Seoul

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 9)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) MR.CREDIT was ahead of two reopposing rivals when a four-and-a-quarter length third when stepping up to this distance for the first time on April 12. On that basis he gets the nod. (2) PNS TWIN has two-and-a-half lengths to find with Mr.Credit from that race but must be a chance based on his four-length second over this distance on March 29. (7) JECHUK SANJIRO was an improved effort at his second run making up ground to finish third. He comes up three hundred metres in trip and is an interesting runner. (3) TOUR KING was behind Mr.Credit and PNS Twin last time but his half-length second to Fighter at his prior run, which was over this distance, is the best form on offer in this. They are the only four chances with (8) DIABIT and (4) SMART WARRIOR best of the outsiders.

Selections(9) Mr.Credit (2) PNS Twin (7) Jechuk Sanjiro (3) Tour King
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6, 9

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

(1) GOLDEN MATCH has been around the mark at each of her last two with a one-and-a-half length second to Flying Honor on March 7 followed by a six-and-a-half length fourth on April 18, where she was a 1.5 favourite. She can be given another chance from the draw and should go close. (4) EVER LOVELY was well beaten most recently but had placed at her previous two starts so on those runs she is a chance. (8) GLOBAL CARD only beat two home on debut but has been third the next two times and CC Wong is on board. (10) MISS CHRISTIE rates next over (3) POINT I and debutante (5) TIGER REVENGER.

Selections(1) Golden Match (4) Ever Lovely (8) Global Card (10) Miss Christie
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) MYEONG DREAM is not a surprise runner this weekend but a surprise runner at this venue instead of down at Busan for the Oaks on Sunday. She made up good ground from last to finish midfield in the Listed Luna Stakes (Korean 1000 Guineas) last start and whilst she would have had a place chance in the Oaks she would have been struggling to win whereas she will be struggling lost in this race. (5) POWER BAND was a half-length victor on April 12 over the course, distance, and grade ahead of two reopposing rivals and whilst rising seven pounds and three kilograms she can go close again. (1) FASHION STAR has been close-up in each of her last five and they have all been races under the same conditions as this. (8) QUEEN DIA has not been too far away either and rates next over (3) HOMYEONG QUEEN and (7) HEEMANGBAND.

Selections(4) Myeong Dream (5) Power Band (1) Fashion Star (8) Queen Dia
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) STUNNING BOLT put together three consecutive fifth places prior to a two-length third last start when making up ground. She should be in the finish and can break through. (1) HANAM LASER has gotten better with each start and must be a chance from the draw. (3) SMART RISE has been a beaten favourite at each of his last two but with a three-kilogram claim cannot be dismissed. (2) RAON KINGSMAN has been fifth in three of his five runs whilst (4) DELTA DAECHEON, whose best run was last start, looks the only other chance with (9) CLUB MAN best of the outsiders.

Selections(8) Stunning Bolt (1) Hanam Laser (3) Smart Rise (2) Raon Kingsman
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10

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

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Korean Derby 2026: Preview & Form Comments

FUNNY WILD will head into the Korean Derby (1800M KOR-G1) at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon as favourite to win and keep his bid to become the first horse since Power Blade in 2016 to win the Triple Crown on course. In the same race one of the most significant jockeys in Korean racing history will be legged up for the last time. SEE HERE FOR FULL PREVIEW OF ALL 17 SUNDAY RACES ACROSS SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Jigeum I Sungan was Moon Se-young’s first Derby winner (Pic: KRA)

The Choi Ki-hong trained FUNNY WILD won the KRA Cup Mile a month ago in Busan, racing handy throughout and then holding off late challengers. He has already won at the Derby distance of 1800M, but he has a wide draw, and the Bayern colt has plenty to do if he is to give jockey Seo Seung-un his first Derby win.

HWANG GEUM EO JJANG was also on pace in the Cup Mile and stayed on for a narrow 2nd. He gets a much better draw this time and could get a much easier run. Not getting a good draw is LIVE STAR. He was sent off as the favourite for the Cup Mile but beat himself at the start and never played a role. Draw a line through that and back at Seoul were he was so impressive when winning by half the length of the straight in February, and he can be given another chance.

Finishing rapidly in the Cup Mile were CHOCOLATE and CEONGHUNEUNJAYU and both will have backers to get closer over the extra furlong.

DOCTOR CHRIS didn’t’ go in the Cup Mile but is already a three-time winner over the 1800M and looks a very solid contender. Others who didn’t go attempt the first jewel include AIRFORCEONE and GLOBAL PRINCE.

