Sunday sees racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:35 to 18:00), and at Busan (6 races from 11:50 to 16:35). It is a rare Sunday without any Graded races but there is a Trophy race at Seoul in the shape of the Listed Sports Chosun Trophy. Saturday’s rain should have long since stopped but the track will still be very wet. Here are the previews:
Tiz Barows could be the one to beat in the Sports Chosun (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (6) BEST CLONE will be favoured having shown promise across five prior starts culminating in a runner-up finish on April 9th when on pace throughout over this distance. He won’t need to improve much on that to win here and will take some beating at what will probably be a prohibitively short price. (8) SEUNGNI GONGJU ran 4th behind Best Clone in that April 9th race. That was a big improvement from her debut and if she continues to make progress, she can get closer today. (7) GLORY AND HONOR hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but has got a little closer in her latest two, with a 3rd place last time out. She should be joining Best Clone at the head of the race early and can match or better that 3rd here. (3) HAYAN TAEYANG and (5) DAONDI others in the money hunt.
Selections
(6) Best Clone (8) Seungni Gongju (7) Glory And Honor (3) Hayan Taeyang
Next Best
5, 4
Fast Start
5, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
The second division of the three-year-old maiden. (3) GHANA DREAM has raced twice, improving significantly in the second of them on April 1st when running on from midfield to finish runner-up at this distance. She can settle behind the speed here and can go one better this time. (6) NEW POINT is the main danger. She ran a solid 5th of eleven on debut in a quicker time than Gana Dream did. She doesn’t benefit from an apprentice claim this time, but Antonio’s services should compensate for that, and with some natural improvement, she will be right in this. There are a couple of Debut-makers and (2) NURI TAEYANG qualified well at the second time of asking in a fair time and a close finish on April 14th. She did her best work late and the 1200M first-up may suit. (4) VISION POWER and (1) MOONHAK EDEN other potential improvers.
Selections
(3) Ghana Dream (6) New Point (2) Nuri Taeyang (4) Vision Power
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
4, 6, 7, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(1) WONPYEONG CHUKJE will be a hot favourite to score here. He has been working towards a win in recent starts, culminating in an on-pace runner-up finish over this distance on April 1st in a time quicker than any of the others here have clocked. He draws well, he should be on pace, and he should have too much. (5) SAEROUN BITKKAL has picked up in his latest couple and enters off a career-best 3rd over this trip on April 8th. This is no harder and he can be competitive again. (4) DALMAJI also hinted at improvement on his latest on April 15th when coming from midfield to run on for 4th. He comes up slightly in the weights but draws well and may be ridden a little further forward a little earlier today. (6) MAGIC MOCCASIN and (2) EURO GANGJA among others in the minor money hunt.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Weak maiden to kick off the south coast action. (4) YEONGGWANGUIHAMSUNG didn’t exactly pull up trees on debut over this distance on March 24th, but he ran well enough for 6th of twelve in a time a full second faster than any of the others have achieved for the 1200M and that’s enough to make him the pick here. (2) WORLD BEST CAT showed improvement when 5th at start number two over this distance on April 7th. She has raced on pace in both her starts so far and from a good gate, she can do the same here. There is two debut-makers and (7) LUCKY BAND put in a fair trial three weeks ago. He couldn’t ask for a softer race to debut in and can be considered for a money finish first-up, probably racing on the speed. (8) HAPPY BRIANNA and (5) NAMYANG DORI may improve.
Selections
(4) Yeonggwanguihamsung (2) World Best Cat (7) Lucky Band (8) Happy Brianna
Next Best
5, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 4, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(8) CLAIR BEST has seven top-five finishes from nine starts and enters off a smart 3rd place at this class over 1200M on April 1st. He comes up 1.5kg in the weights but could well be on the speed here and can potentially go all the way. (3) HUIMANG OREUM too comes in off a last start 3rd, in her case over this distance and defying odds of in excess of 30/1. She carries the same weight, draws well, and will warrant more respect here. (9) YONGCHEON JISANG is another last start 3rd. He was a winner at this level over 1200M two starts back, and while he carries 3kg more than when he won, he can settle back and be a danger late on. (2) KKANGDORI and the up in class last start winner (7) ACE TIARA are among others to keep safe.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00, Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Seven fillies and a colt in this maiden. (1) SMARTY GLORY led for much of the way around on her latest start in February over 1300M, ultimately finishing 3rd. She has since been back to trial which she won in good style in late March. She comes slightly back in trip and has solid claims here. (2) SONGAM NURI enters after a best finish to date when 2nd at this distance on April 8th when settling midfield and running on. She continues under a 4kg allowance so is nicely in again and can aim for a repeat. (7) SAMBA ZONE races for the first time since last November. She has the fastest time among these to her name and while she didn’t offer too many clues when trialling in mid-April, on her old form she should be competitive in this company. (8) SHOOT UP SPARK and (5) TAEPYEONGMU other placing chances.
Selections
(1) Smarty Glory (2) Songam Nuri (7) Samba Zone (8) Shoot Up Spark
Next Best
8, 6
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (1) SSEULMO looks to have figured things out with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance and both times having led for much of the way around. He should be on the speed again and can go one better here. (9) CHEONJI SKY ran an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on March 11th. He settled midfield and ran on that day but in this company may be able to get a more forward position and can go close again. (2) MY ONE has hinted at ability in his latest two outings, running on well for 4th and 5th over this distance. He has the fastest final furlong average time among these and should be a danger late on. (3) GEUMSEONG REVERE and (8) PURPLE SHINHWA others who have shown encouraging signs.
