Seoul

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

It’s cherry blossom season. The annual festival kicks off at Seoul Racecourse on Saturday and runs for the next nine days with the “blossom street” open until 9pm each evening. There are also 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. It’s not the strongest card in history, but here are the previews:

The blossoms are back at Seoul Racecourse

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener. (8) MR QUALITY ran 2nd on debut in January when on pace throughout, before disappointing second time out when drawn widest of twelve and struggling to find a good position. Widest of eight should prove less taxing, David Breux climbs on, and he is the one to beat. (6) GLORY AND HONOUR was an improved 4th on her latest appearance on February 25th over this trip. She draws well here and should be aiming to get closer. (4) LEGEND K has a 3rd place to his name over 1300M two starts back and that’s enough to put him in contention in this modest company. He too will probably be on the speed. In such a weak race it is worth giving a chance to the first timers. (5) JEONGSANG HIT took several goes to qualify but finished in midfield in her latest, stopping the clock in a fair time and could beat a few here. (1) ZETTA MASTER perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(8) Mr Quality (6) Glory And Honour (4) Legend K (5) Jeongsang Hit
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies. The form is pretty hapless, so we’re prepared to overlook (8) TES MARY’s latest couple and instead go on her 3rd place at this distance back in January when she settled back and ran on. It was a slow race, but she won’t need to be fast to win this and she has as good a chance as any. (1) YEOLJEONG ARGO was 5th on debut and while she was dreadful on her reappearance in January, she ran fairly enough to finish midfield from a wide gate on February 18th. She has been running close to the pace and crucially she draws inside here, which should give her an easy run to the front. In such a weak race, it’s possible that nobody will catch her. (7) CUPID CHIC has the fastest time among these for the distance and although that is very much a relative term here, it’s enough to give her a chance. (4) HWANGWOO CHOEGANG didn’t run terribly on debut and along with debut-maker (3) MAGU is another potential placer. 

Selections(8) Tes Mary (1) Yeoljeong Argo (7) Cupid Chic (4) Hwangwoo Choegang
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

(4) DAEHEUNG CLASS will be favoured to score in this maiden. He has shown steady improvement across his recent outings, culminating in a 2nd place over 1300M on March 5th when he settled off the pace and ran on well. He can sit back again here and should prove too strong. (3) WONPYEONG CHUKJE looks the logical second best. He too has shown steady improvement, in his case across four starts so far and he registered a 3rd place over this distance on February 25th. The time was glacial, but he won’t need to improve very much to get even closer here. (2) CATS WOMAN has mixed her form across her nine races, but she ran 3rd at this distance two starts back and shouldn’t be far away here. (1) YAMUJIN SAEGANGJA and (8) ACE TIARA others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Daeheung Class (3) Wonpyeong Chukje (2) Cats Woman (1) Yamujin Saegangja
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

(6) EUNHYE looks set to be a warm favourite here. His solitary win came four starts back and before he missed ten months. He is two starts into his comeback and has impressed with a 3rd and a 2nd so far, both at this class and distance and both times settling midfield and running on. Third-up he should be peaking fitness wise and today should be his day. (9) CHEOLLICHONG is a decent type who may be yet to win in eighteen attempts but has nine top-five finishes including five 2nd places. She comes down 2kg on her last start 4th on March 4th and while she may find one too quick again, she is firmly in the placing hunt. (5) BEST FALCON was 3rd in that March 4th race ahead of Cheollichong. She too comes down in the weights, she should be on pace and she can be in this a long way. (2) COMPLETE LUCKY and (3) CLAIR BEST among others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Eunhye (9) Cheollichong (5) Best Falcon (2) Complete Lucky
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

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

We’re going to need to overlook some bad last starts here as none of this lot managed better than 6th on their respective latest appearances. (4) ANYANG POKKYEOKGI is still a maiden but got promoted to this class with two 3rd places followed by a 2nd, all at 1200M. She was away badly on her first try at this class, again at 1200M on March 4th but from a good draw, can be ridden handy here and is worth another chance. (9) JILJU DAESE was 2nd on debut before winning at start number two last October. She didn’t reappear until February 26th when finishing midfield on her first try at class and distance. She should strip fitter for that run and has solid claims. (5) GEOLJAK MAN ran 2nd at class and distance two starts back. He tends to leave himself a bit too much to do but does have the fastest finish among these and can go close here. (3) WONPYEONG GWANGYA and (7) VIENTO others in the minor money hunt.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 26)

There’s no Listed or Graded racing this Sunday but still plenty of action to get stuck into. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Can Jangsan Laser prevail again over a mile? (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) NONSTOP THUNDER will be the one to beat. She almost led the entire way around on February 18th over 1200M, ultimately being taken down by the favourite in the closing stages. She comes up slightly in trip but draws nicely to be on pace again and this time she can go all the way. (10) AKKAENGI races for the fist time since December when he was an improved 3rd over 1200M. He’ll therefore have to be taken on trust fitness wise but the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he can sit behind the early speed and run on. (6) WORLD FASHION came from off the pace for 3rd at this distance on February 25th. The additional half-furlong can suit and if he can continue on the same upward trajectory, he’ll be in the mix here. The form drops off a bit after that although (9) JEONGSANG LUCKY has a 2nd place to her name which gives her the right to be considered here. (8) NANGJU YEOGEOL another potential improver.

Selections(5) Nonstop Thunder (10) Akkaengi (6) World Fashion (9) Jeongsang Lucky
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start5, 8, 9, 12

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies. (11) MIRACLE ONE has shown steady progress across four starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish over 1200M on February 3rd in a tight three-way-go on the line. That was the second time in a row that she overcame the widest gate to go close and while the draw does her no favours again, this time she can go one better with an additional half furlong to play with. (10) HAPPY TAEYANG was a much improved 2nd at start number three over 1200M on February 19th when coming from off the pace to run 2nd. She was well back behind a good winner but she is another who may apprentice the slight rise in trip and she can be a danger. (8) ACE GOOD JOB ran 3rd on debut at 1200M on February 24th having barely scraped through a trial. The time was painfully slow, but she beat three of today’s rivals coming from off the pace and she may well pass plenty late again here. (5) SOLEDAD and (2) FLYING DIA others to look out for.

Selections(11) Miracle One (10) Happy Taeyang (8) Ace Good Job (5) Soldedad
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 10, 11

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

A weak maiden and it’s hard to go past (5) CLUB D. He only went down by a nose at start three over this distance on February 26th when settling midfield and almost catching the all the way winner. He comes into a better gate today and a similar run surely sees him home on top. (12) NEVER AGAIN has shown definite improvement over his four starts and came home 5th in a fair time at this distance on March 4th. The wide draw may not be too much of an issue as that day he went back and ran on and he can improve once more today. (7) SECRET WANGJA was the longest shot on the board when 3rd over this distance in January in a time faster than any of the others here have managed (albeit on a weekend when the track was playing very quick). He wasn’t much better fancied when 5th of nine over 1300M on February 11th. He will be shorter today and can keep the positive momentum going, probably taking a sit and finishing strongly. (11) TWO ACE and (3) HERO QUEEN other place chances.

