Seoul

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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Korean Derby Day Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 11)

It’s Derby Day 2023 and sixteen will line up for the year’s biggest Classic at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. See here for full preview. The big race is race 8 on a 10 race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. There are also 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are all the previews:

It’s rare for a filly to even run in the Derby these days but Raon Giant takes her chance on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and it’s competitive. (8) VILLARRICA was a much-improved 2nd at start number four over this distance on April 29th when ridden handy and running on in a quick time on a wet track. He can sit behind the speed again here and can go one better. (11) NINE EAGLE has a 2nd and a 3rd from two starts so far, both over today’s trip. He has been on pace both times so the wide gate can be a challenge, but he should be close again. (1) KING GO TAEYANG improved to 4th at start number two on May 13th when settling midfield and running on. Third-up he can be peaking fitness wise and from a good draw shouldn’t be far away. (4) TESTA BLUE and (6) PURPLE SHINHWA are others with placing chances.

Selections(8) Villarrica (11) Nine Eagle (1) King Go Taeyang (4) Testa Blue
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 11

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

It’s fair to say that (1) SPEAR GOLD has mixed her form across her eight starts so far but her latest effort on April 29th was encouraging. She led for much of the way around on a wet track over this distance and ultimately ran a close 3rd. She draws nicely to get an easy run to the lead again and she can be in this a long way. (6) AKKAENGI has finished no worse than 6th in four appearances so far. His times haven’t been quick, but he has a 3rd place to his name and in this company may well be ridden further forward than he has been previously. Antonio, who rode him to that 3rd, climbs back aboard. Those two in either order are the clear top two picks (8) FIRST CHOUX and (7) TI AMO have hinted at ability while (11) NEMO SPIRIT is another who may improve.

Selections(1) Spear Gold (6) Akkaengi (8) First Choux (7) Ti Amo
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 10

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

A regular maiden to kick things off on the south coast and three of the eleven are racing for the first time. One of those newcomers will be a warm favourite. That’s (3) CHAMSARANGGIL, who went through two trials in similarly quick times, crossing the line 1st in the latter having been on pace throughout. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she has every chance of a first-up success. It isn’t a strong race. Of the experienced ones, (7) SEVEN QUEEN has been getting closer over her latest few starts culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on April 21st when coming from off the pace. She has by far the smartest finish among these and should be running on strong again. (8) TAURUS KING could be one at odds. He did nothing in his first two appearances and got sent back to trial after the second of them. He had three months off during which time he was gelded, and he looked much better trialling up behind Chamsaranggil. (4) HAVE A GOOD YEAR and (6) RUNNING FASHION are others in the placing frame.

Selections(3) Chamsaranggil (7) Seven Queen (8) Taurus King (4) Have A Good Year
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 3 4, 11

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

(5) SOARA TO TO is the one to beat here. She has shown progress across her three starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place over this distance on May 13th when she was on pace throughout and didn’t go down by much. She carries the same weight here, draws well to be on or close to the speed, and she won’t need to improve by much in order to win. (9) HEY MAMA also seems to be on the right trajectory since returning from eight months out in April. She has a 5th and a 4th in two subsequent starts and third-up this preparation she may be peaking fitness wise. (2) TAEPYEONGMU only very narrowly beaten into 2nd on May 6th over this distance. From a good gate, she will be on pace and can be in this a long way. (8) BLUE ARCH and (7) MADE STAR other potential improvers.

Selections(5) Soara To To (9) Hey Mama (2) Taepyeongmu (8) Blue Arch
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 9

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

(10) PURPLE STAR shapes as the warm favourite here. She comes in off a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both over today’s trip and both times from on pace. She has the challenge of a wider gate this time, but she looks ready to win. The logical second pick is (5) SUCCESS YEONGGWANG. His most recent, on May 14th, was his best, when he led for almost the entire way only to be caught late on. The same apprentice jockey once more takes 3kg off his back and he has every chance of going close again. (8) WONDERFUL IMPACT was slowly away last time out when well beaten over 1400M. That was out of character and with a better jump today she has placing claims. (11) EVERY KING IJI and (1) ANY SINGS others in the frame.

