Seoul

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Three-year-old maidens in the opener with five of the twelve racing for the first time. The existing form isn’t hugely impressive so we’ll break the general rule of siding with experience in these kinds of races and take a chance on first-timer (5) PHOENIX CLASS. She settled handy in her trial and ran on well for a close 3rd in a fair time. She draws well enough here and she won’t need to improve too much to put in a bold showing. She won’t be favourite and may offer some value. (2) GIANT RULER ran pleasingly enough for 4th on debut over this distance on January 14th, settling midfield. She should have derived benefit from that experience and can go close here. She will dispute favourite status with (7) ARGO MIJEOK. He is the most experience in the race and does have a 3rd place in his record. An Apprentice takes the weight down and he should be aiming to match or better that 3rd here. Other first timer starters (11) CRAZY JACKPOT and (8) FYING ZEST may have a say in the minors.

Selections(5) Phoenix Class (2) Giant Ruler (7) Argo Mujeok (11) Crazy Jackpot
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 7, 10

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies with three racing for the first time. (8) DANDI is the one to beat. She was well backed on debut on January 7th when she ran 2nd in a similar race over this distance. She should have some natural improvement here and Moon Se-young climbs on. The logical danger is (2) FINAL JILJU. After a midfield finish on debut, she improved to 3rd place having overcome a wide gate over this distance on January 28th. She draws much better this time and can go even closer here. The exposed form drops off precipitously after those two (the quinella will be an extremely short price) so we might as well look at the newcomers. (7) SOARA TO TO looks the most likely to make an immediate impact having looked all over the place n a string of failed trials at the back end of last year before suddenly coming out in January and running very pleasingly in a heat. If she brings that day’s form to the races, she can aim for 3rd here. (9) HONOR ROSE won her trial and while that time was slow, that’s enough to give her a chance here. (4) CUPID CHIC a potential improver.

Selections(8) Dandi (2) Final Jilju (7) Soara To To (9) Honor Rose
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens. (6) HIGH GRAND has been consistent across his five starts to date and was a very good 2nd over 1200M two starts back when leading until the closing stages. He came up to this trip for his latest appearance on December 17th when he had to deal with gate ten but got to a handy position and ran on for 4th. (2) ARA MOA debuted last October in good fashion when an on pace runner-up over 1200M. She hasn’t reappeared since, but she came back to trial last Friday and won her heat. So long as she didn’t leave her race back there – and it wasn’t a particularly quick time so she shouldn’t have done – she can go well here. (5) GOLD MIGHTY is another who has shown promise across his three starts so far with the best being a 2nd place – well beaten by a good winner – over five furlongs in December. He came from off the pace to run 4th on his first try at this distance on January 7th and looks at least a place chance here. (8) GRAND SILVER and (7) WONPYEONG CHUKJE others in the placing frame.

Selections(6) High Grand (2) Ara Moa (5) Gold Mighty (8) Grand Silver
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

Three-year-old imported fillies here. There is one previous winner and (7) MIGHTY LOOK is favoured to strike again. She ran 5th on debut but then scored in a very similar class and distance race on January 28th when settling towards the front of midfield and proving too strong with a couple of today’s rivals behind here. She comes up slightly in the weights but should be too good. There are three debut-makers and (10) POWER VICTORY is sure to be of interest. She ran a good 2nd in a decent time in her trial and the jockey booking will make punters take note. (8) MOONHAK SONG has mixed her form across four starts so far and was disappointing in that January 28th race.  She has a 3rd and a 4th to her name though and can be given another chance here. (4) MEDICI WOLF too will need her latest one forgiven when she was never a factor over 1400M. She ran 3rd in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Trophy at this distance last October and she too gets another chance. (9) AKDONG ARGO another in the money hunt.