Selections(5) Club D (12) Never Again (7) Secret Wangja (11) Two Ace
Next Best3, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

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

(12) GLOBAL SKY has a couple of 4th place finishes and last time out improved to 2nd place over this distance when sitting handy and running on stopping the clock in a time quicker than of the rest here have achieved for this distance. She draws a touch wider than ideal but with a touch of luck at the start can sit behind the speed and run on. (7) FANTASTIC CHAMP ran once last May and ran well, coming from well off the pace to finish 2nd. He then had a setback and has had forty-three weeks off. He ran at his own pace earlier this month in a trial that was blitzed by Beolmaui Star, who was preparing for next week’s Busan Ilbo Sprint, so we shan’t read too much into that but Seo Seung-un being aboard means he is sure to be very well backed. (11) BAEDARI DOLPUNG was on pace a long way on debut over this distance on March 12th, beating a couple of these in 4th. She is another who may need some luck in the early stages but can be a danger. (2) WORLD POINT and (6) MIRACULUM among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(12) Global Sky (7) Fantastic Champ (11) Baedari Dolpung (2) World Point
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 11, 12

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

(1) EUREKA was a beaten favourite on his latest start on February 26th when handy throughout but only finishing 4th – a finish he has achieved on no fewer than six occasions now. Two starts back he beat plenty of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance and from a great draw, today really should be his day. If he does find one (or three) too quick again then it might be (10) EURO GANGJA. He has done it before having been 3rd in that February 26th when he sat midfield and ran on. That was a big uptick in form but in this company there is no reason why he can’t repeat. (5) PURPLE STORM comes up to two turns for the first time having been 2nd and 5th in his latest two, both at 1400M. Both times he has gone right to the back before making up good ground and the additional distance may well suit. (6) HOUYHNHNM and (7) TRES VITE others in the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Eureka (10) Euro Gangja (5) Purple Storm (6) Houyhnhnm
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) SUCCESS MOCCA has finished no worse than 3rd (a dead heat on debut) in three starts so far. His win came over this distance at class 6 level in January before he was then a close 3rd from a wide draw on his first try at this class on February 17th. He likes to be on pace, so he has a much more favourable draw today, and he may prove hard to hold out. (11) NORTHERN BID was an emphatic winner on debut over 1200M on February 19th stalking the leader early before taking command a long way out. He comes up in class and has the challenge of a wide draw, but with a bit of luck early, he can be on pace and in this a long way. (2) PHANTOM ACE got his maiden win three starts back and has subsequently held his own in two starts at this level, both over 1200M. He can take a sit behind the early speed – of which there should be plenty – and can launch a late challenge here. (9) SKY MOUNTAIN and (8) THUNDER FURY are others to keep safe.

Selections(1) Success Mocca (11) Northern Bid (2) Phantom Ace (9) Sky Mountain
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(12) ARGO RICH remains a maiden but after finishing 4th on debut, has since run 2nd on three consecutive occasions, most recently at his class over 1300M on February 25th. He as run 2nd from on the pace and from off the pace so the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern and he can go one better today. (10) SAENAE HWANGJE also remains a maiden, in his case after seventeen attempts but on the strength of his latest effort at class and distance on February 26th when he was handy throughout and ran on for 2nd in a good time, he must be right in this. He also has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance, and he should be close. (4) QUEEN OF BEST has run fairly for 4th and 6th in her latest two. She is another who has posted a quick time for the distance and who can be running on strong at the business end here. (11) WORLD KING MAN and (9) BLUE INDY others in the hunt.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Top jockeys Moon Se-young, Choi Bum-hyun, Lim Gi-won and Jang Chu-youl all find themselves with two-day bans this weekend. Here are the previews:

Park Tae-jong finally got his 2200th career winner last week and is one of few top local jockeys not suspended this weekend – although he only has one ride Saturday and four Sunday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies here. One of four first-timer starters, (1) GREEN VIVACE took four trials to qualify but in the latest of those on March 3rd, pinged the start and then led all the way under a hold and ask for very little. The time wasn’t quick, but she was well clear of the rest and didn’t get out of first gear. It was a big improvement on her previous trials and if she brings that form to the races, she may be hard to hold out. (4) TI AMO ran on gamely for an improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on February 18th. A similar performance will put her firmly in the frame here. Returning to the debut-makers, (2) BRIGHT WINNER was still somewhat green in her second trial but ran through the line well and can make an impact first up in this company. (7) FIRST USER and (10) BEATRIZ potential improvers.

Selections(1) Green Vivace (4) Ti Amo (2) Bright Winner (7) First User
Next Best10, 8
Fast Start1, 7, 10, 12

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies but imports this time and nine America breds face the starter. All have raced at least once before including the top pick (9) POWER VICTORY. She beat several of these on her way to 2nd place on debut on February 25th in a very similar race to this over the same distance. With some natural improvement from that run, she may prove hard to beat. (2) MOONHAK SONG came 3rd in that race on what was for her, start number five. She has a length and three-quarters to make up on Power Victory but she led that day and draws well to do so once more. She can get closer this time. (3) MEDICI WOLF was well backed in that February race but was no better than midfield throughout. She was 3rd in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy behind Raon Giant and Furiosa last November though and in this company should be given another chance. (4) DUSON CHAMP is another to keep safe while if you want something that didn’t go in that February race (6) MIGHTY Q, who beat a fair few of these on Christmas Day, would be the pick.

Selections(9) Power Victory (2) Moonhak Song (3) Medici Wolf (4) Duson Champ
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

A maiden for three-years-old, this time open to the boys as well. (6) FINAL CHUKJE just about gets the edge, based on an improved 3rd place when stepped up to this distance on February 19th when he led for most of the way. That was the first time he had been ridden forward and from a central gate we can expect similar tactics today and for him to be in this a long way. The main danger is (3) SAVANA CHARLIE. Aside from two starts back when he drew the widest gate, he has run well including a 4th place last time out on February 11th when settling back and finishing strongly. The additional half furlong should suit, and he will be a danger running on late. (7) RUBY AGAIN comes into the calculations based on her run two starts back when 2nd over 1200M. She is another who likes to get back and run on. (5) THUNDER PRINCE and (8) DASI TAEEONADO others to keep safe.