Ten-time Seoul Champion jockey Moon Se-young has won the Derby twice, with Jigeum I Sungan in 2012 and Wonderful Fly in 2019, and the “Crown Prince” of Korean racing will bring down the curtain on his career in the saddle by partnering MUSKET CLEAVER. The Musket Man colt has won three from seven but will be an outsider to give Moon a golden send off.

As is traditional, General Admission at Seoul Racecourse on Korean Derby day is free. The big race is the 8th on the ten-race program with a local post time of 4:30pm.

1. DOCTOR CHRIS – Skipped the Cup Mile but has raced six times over 1800M already, winning three. That’s not unusual for his trainer with Derby prospects and he comes in having won his latest two, both at this distance. From the inside gate, he will be on pace, and he can go all the way.

2. HWANG GEUM EO JANG – A bit of an enigma. Beaten just a length in the KRA Cup Mile when he overcame a wide gate to race on a quick pace and stayed on when the leader didn’t. From a better draw, he should have a much easier run this time and the extended trip can be in his favour. He is a big chance.

3. GWANAKSAN SKY – The only perfect record in the race with three wins from three starts, he burnished his Derby credentials with an eye-catching all the way win over 1800M at class 4 level on April 4th. While this is undoubtedly more testing, he is beautifully drawn to lead, on that evidence he has to be a chance.

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Korean Derby Day Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (May 3)

It’s Korean Derby day and general admission is free to Seoul Racecourse. The big race is set for 4.30pm. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Final Boss was a fine Derby winner (Pic: Ross Holburt)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) PARKA SHINE was a disappointing 7th of eleven when well backed over 1200M on March 1st getting away slowly and then always on the backfoot. Prior to that he looked as though he was figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd and he can be given another chance here with The Moon aboard on his final day. (4) HOT FEVER was an improved 2nd at 1200M on April 5th settling back and running on. He has the fastest time among these for the 1300M, and it would be no surprise if he started as favourite. (10) TAEGUK WANGJA enters off a smart 3rd place over this distance back at the end of January. He has had some issues since that kept him in the swimming pool rather than on the track, but he has been in regular work since April 10th and should be ready for this. Those three will fill out most quinellas, with (7) TWOTWO MAGIC and (5) SMART GRAND, perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(9) Parka Shine (4) Hot Fever (10) Taeguk Wangja (7) Twotwo Magic
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only in this maiden. (3) WONDERFUL TUNE UP has raced eleven times and has never finished any better than 4th, but she has done this on no fewer than six occasions. She settles back and runs on and in this company, unless she automatically stops when she has three left to pass, she really should go by them all and win. It’s hard to make a winning case for the others. (11) SINCHEON HEART ran 4th over this distance two starts back and has as good a chance as any of being in the finish. (1) THE SUN STORY improved to 6th at start number two on March 1st and can continue to improve. (4) DAREURI YEOWANG was 6th on debut on March 29th having got a long way back. Natural improvement and the extended trip can see her closer. (7) NURI QUEENS another minor money chance.

Selections(3) Wonderful Tune Up (11) Sincheon Heart (1) The Sun Story (4) Dareuri Yeowang
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) POWER TIGER could not justify the odds-on favouritism on debut, but he gets an even better chance to here in a very winnable maiden. He may have let punters down at his first start but regardless that piece of form is the best on offer in this race by a long way and he can go one better for Masa Tanaka and Kim Hye-sun. (11) BREEDO SHOOTER has five-lengths to find with Power Tiger from April 3 but with a 3kg claim from Nam Jeong-hyeok he can make up some ground. (10) BRAVE RUN put together three consecutive 4th places prior to finishing down the track last time. (6) PILSEUNG WINNER produced the best effort of her career last start so that is a positive. (9) WONDERFUL WIND has been around the mark a few times whilst (1) GRAND HERO was 2nd in a trial but has only been 8th in two starts.

Selections(3) Power Tiger (11) Breedo Shooter (10) Brave Run (6) Pilseung Winner
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 9, 10, 11

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

(8) BLISS STAR has chased home a couple of nice winners in his seven-start career, and they include Musket Cleaver and Concord Blue who we see in the Derby later. He is close to a win and is a chance of breaking through in this. However, he will have to contend with (11) KIA ORA who comes off a four-length maiden victory on March 22 when coming from midfield. Based on that win, she can make it back-to-back. (5) BROWN MAMMA won his maiden before winning at this level across the winter. For his second run at this level, he went up 3.5kg and was beaten as favourite. He carries the same weight here so that is a concern, but he has the ability. (3) CUPID K has been just behind the placegetters of late and rates over (7) MANGEUM CROWN, who makes his first run at this grade, and (10) ROYAL BEST.

