Seoul

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 16)

Sunday sees daytime racing (albeit with a start and finish time one hour later than usual) at both Seoul and Busan. There are 10 races in Seoul from 11:35 to 19:00 while there are 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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. Three of those who do have prior experience debuted together on June 3rd and (1) THE PLAYER came out the best of them running 3rd over 1000M having led for much of the way. The time wasn’t quick, but he showed enough to suggest that he has a win in him sooner rather than later, Moon Se-young climbs on, and he will be a warm favourite. (7) SMART CAT also ran 3rd on his debut which came over 1000M on June 17th when settling back and running on. He too should have derived benefit from that experience and can be considered for improvement here. Among the first-time starters, (6) PURGE KING is the pick. He showed brightly across two trials, improving in the second of them when he settled handy. With some more natural improvement, he can put in a big showing first-up. (5) BAEKDU DAEMUL was 5th behind The Player on debut and can aim to improve while (9) GEOSEN BANGYEOK ran fairly in his first race on June 24th and is another who can expect to have benefitted from the experience.

Selections(1) The Player (7) Smart Cat (6) Purge King (5) Baekdu Daemul
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

(1) STEALTH PARK showed good improvement when 3rd at start number two on May 28th, settling back in the pack and finishing strongly over this distance in a fair time. Third-up he should be peaking and from the inside gate, he is the one to beat. (10) LUCKY HONEY took a few goes to figure things out but she enters having shown good results from her latest three with two 4th places and most recently a close 2nd at this distance. The time wasn’t quick and it was back in April so she comes in following fourteen weeks out, but she can go close. (11) PURPLE WINK has hinted at ability across his three appearances to date. He can settle back and has a strong finish on him so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can challenge late on here. (9) PATHOS and (2) BANDO HUIMANG others in the frame.

Selections(1) Stealth Park (10) Lucky Honey (11) Purple Wink (9) Pathos
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 10

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

(6) BOB AND JOY ran fairly on debut, racing just behind the speed and finishing 5th of eleven in a fair time over this distance on June 25th. She should have benefitted from the experience and with some natural improvement, she looks to be the one to beat here. (1) CHOEGANG WEEK ran a much-improved 2nd at start number four on June 18th. She was well beaten by a good winner but draws nicely here and can maintain her momentum. (10) ROAD TO MAGIC won an April trial in a quick time before finishing midfield on debut over this distance on June 2nd. He raced on pace that day and in the trial so the wide draw is perhaps not ideal here but with a touch of luck at the start, he can be a danger. (11) ACE RUN and (9) DOCTOR WICKY others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Bob And Joy (1) Choegang Week (10) Road To Magic (11) Ace Run
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (6) HANGANG HERO enters off a good 2nd place at class and distance on June 17th when settling midfield and then running on well. She was sent off at big odds but that was her second runner-up finish in her last three stats and while she is a seventeen-race maiden, today could be her day. (3) ICE CREAM has taken a few goes to get to grips with this level but she seems on the right trajectory, having led for much of the way around in a similar race to this on June 11th, ultimately finishing 4th. She draws well to be on pace again and should be in this a long way. (9) SOARA MEME us up in class and marginally in trip following a maiden win at 1200M on June 4th. She can measure up here. (7) GLOBAL CHANGA and (2) ZIRCON others to consider for the minors.

Selections(6) Hangang Hero (3) Ice Cream (9) Soara Meme (7) Global Changa
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

Weak maiden here. (7) SAMBA STEP has picked up across her latest couple of outings with a 5th place most recently over 1200M on June 16th when racing handy throughout. She comes up to 1300M for the first time, she should be on pace, and she has as good a chance as any here. (9) MOST RAPID has been anything but rapid in four starts so far but is potentially getting better having beaten a couple of these on his way to 6th in a better maiden than this back in April. He comes in fresh and with an apprentice taking 3kg off his back. (10) LUCKY BAND has a 3rd place to his name and while a mile didn’t suit last time, this looks a more suitable assignment. (2) EVERY KING IJI and (5) STORMY DAY other possibles.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 15)

The twilight racing season comes to Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 14:45 to 21:00 including the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup, the final leg of the Triple Tiara. Here are the previews:

Floodlight racing is back

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

Juveniles here with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) NAEGILUI CAPTAIN and (4) SEOUL CHOEGANGJA debuted together on June 17th and came home in 2nd and 4th respectively. The time was not quick, but the real race experience should be beneficial, and they shape as the leading two contenders here with Naegilui Captain favoured to score, potentially leading all the way. Of the debut-makers, (11) RAON THE TAP won his trial, leading for most of the way around. He isn’t done any favours by the draw, but if he brings that form to the races, he has at least solid placing chances. (7) YONGBI POWER went through a rare quick trial. She was a long way behind the winner but that is enough to put her in the frame first-up. (3) HANGANG GLORY is another who hinted at ability in his trial and can be considered.

Selections(6) Naegilui Captain (4) Seoul Choegangja (11) Raon The Tap (7) Yongbi Power
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 11

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

(2) HAENGBOK YEOWANG comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes. She has rarely found herself in such amenable company as this and from a good draw, she can be on pace and can perhaps go all the way. (9) GHANA DREAM has a 2nd and a 3rd among her four starts so far. She needs to be given a pass on her latest when she got too far back but she generally has a strong finish on her and if she is in striking distance at the business end of the race, she will a danger late on. (11) NEMO SPIRIT comes in having run an improved 5th on her latest appearance on June 11th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she is another who can be doing her best work late on here. (6) YEJIMONG and (3) JEONGSANG HIT don’t inspire much confidence, but both have shown themselves capable of running a good race in this kind of company.