Selections(6) Final Chukje (3) Savana Charlie (7) Ruby Again (5) Thunder Prince
Next Best8, 11
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 11

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

Fillies only in this maiden and there are no Oaks contenders here. That means that the 4th place registered by (3) MADISON MOUNTAIN in her latest effort at this distance on February 5th is enough to make her the top pick. She has a tendency to get a bit far back, but today’s competition is softer and there should be less danger of her leaving herself too much to do. Second pick is (7) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER. She comes back in trip following a spin around 1700M just two weeks ago when she was handy before coming home 5th. She’ll be on pace here and despite the quick turnaround can be in this a long way again.  The form drops off the proverbial after those two. At a push, (4) SINPUNG YEOGEOL might be expected to kick on following a career best 6th place last time out. (9) ZIRCON and (1) GEOLJAK TOUR others for whom we can’t have much confidence in but in this race should really be looking for improvement.

Selections(3) Madison Mountain (7) Hampyeong Fighter (4) Sinpung Yeogeol (9) Zircon
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

(7) POWERFUL SOCKS got his maiden in two starts back over this distance making all at class 6 level before running a useful enough 5th on his first try at this class on February 25th when handy throughout. He has the fastest time among these for the distance, he has a smart finish on him, and he has every chance of returning to winning ways here. (3) LEGAL HIGH comes up in class following a maiden win over 1200M on February 18th when settling just off the pace and running on. The class rise is balanced by a much better gate and a very slight drop in the weights, and she can measure up in this company. (2) K N TIZWON comes back down in trip following recent work over 1700M including a 2nd and a 3rd at this class. He can get a bit far back in his races but from a good gate can be ridden further forward today and he should be dangerous. (10) TANGJA and (6) DAECHEON CHAMP among others in the placing frame.

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Classic Trials Sunday at Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 19)

Sunday is Classic Trials day in Korea with the Sports Seoul Trophy in the Capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Trophy on the south coast offering the three-year-old crop a big prize on their way to the Triple Crown, the first leg of which is just six weeks away. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Seungbusa won last year’s Sports Seoul Trophy before going on to place in two legs of the Triple Crown (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (5) BANFF went through plenty of trials before debuting on February 19th and he gave a good account for himself over this distance, coming out of the widest gate to sit midfield and then run on for 3rd. He should have come on for that run, he draws well here, and he can win. (10) FLY DAY has a 5th and a 3rd from two appearances so far, both times settling midfield and finishing off well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, an apprentice keeps his weight light, and he should be challenging late again here. (8) MIR POINT has a 2nd place to her name over 1000M and comes in off a solid 4th place at this distance on February 12th when he led for much of the way. He should be on pace again, and in this a long way. (6) CLAIR QUEEN and (7) JEOLDAE GACHI among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(5) Banff (10) Fly Day (8) Mir Point (6) Clair Queen
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start4, 8, 7, 12

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

Three-year-old maidens. (1) CHEERFUL LIFE looks to be the one to beat. After running 5th on debut in December, he has since run 2nd and 3rd in two tries at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has raced on pace in both those and is beautifully drawn so to do again, and he can win. (5) BLACK VOLT came from a wide draw and from off the pace to run 3rd over 1300M on February 10th. He also has a 2nd to his name at 1000M and should be a threat today doing his best work late. (9) HONOR LORD returns for the first time since last September. He trialled up three times between December and February, winning two of them and posting good times, and must be taken seriously first-up here.  (4) SANGSANGGEUISANG has steadily improved across three starts so far, with a 4th place at 1300M on February 19th his most recent. He can sit behind the speed here and run on with every chance of a money finish. Debut-maker (2) UNJU BONNEUNG stopped the clock in a good time in his trial and a bold first-time showing is possible.

Selections(1) Cheerful Life (5) Black Volt (9) Honor Lord (4) Sangsanggeuisang
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 9

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

A maiden restricted to three-year-old fillies. The form doesn’t exactly leap off the page, so we’ll go with (4) BARAMUI HYANGGI, who has shown promise when running 5th and 4th in her first two starts, most recently at this distance on February 4th. She drew wide in both those races but gets a much better gate this time, her carried weight remains nice and light, and she has as good a chance as any here. (8) SEMYEONG LADY has run fairly in five starts so far with her best being a runner-up finish over 1200M in December. She also has the fastest time among any of these for the distance and she should be on pace and in the frame here. (1) HERO GANGJA has been 5th in both starts so far, racing on pace both times. She draws well here and should be aiming for improvement. (11) TUHON TEUKGEUP and (7) DAMJAENGI ARGO among others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(4) Baramui Hyanggi (8) Semyeong Lady (1) Hero Gangja (11) Tuhon Teukgeup
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

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

Fillies (and one mare) only in this age open maiden and it’s a tricky race where the form is unconvincing, but plenty are plausibly in with a chance. Without much conviction, we’ll go with (6) AQUA MAGIC. She has two 4th places on her record including last time out when she was on pace and beat a couple of today’s rivals. She has the fastest start and may get an easy run to the lead here. If she, does, she may prove hard to pass. (7) PHANTOM QUEEN is two starts into a comeback following almost six months out. She weakened over 1400M last time out but should be better back at a trip at which she has the fastest time of any of these. (5) GREEN LEGEND hasn’t shown an awful lot in two starts so far but draws a good gate this time and can be competitive. (8) RICH COWBOY returned from almost two years out in December and ran an adequate 5th place. She can improve on that here. (1) PURPLE STAR returns after almost a year off and trialled up well enough to suggest that in this limited company, she can be competitive.

Selections(6) Aqua Magic (7) Phantom Queen (5) Green Legend (8) Rich Cowboy
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

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

(2) ARGO MUJEOK was a beaten favourite over 1200M on February 25th when he was a touch slower away than normal. He does have a 3rd place on his record at this distance and from a good gate and with Antonio climbing aboard, he can be given another chance (5) BADAUI KKUM had a hard time from a wide draw over 1400M at his latest start on February 19th. He was going well prior to that tough and looked to be knocking on the door of his first win, consistently going close. He comes back in trip today, gets a 2kg apprentice claim and draws well. It could be fifteenth time lucky. (6) SPEAR GOLD and (7) SEOUL SPURT both come in following improved 3rd place showings in their latest and can build on their respective momentum here. (1) CANDY GLOW another in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Argo Mujeok (5) Badaui Kkum (6) Spear Gold (7) Seoul Spurt
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (2) SPECIAL ROAD looks the one to beat. She got her maiden win at start number two over 1200M back in December and has since finished 3rd and 5th in two attempts at this class, both over six-furlongs. She comes up in distance and in the weights today, but that’s balanced by Franco climbing aboard and from a good gate she should be on pace and can lead all the way. (6) CUQUENAN registered her maiden win at this distance in December. She drew wide for her first crack at this class on January 13th and ran on fairly for 5th. She has had nine weeks off so comes in fresh and can get closer here. (4) WONDERFUL OCEAN enters off a 3rd place in a curious race over 1300M on February 10th (won at big odds by Statice, who also goes here). That marked a return to form after a couple of indifferent runs and she can build on it here. (10) QUALITY QUEEN and (7) DALEHOLRINGWANGDAE among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(2) Special Road (6) Cuquenan (4) Wonderful Ocean (10) Quality Queen
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only and (5) RAON EMPIRE will be hot favourite. After a 3rd and a 2nd from her opening two starts, she got her maiden win at the third time of asking over 1200M on February 11th when handy throughout. She comes up in class and slightly in trip here but this half-sister to Raon The Fighter should have far too much for her rivals. (7) WIDAEHAN HANMA got her maiden win two starts back and then ran a good 2nd on her first try at this class over 1400M on February 4th with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. She only comes up 1kg in the weights and can be close again. (9) JANGBI MUJIGAE is yet to finish any worse than 5th from five starts so far and has a 4th and a 3rd from her two attempts at this level, both times going back and running on. She has a strong finish on her and can be running on again late here. (11) DAUL QUEEN and (1) MAPARAM among others to keep safe.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