Selections(8) Bliss Star (11) Kia Ora (5) Brown Mamma (3) Cupid K
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) NEWWORLD TIARA has had the two starts for a five-length 4th on debut in March before halving the beaten margin when 3rd last month. She clearly goes on top as she brings the most consistent form, albeit from just two starts. (7) QUEEN THE GOLD ran the best race of her career last time when coming from midfield to run a one-and-a-half length 2nd. If she replicates that performance, she could go one better. (6) WONDERFUL PREACH has been just behind the placegetters in the majority of her seven starts and it is a similar story for (5) BREEDO CAPTAIN. (1) GREAT CHAMP and (4) THANKYOUFORTHETIME head the rest.

Selections(2) Newworld Tiara (7) Queen The Gold (6) Wonderful Preach (5) Breedo Captain
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(5) FLYING CONCORD returned from over nine months out to run 2nd at this class over 1200M on April 5th when leading for most of the way. He should have come on for that run, he draws well to lead again, and this time he can go all the way. (2) RAON SAPPHIRE is a winner of two from four, most recently at this class and distance on March 28th when coming from off the pace and beating a couple of today’s rivals. She comes up 2.5kg in weight, but she can be a danger again. (11) REFLECT was 4th behind Raon Sapphire in that race, continuing a consistent run of results at this level and he should be there or thereabouts again. Up in class last start winners (7) CLOVER ONE and (3) QUERENCIA, the former scoring on debut, both probably have a bit to find at this level but shouldn’t be ruled out.  

Selections(5) Flying Concord (2) Raon Sapphire (11) Reflect (7) Clover One
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 2)

Saturday is Derby-Eve at Seoul and there are 10 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Oasis Blue won last year’s Derby (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) WHIZ POINT was sent out as a 1.3 favourite for his debut on April 5 after finishing a one-and-a-half length second in his trial on March 5 but could only manage third beaten six-and-a-half lengths. Johan Victoire, who rode him in the trial, hops on board for the second race of this Shackleford colts’ career and he will get his chance to go a few places better in this type of race. (8) BARAMGAEBI looks the potential danger as he hasn’t been far away in his two starts to date behind decent winners, who have both subsequently won. (3) HAKSAN WINNER was a much better run at her third start and is clearly next best. All three of these horses will race on pace. (4) PIEONARI, (1) MIDEUMUI JILU and (10) GEOSEN HAMSEONG are three of the six debutantes and are best of the rest.

Selections(6) Whiz Point (8) Baramgaebi (3) Haksan Winner (4) Pieonari
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

(9) MONEY MOVE has been placed in each of his two starts to date on January 31 and March 21 and must be a good chance of breaking through at attempt three. It will be interesting to see where he lands in the run but regardless of where he is he is a good chance of coming home in front. (6) NINJA TIGER was out the back on debut but has been much better at his next two with a pair of third places and can be in the finish again. (4) MEGA WIND has been midfield in both starts to date; he was a beaten odds-on favourite last time on April 19 and he does have one-and-a-half lengths to find with Money Move from March 21. (8) ECLAIR WIND has had the two starts and been just behind the placegetters on each occasion. She rates next over (10) INSPIRE and (11) CHEONGGANG BOM.

Selections(9) Money Move (6) Ninja Tiger (4) Mega Wind (8) Eclair Wind
Next Best10, 11
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11

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

(6) BEST JOY comes into this following the best run of his career finishing second beaten four-lengths on April 11. He gets the nod over (11) DAEHAN SIDAE which is the only other horse to have a second placing against their name and in his case his defeat was only by a nose back on April 4. (7) SEOPOKCHAT has been around the mark with one third place finish alongside three fourth places. (10) CHRYSOL POSH hasn’t been far away at her latest two and rates next over (9) CHEONJI JACKAL and (3) SPICE BAND.

Selections(6) Best Joy (11) Daehan Sidae (7) Seopokchat (10) Chrysol Posh
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(6) CHEONGGANG YEOREUM finished midfield on debut before racing on pace throughout to win a 1200 metre maiden on April 5. Based on her last start there is no reason why she can’t go back-to-back. (2) QUEENS FLYING led throughout to win her maiden, on the same day and that was over this distance so she will be up there for a long way. (3) GYEOUL JANGMI is yet to win and has been hard to catch but if everything went smoothly, she could break through. (1) POETIC NUBI was out the back last time but was around the mark prior and rates over (11) HAKSAN DAESE, which brings similar form, and (9) SMART MARU, who is a last start winner at this level but comes up five pounds and three-and-a-half kilograms for that victory which was by a nose.