Selections(7) Mighty Look (10) Power Victory (8) Moonhak Song (4) Medici Wolf
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

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

This is a really competitive race so it might be best to try to find one at odds. (8) BLACK MOTION was an eye-catching winner on debut over 1000M in December before weakening to last place on his first try at class and distance on January 28th. Since then he has been back to trial, which he won in a fast time two weeks ago and he looks worth another chance today. (11) EUNHYE just about warrants favourite status. He returned from ten months out to run a very solid 3rd in that January 28th race. He should have come on for that run and can go close here. Like Black Motion, (4) YONGBI SEOUL was a smart winner on debut over the minimum trip before struggling on his first try at this class and distance. He bounced back from that to finish 5th in a fast race on January 14th and from a nice draw he can be on pace and in this a long way. (2) BEAT RUNNER and (6) JEONGSANG FIGHTING among others in the hunt.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(10) LEGAL HIGH is the most experienced of these with five starts behind her and she looks to be working towards a win. Her last outing was her best when a close 2nd over 1300M having been handy throughout. The draw is a touch wide, but she may just prove too good. (4) THUNDER BLUE raced once last summer without distinction, but looked much better when reappearing six months later on January 15th when he was handy throughout and came home 2nd over this distance. He should have come on for that run and is firmly in this. (12) MR QUALITY led for much of his debut race on January 14th, ultimately having to settle for 2nd place. He is done no favours by the draw here but with a touch of luck at the start should be in it a long way again. (3) ZEROBAEKFOUR improved considerably last time out and along with (9) FLY DAY is another worth thought.

Selections(10) Legal High (4) Thunder Blue (12) Mr Quality (3) Zerobaekfour
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 12

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies. A few of them come in looking ready to win but (1) DONGHAENG FIRST gets the decision. Having run 4th on debut over 1000M she stepped up to this distance on January 15th and ran 3rd, having sat handy throughout. The time was quicker than any of the others have achieved at this distance and she draws very nicely in the inside gate. (3) NAOL HAENGBOK has a 2nd and a 4th from her two appearances, both times having raced on the pace. She draws much better than she did last time and can be a danger here. (11) CUPID CHAMP overcame a similarly wide gate to run 3rd over 1300M on January 8th. She’s raced well on all three occasions so far and with any top-three finish meaning she will be in class 5 next time, it’s not impossible that she could bow out of the bottom level with a win. Those three look the clear best but the two debut-makers, (8) GEUMSEONG REVERE and (7) BAEKPYO both hinted at ability when trialling together on January 13th and bold showings are possible.

Selections(1) Donghaeng First (3) Naol Haengbok (11) Cupid Champ (8) Geumseong Revere
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

(2) NAOL GONI registered his maiden win at start number three over 1300M on January 14th, making all. It was not a surprise, based on her his previous two outings and while he is up in class here, he comes down in the weights, draws very nicely, and has every chance of leading all the way again. Slightly more unexpected was (6) GANGHAN QUEEN getting her maiden victory on January 7th, she too leading all the way. She is a front-runner and carries a very light weight here and could measure up at a probable each-way price. (8) DOLBAE has plenty of experience at this level and while she can mix her form, she enters off a strong 2nd place at class and distance a month ago when settling midfield and running on. She is up in the weights but is in the frame. (5) CLAIR BEST and (4) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM are others who may enter the calculations.

Selections(2) Naol Goni (6) Ganghan Queen (8) Dolbae (5) Clair Best
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

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

Fillies and mares only here and for once, (7) THE FAVORITE will be exactly that. And a warm one too having beaten a few of these on her way to 2nd place in a very similar race over 1300M on January 29th when settling in midfield and running on strongly. The additional half-furlong can be in her favour and at start fourteen, she can finally make the breakthrough. Should she find one too quick again, it could be (3) QUEEN OF BEST. She does know how to win, having done it on three occasions and enters off a useful class and distance 4th on January 7th when she came from off the pace. An apprentice claim takes her weight down and she can be considered. (1) GREEN FEELSTAR was one of those behind The Favorite last month when going right back and running on too late. Coming back up to 1400M may suit. (12) V QUEEN and (8) TROT QUEEN among the minor money hopes.

Selections(7) The Favorite (3) Queen Of Best (1) Green Feelstar (12) V Queen
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) GIPPEUM HWANHO took a very narrow win over 1200M at class 5 level on January 15th. It was his maiden score but it came after three consecutive runner-up finishes and while he is up in class here, he comes down significantly in the weights he draws well, and he can win again. (11) GANA FASHION is the principal danger. She won at class and distance in December before dropping back to 1200M and finishing 5th of twelve on January 14th. She carries 3kg more than when she won but the wide draw shouldn’t be problematic and she has a chance. (12) K N SKETCH has run consistently good times at this distance and also holds a win at it. He comes up 2kg from his latest but is another who won’t be perturbed by the wide gate and can be working home well. (5) WOLF PLAY and (10) BODY STAR among other placing chances.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (February 12)