It’s a long time since Moonhak Chief won the Korea Cup. He runs on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. (3) MAGUMA enters having run 2nd at this distance on February 11th when he settled behind the leaders and ran on. It wasn’t a fast race, but he does have quick a quick time to his name at 1200M and from a good gate and with an apprentice claim, he has every chance of going one better today. (4) RICH GATE has a 2nd and two 5th place finishes from three outings so far. In his latest two he has been on pace throughout, recording fair times over this trip, and he can lead and be in it a long way again here. (2) THUNDER BLUE also has a 2nd place in his record. He is another who has shown on the speed in his races so far and from a nice inside draw, can do the same again. (8) GWANGCHIGI looks a place chance while (1) DAEJANGBYEOL was promising on debut but then having been caught wide all the way from gate twelve on reappearance in January, weakened and then parted company with his jockey. Improvement is possible here.

Selections(3) Maguma (4) Rich Gate (2) Thunder Blue (8) Gwangchigi
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies here and (7) FINAL JILJU will be a hot favourite. She has made steady progress across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place on her latest on February 25th when running through the line well. Her style to date suggests that the additional half furlong should suit, and she won’t need to improve much to win here. (10) EVERY CHARM has a 3rd and a 4th from two prior attempts at this trip. She has tended to settle midfield and run on but there is very little speed here so despite the wide draw, she may find herself further forward today and in this company should be looking to match or better that 3rd. (6) HAEUNDAE GALMAEGI ran 5th behind Final Jilju on what was her debut in that February 25th race. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can improve here. (11) DIVINE PYEONGHWA and (5) BEAUTIFUL MELODY among other potential improvers.

Selections(7) Final Jilju (10) Every Charm (6) Haeundae Galmaegi (11) Divine Pyeonghwa
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 10, 12

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

A normal maiden here and it’s hard to look far past (5) BULUI NALGAE. He comes in following a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both over this distance and both in fair times. He has tended to get a bit far back but from a good gate and in a race devoid of early speed, that shouldn’t happen today and he will be a warm favourite. The main danger is (8) STAND BY ME. He has the fastest time of any of these for the distance by some margin and while that was achieved on a wet track, he has gone well in the dry too. At his latest he was a close 4th over 1400M, and he should be in the mix once more. (2) WONPYEONG SKY was a significantly improved 3rd at start number three on February 19th, having overcome gate twelve to run on. He draws nicely here and with some natural improvement can match or better that finish today. That will mean overturning the form on (10) SILVER BOOSTER, who ran 2nd in that February 19th race. From the widest gate he may need a touch of luck at the start, but he can be competitive again. (6) SONGAM DRAGON another in the minor money hunt.

Selections(5) Bului Nalgae (8) Stand By Me (2) Wonpyeong Sky (10) Silver Booster
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

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

Another race, another short-priced favourite. This time it’s the turn of (1) GHOST CHARM who, wile he could only manage 6th of twelve when afforded a similar status over this distance on February 19th, can be given another chance. Two starts back he ran 2nd in a quick time over the distance and from the inside gate, Kim Jeong-jun should be able to avoid getting too far back and can pick his spot behind the leaders. If he can, then he should prove too strong. He doesn’t face a very strong set of opponents. (4) LAST PITCH is probably the best of the but he will need a line drawn through his latest at this distance on March 4th when he was scarcely involved after a slow start. Today, he should be able to get on pace and can place. (7) WORLD PLAY has a couple of positive results in his record and while his latest two haven’t been good, this is a weaker race and he can improve. (9) SAEROUN BITKKAL and (6) DAESEUNG GAON other placing potentials.

Selections(1) Ghost Charm (4) Last Pitch (7) World Play (9) Saeroun Bitkkal
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1600M) Special Weight B / KRW 40 Million

It’s hard to oppose the standout favourite again. (10) GEUMA CHIC beat four of these on his way to a maiden victory last time out at class and distance on February 11th. He only comes up 2kg in the weights, which should be manageable, and while gate ten is not easy at the mile start, if he can find a good position without using up too much energy early or be caught wide heading into the back straight, he will take some beating. That draw does potentially leave some scope to take him on if so inclined. (1) GEUMSEONG SEGYE ran 2nd in that February 11th race having led for much of the way around. He has raced once since then, struggling from a wide draw over 1700M two weeks ago but with an apprentice claiming 4kg and drawing inside here, he has a chance of overturning the form. (5) BITNANEUN JILJU was a big odds winner at this class over 1700M on February 19th. He comes up a full 4kg in the weights but can be competitive again. (9) TANSAN and (3) SMART BLUE others to keep safe.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-by-Race Preview (March 12)

After an unseasonably mild day on Saturday, temperatures are set to fall back to normal and rain is expected on Sunday. Nevertheless, there is plenty to get stuck into on track with 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:00 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (1) EUNBIT DOLPUNG will be the favourite. Hopes weren’t high on her debut after some inauspicious trials, but she ran well enough when it counted, finishing 4th over 1200M on February 4th. There should be some natural improvement from that run and if so, she will be hard to beat. (2) DAERYUN SIDAE has made progress across dour prior starts with her latest two being a 4th and a 3rd, both at 1200M. She did her best work late on each occasion and the additional half furlong can be in her favour. (9) RED TAEPUNG has hinted at ability with three 5th places among her first five appearances, including her latest which was at this distance. She is another who has finished off her races fairly and can run into a higher spot today. (7) SWEET PLAY and (6) MUJANG others to consider.