Selections(2) Haengbok Yeowang (9) Ghana Dream (11) Nemo Spirit (6) Yejimong
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

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

(1) SHARP SUNSHINE has picked up in her latest three with two 4ths and a 3rd, that latter finish coming over this distance on June 17th. Her times haven’t been special but there is not much pace here and from a good gate she can lead and potentially go all the way. (10) BINNANEUN GEUMSEONG showed a sharp uptick in form when 2nd at start number four over 1200M on June 18th, settling back and finishing well. A similar run here will put her in the finish again. (6) EXPECT has mixed his form across five starts so far but going on his 3rd place over 1400M at the end of April, he should come into the calculations here. (7) GOLD MIGHTY, with a 2nd to his name is another, while (8) SMART SOCKS has also hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Sharp Sunshine (10) Binnaneun Geumseong (6) Expect (7) Gold Mighty
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

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

(2) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK enters in good form with a 2nd two starts back over 1200M followed by a 3rd place at today’s trip on June 17th when she led for much of the way and only went down narrowly. She beat a couple of today’s rivals in the process and from a good gate she can lead again, and this time go all the way. (8) LUCKY POWER had a hard time when stepped up to 1700M last time out, showing close to the pace and then weakening. He may be happier back at one turn here and he has a smart finish on him. (5) ORCHID VALLEY has four top-three finishes from six stats so far including last time out when a solid 3rd at this class over 1200M. In this company he can be on pace and in this a long way. (1) LEMON BLADE comes up in class following a maiden win at start number seven over 1200M. He comes down in weight and from the inside gate can measure up. (11) GRAND POWER another in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Haengbokan Munmak (8) Lucky Power (5) Orchid Valley (1) Lemon Blade
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

(5) SINUI BANJEON is a ten-race maiden, but she has no fewer than four runner-up finishes, including her latest start at this class and distance on June 4th when, as is her preferred style, she was on pace throughout. She comes up 2kg in the weights, but she really should have the measure of this field and she is the one to beat. (6) CLUB D is also a maiden, but he has been finishing off his races well and the step up to two turns could well suit him. He can go close. (3) P N S AI comes back up to two turns for the first time since a shy at the stumps in last year’s Minister’s Cup (it missed). He has been steadily working back into form across recent starts, culminating in a 2nd place over 1400M last time out and he can be in the mix again here. (7) GREEN FEELSTAR and (2) STAR K are others in the hunt.

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Owners’ Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (July 9)

The Busan Owners’ Cup (1600M KOR-G3) takes centre stage this Sunday when a full field of sixteen face off on the south coast. The big race is race 6 of seven on the card which runs from 11:25 to 17:00. At Seoul there is a 10-race card from 10:35 to 18:00.

Daehan Jilju is the probable favourite for the Busan Owners’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Maiden juvenile fillies only with six of the eleven racing for the first time. The only one of the remaining five to have raced twice is the favourite and that’s (6) GEOLJAK ONE. She debuted in 4th place in a quick race on a wet track on May 28th and then followed it up with a 2nd place, going down very narrowly, on June 10th having raced close to the pace both times. It should be third-time lucky here. (1) PERFECT TIARA debuted in that June 10th race having shown little in trials but ran a good 3rd, coming from the middle of the pace. She has three-lengths to make up on Geoljak One but should have come on for the experience. (5) ECLIPSE BERRY debuted in the May 28th race and overcame the widest gate to run 6th. She too should be going closer this time. As for the first timers, (7) HAMPYEONG JANGMI and (10) SEIRENE were perhaps the best in trials.

Selections(6) Geoljak One (1) Perfect Tiara (5) Eclipse Berry (7) Hampyeong Jangmi
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 6

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

(11) KING GO TAEYANG has shown steady improvement across three starts so far, culminating in a 2nd place over 1200M on June 11th, albeit well beaten by the winner. He has the challenge of the wide gate here but the step up to 1300M can suit and he is the one to beat. (1) MENI SHARK showed signs of figuring things out when stepped up to this distance on June 11th and running a best to fate 4th. Her time that day was quicker than any of the others who have tackled this distance have managed and from a good gate, she can go closer today. (6) GOLDEN SNIPER also comes in off a best to date finish when 2nd on June 4th at this trip. He can sit behind the early speed here and can be in the finish. (4) BRAVO HANSEN and (5) SAEROUN BITKKAL among others who can dispute the minors.

Selections(11) King Go Taeyang (1) Meni Shark (6) Golden Sniper (4) Bravo Hansen
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

(1) RAON THE AGAIN will be one of the banker favourites of the day. After a quick trial, she ran 2nd on debut over 1200M on June 2nd having settled back and run on strongly to only go down narrowly. She draws well, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she won’t need to improve very much to win this. (6) KALJABI is the obvious second pick. After running 4th on debut, he led for much of the way around second-up on May 28th, again over 1200M, ultimately coming home in 2nd. He should lead again here and can hold off the favourite for a long time. It would be a big surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella, but the final place is up for grabs. (8) CHEONGMAUI JILJU ran an improved 4th last time out at 1200M and can maintain her positive momentum again here. (3) ILCHUL GOLD and (2) UNMATCHED are others who can compete.

Selections(1) Raon The Again (6) Kaljabi (8) Cheongmaui Jilju (3) Ilchul Gold
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) LONDON MYEONGGA had seemingly lost his way a little but came back into form with a strong 3rd over this class and distance on June 4th when on pace throughout. He draws well here to be on or close to the pace again and has every chance. (5) GLORY K remains winless but enters with recent form reading well with two 3rd place finishes from her latest three, most recently when leading most of the way around over 1400M on June 10th. She is under a very light weight, she draws well to lead again, and it would be no surprise if she made the breakthrough here. (4) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG comes up in class after three consecutive 3rd place finishes, the most recent two over this distance. His times have been competitive enough and he comes down significantly in the weights. (7) LEGEND K and (9) KKANGDORI others to consider.