There is a bumper day of racing on Sunday with 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00 and six at Busan from 11:05 to 15:40. There are no Listed or Graded races but plenty of competitive action to get stuck into. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (5) APEX did nothing on debut but significantly improved when stepped up to this trip in a similar all-filly race on January 15th, settling back before running on for 3rd in snowy conditions. She can be ridden further forward here and today can be her day. (9) KKUMUI SUNGAN was a quick 2nd on debut over 1000M before weakening having led on her first try at this distance on January 8th. She was favourite that day and with Moon Se-young remaining aboard, will probably start as the market leader here too. (3) J.Y. COCO put in a solid effort on debut to run 4th of eleven over 1200M when settling midfield and finishing off well. She should have derived benefit for that run and can match or better today. (8) AREUMDAUN SAI and the solitary debut-maker (7) BEAUTIFUL MELODY best of the rest.

Selections(5) Apex (9) Kkumui Sungan (3) J.Y. Coco (8) Areumdaun Sai
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens with three of the twelve racing for the first time. (6) MULTI HIT looks the one to beat having shown steady improvement across three outings to date, culminating in a 3rd place last time out of January 15th when settling handy and finishing well over this distance. The time was significantly quicker than any of his rivals here have managed and he won’t really need to improve in order to win. In a race where the exposed form is so patchy, any first-timer who trialled well needs to be given a chance. (4) JORDAN FIGHTING fits the bill having run 3rd in his heat in a good time, showing close to the place. He draws well and the favourite aside, couldn’t pick a softer race to debut in. (3) HANEUL BULPAE beat a couple of these on his way to a fair 6th on debut on January 8th, having been very slowly away and last until the final furlong when he started to make up good ground. That puts him in the frame here. (11) JEONGMUN SPECTER and first-timer (1) OK DREAM, who led a trial, others to keep safe.

Selections(6) Multi Hit (4) Jordan Fighting (3) Haneul Bulpae (11) Jeongmun Specter
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. There are two standouts both of who will need to be forgiven slightly lacklustre latest outings. (11) MAESTRA finished in 3rd place on both her first two starts, both at 1000M She was favourite for her first try at this distance on December 18th and she led until weakening for 6th. She should have come on for that experience and can get it right today. (4) HANGANG POWER stepped up to 1300M on his last start on January 7th, racing in midfield throughout and finishing 6th. Going on his previous 3rd place over 1000M though suggests he has a bit of speed about him and he too gets another chance today. (6) MY ONE improved at start number three running 4th over this distance and stopping the clock in a good time. A repeat will put him in the mix here (3) HALLSTATT and (9) SEONGEUN CROWN among others to consider.

Selections(11) Maestra (4) Hangang Power (6) My One (3) Hallstatt
Next Best9, 12
Fast Start7, 10, 11, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(3) JEOLDAE BOSS gets the nod here having been knocking on the door across his four starts so far. His latest, on January 13th, was his best so far when he settled midfield and steadily improved up to 2nd on the line having overcome a wide draw. That was over 1300M and there is no reason why the additional half furlong can’t suit. (7) CHONGAL CHARM put in a good showing when on pace over 1300M on December 11th and finishing a close 2nd. The same apprentice keeps the weight light, and he can put in a bold showing again. (8) TOP FRIEND came from well off the pace to run 2nd over 1300M on January 13th. He has got a long way back in each of his starts so far, but the additional half-furlong today may be to his benefit. (4) POWER RIDE and (9) SAEKDAL FIGHTER among others in the hunt.

Selections(3) Jeoldae Boss (7) Chongal Charm (8) Top Friend (4) Power Ride
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Not a strong maiden so we can accept (11) MIR POINT’s 5th place on Christmas Eve when he used up plenty of petrol coming out of the widest gate and getting to the speed. The time before he had run 2nd over 1000M. The draw is not ideal again but against this opposition, with a touch of luck at the start, he can win. (4) CUPID WOW has a 3rd place to his name over this distance. He draws well to be on pace here and he should be in this a long way. (12) GOLDEN LUCKY will need a line drawn through her latest over 1300M when knocking up very quickly and only beating two. If we go on her start prior to that though, she ran a good 2nd at this distance and she can be given another chance here. (9) DONGTEUJA WAY and (7) HIGH BORN ME others who can compete for the minor money.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 12 races from 10:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Moon Se-young is back from suspension on Saturday: Pic: KRA