Selections(1) Eunbit Dolpung (2) Daeryun Sidae (9) Red Taepung (7) Sweet Play
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

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

A maiden for three-year-old fillies kicks things off on the South Coast. (5) WONDERFUL PHONE has a 2nd, 3rd and 4th from three starts so far, with the 3rd being at this distance when away slowly from a wide draw and finishing strongly. She looks nicely in here, and from a good gate can set up camp behind the speed and prove too good. (3) U PING was never a factor after being very awkwardly away when well fancied on February 10th. Her previous two efforts were solid though and from a much better draw, she warrants another chance here. (7) WONDERFUL RUNNING was a much-improved 3rd when tried at further than the minimum distance for the first time back in January. She has had nine weeks off since and she is another who the extra distance may suit. (6) B.K. NUMA enters off a close 2nd place at this distance on February 17th and will have plenty of backers. (4) VELOCIRAPTOR another who seems on the right trajectory.

Selections(5) Wonderful Phone (3) U Ping (7) Wonderful Running (6) B.K. Numa
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

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

A maiden for three-year-olds and another race with a warm favourite. This time it is (8) CHOEGANG HYEONMA. He has made good progress over his three starts so far culminating in runner-up finish over 1300M on February 11th, four-lengths adrift of the favourite and good winner, Daewang Socks, but a full six-lengths clear of anything else. That same performance should win this. There are three first-time starters and (2) SILVER PURGE is the pick of them. She won a trial from off the pace in February, stopping the clock in what was only a fair time, but was far clear of the rest. She draws nicely here and a bold showing first-up is possible. (3) GEUMBIT CHEONHA comes in off back-to-back 3rd places, most recently behind Choegang Hyeonma on February 11th. That means he has six-lengths to make up, but he draws better today and can get closer. (12) CHOEGANG NICE and (7) LEMON BLADE others in the frame.

Selections(8) Choegang Hyeonma (2) Silver Purge (3) Geumbit Cheonha (12) Choegang Nice
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 10

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

A very competitive maiden. The pin we’ve stuck in landed on (11) QUEENS LANDING who has shown signs in her latest couple of outings of having figured things out. They have ended in a 4th and a 3rd place finish, most recently over this distance on February 19th and while she is up 3kg in the weights here, that can be balanced by Park Jae-I climbing aboard and she can win. (8) TWOTWO FLYING has also been showing good form of late, particularly last time out when runner-up over this distance in a good time. She too comes up in the weights here, but she surely goes close again and may well start as the betting favourite. (6) SEONGSIL TAESOON was an on-pace 4th on debut over this distance on February 10th. She should have come on for that run, should be on the speed again and can match or better that finish here. (7) VEREUDA gets a better draw than she has in her last couple of appearances. She also comes back in trip and can be competitive. (9) PLAY THE INDY one of a number of others who can’t be discounted.

Selections(11) Queens Landing (8) Twotwo Flying (6) Seongsil Taesoon (7) Vereuda
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 11

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

Small field here with (3) THUNDER BRAVO the one to beat. He has been consistent so far with six of his seven starts seeing him finish 4th or 5th. That includes his latest on February 11th when he led for much of the way around over 1300M, weakening late on. He comes back in trip here, draws nicely, and can go all the way this time. (4) SEONGEUN CROWN has two 3rd places to his name, including most recently on February 12th when running on from midfield. He has a strong finish on him and can be a danger late here. (8) DREAM SKY enters off an encouraging 4th place over this distance on February 5th. She will probably challenge Thunder Bravo for the early lead here and should be in the mix all the way. Solitary first time starter (7) MENI WIN trialed positively enough, crossing the line 3rd in a fair time and he can make his presence felt first-up. (2) SMART SOCKS another who could improve.

Selections(3) Thunder Bravo (4) Seongeun Crown (8) Dream Sky (7) Meni Win
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

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

After losing in the stewards’ room on debut in December, (9) GEUMA DEFT came out and put things right at start number two on January 27th, settling behind the leader early before taking things up a long way out and going on to win by five-lengths. He comes up in class and slightly in trip as well, but neither should be an issue and he can make it three from three in terms of crossing the line first here. The most logical danger is (5) JEOLDAE BOSS. He remains a maiden but comes up in class courtesy of having run 2nd in his latest two at 1300M and 1400M. He has the fastest time of any of these for the distance and under a light weight and a good gate, he should be on pace here and can go close. (7) GALLOP BOY enters off a 4th place in a very fast race over 1400M on February 10th when he drew wide and settled back. He has gone well at this distance in the past and remains nicely weighted. (8) SPECIAL TOGETHER and (1) PILGRIM others in the placing hunt.

Selections(9) Geuma Deft (5) Jeoldae Boss (7) Gallop Boy (8) Special Together
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 9

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

(3) GLOBAL CHANGA got her maiden win at start number two over 1000M last October before running 5th of ten in a decent time over 1200M behind Raon Giant in the Listed Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy for juveniles in November. She hasn’t raced since and hasn’t trialed either, but if she has retained her form, she will be hard to beat here. (11) CATS EYE similarly returns to action for the first time since November when he made all to win over 1000M. He therefore comes up in class and in trip here. He trialed in February in fair fashion and looks like the main danger. The rest of the form is patchy. (2) JANGSU NABOM and (4) LUCKY CROWN both have some decent results in their past although both will have to be forgiven their respective latest outings. The same goes for (9) TAKE MONEY who did at least have the excuse last time of being first-up after a lengthy lay off and can improve today.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 11)

Highly thought-of three-year-old filly Raon Giant steps up to 1800M in the class 2 feature at Seoul on Saturday. She will be the main attraction on the 10-race card that runs from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Raon Giant easily won the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy last November (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener and (10) APEX will be at the top of the market. After an inauspicious debut in November, she has since run in a 3rd and a 2nd in two subsequent starts, once from off the pace and once when on the speed, both at 1300M. Despite the wide draw she should have enough about her to get to the lead early here and she won’t have to improve much to win this. The main danger is (5) MUNHAK CENTRAL. She improved to 4th at start number two over this distance on February 4th when coming from well back and while she is yet to stop the clock in a fast time, she should appreciate the slight step up in trip and can continue to make progress. There are two debut-makes and (4) FIJI BLADE could be one to keep an eye on. She went through two trials, improving in the second of them when she led and from a good draw, she can be on pace and in this a long way. (9) LADY TAEPUNG and (2) HAPPY PLAY others who could come into play.