Selections(3) London Myeongga (5) Glory K (4) Challanhan Pokpung (7) Legend K
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 9

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

Competitive maiden. (11) ACE A MOCA has improved across three starts so far, most recently an on-pace 3rd over this distance on June 16th. She may need a touch of luck at the start from the widest gate here but she as good a chance as any. (9) YONGSAN KEUNBYEUL comes in off a much-improved 3rd on May 19th when settling handy and running on. In this company she can be on the pace and while in the absence of an apprentice claim she comes up in weight, Choi Si-dae climbs aboard and she shouldn’t be far away. (4) HERO J has only raced twice and was an improved 3rd in the second of them when she came from well off the pace. She draws better today and comes into contention. (5) YONG GUN and (8) WONDERFUL ONE are others in the hunt.

Selections(11) Ace A Moca (9) Yongsan Keunbyeul (4) Hero J (5) Yong Gun
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

(8) SUNGAN TOUCH had a slightly disappointing day at the office when well supported over 1300M on June 3rd but finishing 6th of ten. He was going very well at this distance prior to that though with a 2nd and a 3rd at this class, and he will be a warm favourite to score here. (2) FIRST USER remains a maiden but comes up in class after two runner-up finishes at class 6. She likes to run on pace so she is drawn very nicely and the 2kg drop in carried weight can help her be competitive here. (3) JAEWOO SIDAE comes in having run 3rd at a big price at class and distance on June 16th when slowly away but running on really well. She will warrant more respect this time around. (7) LONDON QUEEN and the up in class (5) SEOUL SPURT among others to consider.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 8)

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 with all but two racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (3) TRAUM KING. The To Honor And Serve colt led every step of the way in his trial on June 2nd, crossing the line four-lengths clear of anything else in a decent time. From a good draw, if he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (4) JANGGUN GARAM is one of the two who have already races. He came home 7th of eleven in a quick race on a very wet track. He should have derived benefit from the experience and can get closer today. That applies too to (11) MULLEBANGA who ran fairly on his debut and with some natural improvement, can be in the placing hunt. Returning to the first-time starters, (2) RAON THE MAN led his trial, ultimately crossing the line 3rd. It wasn’t quick but he showed enough to suggest he can go well first-up. (10) ILINX was a trial winner and while done no favours by the draw, can’t be ruled out either.

Selections(3) Traum King (4) Janggun Garam (11) Mullebanga (2) Raon The Man
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 10

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

Eleven young imports with ten of the eleven racing for the first time. The one who we have seen before, (9) SPURT BIT, was impressive. Having won a May trial, he debuted on June 10th and sat on the heels of the leader before taking things up in the straight and running on to win by four-lengths. He won’t need to improve much on that to win again. (8) KLIMT WORLD trialled up in that same May heat behind Spurt Bit and he came home just half a length in arrears. It’s taken him a while to get to the races, but based on that trial, he can be a danger first-up. (11) GOOD HAPPY went through two trials, first to qualify in which he was slow away and underwhelming, and then a voluntary trial (which may not appear in all race cards) two weeks later at the end of May. He was a big improver in that one and can be considered here. It’s a similar story with (2) SINUI EREUM, whose official qualifying trial in April didn’t catch the eye but he has subsequently been through two more (again, these may not be on all race cards so do be aware) and improved in both, from wide gates. He draws nicely here and should go well. (10) NANO MASIN won his solitary heat and that’s enough to put him in the frame.

Selections(9) Spurt Bit (8) Klimt World (11) Good Happy (2) Sinui Ereum
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

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

Standard maiden here. (5) BANFF probably warrants favourite status with a 3rd, a 2nd and a 5th from his three starts so far, all at this distance and all in fair times. In this company he should be on or close to the pace, and he can win here. (3) BAEKDU MEOTJAENGI raced three times last summer and autumn, improving each time with a 3rd the best of them over this distance. She hasn’t raced since but looked well when trialling up on June 23rd and from a good draw should be on the speed and in this a long way. (9) TIZ ROCKET has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 4th last time out on what was admittedly a very fat track. He can aim to match or better that 4th here. (8) MOON DUST and (1) TESTA BLUE others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Banff (3) Baekdu Meotjaengi (9) Tiz Rocket (8) Moon Dust
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 8

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

It’s hard to go too far past (10) GEOSEN CHAMP here. He’s been knocking at the door across his six starts so far and comes in off his best finish so far when 2nd over 1200M on June 18th when he overcame the same gate, he has today to race handy. Like all but two of these, he comes up to the 1400M for the first time and it may well suit. (8) SATURDAY finished off pleasingly enough over 1300M last timeout for a best to date finish of 5th. He is another who may appreciate the slight step up in trip today and can go closer. (3) PURPLE SHINHWA has three 5th place finishes from three starts so far, all over 1200M. He has been a touch one-paced but in this company and from this gate he should be on the lead early and “one-pace” could be enough pace to at least place here. (4) BEST PLAN and (5) RED TAEPUNG the best of an ordinary rest.

Selections(10) Geosen Champ (8) Saturday (3) Purple Shinhwa (4) Best Plan
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 11

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

(2) MORNING PEARL remains a maiden but has no fewer than four placings at this class, most recently when 2nd over 1300M back in February. She hasn’t raced since then but she looked well in a trial just last week when she wasn’t asked to do too much and while she will evidently need this, she has a chance and should be available at an each-way price. (8) DALGEUM is also a maiden, in her case after eight attempts. She comes in off a very narrow defeat at this class and distance on May 27th and shouldn’t be far away again. (9) BEST JEONSA and (3) STAND BY ME came home 4th and 7th respectively when they raced each other at class and distance on June 10th, the latter performing below expectations but had been going well previously. Both should be aiming to improve here. (1) SMART BLUE comes in off a class and distance 3rd and is another in the hunt in a small but competitive field.