Selections(6) Cheonggang Yeoreum (2) Queens Flying (3) Gyeoul Jangmi (1) Poetic Nubi
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start2, 6, 10

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

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Korea Racing Report: April 24-26

THE GIRLS TOOK CENTRE STAGE AT SEOUL ON SUNDAY WITH THE COUNTRY’S PREMIER RACE FOR OLDER FILLIES AND MARES BUT IN OTHER RACES THE MAIN RACE WAS THE VERY LAST AND THE CONSISTENT J S ROAD, after chasing home Geudaemaniddamyeon and Eclipse Berry at his previous two starts, recorded his first win since December 2024 getting the better of Wonpyeong Sket and More Than Joke in a close finish between the three popular picks.

J S Road (Twirling Candy, under a perfectly timed ride from gun apprentice Woo In-cheol grabbed the long-time leader and talented but stamina-challenged three-year-old filly Wonpyeong Sket in the dying strides to win by an extending half-length with More Than Joke a neck away in 3rd.

The victory of J S Road completed a training double on the day for Song Moon-gil, who also prepared the progressive URUS SABBIA (Overanalyze) to make it two wins from two in Race 3 (1400M Class 5). The victory was by five-lengths, but it could have been even further had he not been so green in the home straight the same as on his debut. He needs to improve his manners, but the ability is there.

Kim Yong-geun rode a race-to-race double on the card and that began when BREEDO CALEY (Revolutionary) led throughout to win Race 4 (1800M Class 5) by four-lengths after two 2nd places at his prior two starts. That race saw the 2.5 favourite Fighter finish a well beaten 8th after effectively being beaten from the halfway stage. Fifty minutes later Kim rode SLING STAR (To Honor And Serve) to land Race 5 (1700M Class 4) by one-length as the 1.9 favourite. Sling Star completed a hat-trick of victories and continues to progress.

Race 8 (1600M Class 3) saw the impressive MAEUM HANA (Gaon Champ) somehow start the 5.2 third elect but despite being written off by punters he made it four consecutive wins going up in grade by one level on each occasion. With Geudaemaniddamyeon, the country’s highest rated three-year-old at present, out for the remainder of the season and his future career in doubt, Maeum Hana may just be one to keep things ticking over in the classic ages ranks for the combination of CC Wong, Choi Yong-geon and Woo Tae-yul. The race saw Free The One and Best Pitch, 3rd and 4th in the Sports Seoul Trophy respectively, start the 2.3 and 4.4 popular picks but they were both bitter disappointments with Best Pitch always towards the rear finishing 8th whilst Free The One knocked right up and was last of the 10 runners to complete the course.

Maeum Hana was the second impressive winner of the day for Choi Yong-geon as NAOL AURORA (Musket Man) was a smart winner of Race 2 (1400M Class 6) leading throughout to score by six-lengths.

In Race 9 HANGANG PERFECT (Old Fashioned) landed a competitive 1800M Class 3 as the 6.8 fourth market choice accounting for the incredibly consistent Morning Wonder by a head. The 2.5 favourite Dragon Killer could only manage 7th after being unable to lead and therefore working hard in the run.

MEANWHILE DOWN AT BUSAN ON THE SAME DAY THE CLOSING CLASS 2 LOOKED A VERY COMPETITIVE HANDICAP BUT 1400M SPECIALIST BRUG KINGMAN made the race anything but as he roared away in the closing stages to land the spoils by five-lengths.

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Ttukseom Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 26)

The second leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer headlines Seoul on Sunday with the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2). There are 10 races in total at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 while at Busan there are 7 races from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

The bronzes in Ttukseom sporting caps and saddlecloths this week

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) BEAT FRESH was ordinary on debut but since has a 4th and two 3rd places, most recently over this distance on March 8th when racing handy throughout. She should be on or close to the pace here and shapes as the one to beat. (5) SEMYEONG PEAK has a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two at 1300M and 1400M. She has the fastest final furlong average time among the field and can be coming on strong late. (2) COMPLETE FUTURE did precisely nothing in his first three starts but was a significantly improved 3rd on March 22nd over this distance. He draws well and can build on that here. (4) LOVING PURPLE and (6) PASA ACE are others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Beat Fresh (5) Semyeong Peak (2) Complete Future (4) Loving Purple
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) NAOL AURORA has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both at 1200M and both times running through the line well. She steps up in trip for the first time but that shouldn’t be a problem, and she should be coming out on top today. (1) P.P. JJANG was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over 1300M on March 8th when he didn’t get quite as far back as he did in his first two disappointing efforts. With similar tactics today, he can be in the finish again. (11) GLOBAL LAND was a beaten favourite last time out, but she does have a 3rd place to her name and CC returning to the ride can be in her favour here. (7) DELTA CHOEGANG and (6) VALKYRIE are others in line for the minors.