Selections
(1) Sseulmo (9) Cheonji Sky (2) My One (3) Geumseong Revere
Next Best
8, 7
Fast Start
1, 5, 8, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) EVERY CHARM ran out a good winner over this distance on March 18th, stalking the leader throughout before finishing well. She comes up in class here but comes into a better gate and there could be more to come. (2) WALGADAK got her maiden win over 1200M in January and comes in off a 3rd place at this class over that same distance on April 9th when from a wide gate she sat right at the back for most of the way before making good progress late on. From a much better draw, she should be much closer this time and is a danger. That will mean overturning the form on (7) HANGANG HERO, who ran 2nd in that April 9th race, running on from midfield. That was an uptick in form on recent starts and while she remains a maiden, she looks nicely in again here. (5) TOGETHER WAY and (4) BARAMGWA HAMKKE, the latter having trialled nicely twice since his latest appearance, are others in the frame.
Selections
(3) Every Charm (2) Walgadak (7) Hangang Hero (5) Together Way
Next Best
4, 6
Fast Start
3, 5, 7, 9
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(9) K N GOLDEN KING got his maiden win at start number three over this distance on April 8th when making all. He was favourite that day after two decent showings in his first two starts, and while he comes up in class here, he will be fancied to win again. (5) MAUIWAY got his maiden win in dominant fashion back in January and has since acquitted himself well with a 5th and a 3rd in two tries at this class. He has raced well from on pace and from behind, and he should be going close again. (10) SMARTY FIGHTER is another up in class following a last start maiden win, in his case over this distance on April 2nd when stalking the lead and running on. He too should measure up at this level. (1) DONGHAENG FIRST remains winless but comes up in class after near-misses in each of her first four appearances. From a good draw, she can be on pace and competitive. (6) DESK TAP among others in the minor money frame.
Selections
(9) K N Golden King (5) Mauiway (10) Smarty Fighter (1) Donghaeng First
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
1, 3, 5, 9
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million
(6) PERFECT GUN MAN ran out a class and distance winner on April 1st, settling just off the pace before finishing strongly. He had three of today’s rivals behind and as he only comes up 1kg in the weights, he is the one to beat again. (11) FEDERAL KING ran 2nd in that April 1st race, settling right back and then finishing well. The wide draw isn’t an issue as he’ll go back anyway, and he can be running on strong and into the money again. (7) GOMANARU was 3rd in that race having also settled back in the field. There was barely a length between the three of them and the rematch today could be just as close. If you don’t like the form from that race, then (1) THUNDER HORSE, 2nd two starts back at class and distance, and (3) BUL HWASAN, are among alternatives.
The 2023 Triple Crown gets underway on Sunday when a full field of sixteen line up for the KRA Cup Mile at Busan. See here for a full preview of the big race. The Cup Mile is the last of 6 races at Busan which run from 11:00 to 15:45. There is also an 11 race meeting at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Something Lost won the Sports Seoul Classic Trial (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (7) YEOLJEONG ARGO was a much-improved 2nd at start number four over this distance on April 1st. She led almost the entire way around, ultimately going down narrowly but in a time as quick as any have managed in this field. A similar run can see her win this. The main danger is (10) MY THUNDER. She ran an on-pace 3rd on debut at this trip on March 25th and while the draw is slightly wider than ideal, she should have enough early speed to get to a prominent position. (8) TUHON TEUKGEUP has hinted at ability across two starts so far and has a time for the distance equal to that of Yeoljeong Argo. That is enough to bring her firmly into placing contention in this company. (3) AKKAENGI and debut-maker (2) SARYEONI BULLET are others with minor money hopes.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and seven of the twelve are racing for the very first time. We’ll take a chance on a couple of those debutantes, firstly (3) ROSE BLADE. He ran on well in his trial to stop the clock in a decent time and while the heat was perhaps a little fast due to the presence of a class 1 horse (Domination), if he brings that form to the races, he can go well first-up. (7) HAENGBOK CHUKJE went even quicker in her trial when crossing the line 2nd having sat handy throughout. That was back in February so it has taken her a while to get race-ready, but she could be worth the wait here. (9) SUCCESS SHOW ME was a little slower in his trial, but he beat a couple of these in the process and that’s enough to have him in the frame here. Turning to the experienced ones, (2) CHEONGMAUI JILJU and (10) HAERANG JANGGUN are the most likely to improve.
Selections
(3) Rose Blade (7) Haengbok Chukje (9) Success Show Me (2) Cheongmaui Jilju
Next Best
10, 8
Fast Start
3, 6, 7, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies with two of the ten racing for the first time. (2) PHOENIX CLASS is the one to beat having followed up a positive trial with a good 2nd place on debut over 1200M on February 25th when on pace throughout. She should have come on for that run, she draws well here, and she can lead all the way this time. (1) MENI CHARM was a much-improved 2nd at start number four on April 2nd when ridden on pace for the first time. She was well-beaten by a good winner but can put in a bold showing again today. Those two look head and shoulders above the rest although (5) BARAMUI HYANGGI does have a 3rd place to her name and that alone is enough the give her at least a placing chance in this company. Debut-maker (10) BOREUM DALBIT went through two trials in fair times and couldn’t wish for a softer race to debut in. (4) RUBY AGAIN another in the minor hunt.
Selections
(2) Phoenix Class (1) Meni Charm (5) Baramui Hyanggi (10) Boreum Dalbit
Next Best
4, 3
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(11) HEARTBREAKER has two 3rd places from his four starts so far including his most recent on April 9th when sitting handy all the way over 1300M. He comes up in trip and what with there being an absence of early speed in this race, the wide draw shouldn’t stop him from finding a good position. He has as good a chance as any. The rise in trip may suit (3) VELOCIRAPTOR. She’s worked through the line well in her latest two appearances, finishing 3rd both times at 1200M. From a good gate, Jeon Jin-gu can pick his spot and finish well. (7) TTANBONG QUEEN significantly improved when tried at 1400M on March 24th, securing her best finish to date in 2nd in a good time. She too may benefit from a further raise in journey today. (4) HAENGBOKAN GIL and (5) STAR DRAGON among others in the placing frame.
