We’re racing at Seoul this holiday Friday with 11 races from 12:50 to 20:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. The experience doesn’t’ catch the eye so (7) MANGEUM DAON is the pick. He settled midfield in what was a strong trial, crossing the line 4^th in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he may be hard to beat. (4) SUNGANUI FIGHTER went through two trials, improving significantly in the second (3^rd in 63.3 seconds from the widest gate on September 18^th. Of the experienced ones, (11) GOOD MORNING COME was 2^nd on debut over this distance on August 2^nd and while he only managed 6^th on his return at 1200M on September 7^th, it’s enough to have him in the frame here. (1) SMART HAESEONG ran 5^th on her debut on August 30^th and can have come on for the run. (10) DAEHAN SIDAE another who hinted at ability in his trial.

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

Ten imported maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (1) WHIZ WIN led all the way to win a trial on September 18^th. He draws nicely and with a good start he can lead again and will take some catching. (2) GEUMA SPLASHY similarly led from gate to wire to win his August trial and while the time wasn’t so quick, he looked nice and competent. (6) WHIZ FIGHTER went through two trials finishing 4^th in both but was much quicker in the second of them (62.0 seconds on September 4^th. After those two he should be nice and fit and can go close. (10) SOUTHERN BEACH and (5) CHOEGANG BELT are others who hinted at ability and can be in this.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Five first-timers among the eleven here. (7) FLASH RAY has gone through a whole heap of trials dating back a year but is finally ready to race. He was 2^nd in a trial on September 18^th when handy throughout and stopping the clock in a good time. He won’t need to improve much on that to win. (6) AMOS BULPAE didn’t qualify when trialed in April but looked much better equipped when close in a quick time in September. He too has every chance first-up. Among the experience, (10) YONGBI STORM is the best with a 5^th and a 6^th in fair times. He should have an edge fitness wise and can be in the finish. (1) SAMJEONG WINNER ran twice at the start of the year including a 4^th place. She returns for the first time since February and along with debut-maker (5) ECLIPSE BAY, rates as a minor money chance.

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (11) POWERFUL PARTNER has raced just three times and with a 3^rd and a 5^th from her latest two, she seems to be figuring things out. She steps up to 1400M for the first time, but she has a strong finish on her, and it can suit. (10) TRIPLE JENNY has finished between 3^rd and 5^th four times from her five starts. Her best came at this distance at the end of June and she shapes as the danger here. (6) BLACK SUN ran well for 3^rd at 1000M on September 6^th and while a previous try at this distance didn’t go especially well, she can be in the mix here. (1) P N S ME and sole debut-maker (2) ECLIPSE MARVEL are others in the frame.

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) MANI NODAGI got his maiden win two starts back over this distance before running a close 2^nd in a quick time on his first try at this class on September 14^th. He is versatile inthat he won from the front but last time came from the middle of the pack, and he can win here. (1) SOMETHING DARK enters off a 3^rd place at this class over 1300M on September 14^th. His win came at this distance and under a light weight, he can be a danger. (10) YONGAM SARANG got her maiden win two weeks ago when making all at this trip. She took full advantage of the inside draw that day so this isn’t so straightforward, but she is down 3kg in weight and she can be competitive. (2) EXCELLENT HANSEN and (5) SEMYEONG STRONG are others in the frame.

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday between 13:15 and 20:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. (3) EUNPA BOOSTER took two goes to qualify but looked very accomplished in the second of them, running 3^rd in a quick time and beating some experienced racehorses. If he brings that form to the races, he will be hard to beat. (1) BEST A ONE also took trials and similarly improved in the second of them, showing handy throughout and finishing 4^th of eleven in a fair time. From the inside gate she can be on pace and can go well. (9) START UP was a long way behind Vincero Cavallo in his second trial but he was up with the rest of the field and having shown progress from his first effort, can continue to get better here. (4) ANYANG DREAM and (11) CHEONGSAN DOLPUNG also hinted at ability in their heats.