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens get proceedings under way with five of the twelve racing for the first time. Unusually we’ll take a chance on a first timer and (8) AUSTIN LEADER. He showed well in his trial when handy and running though the line well in a fast time on an admittedly wet track. 1200M can suit first up and if he brings that trial form to the races, he has every chance of a win on debut. Trials don’t always translate to the real thing though as was the case with (1) BULGEUN POKPUNG who barely scraped through qualifying after a strong of slow efforts. That led to him being sent off the longest but one shot on the board on debut on December 17th, but he defied that to come from off the pace for 3rd. The step up in trip should suit and a similar effort will see him in the finish. (2) MAGUMA has a 2nd place at this distance in a good time. Draw a line through his latest at 1300M when drawn widest because he gets a much better gate this time and comes down in weight. Returning to the debut makers and (7) K N GOLDEN KING and (9) YEONGWON FIGHTER look next best.

Selections(8) Austin Leader (1) Bulgeun Pokpung (2) Maguma (7) K N Golden King
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start8, 9, 10, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies. (11) RAON EMPIRE has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far most recently over this distance on Christmas Day when handy and running on. She has a strong finish so the wide draw may not be a hindrance and while she has twice been a beaten favourite, it could be third time lucky here. (5) PEERLESS is the main danger. She has finished 3rd in both starts so far with the latest being at this distance on January 14th in a tight finish. It was a good time and from a good draw she can sit behind the speed and run on strong. Those two look a cut above the rest with (9) DAERYUN SIDAE the clear next best. That’s based on her latest effort on January 15th when stepped up to this trip for the first time and settling back and running on for 4th. (4) HERO GANGJA and (7) SKY TEN others who can potentially improve.

Selections(11) Raon Empire (5) Peerless (9) Daeryun Sidae (4) Hero Gangja
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens and it’s hard to look past (8) DAEWANG SOCKS.  After a midfield finish on debut over 1000M when slowly away and running on he was on pace at start number two over this distance on Christmas Eve, having overcome the widest gate, and ultimately finished a very close 2nd to the favourite. Although he draws wide again, the smaller field should enable him to get an easier run and he will be difficult to get past. (9) GEUMBIT CHEONHA has shown progress over four starts so far with his best finish being his most recent when 3rd over 1300M on January 14th having settled back from a wide draw. He comes down slightly in the weights here and will be running on strongly again. (3) CHOEGANG HYEONMA is another seemingly on the right trajectory having improved on his second outing on January 8th, settling midfield and running on for 3rd, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He can aim to match or better that here. (7) SECRET WANGJA and (4) TUAREG NINE others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) Daewang Socks (9) Geumbit Cheonha (3) Choegang Hyeonma (7) Secret Wangja
Next Best4, 5
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(4) MAGLE DAY was an improved 2nd at start number three over this distance on January 14th when handy to the lead and then running on well stopping the clock in a fast time. He draws well to be on or close to the pace again today and won’t need to improve much here in order to win. (8) RAON THE CHARLIE enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at 1200M and 1300M having settled back and run on both times. He has the fastest finish of all of these and will be coming home strong again here. (6) EFFEL TAP should be on pace from a good draw. Moon Se-young rode him on his best finish to date when 3rd at 1200M last October and he can go well in this company from the front. (5) THUNDER BRAVO is rarely too far away and comes up to this trip for the first time. (7) DONGBANG SAGI another in the frame.

Selections(4) Magle Day (8) Raon The Charlie (6) Effel Tap (5) Thunder Bravo
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

(1) STRENGTH made all to get his maiden win at start number three over 1200M on January 14th, winning by as many as he pleased. It was an eye-catching performance and while he is up in class and slightly in trip today, he draws the same inside gate and it would be no surprise were he to repeat. (4) RAON AMERICAN is winless in five outings but got promoted to this class with a pair of runner-up finishes. He measured up well on his first try at this level when 4th over 1200M on January 15th and under a light weight again looks firmly in this. Another yet to win, in her case from eleven attempts, is (3) MORNING PEARL. She is very consistent though and has a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes among her latest four outings all at this class. She tends to settle back and run on, and it would be a surprise if she didn’t run into a place again here. (10) DESIRE TO WIN is another up in class following a maiden score, which came over 1400M on January 15th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can be competitive. (9) SUNGAN TOUCH another in at least the placing frame.