Selections
(11) Heartbreaker (3) Velociraptor (7) Ttanbong Queen (4) Haengbokhan Gil
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
2, 7, 9, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(1) SAVANA CHARLIE will be the favourite here. He has run 4th in both his latest two at 1300M and 1400M, coming from off the pace both times. This is not an especially intimidating field and similar efforts to those two should see him win. The main danger is (8) ZEROBAEK FIVE. She may be yet to finish in the top-two in thirteen attempts, but she has picked up minor money finishes in comparable company before, including last time when an on-pace 5th. She is one-paced but that should be enough to see her on the board here. (10) HERO QUEEN does have at least a 3rd place finish to her name. In this company, she should be passing plenty late on if not already on pace. (9) RED TAEPUNG and (4) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER are others who can be considered for the minors.
Selections
(1) Savana Charlie (8) Zerobaek Five (10) Hero Queen (9) Red Taepung
Next Best
4, 7
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 10
Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(4) YEONGGWANGUI ACE comes in having run 3rd to Betelgeuse in the Busan Classic Trial over this distance on March 19th, just over four-lengths behind the KRA Cup Mile favourite. He skips the Cup Mile and comes here instead and from a good draw and under a light weight, he is the one to beat. The main danger will break from the adjoining gate. (5) GRAND SUN returned from eleven months out to win over 1300M at class 5 level in February before running 2nd in a double-quick time over this class and distance on March 24th, starting slowly and settling back before running on. Third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness-wise, and he has strong claims. (1) K.AI enters off a good 4th place over 1200M on March 19th and from a much better gate can match or better that here. (2) B.K. NEW MOON is up 3kg in weight following a rather unexpected class and distance win at the end of March but shouldn’t be dismissed. (3) MAN OF THE STAR among others in the frame.
Selections
(4) Yeonggwangui Ace (5) Grand Sun (1) K.Ai (2) B.K. New Moon
Next Best
3, 11
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(1) COMPLETE FORCE gets the nod here. He comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both over class and distance and both times overcoming wider gates to get to a forward position. He does come up in weight here but that’s balanced by a better draw, and he is the one to beat. (7) BARAMUI GEOM returned from five months out to run 3rd at class and distance on April 2nd, racing handy and briefly hitting the lead in the straight. He should strip fitter for that run and should go close here. (5) NEVER AGAIN comes up in class following a maiden win at 1200M on March 26th when coming from off the pace. He’s going to need to go quicker in this company, but he comes down in weights and still has scope for improvement. (10) SECRET PLAY and (9) DANDI among others in the money frame.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive maiden to open with. (2) YAMUJIN SAEGANGJA has run fairly in her latest two, most recently leading for much of the way around 1300M on April 1st and ultimately finishing 4th of eight in a fair time. Slightly back in trip, she can be on pace again and has as good a chance as any. The probably betting favourite is (4) WHITE WITCH. That’s on the back of her very close 2nd place at this distance on March 26th when she overcame gate ten to race on pace. She comes into a better gate today, she should be on the speed again, and she could go one better. (1) SILVER PURGE won a February trial before running a fair 5th on debut at this distance on March 12th. She should have come on for that run and can go closer here. (6) TWO ACE and (7) HANGANG POWER others with minor money hopes.
Selections
(2) Yamujin Saegangja (4) White Witch (1) Silver Purge (6) Two Ace
Next Best
7, 3
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Seven fillies and two colts in this maiden. (3) SOARA MEME will be a warm favourite having improved to 2nd at start number two on March 19th when slowly away from a wide draw before running on strongly. She comes into a much better gate so may be ridden forward and she should prove too strong. (9) BEST PLAN is yet to finish in the top-two in nineteen attempts but does have seven finishes between 3rd and 5th to her name. She enters with recent form reading positively and a career-best finish isn’t out of the question here. (1) RAON JUMP was a close 4th at this distance on April 2nd, equalling her best finish so far. She tends to get a bit far back in her races before running on too late, but she has a strong finish and if she can be withing striking distance at the top of the straight, she can go close. (4) CHALLANHAN BULKKOT and (5) FIRST CHOUX others to consider for the places.
Selections
(3) Sorara Meme (9) Best Plan (1) Raon Jump (4) Challanhan Bulkkot
Next Best
5, 6
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 6
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and quite a few look ready to win. After stumbling and throwing his jockey in the home straight two starts back having worked hard to get forward from the widest gate and then tiring, (7) DAEJANGBYEOL returned to run a close 3rd over this distance on March 18th when settling back and running on well. Similar tactics could prevail here and Johan climbing on is a plus. (9) FIRST USER improved to 2nd at start number two on March 25th when settling handy and running on. Despite the draw, she should be on or close to the pace again and can be a danger. (4) HALLSTATT has two placings from four starts including a runner-up finish on his latest over this distance when he led for much of the way. He’s had eleven weeks off since and should be competing for the early lead again. (6) CLUB D has come from midfield to run 2nd and 3rd in his latest two and should be running on again. (5) JEONGSANG HIT ran a creditable 4th on debut and can build on that here.