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

Imported maidens with nine of the ten racing for the first time. (4) GEUDAEMANIDDAMYEON is not destined to be a racecaller’s favourite but he will be the betting favourite. That’s off a trial win in a double-quick time on September 11^th when he led all the way around. He won’t need to improve much – if at all – on that to win first up here. The only one with racing experience is (1) WASSOIDA. He faded badly at start two, but he previously ran well for 3^rd on debut. With Maia on, he is worth another chance. (3) PASA SPURT went through two trials, improving to 2^nd in a good time in the second of them and he can be running on here. (6) ROOFTOP won his trial and along with (10) HWASAN POKPAL is another who can go well.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. After running 7^th on debut, (5) MUNHAK DAESE was an improved 3^rd at start number two over this distance on August 30^th when racing handy throughout and beating a couple of today’s rivals. Third up she can be peaking and can win. (2) EUNHA KALAS was 6^th in that race, running fairly enough on what was her debut. She should have come in for the run and can improve here. The rest of the exposed form is not great so debut-maker (4) RAON THE PLUMA can come into the equation. She led for much of her trial, ultimately crossing the line 2^nd (behind Rooftop who was set to debut in race 2) and in a good time. She can lead here and can be a danger. (7) MINKY PINKY has been back to trial since a forgettable debut and can improve. (3) ILGEUP BISUL, behind Munhak Daese and Eunha Kalas on August 30^th, can also get better.

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) NAMSAN MINYEO has a 2^nd and a 3^rd from her latest two, both at 1300M and both from wide gates. She has finished off her races very well so the step up to 1700M can be in her favour, and she can win. (2) GANGCHEOL POWER remains a maiden after nineteen attempts but comes in here with recent form reading well with a 2^nd and a 4^th from her latest two, coming from off the pace both times. Expect him to be ridden patiently here and while he may once more find one too quick, he can be in the finish. (3) ALPHA FEMALE led for much of the way around at this distance on August 30^th before finishing 3^rd, beating a couple of today’s rivals. She can lead again and be in this a long way. (8) BLUE DRAGON and (5) BLACK SMILE are place chances.

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) CHOEGANG SPEED came from well off the pace to run 3^rd in a quick race at this class and distance on August 31^st. He only comes up half a kilo in weight and in this company, he is the one to beat. (2) HAKSAN PRINCE is yet to win in twelve attempts but has had several near misses including last time out over 1400M on September 6^th when he got a long way back before running on. He is up 2.5kg in weight but draws well and can be in the finish. (5) GLOBAL HAMSEONG was 4^th behind Cheogang Speed in that August 31^st race, settling midfield and running on. He was sent off as favourite that day after back-to-back 2^nd places leading up to it, and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if he overturned the form.  (1) JURING SKY and (6) SHINE BOLT others in the hunt.

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a 10-race card 13:15 to 20:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies with all but two racing for the first time. (2) THE SUN BULSAJO was by far the most impressive in trials, winning her September 4^th heat in a quick time having shown on pace throughout. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she will take some stopping. One of the two with prior racing experience is (5) YEONGWONHAN STAR. After a fair trial, she led on debut for much of the way and while she did weaken, she should have come on for the experience. Returning to the first timers, (9) YONGBIGYO was a fair 3^rd in her heat and can go well. (3) POMADE and (4) CLUTCH LOVE are others who hinted at ability.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After several trials, (3) GOLDEN SAVE debuted on August 23^rd and ran a fair 4^th over this distance, settling midfield and running on. He should have come on for that run and is probably the one to beat here. (8) EODIDEUNJI debuted a week earlier over 1000M and overcame the widest gate and ran on well for 5^th. He too should have derived benefit from that experience and the step up in trip can suit. There are three debut makers and among them, (1) RAON BLAIDE looked the best in trials. He went through the same heat as Vincero Cavallo so how many lengths he was behind the winner can be ignored. (9) BLACK PEPE and (10) NINE SPEAR are others who can improve off their debut efforts.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) BULGUKSIDAE enters off her best finish to date when 3^rd in a filly only maiden over this distance on August 17^th when she had the widest gate. Moon Se-young rode her for the first time that day and with him staying on, they will be favoured to win this. (1) CHAMPION SOCKS has improved across his three starts so far, culminating in a 4^th place over 1300M on August 23^rd when on pace for much of the way. From the inside gate he can be on pace and in this a long way again. A brand-new apprentice jockey riding (10) CHEONGRYONG GIUN takes his carried weight down to a level at which he can be competitive again and he has placing chances here. (2) MR.CARA and (9) POWER JILJU others in line for the minors.