Selections(10) Naol Aurora (1) P.P. Jjang (11) Global Land (7) Delta Choegang
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start2, 8, 10, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Three-debut makers here and we’ll side with one of them (2) WILD REAL went through two trials, improving significantly in the second one when on pace throughout and crossing the line a very close 2nd in a quick time (61.4 seconds – it was a voluntary trial so it won’t be in every racecard but it was on April 2nd). From a great draw, if he brings that form to the races, he will win. (5) FLEX KHAN ran 4th on debut all the way back last September. He went lame ahead of a planned start in November but has been back in work since the start of March and looked well in a quick trial on April 2nd. He can go well first up today. (8) NORTHERN QUEEN has made progress across five starts so far and was a solid 2nd at this distance on April 10th. She makes a quick reappearance here and while up 3kg in weight, she should be close again. (10) UNJU DAEBAK and (3) P.D SPECIAL others who can improve.

Selections(2) Wild Real (5) Flex Khan (8) Northern Queen (10) Unju Daebak
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10

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

Competitive race. (5) URUS SABBIA came from the widest gate to sit just behind the speed and then run on to win over 1300M on debut on March 21st. He comes up in class and slightly in trip and while he doesn’t get a weight break, he can win again. (7) CHOWOLMA got his maiden win at 1300M in January and while his first go at this class was nothing special, he improved to 2nd behind Young Fighter on March 22nd. He tackles the 1400M for the first time and is up 2kg in weight (to the same weight under which he won) but he can be a big danger. (8) MIGHTY CRIS ran 2nd on his first try at this class over 1700M on March 22nd. He returns to the distance at which he got his maiden win and while up in weight, he can be competitive. (4) STUNNING SERVE and (10) COWBOY SOCKS others in at least the placing picture.

Selections(5) Urus Sabbia (7) Chowolma (8) Mighty Cris (4) Stunning Serve
Next Best10, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After an inauspicious debut, (2) OASIS HAPPY has registered a 2nd and a 4th at 1300M and 1400M, settling just behind the leaders both times and running on. The step up to the mile can suit and from a good draw in a race with no early speed, Seo Seung-un can go to the front and stay there. (8) WIN NOW has a 3rd and a 4th from two outings to date, bot over 1400M and both times beating a couple of today’s rivals. Franco climbs on and given the way he finished off those races, the extended trip can be in his favour too. (1) I AM HAPPY returned from five months out to run 3rd over 1300M on March 27th. He should have come on for the run and can match or better that today. (6) DOLGYEOK SPECIAL and (7) WORLD TRIPLE CAT others who can be around the mark.

Selections(2) Oasis Happy (8) Win Now (1) I Am Happy (6) Dolgyeok Special
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) FIGHTER got his maiden win over 1700M at the end of February before running 2nd on his first try at this class and distance on March 28th, showing close to the pace throughout and with a couple of today’s rivals behind him. He comes up 3.5kg in weight, but that shouldn’t be a problem, and he is the one to beat. (2) LUCKY JOY was an on-pace winner over 1700M on March 29th. He is up in class but draws well to lead again and he can measure up. So too can (1) BREEDO CALEY. He’s still a maiden but has run 2nd in both his latest two and he may well appreciate the increased trip today. (4) SHARKTEN and (8) JISAN FRIEND are the other main contenders.

Selections(10) Fighter (2) Lucky Joy (1) Breedo Caley (4) Sharkten
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 25)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Three-year-old maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. (6) NAEGILUIWONDERFUL showed a decent turn of foot in his trial, settling midfield and finishing off well for a close 3rd in a decent time. 1200M can suit first up and he is a chance. (8) STEPPING STONE went through two trials, improving in the second of them when he came out on top having raced handy throughout. He should be nice and fit for his debut. (1) BEAUTIFULLY similarly had two trials, running second in the latest of them. From the inside gate she has a real chance too.  With the three with experience not having impressed, other debut-makers (2) STUNNING SKET and (11) MASK GIRL look the most likely.

Selections(6) Naegiluiwonderful (8) Stepping Stone (1) Beautifully (2) Stunning Sket
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) UHANGSANGSTAR came from the widest gate and a long way back to run 2nd on debut over 1200M back at the end of January. She then went lame so she hasn’t raced since but she came back into full work on April 12th and if her fitness is up to scratch, she should make a winning return. (6) HWARANGSAN JEONGGI looks to be figuring things out with his latest three finishes being his best, including a close 2nd place at this distance. He had an apprentice claim in all three of those, which he doesn’t get today, but in this limited company, it shouldn’t matter and he can be close again. (8) CHEONGRYONG GIUN has been knocking on the door of the places in recent outings and can be in the mix again. (4) K N STORM and (7) BLUE DRAGON other minor money chances.