Selections
(7) Daejangbyeok (9) First User (4) Hallstatt (6) Club D
Next Best
5, 10
Fast Start
1, 4, 9, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (2) DUSON CLASSIC remains a maiden after nine attempts but has six top-three finishes and enters off a close 2nd place at class and distance on March 25th when settling just behind the speed and running on well. Coming into filly and mare only company, she comes up 2.5kg in the weights, but a similar run here will see her hard to hold out. (3) WIDAEHAN HANMA got her maiden win over this distance in January and has since run 2nd in two tries at this class over 1400M and most recently at this distance on March 19th when she only went down by a neck. Her time in that race was as quick as any of these have recorded over the distance and she looks a serious chance here. (7) RAON CITY GIRL was a somewhat unexpected maiden winner over 1200M on March 19th. She comes up in class but remains nicely weighted and can measure up. (8) GALSAEK HYANGGI and (5) OKDONG GONGJU others who can enter the calculations.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(2) COMPLETE LEVEL won on debut last August over 1000M before following up with a runner-up finish at class and distance in September. He then had a series of small injuries and illness that kept off the track, but he returned to full training again in mid-March and looked very well when 2nd in a trial earlier this month when settling back and running on in a quick time on a wet track. He’ll need this but if he shows any of his original form, he can win first-up. (8) SUNGAN TOUCH enters with his recent form reading very consistently, most recently a close 2nd place at class and distance on March 18th when ridden on pace. He can settle just behind the lead here and can run into some money again. (3) ULTRA SOCKS was 3rd in that March 18th race, just a neck behind Sungan Touch. From a good gate expect him to be challenging for the lead again and to be in this a long way. (9) BEST FALCON and (5) BICHUICA are among others in at least the placing frame.
The Triple Tiara – or filly Triple Crown – begins at Busan on Sunday with the running of the Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas). See here for a full preview of the race. The Luna is the last race of 6 on a Busan card that runs from 11:00 to 15:45. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Doctor Oscar is a contender in the Luna Stakes (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (1) HONOR ROSE will be favourite having run 3rd on debut in a good time over 1200M on March 18th when handy throughout. She draws well here, she has the same weight, and with some natural improvement from that run, she can win. All that applies too to (2) MINT PLAY. She ran on from midfield for 3rd on her debut on March 19th over 1200M and she will be a danger. There is one debut-maker and (8) NAOL ROONEY is not without a chance. The Cross Traffic filly improved across three trials and those multiple efforts should stand er in good stead. At her latest trial she overcame gate eleven to sit midfield then handy and ran on well and in limited company, she can put in a bold first-up effort. (5) JANGHEUNG CLASS and (7) SEONGSIL INDONG other placing chances.
Selections
(1) Honor Rose (2) Mint Play (8) Naol Rooney (5) Jangheung Class
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and (4) LAND BANK is the one to beat. He has a 4th and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over 1200M and both times having led from the gate almost until the line. He draws well, he should lead again, and it can be third-time lucky. There is one first-time starter. (10) CAPTAIN CHARLIE posted a fast time in his trial, albeit aided by the presence of a class 1 horse (Domination) to pull them along. This is hardly the most intimidating of races to debut in and he can be considered first-up. (3) HAERANG THE ONE comes back slightly in trip following a 4th and two 5th placed finishes over 1300M both from behind and on pace. She should be competitive here too. (8) FABULOUS BEATER ran out of steam late on debut but should stirp fitter for the experience and can improve here. (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND another in the placing frame.
Selections
(4) Land Bank (10) Captain Charlie (3) Haerang The One (8) Fabulous Beater
Next Best
2, 6
Fast Start
4, 6, 8, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (1) WONPYEONG KINGDOM ran 3rd on debut at relatively big odds having got away to good start and then led until the closing stages over 1300M. He draws well again the slight step back in trip can suit, and with some natural improvement, he can win. (10) FIJI BLADE also put in a creditable showing on debut, in her case over this distance on March 11th. It wasn’t a quick race, but she too should have come on for the run and while she draws a touch wide, she can be a danger. (5) WORLD FASHION has more experience and has improved across his three outings to date and was 4th behind Wonpyeong Kingdom in the latest of those on March 26th. He has got a bit far back in his races so far but has a strong finish and will be running on here. (2) GEOLJAK TOUR and trial winning debut-maker (7) SEOUL LION among others in the frame.
Selections
(1) Wonpyeong Kingdom (10) Fiji Blade (5) World Fashion (2) Geoljak Tour
Next Best
7, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 10
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Three-year-old maidens and (4) JEONGMUN SPECTER may take some beating. He comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from is latest two, both at 1200M. He has the fastest time at the distance by a wide margin and from a good draw, he should be on pace here and will be hard to get past. (1) SEONGSIL STAR came back to this distance and ran a much-improved 2nd on February 17th and after nine weeks off, he can be competitive again from the inside gate. (8) GIJEOGUI GEUMBIT has three top-five finishes from four starts so far and while her times have not been quick, she can challenge for the lead here and can be in this a long way. (3) GEUMA HUGE HIT did nothing on debut last November but was put away after that and looked much better when sent back to trial in March. Franco climbs on and she should show improvement. (5) DREAM RUN another potentially on the right trajectory.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:
Jocket Lee Dong-ha rode his first Listed or Graded winner aboard Eodigana in last weekend’s Donga Ilbo Trophy. The rider is back in action at Seoul on Saturday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens and a couple look ready to win. Chief among those is (8) BANFF, who ran 3rd on debut in February before improving to 2nd on March 19th in a good time over this distance. He’ll be on pace here and it can be third time lucky. Any top-three finish will see Banff up to class 5 next time and that’s true too for (7) FINAL JILJU. She also has a runner-up finish to her name over this distance and comes in off a 3rd place over 1300M on March 18th when coming from off the pace. She may be ridden a little handier here with the slight drop in trip and she should be close again. (3) PURPLE WINK is the solitary debut-maker. He won a March trial in a good time and from a nice draw can be a factor first-up. (9) FEDERAL PRESS has shown gradual improvement across three starts so far. He has generally left himself too much to do but his last start 5th was encouraging. (6) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA another in the hunt.