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) UEOKSURO was a winner on debut over 1200M in April but was lame after her second start in May. She has been back in training since early August and looked good when winning a trial on September 4^th. From the inside gate and with Moon Se-young on, she can win first up. (6) HANEUL GAMDONG took a couple goes to get used to this class but enters here following two 2^nd places and a 3^rd from his latest three. CC knows him well and he could be ready to win. (10) RAIN STAR was a class and distance winner on July 20^th. She only comes up 1kg in weight and she can be in the mix again. (11) SEOBU SKY and (9) ROYAL SOCKS others in the placing frame.

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

It’s an afternoon and early evening meeting at Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 13:15 to 20:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all but one racing for the first time. (10) POWER BEST was marginally the fastest in trials, showing on pace and crossing the line in 3^rd. The widest gate isn’t ideal but shouldn’t be too problematic, and he has as good chance as any. (2) WHIZ DREAM similarly ran 3^rd in her trial in a decent time. She draws nicely and if she brings that form to the races, she can be close. The one with racing experience is (9) THUNDER RUN and he did improve at the second attempt. He gets a 3kg claim today and may have a fitness edge. (8) RAPTURE and (6) POWERFUL SLEW are others who hinted at ability in their respective trials.

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) ANYANG GIPPEUM was a class and distance winner on August 17^th, settling midfield and running on well. That win had been coming and only up 1kg in weight here, he has every chance of repeating. (1) SMART TAKE has finished outside the top five on just one occasion. She was 4^th on her first try at this class over a mile on August 16^th, showing close to the pace and dropping back in trip here, she should be in the finish. (3) COMPLETE PARTY has a 5^th and a 4^th in two outings at this class and has been back to trial since her latest effort. She has won at this distance and shouldn’t be dismissed. (8) DAESEUNGMA and (2) CHEONJI SKY are others to consider on a place line.

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(6) MUNHAK CHUKJE is up in class having run 1^st and 2^nd in his latest two, both at this distance. He comes down a full 5.5kg in weight and in today’s company, he can sit just behind the early speed and can prove too strong. (2) VINCERO KING is also up in class, in his case having won at this distance on July 27^th. While not as dramatically as Munhak Chukje, he too is down in weight, and he can measure up. (1) CANVASEN GO was 4^th on his first try at this class over 1200M on August 24^th having won at that same trip earlier in the month. A previous try at 1400M didn’t go well but he can be ready for another crack. (4) SLAM DRAGON and (3) BLOOD MOUNTAIN are other place chances.

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only. (6) RAON FINALLE was a close 3^rd on debut over 1000M on August 2^nd, coming from well off the pace. She should have come on for that run, the step up in trip can suit, and she is the one to beat here. The main danger is (3) MUNHAK DANCE. It has taken her a little longer to figure things out, but she seems to have done it with a 2^nd and a 4^th from her latest two. From a good draw, she can be ridden closer much earlier today. (7) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has a couple of 4^th places from her latest two and can continue to make progress here. (9) GLORY DAY and (4) DAEHAN COCO’S are others in line to dispute the minor placings.

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) WONDERFUL CATHY has a 3^rd and two 4^th places from her latest three, most recently when favourite on July 26^th. The in-form Ruan Maia stays on and today can be their day over a very modest set of rivals. She will need to overturn the form on (8) SAINT WINNER, who was 2^nd in that July 26^th race. That was his best finish to date, and he has since followed up with a 5^th place from the widest gate at 1300M on August 23^rd. He’ll be on pace, and he can be in this a long way. (2) THUNDER LUCKY is yet to finish in the top two but has eight finishes between 3^rd and 5^th. He should be there or thereabouts again. (4) NAMCHON SERVE and (9) P N S ME other place chances.