Selections(10) Purple Star (5) Success Yeonggwang (8) Wonderful Impact (11) Every King Iji
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

(1) CUPID CHIC is the standout here. Her most recent on May 13th was her best so far when she overcame gate ten to get on to the speed and ended up a narrowly beaten 2nd. She comes up to this trip for the first time but there’s no reason why it can’t suit, and from a much better gate, she can get to the front again and this time go one better. (4) CHALLANHAN POKPUNG stepped up to this trip last time out on May 14th and recorded his second consecutive 3rd place finish racing handily throughout and stopping the clock in a faster time than any of the others have managed for the distance. Moon Se-young gets on today and he should be aiming to match or better. (9) LAST PITCH was 4th behind Challanhan Pokpung in that May 14th race. A similar run will put him in the finish here. (3) AREUMDAUN SAI and (6) MENI SHARK are the other placing possibles.

Selections(1) Cupid Chic (4) Challanhan Pokpung (9) Last Pitch (3) Areumdaun Sai
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 9, 10, 11

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

Competitive race with two standouts. (7) BLUE CAPTAIN has just the one win from nineteen starts but is seemingly working towards another and was a close 2nd over 1300M last time out on May 19th when handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in the weights and can sit just behind the speed and finish well. The main danger is (8) BLUE SKY. She too has just the one win, but she has finished in the top five on seven of nine occasions, including last time out when 3rd in a good time at this class and distance. In this company she can be expected to be on the speed, and she can win. The form drops off significantly after those two. (1) ACE HORANGI may be better for the drop back in trip, with (5) TAEWANG SINGI and (3) E CASH other possible improvers.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 10)

Saturday is Korean Derby Eve and there are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Who will succeed Winner Star as the Korean Derby winner on Sunday? (Pic: KRA)

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

A race for new imports open to two-year-olds from the northern hemisphere and three-year-olds from the south.  Seven of the eight race for the first time. The probable favourite is (4) SPURT BIT. The Tiznow colt was an $80,000 purchase from last September’s Keeneland Yearling sale and enters as the only trial winner. He looked assured enough when settling behind the speed and running on in his heat, crossing the line in a fair time and if he brings that form to the races, he can win. (5) ECLIPSE TOWN settled back in his trial but worked through the line well in a decent time. He looks to be the main danger to the favourite here. (8) ACE GUNJU similarly settled midfield and ran on well in his heat and can put in a bold first-up showing. (6) UWARYUNG and the only one with prior racing experience, (2) VICTORY HIT, are others to consider.

Selections(4) Spurt Bit (5) Eclipse Town (8) Ace Gunju (6) Uwaryung
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

A maiden for juvenile fillies with seven of the nine racing for the first time. And it is one of those two with a race in the books already who will be hot favourite. That’s (4) GEOLJAK ONE who after winning an April trial, ran well for 4th on debut over this journey on May 28th racing handy throughout in a very quick race on a very wet track. She should have come on for that run and with some natural improvement, she may take some beating here. Of the newcomers, (6) APPLE QUEEN was a trial winner, leading every step of the way. She should be on pace here and has every chance of being in front for a long time again. (7) FLYING STAR came from off the pace in her trial and worked home nicely. Look for her challenging at the business end here. (1) TAEPYEONG FIGHTER and the other experienced one, (5) CHEONHAENGCHAT are others who could go close.  

Selections(4) Geoljak One (6) Apple Queen (7) Flying Star (1) Taepyeong Fighter
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

Three-year-old maidens here with two of the eleven racing for the first time. A few look ready to win and we’ll side with (4) GHANA DREAM. After an inauspicious debut when she started slowly and got a long way back, she has recorded a 2nd and a 3rd, both over this distance and in fair times, settling midfield and running on. She has a strong finish on her and Moon Se-young climbing on could suggest that today is the day. The main danger is (6) MINT PLAY. She has two 3rd place finishes among her three starts so far including last time out on May 14th when she was ridden closer to the pace than previously. Expect her to be on pace again and she can go close. Among the two first-timers, (3) ALLBEST is the best. She was on pace in her trial, crossing the line 3rd in a decent time and from a good draw she can put in a bold first-up showing. Returning to experience, (1) WONDERFUL FOX and (7) SWITCH SONG are others who can improve.