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Mayor’s Cup Sunday: Busan & Seoul Race-By-Race Preview (July 2)

Winner’s Man will seek to go back-to-back in the feature race of the weekend, the Busan Mayor’s Cup on Sunday afternoon. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:00 and 10 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews.

Winner’s Man seeks to defend the Busan Mayor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with four of the eight racing for the first time but a couple of the ones with experience showed well on their respective debuts and they will head the market. (3) MORNING BOLD did little in his trial but ran a solid 2nd on debut at this distance in a good time on June 3rd having been close to the pace throughout. From a good draw, he can be on the speed again and has every chance. (5) SMART CLAIR was 4th on debut in that same June 3rd race, settling back and running on. He too should have derived benefit from the experience and can get closer. Among the first timers, (1) LALA K posted a decent time in his trial and has the benefit of the inside gate. (6) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG won the second of his two trials and while the time wasn’t especially fast, that is enough to make him a first-up contender. (7) MIRACLE HANGANG another who hinted at ability in his heat and can be considered.

Selections(3) Morning Bold (5) Smart Clair (1) Lala K (6) Seongsil Yeongung
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9

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

A standard maiden but it’s very open, mainly because nothing comes in with consistent form. With that in mind, we’ll take a chance on the one that’s done the least wrong so far, the only debut-maker, (8) WINNER JERIN. He was on pace in his trial, crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. Kim Yong-geun rides, and if he can bring that form to the races, he shouldn’t be far away. (6) MADE STAR was an improved 4th at start number four on June 11th, having started slowly and coming from a long way back. If he can give himself more of a chance with a better start, then he can be finishing strongly here. (7) MAGIC K enters after a 4th place over this distance on June 4th when handy throughout. She can sit behind the speed again and press late. (3) SINUI YEOIN and (1) WONDERFUL DEPUTY others in contention for the minors.

Selections(8) Winner Jerin (6) Made Star (7) Magic K (3) Sinui Yeoin
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

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

(5) TAURUS KING raced in November and then again in early February without troubling the judges. That earned him a gelding, and he has looked much better since returning, first when 2nd in a quick trial in May and then on June 11th when finishing 3rd on his comeback race over 1200M. He should strip fitter here and won’t need to improve much to win. (11) MAGIC SWEETIE achieved a 3rd place over this distance two starts back before running fairly at 1300M last time out. She may need a touch of luck from the outside gate, but she has enough early speed to find a forward early position and she can be a danger. (3) BRAVE CAPTAIN has two 4th places from three starts so far, most recently on May 26th when he led for part of the way around. He’ll be on pace here and can be in contention a long way. (6) ANY SINGS and (10) HAERANG YOUNGUNG perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Taurus King (11) Magic Sweetie (3) Brave Captain (6) Any Sings
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 11

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

Fillies only here and another very competitive maiden although this time it is because quite a few look ready to win. One of those is (9) SEUNGNI GONGJU. After an indifferent debut, she has a 4th and back-to-back 3rd places in three attempts, most recently over 1300M on June 3rd. Despite drawing a touch wide, she can be on pace here and has as good a chance as any. (8) MUNHAK EAGLE was an improved 2nd at just her second start on May 13th, coming from off the pace and running on well. It was a fair time, and she can settle handy and threaten late again here. (4) NAOL SKY and (5) NEW POINT came home 3rd and 7th when they raced each other at this distance on June 4th. For Naol Sky it was a second consecutive 3rd place finish while for New Point it was something of a disappointment following a runner-up finish at her previous start in May. Both can be competitive here. (2) MENI CHARM another in the frame.

Selections(9) Seungni Gongju (8) Munhak Eagle (4) Naol Sky (5) New Point
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 10

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

Another tough race. (5) UNJU OREUM is perhaps the one to beat. She has four top-four finishes from six starts so far and has the fastest time among these for the distance. She should be on the pace from the start and has every chance. (6) HAERANG ISEUL has a 2nd and a 4th from her two starts to date, both at 1200M. She has the quickest start among this field and from a central gate can challenge Unju Oreum for the lead and can be in this a long way. (9) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG has picked up in his latest two efforts, running 2nd and 3rd, both over this distance in fair times. Without the benefit of an apprentice claim, he is up in the weights, but he can be competitive again. (1) GLOBAL WEEK and (4) CHEONSU SIDAE are among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) Unju Oreum (6) Haerang Iseul (9) Success Yeonggwang (1) Global Week
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 9

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

(7) HANGANG CROWN was a winner on debut in a double-quick time over 1000M on May 28th (a day when the track was very fast), racing on pace early and taking things up turning into the straight. She is up in class and in distance here but comes in under a light weight and while she is the only juvenile in the race, she can beat her elders here. (8) YESULIYA has led both his latest two, ultimately coming home 2nd and 3rd, both at this distance. He carries his fair share of weight here but should be on pace again and can be in things a long way once more. (4) FIJI BLADE got promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes from her first two starts. She weakened when tried at 1300M for her first attempt at this class but slightly back in trip, can be given another chance today. (2) RAON HOLIDAY and (5) CHANCELLOR others in the hunt.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 1)

July’s racing program – and the second half of the season – kicks off on Saturday with a 10-race program at Seoul 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 although three of the eight have raced once apiece already – all in the same race. And they will be the favourites, especially (5) MY CENTER, who ran 3rd on debut on May 28th in a fast time on what was a wet and fast track having been on pace throughout. From a central gate, he should lead again, and this time can go all the way. (4) LUCKY DRAGON and (1) MAGIC STRONG came home 5th and 8th respectively in that same May 28th race and they shape as the main dangers. Both recorded good times and while Magic Strong was some way back, he draws much better here. As for the first timers, (6) SEOCHEON LION was best in trials, running on pace and coming home second in an admittedly slow heat (as many were in June). (3) HANGANG LEGEND the next best.