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

There is Sunday racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:40 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:05 to 15:40). Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. (8) META BLADE will be the favourite. Having run 2nd on debut over 1000M, she followed up with 4th and 3rd in two starts over today’s trip, last time out coming from midfield to finish off well. She can settle back again here and should be too strong. (4) JAEWOO SIDAE comes in off a promising 3rd place at this distance on January 8th. She’s not shown a whole lot in terms of speed but draws nicely here and an apprentice keeps her weight light. (10) YUKWAEHAN SARANG is done no favours by the draw but ran 4th, just half a length behind Meta Blade in November over 1200M. She followed up with a 5th on Christmas Eve and while she may need a touch of luck at the start, she has claims. (6) ÉCLAIR STAR and (7) CANDY GLOW among plenty of others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(8) Meta Blade (4) Jaewoo Sidae (10) Yukwaehan Sarang (6) Éclair Star
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens with five of the ten racing for the very first time. (5) GOOD MAGIC will be favourite, based upon her runner-up finish on debut over this distance on January 8th when she sat just behind the early speed and while well beaten by a good winner, she stopped the clock in a decent time and with some natural improvement, should prove too good. The main dangers lurk in the first-time starters. (6) SINHAE MANGCHI went through three trials, winning the most recent of them in January when on pace throughout. If he brings that form to the races, he will go very close. (7) RAON STRONG looked well when 2nd in a trail late last November. He too can put in a bold showing first-up. Also looking good in trials was (10) BEOMHAN GOLD, who won a heat on January 7th when handy and running on. The draw isn’t ideal but with a touch of luck, he can be in this too. Returning to those with experience, (2) GLOBAL SARANG is perhaps the one with most potential to improve.

Selections(5) Good Magic (6) Sinhae Mangchi (7) Raon Strong (10) Beomhan Gold
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens with three of the ten racing for the first time. The only one who has shown anything resembling form is (6) JUMONG CHEONHA and he accordingly will be the odds-on favourite He was 4th on debut and then 2nd at start number two, both over 1000M. He hasn’t appeared for fourteen weeks, and he does come up in trip but if he runs at anything like his previous level, he won’t be beaten here. (1) RAON HOLIDAY has finished no better than 7th across four starts so far. He has run some fair times though from a good draw, won’t need to improve much to place here. Of the first-time starters, (5) THEME TANSAENG trialled up the best crossing the line 4th of seven back in November. That form in this race will see him close. (2) SSEULMO and (8) ARGO SMILE others who could potentially improve.

Selections(6) Jumong Cheonha (1) Raon Holiday (5) Theme Tansaeng (2) Sseulmo
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies and it’s a competitive race. (8) GOHEUNG CLASSS has raced three times, notching a 2nd place over 1000M before finishing 3rd on her first try over 1200M on January 6th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She can lead or settle back and run on and the additional half furlong may well be to her benefit. (1) DUBAI PYEONGJEONG has made steady progress across her latest three appearances, culminating in a 2nd place over this distance on January 8th when overcoming the widest gate. Her style has been to settle back and run on, but she gets a great draw this time and can be a big danger. (10) FLYING DIA has run fairly for two 4th place finishes from her two prior appearances and should be aiming to match or better that here. (6) FLYING TOUCH and (9) MOVIE MORE among others with potential to improve.

Selections(8) Goheung Class (1) Dubai Pyeongjeong (10) Flying Dia (6) Flying Touch
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(6) SUPREME STAR will be expected to break through here. She hasn’t finished outside of the top-five across six prior outings and comes in off a smart 3rd place over this distance on January 7th when settling midfield and finishing well. She has run consistent times on her best form as shown so far, she can win. The main danger is (4) UNICORN KINGDOM His best finish so far is a 2nd place over 1000M two starts back but ran fairly on his first try at this distance on December 17th. He draws nicely here and should get an easy run to the speed and be in this a long way. The form falls off a bit after those two but (7) FOUR ACE enters off back-to-back 4th places, both at this distance and beating a couple of these in the latest of them. She should be aiming to match or better in this company. (2) ARGO MUJEOK has a 3rd place to his name two starts back and draws well here. (3) ARCH RIVER another with potential to improve.