Selections(10) Apex (5) Munhak Central (4) Fiji Blade (9) Lady Taepung
Next Best2, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

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

Three-year-old maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. Three or four of these look ready to win but we’ll side with (9) K N GOLDEN KING. He ran a sold 3rd on debut when he settled midfield and ran on over the same trip as today. It wasn’t a quick race, but he should have derived benefit from the experience and Moon Se-young remains aboard. One of those ready to win is a debut-maker. That’s (1) BULPAE BLADE. Who led every step of the way to win a trial on February 17th in a decent time well clear of the rest. He draws very nicely to lead again and if he brings that form to the races, he can make a bold showing first up. (8) SMARTY FIGHTER improved to 2nd at start number two over this distance on February 4th. He carries the same weight and draws the same gate and can go close again. (7) SINUI HAMSEONG and (3) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA others in the hunt in one of the more intriguing recent maidens.

Selections(9) K N Golden King (1) Bulpae Blade (8) Smarty Fighter (7) Sinui Hamseong
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 10

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

Regular maiden here and (4) TEUKGEUP DAERO is the one to beat. After a fair debut on Christmas Eve when she was slow away but rallied, she reappeared on February 4th to run a good 2nd behind the favourite over this distance when settling midfield and finishing well. With a little more natural improvement from that, she can win. (5) SONGAM ARCHGIRL is the clear second pick. She managed three top-four finishes from four starts in the first half of last year before suffering a setback that saw her unable to race after June. She looked very well when 2nd in a January trial and while she will clearly need this, it is hardly the most intimidating race to return in. (2) HUMMING BIRD had a poor day at the office at his latest outing in December. Going on his previous start when 2nd at 1200M in November, then he can be right in this (9) BEST PLAN and (3) AREUMDAUN SAI potential improvers.

Selections(4) Teukgeup Daero (5) Songam Archgirl (2) Humming Bird (9) Best Plan
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 25 Million

Weak maiden which (3) CAMINO should be winning. He has raced just three times with his best being 3rd over 1200M on Christmas Day but he stepped up to this trip on February 26th and ran 5th of twelve  in a time faster than any of the others have managed for the distance. He won’t need to improve much to win, probably leading all the way. (1) TIZ HUNTER got his best result to date when coming up to this distance for the first time on February 12th. He settled right back as he had in every start so far but for the first time was able to run on and finish 3rd, beating a couple of today’s rivals. A similar run will see plenty come back to him again here. (8) GREEN BULPAE was 4th behind Tiz Hunter in that February race, similarly coming from off the pace. That was a marked improvement for her too and she can be considered. (7) CLAIR POWER and (5) UDDUG other placing chances.

Selections(3) Camino (1) Tiz Hunter (8) Green Bulpae (7) Clair Power
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

Having run 2nd on debut, (7) ORCHID VALLEY was a good winner at start number two on January 14th, providing Antonio Da Silva his 300th Korean winner in the process. He comes up in class here as well as marginally up in trip, but he comes down in the weights and from a central draw can sit handy and prove too strong. (6) STRENGTH got his maiden win in eye-catching fashion two starts back but was a touch disappointing when sent off as favourite for his first try at class and distance on February 11th, leading for much of the way but ultimately weakening to finish in the middle of the pack. He can be given another chance here. (9) MAGLE DAY comes up in class having won at start number four over this distance on February 11th, having raced handy throughout. He had been building up to that win and with some more natural improvement, he can measure up here. (8) RIVER TAEYANG and (2) COWBOY TANGO are others who can enter the calculations.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 5)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00 and at Busan with 6 races from 11:00 to 15:40. The highlight is at Seoul where surprise Segye Ilbo Trophy winner Wow Wow returns to face that day’s favourite Raon The Spurt. Black Musk also joins them in the class 1 feature over 1400M. Here are the previews:

Wow Wow won the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy at odds of 47/1. Can he win again on Sunday? (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener and there will be a warm favourite. (2) LEGEND K comes in off a good 3rd place at this distance on February 4th, having settled back and run on, beating a couple of these in the process. He comes un under the same conditions today and from a similarly gate and he won’t need to improve much to win this. (3) CHECK POINT took a string of trials to finally qualify but once he did appear on the racecourse, he came from well back to run 3rd over 1200M. The time wasn’t quick but should have come on for the experience, he comes into a much better gate and the additional half furlong can suit. Also coming into a better gate is (5) HUNTER BLADE. He ran on fairly for a midfield finish last time out and should have more scope for further development. (7) GROW and (12) EVERY CHARM the others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Legend K (3) Check Point (5) Hunter Blade (7) Grow
Next Best12, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

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

Three-year-old maidens with two of the ten racing for the first time. One of those, (7) KALJABI, goes on top. He trialled up well last October and then blitzed another heat in double quick time on February 11th, making all and stopping the clock in a fast time. He draws fairly enough to get on pace here and if he brings his trial form to the races, he may take some beating. The main danger is (10) SINHAE MANGCHI. He ran a strong 3rd on debut on February 5th over this distance beating a couple of today’s rivals. The draw isn’t the best here, but he doesn’t need to lead, and he should be going close again here. (3) CHOICE ROAD has run fairly in all three starts so far including an on-pace 3rd at this distance on February 3rd and from another good draw should be on pace and in this a long way. (5) DUBAI WONJEONGDAE and (9) HAERANG JANGGUN others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Kaljabi (10) Sinhae Mangchi (3) Choice Road (5) Dubai Wonjeongdae
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

More three-year-old maidens and two standouts here, both of whom finished in 2nd on their respective debuts in pretty much identical times over this distance. It’s a coin-toss but we’ll go with (4) URUS QUEEN. After a positive trial she was relatively well backed on debut on January 28th in an all-filly maiden and was handy throughout before running on for that 2nd place. She draws well to sit behind the early speed again and can win. (8) COMPLETE LEADER ran very similarly on his debut the following day, sitting handy and running on. He will be on or close to the pace here and can go close. (7) THIS WEEKEND was 5th in that race behind Complete Leader, having led for much of the way around. That was an improvement from his debut, and he can continue to make progress here. (3) SSEULMO should be on pace and in this a long way while debut-maker (2) VET CAPTAIN is another in the hunt.

Selections(4) Urus Queen (8) Complete Leader (7) This Weekend (3) Sseulmo
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

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

(3) MA GUN will probably be favourite here. He returns to action for the first time since last August when he was 4th over 1300M having run 5th on debut. He looked sharp in a February trial and has winning chances first up today. From a wide draw, (2) PURPLE LINE failed to get involved on his second start on January 27th and his first at this distance. Go on his debut just before Christmas though when 3rd over 1300M, and he warrants a chance from a much better draw. (5) MIRACULUM is a seventeen-race maiden but enters with his recent form reading well having beaten plenty of these in his latest two over 1400M and a mile. A similar run will put him in the finish here. (8) HAPPY BLUE, a stablemate of Miraculum, and (11) STORMY DAY others who can enter the minor money frame.