Selections(4) Ghana Dream (6) Mint Play (3) Allbest (1) Wonderful Fox
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

(3) CATS EYE will be a warm favourite here. He enters having led at class and distance on May 13th, ultimately finishing in 3rd place in a decent time. He draws nicely to be on pace again and in this company, he should be going all the way this time. (5) GWANGCHIGI comes up in class having won over 1300M on May 13th when handy throughout. He is nicely weight, draws well and can be a danger here. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE was a narrow winner at this distance at class 6 level two starts back before going quick early and then weakening on his first try at this level on April 2nd. He has had a couple of months off since so comes in fresh and Moon Se-young, who rode him to his win, returns to the ride. (1) AGAPANTHUS was 5th behind Cats Eye on May 13th. He won when he drew this gate and got on speed at class 6 level, and he can be given another chance here. (11) MEOTJIN GANGHO has the challenge of the widest gate but shouldn’t be overlooked.

Selections(3) Cats Eye (5) Gwangchigi (2) Lucky Bounce (1) Agapanthus
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

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

(8) MONEY JANGGUN has five to-three finishes from six outings to date without managing to get into the winner’s circle. That could change today though at a distance at which he has the quickest time of any of these and among a field where he has the fastest finish. He likes to settle back and run on and there is a danger he can leave himself too much to do, but if he can be positioned withing striking distance entering the home straight, he can make the breakthrough here. If he does find one too quick yet again, it might be (1) DAEHEUNG CLASS. Another non-winner, he comes up in class here after three good runs over this distance that yielded two 2nds and a 3rd. He comes down in weight, draws well, and can measure up at this level. (5) ACHIM DONGJA does have a win on the board and has run fairly in two subsequent outings at this class. He comes up to this distance for the first time and it can suit. Up in class (2) PEARL POINT along with (9) SEONGUN CROWN are others in at least the placing frame.

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Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 4)

The Korean Oaks, the second leg of the Triple Tiara for three-year-old fillies, headlines Sunday’s action at Busan. See here for a full preview of the big race. There are 7 races at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05 as well as 10 at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00:

Golden Power won the 2022 Korean Oaks (Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens in the opener and (4) SOARA MEME will be a warm favourite. After an indifferent debut, she has a 2nd and a 3rd in two subsequent appearances both at this distance and showing versatility first by coming from off the pace and then by racing on the speed. She has the fastest time of any for the distance and will take some beating.  (6) NEW POINT was an improved 2nd on her second start on May 7th when stalking the lead throughout. She was well beaten by a good winner but with some more natural improvement here, she can be close again. (11) FIRST USER enters off a 2nd and a 4th from her latest two and led in much of the latter in a quick race at this distance. The draw isn’t ideal but with a touch of luck at the start, she can be in this. (8) NAOL SKY and (1) DAEJANGBYEOL are the other logical place chances.

Selections(4) Soara Meme (6) New Point (11) First User (8) Naol Sky
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11

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

(7) SONGAM DRAGON was 2nd in a desperately tight finish in a quick race over 1200M on April 29th, finishing very well and almost getting there. With the benefit of an apprentice claim again, she continues under a very light weight again and in this weak company she can go one better. The rest all need to show an uptick in form. (6) ONE SPEAR hinted at it last time when marginally improving. He has tended to get too far back in his races but did run on last time and posted a fair time over this distance. A similar run should see him in the places here. (1) TOUGH YEOJE isn’t quick, but she has placed in this kind of company before and from the inside gate, can do again here. (11) GOLDEN PEARL and (3) GOLDEN SNIPER among others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Songam Dragon (6) One Spear (1) Tough Yeoje (11) Golden Pearl
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 11