Selections(9) Uhangsanstar (6) Hwarangsan Jeonggi (8) Cheongryong Giun (4) K N Storm
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Nine fillies and one colt in this maiden. (1) BLACK MAMA has a couple of 4th places to her name, most recently on March 29th when she was ridden further forward than previously. She draws well for the same tactics here, Maia is on for the first time, and she can win. (7) ORATORIUM was a fair 4th on debut over 1200M on March 15th when from a wide gate, she settled midfield and finished off well. She draws better today and if she has come on for the run, she has every chance. Continuing the pattern of last start 4th places, (2) CHEONDUNGUI JILJU improved to finish there at start two on March 29th and can continue to make progress here. (6) STUNNING BOLT and (9) YEONGWONHAN SOLEO are the other place chances.

Selections(1) Black Mama (7) Oratorium (2) Cheondungui Jilju (6) Stunning Bolt
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 9

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

(4) GOJU ILCHEOK has made steady progress across his latest couple of outings and comes in having stepped up to 1700M for the first time on March 14th and recording his best result to date when 2nd having been ridden much further forward much earlier than in previous starts. He draws well for a repeat of those tactics, and he is the one to beat. (3) SKYLOR TAEHA came from off the pace to run an improved 3rd over 1400M at start number two on March 22nd. The step up to two tuns can suit and he shapes as the main danger. (6) BULGUKSIDAE is yet to finish in the top two in seventeen attempts but comes in off a 4th and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance and she can be there or thereabouts again. (11) BLACK SUN and (9) ROAD TO SPEAR others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(4) Goju Ilcheok (3) Skylor Taeha (6) Bulguksidae (11) Black Sun
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

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YTN Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 19)

Sunday’s feature is the second leg of the 2026 Korea Stayer Series, the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Seoul. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 17:55 and 7 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:55. Here are the previews:

The great Winner’s Man was YTN Cup winner (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) IKKEULIM returned from four months out in January to run a close 2nd over this distance having led for most of the way. He weakened late on his latest outing on March 7th over 1300M, but slightly back in trip and in this company, he should have too much and can make his breakthrough. (1) COWBOY QUEEN was 5th on debut in February and then an improved 2nd at start number two over this distance on March 15th when handy throughout. He looks to have scope for more progress here and from the inside gate, can be on pace early and in this a long way. (9) THUNDER RUN enters off back-t-back 4th places and against this lot can be aiming for better. He hasn’t raced since January but looked well when finishing (where else?) 4th in a trail two weeks ago. (4) ONNURI BIT and (5) LEGEND MATCH others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Ikkeulim (1) Cowboy Queen (9) Thunder Run (4) Onnuri Bit
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

(2) PLAY MATCH was a good 4th on debut over 1200M back on February 7th when settling midfield and running on well. It has taken him a while to get back though he has been in regular work since the start of this month and with some natural improvement, he can win this. (3) BINNALEEDS has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 3rd at 1200M on March 8th when for the first time she raced on pace. She comes up to this trip for the first time, and she should be a danger. (1) MEGA WIND got a long way back from the widest gate on debut but ran on well enough for 6th. With that experience under his belt and with a much better draw, he can improve today. (7) SINCHEON HEART and (5) SPICE BAND other place chances.

Selections(2) Play Match (3) Binnaleeds (1) Mega Wind (7) Sincheon Heart
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with five of the twelve racing for the first time and we’ll take a chance on one of them. (5) INDIE TIGER trialed last May without making it to the races but came back this March and won a heat in a quick time, settling midfield and running on. If he brings that form to the races, he has every chance. (2) PERFECT POINT didn’t do a lot on debut last November but has a 3rd and a 4th in two starts since at 1200M and 1300M, racing on pace both times.  Under an apprentice claim he comes down in weight and drawn well to lead again, he can be in this a long way. (12) CHAMPUI HYANGGI has finished 5th in both starts so far, coming from off the pace, and should be aiming to be closer this time. (4) DREAM BIG and (1) MUHANDAE BIT finished 4th and 5th respectively in a March 19th trial and look the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Indie Tiger (2) Perfect Point (12) Champui Hyanggi (4) Dream Big
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 8

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

(4) DREAM DIA has been working towards a win across her eight starts so far, with her latest being her best when an on pace 2nd over this distance on March 21st. She draws the same gate and from on the speed again, she should win this time.  (2) DUSON LIFE came from off the pace to run 3rd in a very weak maiden last time (for non-placers of at least five). This race isn’t much stronger and from a better draw and Kozzi on for the first time, he can get closer. (7) DAEHAN COCO’S has a 3rd and four 4th place finishes to her name, and she should be there or thereabouts again. (3) EUNPA SWEET returned from eight months out on March 15th but had a hard time after a bad start. She should strip fitter for that run and be closer today. (1) BROWN SUGAR another who could improve.