Selections(3) Ma Gun (2) Purple Line (5) Miraculum (8) Happy Blue
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start8, 9, 11, 12

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

A maiden for fillies and mares only. (6) TES MARY is the one to beat with a 3rd and a 5th from her latest two, at this distance and at 1300M. She has tended to get a bit back in her races before running on strongly, but she may be a little more forward today and with Moon Se-young aboard, she is sure to be well backed. The main danger is (10) FOUR ACE. She ran 4th to Tes Mary’s 3rd two starts back before registering a 3rd place of her own over this distance on February 5th when settling at the back of the field and working home well. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can be challenging late again. (8) TOP TIER has shown on pace in both starts so far before finishing 4th and 5th and can build on those here while (2) COSMO QUEEN defied big odds to record a significantly improved 3rd last time out. That was back in November so she comes off sixteen weeks away but draws well and can go close. (7) JAEWOO SIDAE has placed before and could again.

Selections(6) Tes Mary (10) Four Ace (8) Top Tier (2) Cosmo Queen
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

It took (7) PHANTOM ACE twelve attempts to get his maiden win, which he finally achieved in January, but based on his first try at this class on February 10th, he should be getting his second much quicker. He sat midfield that day before running on for 3rd at this distance. He has the fastest time among these for the 1200M too (albeit recorded on a weekend the track was very fast), and he is the one to beat here. (5) GOOD MAGIC was 2nd on debut before scoring at start number two over this distance on February 5th when on pace throughout. She comes up in class here but carries a feather weight in his back and she can measure up in this company. (3) DOCTOR KONGDOLI comes back in trip after a fair enough spin over 1400M a month ago. She has a good finish on her and so long as she doesn’t too far back, can be a danger. Up in class following maiden wins, the pair of (6) FAST FURY and (1) JEONGSEONG DAERO will need to improve but can be considered.

Selections(7) Phantom Ace (5) Good Magic (3) Doctor Kongdoli (6) Fast Fury
Next Best1, 12
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 9

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

(7) GLOBAL POWER has been knocking on the door of a second win in four starts since being promoted to this level in which he has finished no worse than 4th. On his latest outing on January 29th, he came from midfield to run 2nd, well beaten by a good winner, but well clear of the favourite in 3rd place. He comes up 1.5kg in the weights but he won’t need to improve much to win here. The main danger is (2) UNICORN KINGDOM. He has mixed his form across five starts so far but comes up in class following a smart front-running win over this distance on February 5th. He comes down in the weights, draws well to be on pace again, and should be in this a long way. (5) CLOUTER is another who can mix good and bad runs but based on his latest when 2nd at class and distance, settling back and running on, he can be considered. (6) JAKDUKONG and (8) TUHON GISANG others to keep safe.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 4)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with a 10-race program and an early start with the 1st race at 10:35 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:

Antonio Da Silva could be the man to follow at Seoul on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener. Three of the twelve race for the first time and we’re happy enough to take a chance on (7) KING DIA. It’s taken him an age to get to the races after his first trial all the way back last May but looked very sharp in the latest of them a couple of weeks ago when prominent throughout and stopping the clock in a fast time. He draws well enough to be on pace and he looks set for a bold showing first up. (11) YUKWAEHAN SARANG has finished no worse than 5th in four appearances to date. He has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before by a significant margin and while the draw is a touch wide given that he seems to like to race on pace, he surely goes close again. (1) THEME TANSAENG ran 5th of ten on debut a month ago and with Moon Se-young climbing aboard today, will be backed to improve. (8) BEST CLONE and (9) SAEBYEOK BULBIT others to keep safe.

Selections(7) King Dia (11) Yukwaehan Sarang (1) Theme Tansaeng (8) Best Clone
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

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

Standard maiden here and (9) WONDERFUL TIZZY looks ready to win having seemingly figured things out in his latest three. At his last start on February 5th, he ran 3rd over 1400M having set up camp just behind the early leaders and the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an issue here. Having parted company with her jockey coming out of the gate two starts back, (1) CATS WOMAN was sent off as the longest shot on the board on her return on February 4th. She made a mockery of that, running 3rd over 1300M having settled right back and finishes strongly. The additional half furlong can suit, and she can go even closer here. (2) BLACK GUN has been getting closer across his five previous outings culminating in 4th place at this distance on February 4th when handy throughout. He draws nicely here and should be in the mix a long way again. (4) TWO ACE has finished 4th in each of his last three races and could well do so again. (7) CHOEGO POINT another in the placing frame.

Selections(9) Wonderful Tizzy (1) Cats Woman (2) Black Gun (4) Two Ace
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

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

Small but competitive field. (4) KING’S EYE blew the start on his latest outing on January 28th and was subsequently scarcely a factor. He had been going well prior to that though with back-to-back wins at classes 6 and 5 before running 3rd over 1700M on his first try at this level in December. He led in all those races and with a better beginning today, he is the one to beat. If we’re going to forgive King’s Eye his latest then it is only manners to extend the same courtesy to (8) ELITE RULES. She has a poor day at the office at the end of January but is a class and distance winner as recently as Christmas Eve and she can be given another chance here. (6) WONDERFUL INDY comes up in class following a goof win over 1300M on January 38th when settling midfield and running on. He comes up in trip but gets a significant weight drop and can measure up. (5) STILL PLAY is another up in class and distance, in his case after two wins from four starts and he too is nicely in at the weights here. (3) COLJOY is much more experienced and does mix his form but on his day is right in this.

Selections(4) King’s Eye (8) Elite Rules (6) Wonderful Indy (5) Still Play
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

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

Tricky race, at least at the top end. (5) SAENAE KHAN comes up in class having secured his maiden win at the fourth time of asking over this distance on February 4th, making all. That win had been coming and the manner of it suggests that there can be more to come. He will be on pace and another all the way showing is possible. (1) ARGO GONGJU is the main danger. She got her maiden victory two starts back at 1300M before running 3rd in an all-filly affair over 1400M on her first try at this level on February 4th. From the inside gate, Antonio can pick his spot, probably sitting just behind the speed, and she has every chance. (8) GEOMIBULU ran 2nd on debut at 1000M before winning over the 1200M on January 15th, leading every step of the way. Like Saenae Khan, she is up in class but should more than fit in at this level. Continuing on the last start winner up in class theme is (9) JEONGWOO FOREVER, who overcame a wide draw to score at this distance on February 4th. (7) GEUMSEONG SIDAE the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Saenae Khan (1) Argo Gongju (8) Geomibulu (9) Jeongwoo Forever
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

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

Fillies (and one mare) here. (7) CHEOLLICHONG shapes as a warm favourite here, having beaten three of these rivals on his way to a class and distance 2nd on February 5th when close to the pace throughout. He only comes up 1kg in the weights, he draws marginally better, and he may take some beating. (8) ANYANG POKKYEOKGI remains a maiden but comes up in class following three near misses including 2nd on her latest on February 4th when leading into the home straight. She is nicely weighted her and can be competitive. (4) DANAEUN ROSE could only manage a midfield finish after a slow start last time out but has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when winning well at class 6 level last November. She is worth another chance in this company. (3) TOP POSITION and (10) BIG SMART among others capable of troubling the scorers at their best but will need their respective latest efforts overlooked.