Selections
(8) Banff (7) Final Jilju (3) Purple Wink (9) Federal Press
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(8) DAERYUN SIDAE came close to a gate to wire win over 1300M on March 12th, only to be denied by a neck in the final strides. That was the first time she had been ridden forward and was her second consecutive placing. She comes back slightly in trip and in this small field the widest gate shouldn’t be a problem. (2) DARK ZONE returns to action for the first time since last July. He has a 5th and a 4th on his record and looked well enough in a March trial when on pace and crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. With not much early speed in the race, he should be on pace and in this a long way. (5) WONPYEONG SKY has a 3rd place to his name at this trip when overcoming the widest gate. He followed up with a 5th of ten over 1300M on March 18th and should be competitive here. (7) HOUYHNHNM and (6) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG others to keep safe.
Selections
(8) Daeryun Sidae (2) Dark Zone (5) Wonpyeong Sky (7) Houyhnhnm
Next Best
6, 3
Fast Start
1, 2, 3, 8
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (5) STAND BY ME here. He’s been knocking firmly on the door in his latest few including a last start 2nd over this distance on March 18th when handy throughout. There isn’t much speed here so he should get an easy run early on and can go one better today. (11) CHOEGO POINT has run encouragingly in his latest two, running on for 4th last time out over 1400M. He has run some fair times over this trip and Antonio climbing aboard can be in his favour. (8) FLY DAY has finished off well in each of his three starts so far with his best being 3rd over 1200M. He comes up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit. (3) LAST PITCH and (1) GOLDEN PEARL other potential place chances.
Selections
(5) Stand By Me (11) Choego Point (8) Fly Day (3) Last Pitch
Next Best
1, 7
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(6) TANGJA’s win came at 1200M at class 6 level back in December and since then he has gone on to perform solidly in three attempts at this class including a close 4th over this distance on March 25th when from a wide draw, he had to settle back. He comes into a better gate today and may take some beating. Having won a trial, (9) WONDERFUL SLEW duly won on debut over 1200M back in December. She reappears for the first time since up in class and up in distance, but she remains nicely weighted, and she can measure up first-up here. (5) HANGANG JIJON also comes up in class having won well over this distance on March 11th. That was a big uptick in form, but he comes down in the weights and a repeat of that run puts him in the finish. (1) ROSE GOLD and (3) HUIMANG OREUM are others in the minor money frame.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(4) BULUI NALGAE comes in off his maiden win at start number six over 1300M on March 18th. It had been coming too as he had been getting progressively closer in his previous outings. He comes up in class here but down in the weights and the slightly extended trip can suit. (11) MONEY JANGGUN remains a maiden but got promoted to this class following two runner-up finishes at class 6. He then overcame the widest gate to run 3rd at this class on February 25th. His style is to settle back and run on and while so far, he has run out of track each time, he is another who may be suited by the seven-furlongs today. (7) BEST JEONSA is another maiden, but he has plenty of experience at this level and has run good times over the distance. He comes into a better gate than in his latest two so may well be on the early speed here and can be in this a long way. (10) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM and (5) NAMSAN MUJEOK among others in the hunt.
The first of six Queens’ Tour races across the year will take place at Seoul on Sunday as Raon First heads the field in the Listed Donga Ilbo Trophy. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 interspersed with 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:
Raon First in the clear in last year’s Donga (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (7) BEST CLONE will be the warm favourite. Since returning from four months out in January, he has run 5th and 4th in two starts back at 1300M and 1200M, racing on pace both times and stopping the clock faster than any of the others here over this distance. He should be on the speed again today and can go all the way. There is one first-time starter and (2) KING GO TAEYANG will have his backers. He went through a couple of trials, first last August and then last month and while his times weren’t fast, he wasn’t asked to do very much. Moon Se-young will attract plenty to him and from a good draw and against limited opposition, he can put in a bold showing first-up. (6) HWANGGEUMKKOT improved to 4ht at start number two over this distance on March 5th, coming from well off the pace. She can continue to improve here. (1) THIS WEEKEND and (3) BIG BLED others with the potential to get better.
Selections
(7) Best Clone (2) King Go Taeyang (6) Hwanggeumkkot (1) This Weekend
Next Best
3, 5
Fast Start
1, 3, 4, 7
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(9) SPECIALIST has been on an encouraging trajectory, including a very narrow defeat two starts back over 1300M in February when overcoming the widest gate to race handy. He followed up with a fair 4th, again at this trip on March 17th. He comes back slightly in trip, Seo Seung-un climbs aboard, and today can be his day. There is one first-time starter and (10) HWANGU JANGSA is a two-time trial winner in February and March, leading all the way in the most recent and chalking up a quick time. If he can bring that form to the races, he’ll be in this. (7) SUCCESSFUL is optimistically named but has hinted he may be able to live up to it with a 3rd and a 5th in two appearances to date. He can be on pace here and should be going close. (5) HELLO SUNSHINE raced once last October but won a trial last month. Granted there were only four-runners in the heat, but it was a fast one and he draws well here. (6) SEONGSIL CHEONHA, much improved in his latest outing, is another to keep safe.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. (4) MENI POCKET will start the odds-on favourite locally, based on her last start 2nd at the end of January when on pace throughout. She’s had a couple of months off since then so comes in fresh and from a good draw will take some beating. (7) CHOEGANG NICE has the fastest time among these for the distance. While that is still not especially quick, it was recorded when she ran 3rd coming from off the pace two starts back and she should be running on strong again. (8) LUCKY HONEY has improved with back-to-back 4th places from her latest two, both over this distance and in fair times. She can also be a danger here. (2) AGAPANTHUS and the first-time starter (9) PURPLE SHINHWA are others who can be considered for the places in what isn’t a very strong race.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Competitive race but we’ll side with Peter Wolsley’s (2) YEONGGWANGUITOUCH. That’s on the strength of his latest start on March 17th, when th e Tourist colt settled midfield before improving to handy and then running on for 2nd place over 1400M. He carries the same weight, draws well, and can go one better this time. (7) B.K. NUMA has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both over this distance. She went through a trial last week in which she ran a good 2nd in a good time and so long as she didn’t leaver her race there, she can go close today. (4) DAEHO NARA beat B.K. Numa as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd over this distance in an all-filly race on March 12th. She draws better today and can be a danger. (5) POWER SOUND and (11) WONDERFUL APPEAL among others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(2) Yeonggwanguitouch (7) B.K. Numa (4) Daeho Nara (5) Power Sound
Next Best
11, 1
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 11
Seoul Race 3: Class 3 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
(4) SARYEONI TYCHE is the one to beat here. She is yet to finish any worse than 4th in three prior appearances and enters off a 2nd place last time out in an all-filly race over 1300M on February 26th. From a good draw, she may well be ridden on the pace here and could well have too much. (6) CHROMITE’s two 3rd places both came over 1000M, but he hasn’t run badly in his two tries at this distance. Moon Se-young climbs aboard this time and he can go close. (5) CUPID CHAMP will need her latest appearance forgiven when she was slowly away from a wide draw, but prior to that was going well with a 2nd and a 3rd among her first three runs. She can be on the speed here from a better gate and can be in this a long way. (2) CHRYSOL SMILE and (10) STAR K others who can be considered for at least the places.