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

(4) MOVIE MORE took a couple of goes to figure things out but has run well for 2nd and 3rd from her latest two, both times racing on the speed over 1200M. She draws well to get to the front again and looks very much the one to beat. (6) GLOBAL SARANG has a 2nd and a 3rd on his resume too. He comes out of quite an ordinary race when 5th of eleven on April 21st when he was slowly away and settle back. He can finish well though and given more of a chance here, he can get closer. (5) NEOGA CHOEGO enters off back-to-back 4th place finishes, both at this distance. In this company, he can get a more prominent early position than usual and can be a danger. (1) HAPPY BRIANNA and (2) JEONGMUN LEGEND are others who can be considered to have enough improvement in them to place.

Selections(4) Movie More (6) Global Sarang (5) Neoga Choego (1) Happy Brianna
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 11

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

(4) AMAN BAROWS was a comfortable winner over 1200M on April 8th when settling midfield and running on. She comes up in class and slightly in distance today, but she comes down in the weights, and while she will need to go a bit quicker here, she still has potential for more improvement. (1) TIZ INDY was a winner at this distance at class 6 level in January, and while she took a couple of goes to find her feet at this level, she came back into form with a very solid 3rd place at class and distance on April 16th. She gets an inside gate for the first time since her win and that can put her closer to the pace and into the picture here. (8) KKANGDORI remains a maiden after twenty-seven attempts but today looks as good a chance as any to change that. She has two 2nd places from her latest three appearances and while she us up in the weights, that’s balanced with Johan climbing aboard. (9) DONGTEUJA WAY and (7) BICHUI DAERYUK other potentials.

Selections(4) Aman Barows (1) Tiz Indy (8) Kkangdori (9) Dongteuja Way
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

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

(5) UNJU OREUM has four top-five finishes from five starts so far and now looks ready to win. She comes in off a 3rd lace at 1200M when she led from the gate, and she also has the fastest time among these for the distance to the tune of nearly a whole second. She should be on or close to the pace here and can have too much. (9) DAEHO NARA too has been knocking on the door for a while. She likes to sit back and run from off the pace and while she has tended to leave herself a bit much to do, if she can be in striking distance in the home straight, she should go close. (1) DREAM RUN has started to hint at ability recently and was a close 4th last time out over this distance. She comes into a better gate today and a similar run will see her close. (3) ROCKS and (7) QUEEN ROMANCE are others to consider.

Selections(5) Unju Oreum (9) Daeho Nara (1) Dream Run (3) Rocks
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (8) HERO SARANG is the only one that enters here with a last start result of anything better than 8th, and that is enough for her to warrant favourite status. At her latest on May 7th, she was 4th at this distance when racing on pace. She has the best start of all of these so should get to the lead again and under a light weight, she can win. (2) FINAL JILJU was a winner over this distance at class 6 level in April but raced ungenerously on her first start at this level on May 14th to the extent she got sent back to trial. She came through that trail in good order and with a more mature run, she looks like the main danger. (4) GALSAEK HYANGGI has a habit of being slow away although she knows how to run on and did that to spectacular effect two starts back when a winner at this class over 1300M. Normal service was resumed at her latest but while she only beat a couple home, the margins weren’t big, and in this company, she should run past plenty late on. (6) MUSTANG CHARM and (1) GLOBAL PRIME other potentials for the minors.

Selections(8) Hero Sarang (2) Final Jilju (4) Galsaek Hyanggi (6) Mustang Charm
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 8

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

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 3)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Moon Se-young, Jang Chu-youl and Kim Yong-geun are suspended while Antonio Da Silva, Lim Gi-won, Choi Bum-hyun, Yoo Seung-wan, Park Eul-woon, Park Tae-jong, Lee Hyeok, Jo In-kwon and Lee Dong-ha are all in Busan to ride in Sunday’s Korean Oaks so Song Jae-chul, Johan Victoire and David Breux look to be the jockeys to follow. Here are the previews:

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

Nine juveniles all make their racecourse debuts. The only trial winner among them is (1) THE PLAYER, who sat handy in his heat before running on well.  The time was fair and from a good gate he has solid chances and is the probable warm betting favourite. (6) MAGIC WITH YOU didn’t win his trial, but he did record the fastest time among these when showing prominently throughout and crossing the line 2nd. He should be on pace here and be in this a long way. (3) SMART CLAIR finished off his trial well having settled back in the field. That was a big improvement on an April heat when he failed to qualify and if he keeps on the same trajectory, he can go close first up here. (9) SEOUL DOLPUNG and (8) BAEKDU DAEMUL look the next best coming out of trials.