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Winner’s Man & Eoma Eoma Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (February 26)

Korea Cup and Sprint champions Winner’s Man and Eoma Eoma both make the 2023 debuts on Sunday. The Cup winner and Horse of the Year Winner’s Man goes in the class 1 race 6 at Busan while Eoma Eoma makes his seasonal debut in the class 1 race 11 at Seoul. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:05 to 15:40. Here are the previews:

Eoma Eoma will race for the first time in 2023 although Moon Se-young doesn’t get the call-up (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

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

Three-year-old maidens open the Sunday proceedings. (4) NINE EAGLE is probably going to be one of the shortest priced favourites of the day, having run 2nd on debut over the distance o January 8th, leading for most of the way. He should have come on for that run, he should be on pace again, and this time can go all the way. Nothing else in the race has finished any better than 6th. (7) COLITAS finished in exactly that position on debut in that same January 8th race behind Nine Eagle. He was slowly away that day and went around at the back before running on and should be better for the experience. (2) LUCKY BOUNCE has raced twice, both times well backed after a trial win. Moon Se-young gets back aboard and punters are likely to remain faithful for at lease a place. (8) CHONGAL COLONEL and (10) CLUB D others who could potentially improve.

Selections(4) Nine Eagle (7) Colitas (2) Lucky Bounce (8) Chongal Colonel
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 11

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

Three-year-old maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (5) ARBELOUR is the pick, having improved at start number two on February 5th. Racing on pace and running 2nd over this distance. Without an apprentice claim, he comes up a full 4kg in the weights but from a good draw he can get an easy lead and can prove too good. The main danger is (12) RAON STRONG. He debuted in that February 5th race and ran a creditable 4th behind Arbelour, having settled in the middle of the pack. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he should have derived benefit from that run. As for the debut-makers, (9) TAEWANG SINGI was on pace in his trial and crossed the line in 3rd place in a good time. (8) QUEEN OF JOY similar looked promising in her heat and is capable of a bold showing first up. Returning to the experience ones, (7) GREY CHAMP improved at start number two and can continue to make progress here.

Selections(5) Arbelour (12) Raon Strong (9) Taewang Singi (8) Queen Of Joy
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Maiden three-year-old fillies and it’s hard to go too far past (3) SARYEONI TYCHE. She’s run 3rd and 4th in tow starts so far, sitting handy over 1000M and then settling back at 1200M. She draws nicely, the additional half furlong should suit, and she probably won’t need to improve very much to win. (8) GANGCHEOL YEOGEOL has shown good consistency in her latest three appearances with a 4th place over this trip the most recent. She can settle in midfield here and has a strong finish on her. (9) HERO QUEEN was a touch disappointing at her latest start on January 28th when failing to run on. She had finished off very nicely in her preceding two outings though and in this company is worth another chance today. (7) BEAUTIFUL MELODY and (1) SMARTY GLORY others who may improve.

Selections(3) Saryeoni Tyche (8) Gangcheol Yeogeol (9) Hero Queen (7) Beautiful Melody
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 10

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

Competitive maiden with a few looking ready to win. (4) PEGACORN is one of them as he comes in after a career to date best of 2nd place over 1400M on January 27th when settling handy, dropping back and then running on, only going down by a head. The further step up in trip can suit and he has a good chance. (9) K GOLD BAR is another of those in the “ready to win” category. He enters off a solid 4th place over 1300M at the end of January he too may like the chance of a longer distance today. (5) HAMAN BAEKISAN is one of only three of the twelve to have prior experience of racing over a mile. He settled right back out of the widest gate on February 3rd before running on strongly for 3rd. The same apprentice enables him to carry the same light weight here and he can be running into some money again. (11) WONDERFUL CHANCE has five-lengths to make up on Pegacorn and also carries more weight than he did on January 27th but, along with (8) ADELE HORANGI, warrants consideration as a place chance.

Selections(4) Pegacorn (9) K Gold Bar (5) Haman Baekisan (11) Wonderful Chance
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 11

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

Another maiden and a couple of prolific non-winners have solid claims to finally get on the board here. (3) EUREKA stepped up to 1700M on January 28th and beat several of these on his way to a career-best 2nd place racing handy throughout, although well beaten by a good winner. He carries the same weight, draws a similarly favourable gate, and can go one better. (7) HOUYHNHNM was 3rd in that race at what was start number seventeen. He is in the best form of his career having run 2nd at the start prior, also at this distance. He settles back and runs on and he has as good a chance as any here. (8) CAMINO comes up in trip having led and ultimately finishing 3rd on his second start on Christmas Day. He comes up in the weights without an apprentice claim today but should be competitive in this company. (10) FIRST CHOUX and (1) SSANG OK RU among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(3) Eureka (7) Houyhnhnm, (8) Camino (10) First Choux
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

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

Fillies and mares only and (5) THUNDER FURY looks to be the one to beat here. She’s only finished outside the top-four on one occasion and enters off a close runner-up finish in a very similar race over class and distance on January 27th when settling midfield and running on well. She draws nicely here to stalk the early leaders and can prove too strong. (1) GRAPHENE RAP WORLD had a poor day at the office in the same race when showing prominently early before weakening. Her form before that was good and she may have come on for what was her first try at tis distance and from the inside gate she can lead again and stay in it longer. (7) DOCTOR TIFFANY was a good winner over 1000M on debut in January before being stepped up to a mile for her first try at this class on February 5th. She showed at the front but ultimately finished 6th and may find today’s assignment more suitable. (6) WORLD CLASS CAT and (3) DOCTOR KONGSUNI other place chances.

Selections(5) Thunder Fury (1) Graphene Rap World (7) Doctor Tiffany (6) World Class Cat
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 7, 10, 11

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

A competitive race. (4) JILJU DAESE ran 2nd on debut before getting her maiden win at start number two over this distance at the end of last October. She hasn’t raced since but looked well enough when not asked to do too much in a trial last week. She is up in class from since we last saw her but has every chance of making a big impact first up here. (7) LONDON SKY come sin off a 2nd and a 4th place both at this class and both at 1200M. He likes to settle back and run on and with Lim Gi-won climbing aboard today, he will have plenty of backers. (1) ROCK IMPACT comes up in class after a good win over this distance on January 28th when coming from off the pace. He comes down 2kg in the weights, draws well, and can measure up in this company. (6) HUIMANG CHAMP and up in class (12) SAINT LUCCA among others to keep safe.

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