This year’s “Queens’ Tour” for fillies and mares is split into two separate three-race series and Raon First headlines the opener leg of the “Spring and Summer” tour in the Donga Ilbo Trophy (Listed – 1800M) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon.
Raon First won the President’s Cup last November (Pic: KRA)
One of the most versatile horses in training in Korea, Raon First ran 3rd in the International Korea Sprint over 1200M last September before beating a field including Korea Cup winner Winner’s Man to win the Group 1 President’s Cup over 2000M in November.
Raon First is the defending champion in the Donga Ilbo, having scored by a comfortable four-lengths twelve months ago and she will be favourite, but there is no guarantee she will have things all her own way. The big danger is Flat Babe, who proved a revelation towards the end of her four-year-old season, rising from class 3 to class 1 and crowning the achievement by defeating an elite level field containing Winner’s Man in February over today’s distance.
Flat Babe (Pic: KRA)
It will be unchartered territory for most with 58kg on their backs for the first time. All that is except for the solitary three-year-old in the race. The up and coming Sure Win has won two of her latest three and the Bernardini filly gets a whopping 6kg allowance on the rest of the field.
Twelve go in total in the Donga Ilbo which is race 8 on the 11-race Sunday card at Seoul:
1. SURE WIN – The only three-year-old in the race, she has won two of her latest three including last time out when on pace over this distance. That was at class 4 level so this is a stiff test, but she draws well and has a 6kg weight advantage over all the others.
2. QUEENS TOUR – A strong 4th in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup last September but well back over 2000M at class 2 level behind Eodigana and Cheonji Yeogeol on her only 2023 outing so far. Tactically versatile and jockey booking a plus, but while she may be named after the series, others are favoured.
3. FLAT BABE – A revelation recently with 2nd place in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup followed by a class 1 win over Winner’s Man at this distance on February 26th. She was getting 8kg from the Korea Cup winner, but she stopped the clock in a time faster than any of these have achieved for the distance. Can settle back and run on and is the main danger here.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. The cherry blossom festival may have come to a premature end, but there will still be plenty going on at the racecourse, including some very good foodtrucks on what is set to be a fine and dry weekend. Here are the previews:
New guest at the races this weekend (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (6) DONGHAENG FIRST is the one to beat having made steady progress from 4th to 2nd across three starts to date, most recently when coming from off the pace at this distance on February 18th. She was well beaten by a good winner but she won’t need to improve much on that to win today. (5) AMAN BAROWS is the logical danger. Her best is a 3rd over 1000M last November but she ran pleasingly enough for 4th on her latest outing at this distance on February 12th when drawn wide and slowly away. In a better gate here, she surely gets closer. (2) M J DAERO was an improved 3rd at start number two on February 25th. She draws well for the first time and should be in the mix. The two first-timers trialled up together on March 10th and both (4) DAONDI and (7) HAYAN TAEYANG put in pleasing performances and can go well first up.
Selections
(6) Donghaeng First (5) Aman Barows (2) M J Daero (4) Daondi
Next Best
7, 8
Fast Start
1, 2, 6, 9
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
More three-year-old maidens and (9) K N GOLDEN KING will be a short-priced favourite. Having run 3rd on debut, he was then 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 11th when settling handy and finishing off well. Third-up he should be peaking and a similar run should be good enough to win this. (2) DAMJAENGI ARGO has shown improvement across three starts so far with a 4th place over this distance on March 19th her best. She gets in here very nicely with an apprentice claim and a good draw and she should be looking to go closer again. (4) ZEROBAEKFOUR managed a 2nd place two starts back when sent off as the longest shot on the board over this distance. She settled midfield before running on and almost got to the winner. She was slowly away on her latest appearance on February 18th but ran on fairly enough and she looks a place chance here. The form falls off after those three although (6) HAENGUN BARAM has been back to trial since her last run and looked a little better. By virtue of having the inside gate instead of the outside one he had on debut, (1) K VICTORY may also improve.
Selections
(9) K N Golden King (2) Damjaengi Argo (4) Zerobaekfour (6) Haengun Baram
Next Best
1, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 4, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only in this maiden and there are a number of possibles. (6) MIGHTY ANN returns to action for the first time since last October. Her best to date is a 3rd place at this distance but she looked very well when winning a trial on March 17th, leading all the way around. That suggests that Jo In-kwon will be aiming to get the lead here and she should be in this a long way. (7) MUJANG shapes as the main danger. She comes in after back-to-back 4th place finishes at 1200M and 1300M and while her times have only been fair, she looks to have scope for more development and can get closer again here. (1) ARCH RUNNER led last time out over 1400M only to weaken late on. She should appreciate the drop back in trip and can be given another chance here. (11) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (10) BLUE KAISER others with at least minor money claims.