The eve of the Korea Cup and Sprint sees an 11-race card at Seoul between 13:15 and 20:00 with no fewer than five international Trophy exchange races on the card, all looking very competitive. There will also be a “drone show” immediately after racing. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with all but three racing for the first time. For once we will side with a newcomer and (4) SEONGSIL WINNER. She led for much of the way around a trail at the end of July, crossing the line a close 3^rd and stopping the clock in a good time. Drawn well, if she leads, she may be hard to get past. (8) BEST CHEONHA was the next best in trials, showing on pace and also running 3^rd. Moon Se-young being booked means she will have plenty of supporters. (9) HORIZON STAR took two goes to qualify but improved second time around and can also make an impact first up. Of the experienced three, (1) BLACK SUN and (7) GHOST have both raced twice and their match sharpness can see them improve.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After finishing 5^th on debut, (9) NAMSAN MINYEO was 2^nd at start two over 1300M on August 17^th, racing handy throughout. An apprentice jockey claims 3kg today, third up she can be peaking, and she can win here. Probable betting favourite is (2) JILPUNGA, who enters off back-to-back 3^rd place finishes from his latest two, most recently in that August 17^th race behind Namsan Minyeo. He only has a head to make up and he comes into a much better gate. After an inauspicious debut, (5) TRIPLE JENNY has three consecutive top five finishes and she should be aiming to improve again. (1) HERO CHOICE and (4) GRAND PARK are others who can be in the mix.

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) FREE TIME was a winner on debut and then took a few goes to figure things out at this class before winning over 1300M on June 29^th when on pace throughout. He comes up 3.5kg in weight today but that’s balanced by a similar draw to last time that should allow him easy passage to the front, and he looks to have the most upside here. (10) WINNER GLORY comes up in class and in distance having got her maiden win in comprehensive fashion at start number five on June 15^th. She has had almost three months off, but she is down 3kg in weight and can measure up. (6) SHINE BOLT enters off a 2^nd at this class over 1300M on August 17^th at a big price and warrants more respect here. (7) HAKSAN PRINCE and (11) YES MADAM others in the placing frame.

Seoul Race 4: Class Open (1200M) Special Weight B / SPPL Trophy / KRW 150 Million

The first of five valuable Trophy races and while it is rating capped to the equivalent of class 3, it’s an absolute cracker of a race with no fewer than seven last start winners. (3) SILVER RAIN won a Listed juvenile event on this weekend a year ago but missed the Triple Crown through injury.  He won on his return at class 4 level at the end of June and then beat a couple of these on his way to 2^nd at class 3 level and 1400M on July 27^th. From a good draw, he can lead all the way. (13) CHAN FAMOUS won Seoul’s Classic Trial in February but found things hard in the first two legs of the Triple Crown. He returned to winning ways at a mile at class 3 on August 16^th and while this may be a little short, can be worth a go at an each-way price. (10) BEST RACE is a winner of three of his last four and should be close. (11) HAKSAN SPEED and (7) GOLDEN DRAGON among plenty of other chances.

Seoul Race 5: Class Open (1700M) Special Weight B / Race Coast KZN Trophy / KRW 150 Million

Capped at a rating of 80 so equivalent to class 2, and while it’s a small field, it is competitive. (3) ONE PUNCH DRAGON is a winner of six of his eight starts, including his latest three, most recently at class 2 over a mile on July 19^th. He’ll be on pace and is very much the one to beat. (8) BROWN GOLD might have taken a shy at the Korea Cup stumps, but he goes here instead having won all of his last four up to class 2 and 2000M. Weight is no problem, the draw is no problem, and five in a row is not impossible. (2) GANGNAMBULCHUNGGAK is a half-brother to champion mare Jeulgeounyeojeong and he was a winner of a Trophy race on this day a year ago. He has had his setbacks since but returned from a four-month layoff to run 3^rd at 1200M on August 3^rd. That should serve as the ideal lead-up to this and he can be in the finish having been 2^nd on his only previous spin around 1700M. (1) KING HONOR and (4) DRONE KILLER are other place chances.

Seoul Race 6: Class Open (1400M) Special Weight B / Selangor Turf Club Trophy / KRW 150 Million