Selections(5) My Center (4) Lucky Dragon (1) Magic Strong (6) Seocheon Lion
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

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

Standard maiden here. (7) PURPLE WORLD will be the favourite. He has raced just the once and it was all the way back in January of 2022, but he showed promise running in 2nd place over 1000M. Then all sorts of setbacks started. He refused to load for his scheduled second start in March of last year, and while he passe his trials to requalify, he then had a litany of setbacks. He returned to full work at the start of June and looked well when running 3rd in a good time in a June 16th trial. If he brings that form to the races, he should be hard to beat. If he does manage to find something to go wrong again, (11) NAOL ROONEY may take advantage. He has run solid 4ths in both starts so far and while he has the challenge of the wide gate, can go closer today. (1) SHOOT UP SPARK has the fastest time for the distance among these, while (5) WONDERFUL FOX and (8) GRATITUDE are among others in contention for places.

Selections(7) Purple World (11) Naol Rooney (1) Shoot Up Spark (5) Wonderful Fox
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 11

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

Unusual combination of seven fillies and one gelding in this maiden. (5) FOUR ACE gets the nod based on her last start runner-up finish over this distance when she overcame gate eleven to race handy. From a better draw and in a smaller field, she should get an easier run to the front in the early stages, and she can go one better. (2) GOLDEN PEARL is the logical second choice. She comes in off an improved 3rd place over this distance on June 4th when handy throughout. She too draws a better gate and with an apprentice claiming 2kg, she looks very nicely in. Jockey Lee Hyeon-jong is back from a year in the suspension wilderness (off track things) and he rides the solitary gelding, (6) ONE SPEAR. He enters off his best run to date when 5th over this distance two weeks ago and they look to strike again while the iron is at least lukewarm. It may be enough in this company. Something else has to improve and (7) SAMBA ZONE and (1) GALAXY SOCKS look the most likely.

Selections(5) Four Ace (2) Golden Pearl (6) One Spear (7) Samba Zone
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

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

(5) BYEOLBIT MARU has won just one out of eighteen so far but enters off a strong 3rd place at big odds at class and distance on May 27th when ridden a bit further forward than usual. She has a good finish on her and with Kim Yong-geun taking the mount, it could be her day. (4) DREAM PLAY comes up in class having won over this distance on May 27th when settling in the front end of midfield and running on well. That win had been coming and he can measure up at this level. (11) SAENAE KHAN was slowly away and had an all-around poor day at the office last time out on May 28th. He was favourite that day for a reason though with his prior form reading well and he can be given another chance here. (3) MONEY STONE and (9) CHEONGGYE GISANG others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Byeolbit Maru (4) Dream Play (11) Saenae Khan (3) Money Stone
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 11

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

Tricky race. (9) CHADOL RUN comes in off a quick 2nd place at class and distance on May 28th on a very wet and fast track when she overcame the widest gate to race handy. At the start before she was a winner at this class over 1300M in similarly swift fashion when coming from well off the pace. She is nicely weighted still, we know the wide draw isn’t a problem, and she can win here. The main danger is (7) MENI WONDERFUL. On May 21st he beat a couple of these on his way to a smart 2nd place at class and distance continuing a positive trend in recent outings. Expect him to be on pace here and in this a long way. (2) NEULGAEUL was 5th in that quick race behind Chadol Run in May and has also placed at class and distance. He draws well here and can go close. (8) COMPLETE LEADER and (4) CLOUTER others with minor money hopes.

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KNN Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 25)

The Spring and Summer portion of the Queens’ Tour wraps up on Sunday at Busan when Raon The Spurt will be hot favourite for the KNN Cup. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05 while at Seoul there are 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Raon The Spurt (KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens here. (6) LAFAYETTE ran 3rd on debut over 1200M on May 27th, racing handily throughout. He should have come on for the run and the additional 1300M can see him home here. (2) JEWELRY FASHION similarly ran 3rd on her debut back on May 13th. The time was slightly slower, but she too showed promise, running through the line well, and she can be considered for improvement here too. (7) PHOENIX CLASS ran well for 2nd on debut in February before weakening having led for much of the way at start number two in April. She has had eight weeks off since and can be given another chance today. (3) BUTTER K and (4) SESANG APEURO are others to be considered.

Selections(6) Lafayette (2) Jewelry Fashion (7) Phoenix Class (3) Butter K
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

The form is not especially convincing in this maiden to (5) SIDAEUI MYEONGJAK’s last start 5th of ten in a decent time over 1200M when racing on pace, is enough to put him on top here.  He also has a 4th place to his name and won’t need to improve very much to win this. (8) BRAVO HANSEN beat a couple of these on her way to an improved 5th place at 1200M on May 27th when settling midfield. She can do similar here and should be getting closer. (1) HEART SIGNAL was 6th in that race, an improvement over here opening two efforts. She has tended to get quite far back in her races but for the first time she draws a good gate here and can improve. (6) NAOL TANK and (11) GEOMOON others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(5) Sidaeui Myeongjak (8) Bravo Hansen (1) Heart Signal (6) Naol Tank
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

Maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time and those first-timers look set to dispute the honours. (5) GANGSEO BULPAE ran out a good trial winner on April 29th running on pace throughout. She is from Busan’s top stable and first up in this company, she won’t need to improve much on the trial to win. (9) ACE FIGHTING also looked very well in her trial when she was 2nd. The quick time was due to the winner, the Class 1 Hunch, but it was encouraging nevertheless, and if she brings that form to the races, she won’t be far away. Nor will (2) BINNANEUNGIL, who improved significantly in the second of two trials and draws very nicely first-up here. (10) BUGYEONG LION also went through two trials, crossing the line 2nd and 1st and posting good times. He draws wide here but should be a factor. As for those with prior experience, (6) THUNDER GONGJU looks the best.