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
Another maiden. (7) UDDUG probably warrants favourite status based on his last start 4th over 1700M. That was just his second start back following almost a year out and third-up this preparation he can be peaking fitness-wise and should also appreciate the drop back in trip. (9) SAEROUN BITKKAL comes in off a 4th place over 1400M on March 18th when settling back and running on. It wasn’t a quick race but I similar company here, he can settle back and pass plenty again. (6) MORNING FIVE has a 2nd place on his record, which she achieved last August. We need to draw a line through her latest but she’s had four months off since and comes in fresh here. (3) BEST PLAN and (10) TOGETHER WAY among others in the placing frame.
Selections
(7) Uddug (9) Saeroun Bitkkal (6) Morning Five (3) Best Plan
Next Best
10, 2
Fast Start
3, 5, 6, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(9) BURUI KKOT remains a maiden following eleven attempts but she’s finished in the top five on no fewer than ten occasions, including twice as runner-up at this class and distance. She likes to be on pace or handy so may need a touch of luck at the start but there isn’t much speed on her inside here and so long as she can find a decent position, today can be her day. (1) COMPLETE LEADER is also a maiden but comes up in class here. He has only raced twice, finishing 2nd both times, both over 1200M. He comes down in the weights and comes into a good gate and he should measure up at this level. (2) SEONGSILGONGJUPINK ran only fairly when 7th of twelve last time out but going on her 2nd place two starts back at this class over 1200M, she has to be given a chance here. (5) GEUMSEONG SPEED was a big-priced 2nd at class and distance last time and can be had on a place line here. (4) WONPYEONG KILLAR is better than his latest two finishes suggest and back in trip can be given another chance.
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Small field but a tricky puzzle to solve. (2) RAON THE POINT was a useful all the way winner on debut over this distance on February 25th. He comes up in class but slightly down in weights and draws similarly well and we can take a chance on him maintaining his unbeaten record here. (5) SAENAE KHAN has finished no worse than 4th in five outings to date with his win coming over this distance two starts back at class 6 level. He ran 4th on his first try at this level on March 4th over 1300M when he overcame a poor start to run on. If he can get away better and be on pace here then he has strong claims. Like Raon The Point, (6) BULPAE BLADE is one for one and he did it in very similar fashion, leading every step of the wat over this distance on March 11th. He too comes down slightly in weight and he will surely be competitive in this company. (4) CHEONGGYE GISANG and (8) YONGCHEON JISANG, the former up in class after getting his maiden win last time and the latter up in weight after a narrow win at class and distance on March 12th, others to keep safe.
Selections
(2) Raon The Point (5) Saenae Khan (6) Bulpae Blade (4) Cheonggye Gisang
Next Best
8, 9
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
Another small but competitive field (7) DUSON FANTASTIC is probably the one to beat. He has plenty of experience at this level and ran well for a close 3rd at this class over 1200M on March 18th when settling midfield and running on. He has a strong finish on him and can settle just behind the early speed and prove too strong late on. (2) COWBOY TANGO comes up in class after a good win over this distance on March 11th when he came from well off the pace. He comes slightly down in weight and draws well, and while it is questionable how much scope for improvement he has, he should be able to hold his own in this company. (8) TIZ SUCCESS took a shy at the class 3 stumps last time out, albeit it in restricted filly and mare company, and gave a good account of herself. She stretches out to this distance for the first time and should go close from on the speed. (3) COLJOY is another who should be on the pace and can be in this a long way. (5) JEJUUI YOJEONG another to keep safe.
Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million
(7) KINGS EYE will be hot favourite. He is yet to score in three attempts at class 4 and has been beaten favourite in two of those runs. However, he comes back slightly in trip here which should be in his favour and while he is up in weight, he can be on pace and lead all the way. (5) RALLY QUEEN comes up in class after a good win over 1200M in February when settling midfield and running on. She’s nicely weighted and drawn here and can go close again. (1) K N SKETCH has mixed his form at this class but we’ll forgive him his latest when he had to contend with the widest gate. Two starts back he ran a very close 2nd over 1400M and on that form he is right in this. (4) B.J. STORM and (3) ROYAL TAERI others to keep safe.
Selections
(7) Kings Eye (5) Rally Queen (1) K N Sketch (4) B.J. Storm
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
4, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Back to the tricky ones here. (4) RAON CHAMPSELY ground out a class and distance win on March 5th in a race that was restricted to fillies and mares. She comes up in the weights here and takes on the boys, but that win was her first race for four months and she may well strip fitter here. A repeat isn’t impossible. (5) WONDERFUL KITTY may well be the betting favourite. She ran a super 3rd in the Jeju Governor’s Cup in the Queens’ Tour series last October and has consistently run fast times. She comes back to this trip for the first time since winning over it last July and under a light weight, she has very solid claims. (1) GRAY THOR was on pace but weakened over 1400M on his first try at this class on March 12th. He should be more comfortable back in trip and gets a good draw here. (10) SOBERANIA and (6) WHITE QUEEN came home 2nd and 4th behind Raon Champsely on March 5th, and both can be considered for places today.
Seoul Race 10: Class 2 (1700M) Special Weight B / KRW 90 Million
This is a very good race to conclude with. Johan Victoire and Luigi Riccardi combined for a pair of winners last week, and they could get another one here with (5) NAMSAN SIDAE. He overcame the widest gate to run on strongly for 2nd over a mile on March 19th and while he comes up a full 3.5kg in the weights, he is fourth up this preparation and today could be his day. (6) MIGHTY POP beat three of these when running on to snatch a narrow win at this class over 1800M on March 12th. He comes up 2kg as a result but a repeat is possible. Staying at the same weight is that day’s 3rd placegetter (1) HWANGGEUM LUCKY. He draws nicely, Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he could well start as favourite. (9) SEUNGBUSA and (3) JANGSAN MONSTER are among others firmly in this.