Selections(1) The Player (6) Magic With You (3) Smart Clair (9) Seoul Dolpung
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

Three-year-old maidens. After running 5th on debut, (9) SILVER PURGE was an improved 2nd at start number two on April 29th having raced much further forward. She comes into a wider gate here but should have enough about her early on to get on or close to the speed and she can win here. (1) MY THUNDER has been 3rd in both starts so far, both at this distance. Last time she overcame gate ten to sit handy and with a much better draw this time, she can get closer. She will probably start as favourite. (2) MENI CHARM was ordinary on his latest effort on April 30th when 7th of ten but the time before he was a very close 2nd at this distance in a fair time when stalking the lead throughout. On that performance, he warrants a chance here. (7) SEONGSIL TAEYANG and (10) GEOSEON CHAMP are among others to consider.

Selections(9) Silver Purge (1) My Thunder (2) Meni Charm (7) Seongsil Taeyang
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Competitive maiden with just one colt alongside nine fillies and a mare. (1) RED TAEPUNG Is the one to beat based on her last start 2nd over 1400M on April 30th when she settled at the front of midfield and finishing off well for a narrow defeat. She has run fairly at this distance as well and from the inside gate, her jockey can pick his spot. The solitary colt, (3) GRAND SILVER comes in off an improved 3rd at start number four over 1200M on April 2nd. He has also run a decent time over this distance, albeit on a wet track, and from a good draw, he should be going close again. (7) SEUNGNI GONGJU has shown improvement across her three starts so far, culminating in a 3rd place over 1200M on May 7th when finishing off well. The step back up to 1300M can suit today. (10) CHALLANHAN BULKKOT and (4) QUEEN TOP among others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Red Taepung (3) Grand Silver (7) Seungni Gongju (10) Challanhan Bulkkot
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start6, 9, 10, 11

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

(8) SUNGAN TOUCH enters with recent form reading well, including a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this class and distance and both in quick times. In this company he should be able to get on or close to the speed and he can return to winning ways here. (6) TOUR QUEEN shapes as the main danger. Her win came at 1000M but at her last start, she was an on-pace runner-up over 1400M. She only comes up 1kg in the weights, she draws nicely, and she can be challenging Sungan Touch right from the start. (11) DALMAJI and (9) WONPYEONG CHUKJE both come up in class having finished 1st and 2nd with a length between them when they race each other over this distance at class 6 level on May 7th. Both will need to go a bit quicker this time, but both come down significantly in the weights and could measure up. (10) CHEONDUNGSEJA another in the frame.

Selections(8) Sungan Touch (6) Tour Queen (11) Dalmaji (9) Wonpyeong Chukje
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 10

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

(2) YEONGWON FIGHTER will be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day. He won on debut at class 6 level in February before running 2nd over this distance on his first try at this class on April 22nd when he led for much of the way around before being beaten two-lengths by Jangsan Spo, who has since won at class 4 level. He draws well here, and it would be a surprise if anything caught him this time. Clear second choice is (9) ARGO TAP. While still winless, he has seven top-five finishes from eight starts and was a close 4th from a wide draw in a good time at this distance last time out. He is probably going to find one too quick here again, but it could just be the one. (6) BEST CLONE is also winless but comes up in class following a pair of close runner-up finishes at this distance. His times have been good, and he can be on pace here and in this a long way. (7) GREEN SHIELD and the up in class last start winner (1) SEOUL SPURT are others likely to attract support.

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