Selections(5) Gangseo Bulpae (9) Ace Fighting (2) Binnaneungil (10) Bugyeong Lion
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

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

Not the strongest of maidens so we’ll take a chance on (3) RAON JUMP. She has raced encouragingly across her latest three with a 4th and pair of 5th place finishes, all at this distance and all in fair times. She has the fastest time among these for the distance, as well as the best finish and so long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can win. (6) PURPLE WINK has a 4th and a 6th in his two outings so far, at 1200M and 1300M and also has a trial win to his name. Expect him to be on pace here and he looks to be the main danger. The form drops off after those two, so we’ll give a chance to solitary debut-maker (2) COMPLETE STEP. She performed fairly in her trial from a wide draw and couldn’t hope for a softer race to step out in. (9) AUSTIN LEADER and (1) DANGCHAN NANGBO other possible contenders for the minor money.

Selections(3) Raon Jump (6) Purple Wink (2) Complete Step (9) Austin Leader
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

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

(8) UNJU BONNEUNG has finished no worse than 4th in three starts to date with his best being a 2nd in an admittedly slow-run race over 1300M in April. He has finished off his races well and the step up to a mile may suit. He can win. (6) SUCCESS FRONT is the main danger. He went right back on his latest appearances, over 1200M on May 28th, before running on strongly for 3rd place. He too should find the mile can suit. (4) SHINE MONSTER is yet to finish any better than 4th in nine attempts but she has managed that position on each of her latest three appearances, running on well all three times. She has raced once before at this distance, without distinction, but she may well be ready for another crack. (11) DREAM RUN and (10) LUCKY BAND others in the frame.

Selections(8) Unju Bonneung (6) Success Front (4) Shine Monster (11) Dream Run
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

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

(10) ARGO TAP will be a warm favourite. Yet to make the breakthrough after nine attempts, he does though have no fewer than eight top-five finishes including a last start 3rd place at class and distance on June 3rd. He draws a touch wide here but can be expected to be on or close to the pace and he is the one to beat. (3) SSEULMO is another maiden but comes up in class having got his act together in his three latest, with a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes, all at this distance in consistently fair times. He draws well and comes down a full 5kg in the weights with an apprentice claim, and he can measure up. (1) HWANGGEUMKKOT won well at this distance two starts back before finishing a solid 4th on her first try at this class on May 21st. She should be in the mix again. (4) BULPAE BLADE and the up in class (5) GROW are others to keep safe.

Selections(10) Argo Tap (3) Sseulmo (1) Hwanggeumkkot (4) Bulpae Blade
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 10, 11

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

Competitive race. (3) JEONGMUN COBIT gets the nod having beaten three of these on his way to a close 2nd place at class and distance on May 29th when handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in the weights, draws well, and Franco climbs aboard. (9) GOLD ROSE was 3rd in that race having led for much of the way around. She was the best fancied that day among those who return here and with an apprentice taking her weight down, she can be given another chance here. (4) SUCCESSFUL was exactly that at the fourth time of asking, settling handy and then running on to win well. He is up in class here but slightly down in the weights and can measure up. (5) GEUMA UNO is still a maiden but has eight top-five finishes and will be close again here. Up in class last start winner (11) WAITING FOR YOU is another who can go close.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 24)

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 75 Million

Eleven unraced two-year-olds so it’s to the trial videos we head. (8) OKCHEON SNIPER won his heat on May 26th bounding into the lead straight from the gate and did it very nicely without his jockey needing to ask for very much. If he brings that form to the races, he has an excellent chance of winning first-up here. (3) ZIGGURAT ran handily in his trial, crossing the line in 2nd place in a fair time. He was just a neck behind Gana Power, who won on his own debut last weekend. (4) RAON THE SPRINTER is half-brother to Cheongu and Segi Gangja, both of whom won plenty. He looked lively enough in his trial, running through the line well, to suggest he can go well on debut. (5) BREEDO KING STAR and (10) LADY CODI others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Selections(8) Okcheon Sniper (3) Ziggurat (4) Raon The Sprinter (5) Breedo King Star
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

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

(3) WORLD FASHION has two 4th places and a 2nd from his latest three, with a very positive trial in the middle of them. At his latest on May 27th, he came from well off the pace over this distance and didn’t come up short by much. Today can be his day. (7) GEOMUI JEONSEOL has picked up in his latest two, registering a 3rd and a 4th, the latter over this distance in a time quicker than any of the others here have achieved. In this company he can be ridden on pace or handy and he shapes as the main danger. (2) DAONDI enters off a good 2nd in a decent time over 1200M (albeit on a wet and fast track). He comes up to 1300M for the first time and given the way he has finished off his races, it may well suit. (9) HAPPY PLAY and (8) COLITAS among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(3) World Fashion (7) Geomui Jeonseol (2) Daondi (9) Happy Play
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

(1) CHOEGO POINT enters off a good 2nd place over 1400M on May 27th when ridden handier than he had been in previous outings. He steps up to 1700M for the first time, he draws well to be close to the front again, and he can win. (6) SAVANA CHARLIE is the logical second pick. He has run 4th on each of his last three appearances (and five in seven in total) including last time out behind Choego Point on May 27th. He too comes up to two turns for the first time and it could be exactly what he needs to get a bit closer. (7) HANGANG TSAR is another who may like the extended trip. He came from well off the pace for his best finish of 3rd over 1300M last time out and can be considered here. (3) TRES VITE, who has tackled the distance before, and (2) GEUMSEONG REVERE are others to consider.