Sunday sees the first Group race of the season in the shape of the G3 Busan Ilbo Sprint on the south coast. Eoma Eoma and Raon The Fighter will square off in a true heavyweight match-up. See here for full preview and horse by horse form comments. The Busan Ilbo is the final race of 6 at Busan on the card which runs from 11:00 to 15:40. There is also an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. With the weather forecast set for rain from Tuesday, it may be the last chance this year to visit one of the Seoul area’s cherry blossom festivals, which is open at the racecourse from 10am to 9pm.
Eoma Eoma defends his Busan Ilbo Sprint title on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
A small field of three-year-old maidens contest the opener. (1) SMARTY FIGHTER is the pick with a best of 2nd from three starts so far with the other two both ending in 5th. His 2nd was at this distance in February when racing from handy throughout and from a good draw, he can win here. The main danger is (3) SSEULMO. He was a much-improved 3rd at this distance on March 5th when leading for much of the way around. He will be on pace again and he could well hold them all at bay. There are two first-timers and it may be worth considering them (7) HEART K and (5) MUNHAK EAGLE both posted fair times in their respective trials and if they bring that form to the races, they won’t be too far away here. (6) NEMO SPIRIT perhaps the most likely of the other experienced ones to improve.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens. After winning a trial, (2) SINHAE MANGCHI has been 3rd in both his starts so far, both over 1200M and both times racing handily. He comes into his best gate to date, comes up slightly in trip, and with some natural improvement third-up, today can be his day. (5) SEUNGNIUIYEONGUNG won a trial before finishing 3rd on debut back in December when settling back and running on over this distance. It’s been fifteen weeks since we’ve seen him but he’s been in regular work since the start of February and can put in a bold showing today. (1) JORDAN FIGHTING has a 4th and a 5th in two appearances so far. He had a hard time from the widest gate on his latest outing and can go better from the inside today. (4) POWER PLANE and (3) DOCTOR PANGPANG others in the hunt in a race of many chances.
Selections
(2) Sinhae Mangchi (5) Seungniuiyeongung (1) Jordan Fighting (4) Power Plane
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
A maiden featuring seven fillies and one gelding. (7) BARAMSAL is the one they need to beat. While yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts, she has seven top-five finishes including two 3rd places among her latest three, most recently overcoming gate twelve to run close. She looks very nicely in here to settle a little closer than usual and today looks like her best chance. (1) EUNHYE GAMUN parted company with her jockey coming out of the gates on what was set to be her fist start in over a year on March 5th. She completed the course rather smartly without her partner and had previously trialled up well so is probably worth taking a chance on here. The only other one apart from Baramsal with a placing on her record is (6) TOUGH YEOJE. She tends to get a long way back but is another who benefit from this small field. She has the fastest time among these for the distance and should be aiming to get on the board. (5) MENI CHARM and (3) RAON JUMP other potential improvers in a weak race.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million
(5) QUEENS LANDING will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. She comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both over this distance and most recently on March 12th when she beat a couple of today’s rivals having settled midfield and finished well. In this company and from this gate she can be on or close to the speed and she should prove too good. (10) ACE A MOCA ran 6th on debut over this distance on February 17th when overcoming a wide gate to get to the lead before weakening late. She gets that widest barrier here, but with some natural improvement from that debut, she should be close. The form falls off after that. (4) WONDERFUL SMARTY beat Ace A Moca when 4th in that February 17th race. She was subsequently well beaten by Queens Landing on Mach 12th but can go better today. (9) SEOGYEONG DAERO and (2) UNJU GLOBAL others perhaps in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (5) BEAT UP here. His win came at this distance last November on his return from nine months off and he followed it up with two 3rd place finishes from his first two attempts at this level, again both at the 1200M. He could only manage 6th when favourite at 1300M on February 25th but back down in trip and in this company, he will take some beating. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE comes up in class following an all the way score over this distance on February 26th. He comes down in the weights, draws well, and should measure up in this company. (6) SUPREME STAR remains a maiden but has never finished outside of the to-five in eight attempts including his first try at this class on March 5th. She carries a light weight and can maintain her consistent record here. (10) WONDERFUL TIZZY comes up in class and along with the returning (3) BARAMUI GEOM – also up in class – is in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Beat Up (2) Lucky Bounce (6) Supreme Star (10) Wonderful Tizzy
Next Best
3, 4
Fast Start
2, 5, 7, 9
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(10) HANEUL JEWANG ran out a class and distance winner on March 5th when settling midfield from the widest gate and running on strongly. He comes up 3kg as a result, but Franco stays aboard, and we know the wide draw won’t be a problem. He can win again. (3) SPECIAL HERO was 4th in a decent time at class and distance on March 10th. She draws much better today and can match or better here under a light weight again. (7) SAVAHA comes up 2kg in the weights from his runner-up finish at class and distance on February 24th when he led for much of the way around. Expect him to be on the speed again and to be in this a long way. (6) PLAY THE INDY is up in class despite being a maiden but that makes him well weighted and he has run times that can be competitive in this company. (2) OK STAR another to keep safe.
Selections
(10) Haneul Jewang (3) Special Hero (7) Savaha (6) Play The Indy
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(5) KING DIA went through several trials before finally arriving at the races, but it was worth the wait as he ran out a six-length winner, having led all the way around over 1200M. He comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be an issue, and he can win again. It’s fair to say that (3) CUPID BISANG doesn’t win out of turn but he is ultra-consistent and has been in the top-four in each of his last five starts. He likes to be on pace or handy and he should be playing a role in the finish again. (7) HIGH GRAND is up in class having prevailed by three-lengths over this distance at start number six on February 25th. That win had been coming and he’ll be competitive among this lot. (8) RIVER TAEYANG and (1) GEUMSEONG SIDAE among others who can enter the calculations.
Horse Racing in Korea 