Selections(4) Dream Dia (2) Duson Life (7) Daehan Coco’s (3) Eunpa Sweet
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) HAENGBOK TREE was a fair 4th on debut last November but then didn’t reappear until March 22nd when she was a strong 2nd over 1400M racing on pace throughout. She should strip fitter for that run, and while she comes up to the mile for the first time, it can suit. (4) RESONANCE MARINE stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 27th and uncharacteristically led. It paid off as she ran a best to date 3rd, beating a few of today’s rivals in the process, and she can back that up here. (2) JEONGMUN SKIP is up to a mile for the first time but gets a better draw than in his latest two and he should be close. (5) SEUNGNI YEYAK was 4th in that March 27th race and in this company, looks a good chance of making the minors again. (3) THANKYOUFORTHETIME another in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Haengbok Tree (4) Resonance Marine (2) Jeongmun Skip (5) Seungni Yeyak
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 18)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 17:55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After showing on pace then weakening on debut, (5) GOLDEN MATCH stayed on at start number two for a solid 2nd place over this distance on March 2nd in a good time. He draws well to lead again, and it can be third time lucky here. (6) PURPLE KOREA has raced twice for two 3rd place finishes, both times over this distance and both times showing on the early speed. She too can be nice and fit for this and will be challenging for the lead from the start. (8) JEJU BLUE was a much-improved 2nd in his second start over this distance in March 2nd when leading for much of the way around. Another who will be competing to get to the front form the start, he can be in this a long way. (4) NASCA BULCHUNGGAEK is half-sister to Jeulgeounyeojeong and showed well in two trials. The only debut-maker, she can make a good impression here. (1) K-QUEEN another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Golden Match (6) Purple Korea (8) Jeju Blue (4) Nasca Bulchunggaek
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 8

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

Ten fillies and one gelding here. (3) CALL ME SKY was a quick 2nd on debut but was well beaten when sent off as a 1.2 odds-on favourite for start number two on February 8th. He missed the start that day and was always up against from there ultimately finishing in 6th. Following that he missed some work with back pain but has been back in regular work since the start of this month and with a better start today, is the one to beat. (6) DAJEONGHAN enters off a 3rd place over 1400M on March 21st when beating two of today’s rivals. She can settle behind the speed here and be in the finish.  That solitary gelding is (11) SUN RISE KING, who improved to a close 2nd at this distance on March 22nd. He has the challenge of the widest gate but can be a danger. (5) GOLDEN WARRIOR and (7) JEJU PRINCESS others in the frame.

Selections(3) Call Me Sky (6) Dajeonghan (11) Sun Rise King (5) Golden Warrior
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

A maiden for horses who have raced at least five times without placing so something here is going to win for the first and almost certainly only time. That might be (3) LUGE, who returned from four months out to run 5th of ten over 1300M on March 2nd, beating two of today’s rivals in the process. He has a 4kg claim again and won’t need to improve any to win this. (5) M J VET was 6th in that race having been sent off at a considerably shorter price than Luge. She has run fairly at this trip before and that can help her try to overturn the three-lengths she has to find. It’s tossing darts with the rest. (1) BEOLGYOSAMJOKO led over 1700M so the combination of dropping back in trip and the inside gate can be in his favour. (4) STAR KILLER comes out of the March 2nd race where he was 7th but this time gets an apprentice claim bringing him down 3kg. (6) BITCHUI SUNGAN is one paced but that may be enough to run into some minor money here.

Selections(3) Luge (5) M J Vet (1) Beolgyosamjoko (4) Star Killer
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

A couple of maidens go on top here. (9) MASTER PLAN has mixed his form over seven starts but proved he is competitive at this level with a 2nd place over this distance on March 8th when settling midfield and running on. Three of his four placings have come over 1400M and he has a chance of breaking through here. So too does (3) GEOMEUN SUP, who will get the nod from those favouring consistency. While yet to win in seven outings, he has finished no worse than 5th and has run 3rd (dead-heating) and 4th in two tries at this class at 1700M and 1800M. He drops back to the trip at which he got his best results so far and from a good gate can lead early.  (1) TAEGISAN KING has won a race and while he has mixed his form in five starts at this level since, he enters off a very close 2nd at class and distance on March 21st, and a similar effort will see him in the finish again. (10) JIJON BULPAE and (8) HAKSAN SWORD other place chances.