Selections(1) Choego Point (6) Savana Charlie (7) Hangang Tsar (3) Tres Vite
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) HONOR ROSE comes up in class having scored her maiden win at just the second time of asking on April 24th when she made all over 1200M. She ran 3rd over this trip on her March debut and while she has had a couple of months off, she looks the one to beat here, most likely racing on pace again. There are plenty of others in the frame though. (11) APEX comes up in class following a maiden win at start number six on May 20th when she staled the leader before going clear. It’s fair to say she had mixed her form prior to that but the manner of the win – to the tune of ten-lengths – means she can’t be dismissed here. (1) GANGHAN QUEEN has a 3rd and a 5th in her latest two, both at 1200M and both at this class. From a good draw, she should be on pace here and in this a long way. (4) WHITE WITCH and (2) LEGAL HIGH among others to keep safe.

Selections(5) Honor Rose (11) Apex (1) Ganghan Queen (4) White Witch
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

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

(1) FINAL CHUKJE made his breakthrough at start number seven on May 27th, making all at this distance. That win had been coming and while he comes up in class here, he draws very nicely to lead once more, and he should be in this a long way. (2) TIZ INDY got her breakthrough back in January and while it took her a couple of goes to find her feet at this level, she has looked good in her latest two with a 3rd and a 2nd, both over the 1300M. This will be her first time at the slightly extended trip, but there is no reason why it can’t suit, and she can go close. (9) EUNBIT DOLPUNG is still a maiden after four attempts, but she has produced some positive performances. She comes up in class here but is down in the weights and should be able to hold her own in this company. (7) GEUMBIT CHEONHA and (4) STAR RUSH among others in the hunt.

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SROA Chairman’s Sprint Trophy Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 18)

Sunday see the third leg of the Sprint Series with the running of the SROA Chairman’s Sprint Trophy (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul Racecourse. Winner of the opening two legs, Raon The Fighter won’t be present leaving the way open for last year’s Korea Sprint Champion Eoma Eoma to return to winning ways. See here for full preview. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

The SROA went to the wire last year, Black Musk the winner (Pic: KRA)

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

(3) SAEBYEOK BULBIT will be the one to beat in the opener She has run 4th three times out of four so far including last time out in a fair time at this distance when handy throughout. In this company she should be on pace, and she won’t need to improve too much to win this. (1) SAEROUN BITKKAL has a 3rd place to his name at this distance as recently as April and that’s enough to put him in contention in this company. He is one-paced but can settle back and pass plenty. (6) BEAT RACER has picked up in his latest couple, scoring the fastest time for this distance any of these have managed when 5th on his latest appearance on May 21st. He too can be considered as a result of that. (5) BEST SHUNSHINE and (2) CHONGAL COLONEL others with minor money chances.

Selections(3) Saebyeok Bulbit (1) Saeroun Bitkkal (6) Beat Race (5) Best Sunshine
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 8

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

(3) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER is yet to finish in the top two, but she comes in following her best to date when 3rd over 1300M on May 21st when handy throughout. She draws well here and won’t really need to improve much on that to win. The danger is (8) DAEJANGBYEOL. He ran a very good 3rd over 1200M in March and while he got sent back to trail after finishing well back in re-appearance in April, he looked very well when winning a heat just last weekend and so long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well first up. This is not a strong race so the solitary debut-maker can be given a chance. That’s (5) WONDERFUL SWEET, who ran fairly in a trial alongside some experienced horses. (1) SSING SSING SSING and (6) TOUGH YEOJE others with potential to improve.

Selections(3) Hampyeong Fighter (8) Daejangbyeol (5) Wonderful Sweet (1) Ssing Ssing Ssing
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

(4) SUCCESS SHOW ME ran a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on April 30th when racing handy throughout. He should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement, he can win here. He will be a short-priced favourite. (1) ROCKS has a 3rd and a couple of 4th places to her name. She tends to settle back and run on and under an apprentice claiming 3kg, she can be finishing strongly here. (2) BARBELL QUEEN has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before. That’s not exactly quick but it is enough to put her in the placing hunt in this company. (8) CHOEGANG WEEK and (7) WORLD ROYAL CAT could potentially improve in a race with unconvincing form.

Selections(4) Success Show Me (1) Rocks (2) Barbell Queen (8) Choegang Week
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

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

(10) GEOSEN CHAMP shapes as a warm favourite here.  He enters off his best finish so far when 3rd over this distance on June 3rd and while he comes up a couple of kilos in the weights, he can settle handy or midfield and should prove too strong against this very moderate opposition. (4) LEMON BLADE will be second-favourite simply by virtue of his 3rd place two starts back at this distance. True, he sandwiched that between two very ordinary outings but few others in this field have shown themselves capable of such a run and a repeat would put him right in this. (2) THUNDER GALLOPER has run slow times but does have a reasonably strong finish on him compared to the rest here and should pass plenty late on. (7) MUNHAK CENTRAL and (1) MOON DUST are other potentials for minor money.

