draws today. He settled right back but showed a nice turn of foot at the end – he has by far the fastest final furlong average time of all of these – and the additional furlong here could well be in his favour. (1) COLONEL FLYING enters in consistent form with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two. He is another with a strong finish who should be challenging late. (4) SHINE MONSTER and (9) I’M KING IJI among others with at least placing chances.

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

Saturday’s action is at Seoul with a 12-race card from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

2019 Korea Cup and Grand Prix winner Moonhak Chief has been retired (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile fillies in the opener and all twelve are racing for the first time so we must head to the trial videos. The fastest time was set by (8) SAMAEBEONJJEOK. She only finished in 6th of ten, but she broke well, showed on pace, and was given a very easy time of it with her jockey not asking a question. She can lead here and can win (1) GOLDBERG sat midfield in her heat before easing away from her opposition in the straight. She looked assured, stopped the clock in a fair time and has every chance of going well first-up. (9) DREAM TIME is another who can be on pace. She ran on well in her heat and is another to keep safe. (4) PUNGUNJIMA had an injury issue after her July trial in which she impressed. She has been back in work since the start of this month and Moon Se-young aboard catches the eye. (12) WHIZ LOVER went through two trials improving in the second of them and is another possible.

Selections(8) Samaebeonjjeok (1) Goldberg (9) Dream Time (4) Pungunjima
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Imported juveniles here with nine of the eleven racing for the first time. We’ll side with the experience though and (6) HERO FIGHTER has raced twice, running 4th on debut in July before making all to win in a quick time over 1000M on August 5th, He comes up in trip but should be just a bit more forward in his development than the rest here and will take some beating. The other experienced one is (8) WORLD VARIANCE. He was slowly away on debut over 1000M in July but finished off very well and the step up in trop can suit. Of the first timers, (2) WHIZ RUNNER has been through two trials, improving in the second of them (which may not appear on all race cards because it wasn’t a mandatory trial) and stopping the clock in a time faster than any of the other debutants have. If he brings that form to the races, he can go close. (11) THUNDER DREAM won his trial in a quick time and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, warrants respect. (7) JEONGSANG ACE another who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(6) Hero Fighter (8) World Variance (2) Whiz Runner (11) Thunder Dream
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9

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

(11) BAEDARI KWAEGEOM shapes as the best here. After a ropey start she has shown she is figuring things out with a 4th and a 2nd from her latest two, both at this distance and both times racing on pace. She has the challenge of a wide draw here but should be equal to it. (3) MULLEBANGA has finished 6th in all three of his starts so far but at his latest on August 27th, his first at this distance, he showed on pace and wasn’t far away from the placings. He comes into a much better gate today and should be aiming to improve. (8) TAEPYEONG HERO has been 3rd in both his appearances at 1000M and 1200M. In this company, he is another who will be expected to be on or close to the pace and can match or better those 3rds. (5) PURPLE SHINHWA and (10) SUPER ONE among others in the frame.

Selections(11) Baedari Kwaegeom (3) Mullebanga (8) Taepyeong Hero (5) Purple Shinhwa
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 11

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

(10) BLUE INDY will be a warm favourite. He has just the one win but has finished between 3rd and 5th in no fewer than eleven occasions including his latest six. He has the fastest time of any of these for the distance by a considerable margin and a repeat of his recent showing should be enough to get him across the line on top here. (5) RED TAEPUNG comes up in class having won at this distance on August 26th when on pace throughout. The time wasn’t quick, but he comes down in the weights, draws well, and can measure up. (9) EXPECT didn’t measure up on his first try at this class over a mile in August. He comes back in trip, Franco climbs on and he can be given another chance today. (11) LUXURY KING and (3) GHANA DREAM the other placing chances.

Selections(10) Blue Indy (5) Red Taepung (9) Expect (11) Luxury King
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 10

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

(8) DAEHEUNG CLASS remains a maiden but comes in foo a strong of near misses including runner-up finishes in his latest two, both at this class and distance. He settles midfield and runs on and today, he may pass them all. Should he find one too quick yet again, it could be (6) FLYING ZEST. He comes up in class having secured his maiden win at this trip, coming from off the pace, on August 27th. This isn’t a strong race for the level, and he will probably be ridden closer and should be very competitive. Furkan Yuksel was in fine form last weekend and in (11) HEALING HAVEN he looks to have if not a winning chance, then certainly a placing one. The filly has the fastest time among these for the distance and is in softer company than recent starts. (1) HWIPARAM and (2) AKKAENGI others in the minor money hunt.

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