Selections(9) Master Plan (3) Geomeun Sup (1) Taegisan King (10) Jijon Bulpae
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

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SBS Sports Sprint Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 12)

Sunday sees the second leg of the 2026 Sprint Series with the SBS Sports Sprint (1200M KOR-G3) at Seoul. Meanwhile at Busan there are six international trophy exchange races. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10.35 to 17.55 and 7 at Busan from 11.25 to 17.55. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) GANGHAN GAMMA has made steady progress across three starts so far culminating in 2nd place in a filly only race over this distance on March 14th beaten seven-lengths by Breedo Aqua. She can settle behind the speed here and should prove too strong late on. (3) RACE DIVA was 6th behind Ganghan Gamma in that March 14th race. That was a slight improvement from her debut and from a much better gate she can continue to get better here. (9) BEST THE ON ran three times last autumn with a best of 2nd over this distance. He hasn’t raced since November but looked well enough in a March trial and can be in this first-up. Debut maker (2) VINCENT KATHY went through two trials, winning the second of them. She draws very nicely to be on pace and can put in a bold showing. (11) DONGBAEK among the other place chances.

Selections(5) Ganghan Gamma (3) Race Diva (9) Best The On (2) Vincent Kathy
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Not the strongest of maidens. (2) SAENAE RANIA came from a wide gate to lead on what was her first try at this distance on March 8th and ultimately finished a solid 3rd. This race is no harder and from a much better draw, she can win. (5) SANGIM YEONGUNG has four top four finishes from five starts with his best being a close 2nd to Saenae Fighter at start two last November. He can get a bit far back in his races, but he can finish strongly and be a danger late here. (6) GEOSEN MUJEOK was ridden a bit further forward on his first try at this distance on March 22nd and finished a fair 5th. With similar tactics here, he can get closer. (3) NICE WINNER and (7) YONGBIGYO are the other main chances.

Selections(2) Saenae Rania (5) Sangim Yeongung (6) Geosen Mujeok (3) Nice Winner
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / “New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Trophy” / KRW 30 Million

Interesting maiden to open things on the south coast and (3) OASIS GIJEOK gets the nod. He raced three times last year for a best of 3rd and then didn’t reappear for another six months. His return on March 13th saw him beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at 1200M and stripping fitter for that run, he can go one better today.  The main danger could well be the debut maker one gate to his inside. (2) FLASH COCO first trialed in October of 2024 but never made it to the races after a chip fracture and several other setbacks. Her owner/breeder has persevered though and she looked good when 2nd in a trial in March showing handy throughout. From a good draw, she can make an immediate impact. (7) RESPECTING GIRL was an improved 4th behind Oasis Gijeok on March 13th and can continue to make progress here. (1) POWERFUL RUBY and (5) SKY BOY others in the frame.

Selections(3) Oasis Gijeok (2) Flash Coco (7) Respecting Girl (1) Powerful Ruby
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

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

(4) SAMJOGO led early in the Listed Sports Seoul on March 1st before being overwhelmed late and finishing a well beaten last. Prior to that he was an all the way winner at this class over 1300M and returning to shallower waters today, he can return to winning ways. (9) KOREAN DREAM enters off a close 2nd place at this class and distance on March 21st when handy throughout. In this company he should be on pace, and he shapes as a big rival. (1) STAY BIG was a 60/1 winner at this class over 1400M on March 8th, coming from off the pace. He only comes up 1kg in weight and warrants significantly more respect this time. (11) RAON NIZHINSKII and (6) SAHARAMOND among other place chances.

Selections(4) Samjogo (9) Korean Dream (1) Stay Big (11) Raon Nizhinski
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / “Royal Western India Turf Club Trophy” / KRW 60 Million

(3) BUNKER BUSTER has won two of four so far with his others ending in 2nd and 3rd. He is up in class having scored over 1400M on March 15th when he led all the way around and while he was 3rd on his only previous try at this distance, he draws well to lead again, and he will take some beating. (2) DOCTOR CITY and (9) GRAND MORE came home in 2nd and 3rd place respectively when they raced each other at this class and distance on March 6th. The draw here is more favourable to Doctor City although he comes up 1.5kg. Both have ever chance of being in the finish again. (11) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK returns to action for the first time since last November. She has won at this trip, and she looked well enough in a March trial to suggest she can put in a good effort here. (8) BREEDO MIRACLE another firmly in the frame.

Selections(3) Bunker Buster (2) Doctor City (9) Grand More (11) Nakdong Myeongjak
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start4, 7, 9, 11

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

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