Selections(10) Geosen Champ (4) Lemon Blade (2) Thunder Galloper (7) Munhak Central
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

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

(1) HAENGBOKHAN GIL enters following a best to date 2nd over this distance on May 19th when he led for most of the way around. He comes into a good gate here and looks have more development in him. He won’t need to improve much to win here. (8) POWER PLANE has put in some fair performances with a 3rd place at 1300M being his best back in February. In this small field he should be able to get on pace and can be in this a long way. (5) ECTON POWER has never finished inside the top-two in thirty attempts but has finished between 3rd and 5th on no fewer than eleven occasions. This is very much the kind of race that he picks up a cheque in. (2) MORO and (3) KICK’N RUSH perhaps the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Haengbokhan Gil (8) Power Plane (5) Ecton Power (2) Moro
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

Wildly competitive race. We’ll take a chance on (10) SEONGSIL INDONG, who comes up in class following a maiden win over this distance on May 21st when settling just behind the speed and running on. She only comes down slightly in the weights but has only raced four times and can have more development in her. (6) J MOTION was a winner on debut over 1200M last December before running down the field on reappearance in January. He hasn’t raced since but has been through two trials in May and early June, running very well in both. If he brings that form back to the races he has solid claims first-up. (5) DREAM SKY is yet to win in ten attempts but has two solid 4th places at this class. She comes up slightly in trip and under a light weight, she can be running on strong. (8) BADAUI KKUM and (9) SMART BYEOL others in the frame.

Selections(10) Seongsil Indong (6) J Motion (5) Dream Sky (8) Badaui Kkum
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) MULTI HIT will be favourite here. A very quick winner over 1200M in February, he then put in a couple of ordinary performances in his first two goes at this level before coming back into form with a 2nd place over 1200M on May 12th. He come sup slightly in the weights but in this company, he should be able to get to his favoured forward position, and he can win. (1) NAMYANG BOLT comes up in class having secured his maiden win at the sixth time of asking over 1400M on May 19th. His running style has tended to be to go back and finish well, but he comes down in the weights and from a good draw can be a danger. (6) GEUMA STARRY returned from six months out to get her second runner-up finish and accordingly be promoted to this class. She should strip fitter for that run, she carries a very light weight, and she can measure up. (4) JEOLDAE BOSS and (10) DAMYANGUISIN others in the hunt.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 17)

Saturday’s action moves to Seoul where there are 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Racegoers may also want to check out the Asian Junior Showjumping event that is taking place at the equestrian arena inside the racecourse complex throughout the afternoon as well. Here are the (racing) previews:

It is set to be a warm Saturday in Seoul

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Eleven unraced two-year-olds so we head for the trial videos. (6) GANA POWER, from the first crop of Korean Triple Crown winner Power Blade, gets the nod. He drew wide in his heat but quickly made his way to the front and then proceeded to lead all the way.  If he brings that form to the races, he is the one to beat. (1) HWASANGWIHWAN took a couple of goes to qualify but he looked well when winning a heat on May 12th. He stopped the clock in the same time as Gana Power and he too will have plenty of backers first-up. (11) DAEMUL SOCKS also won a trial and while he has the challenge of the outside gate, he settled back and ran on in his heat so it may not be too much of an issue for him. (7) SMART CAT and (8) P N S JU are others who caught the eye in their trials.

Selections(6) Gana Power (1) Hwasangwihwan (11) Daemul Socks (7) Smart Cat
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

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

It’s hard to go too far past (5) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA. He has shown steady progress across his four starts and enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this distance, both times settling midfield and running on. He has the fastest time of any of these for the distance by more than half a second and he should be winning this modest maiden. (9) WONPYEONG SKY has mixed his form so far, but he does have a 2nd place to his name, two starts back when he finished off well. A repeat of that run would put him in the mix here. (7) DAMJAENGI ARGO has hinted at ability. She has finished 4th or 5th on four of her five starts so far and should be aiming to improve here. Solitary debut-maker (10) SPECIALTIME trialed fairly alongside some experienced horses and can be given a chance first-up in this company. (3) SEONGSIL TAEYANG another with potential for improvement.

Selections(5) Tamra Choegangja (9) Wonpyeong Sky (7) Damjaengi Argo (10) Specialtime
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

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

Plenty come in with recent form suggesting they are ready for a win but (1) HANGANG POWER will be favourite. In his latest two, he has a 4th and a 3rd in good times over 1200M and 1400M and from a great draw he can be on pace today and may take some catching. (4) ARCH RUNNER looks to be the main danger. She enters off a strong 2nd place at this distance on May 21st when handy throughout and while she carries an additional 2kg this time, she should be close. (5) SECRET WANGJA and (3) WONDERFUL RULES come in having run 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other over 1200M on May 20th. Both came from well off the pace and should be challenging late again here. (6) SHARP SUNSHINE is another to keep safe.

Selections(1) Hangang Power (4) Arch Runner (5) Secret Wangja (3) Wonderful Rules
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

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

(1) PEERLESS is yet to win but has only finished outside the top four once in six starts. She has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two both at this class and distance and from a good gate and under a light weight, she can make the breakthrough here. It took (2) SILVER BOOSTER a few goes to figure things out, but he has significantly picked up of late. He comes in following a maiden win over 1200M on April 16th when he made all and while he comes up in class here, he draws well and can be a danger. (10) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK has been consistently beating her odds in recent starts and has been getting closer, including a good 2nd to Raon Empire over 1200M last time out. In this company she can get on pace, and she can maintain her good run of form. (3) TAKE MONEY and (9) WONPYEONG KILLAR are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(1) Peerless (2) Silver Booster (10) Haengbokan Munmak (3) Take Money
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

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

(4) MILLION PARTY debuted last November, running well for 4th, but then wasn’t seen again until May. She made a very impressive return, leading all the way over this distance to score by as many lengths as she pleased. She comes up in class here, but the manner of that victory suggests there is more to come, and she is the one to beat. The logical danger is (3) NONSTOP THUNDER. A maiden winner two starts back she comes in off a close 2nd on her first try at this class on April 23rd when she settled back and ran on strongly over this distance only going down narrowly. She will drop back again and should be strong late on. (8) BEST FALCON remains a maiden but has no fewer than nine to-four finishes. She is up in weight compared to recent starts, but this is the kind of field she is competitive in. The up in class (6) ZIRCON along with (7) DORIPO are also in the frame.

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