Selections(6) Supreme Star (4) Unicorn Kingdom (7) Four Ace (2) Argo Mujeok
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(4) DOCTOR TIFFANY was an all the way winner over 1200M on January 6th, winning by plenty. She comes up in class and boldly up in trip, but she comes down in the weights, draws very nicely, and she could win again. It won’t be easy though. (8) BARAMBARAM’s only disappointment to date came in the Breeders’ Cup champion juvenile race in December when slowly away and failing to get a foothold. He has two positive runs over 1400M though and the step up in trip may suit (10) GREEN PAPAGO is a model of consistency who is rarely far away and has beaten a few of these across her latest few outings. She should beat plenty again, (6) CHEONMA HASEO beat Barambaram when the pair ran 2nd and 4th respectively over 140M on January 13th. He doesn’t exactly win out of turn, but he knows who to pick up a minor cheque and has done so at class and distance on more than one occasion. (3) ROCK AND ROLL is up in class and in trip following a maiden win at start two over 1300M on January 6th. He comes down in the weights and draws well.

Selections(4) Doctor Tiffany (8) Barambaram (10) Green Papago (6) Cheonma Haseo
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to go too far past (8) WONDERFUL TIZZY here. He ran a good 2nd – albeit well beaten by a very good winner – over 1200M two start s back, before finishing an adequate 5th of ten in a slow race over 1300M on January 8th. Without the benefit of an apprentice claim today, he comes up 3kg in the weights but that’s balanced by Antonio climbing aboard, and in this company, he should be able to get a prominent position early and potentially lead all the way. (6) GOLD KAISER is yet to finish in the top two but has finished between 3rd and 5th on five occasions from her ten starts and that’s enough to put her in the frame here. Similarly (5) BEST PLAN has two 3rd places to her name, most recently three starts back in a good time over 1300M. Like every other runner, she comes up to the 1400M for the first time and she can be close. (10) MONEY STONE and (1) JANGHEUNG CLASS, the latter who perhaps could be most suited to the step up in trip, are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(8) Wonderful Tizzy (6) Gold Kaiser (5) Best Plan (10) Money Stone
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(1) WIND WINNER comes in having missed the top-four on only one of nine occasions so far. His latest saw him run 3rd over this class and distance when emerging from the widest gate on January 8th then racing midfield and running on. He carries the same weight today and from a much better draw, can win. Disputing favourite status will be (11) STAR MATTA. He too has been super-consistent and enters off a class and distance win on January 13th when prominent throughout and beating three of today’s rivals. The engagement of an apprentice jockey means he carries less weight this time and while the draw is a touch wider than ideal, he has every chance. (2) B.J. CHIEF was 6th behind Star Matta in that January 13th race having worked hard to get to the lead from the widest gate. The draw is much kinder today and the same apprentice keeps his carried weight light. (4) YONGCHEON comes up in class and in distance after a good win over a mile – beating B. J. Chief – in early December. He can measure up in this company. (10) SINJIN GANGHO another in the minor money frame.

Selections(1) Wind Winner (11) Star Matta (2) B.J. Chief (4) Yongcheon
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 12

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

(6) BEST SUN was a winner on debut over 1000M last October and comes in off a front-running 3rd place over this class and distance on January 7th. He will surely be on pace here and has every chance of going all the way. The primary danger is (3) SECRET PLAY. He got his win over 1200M two starts back when settling right back and running on before trying the same and ultimately finishing 4th on his first try at this class on January 8th. He draws well and the slight step up in trip should suit. (8) SMART POWER is another consistent type who may not win out of turn but is rarely far away. She comes back in trip after back-to-back 4th place finishes at 1700M and 1400M but has run quick times at 1200M too and is firmly in the money frame again. (11) CRAZY LOVE and (1) DAECHEON BEAUTY – the latter out of sorts last time out – are others who can enter the calculations.

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are 12 races from 10:40 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener with five of the eleven racing for the first time. The favourite is the only one who has raced twice already. (3) RICH GATE was 5th on debut over 1000M in October before improving to 2nd when stepped up to 1200M at start number two on December 11th. From a good draw he can be on pace here and it should third time lucky. The most convincing dangers also have prior experience. (11) S.I. COCO overcame the same widest draw as today to go down a narrow 2nd on debut over 1000M on Christmas Day. It was a slowly run race, but he was doing his best work late and the step up in trip can suit. (8) SMARTY FIGHTER went through a plethora of trials before running 5th on debut at this distance, also on Christmas Day, and should benefit from the experience. Of the debut-makers (2) HEUIMANGUI CHANGA and (10) CHEONJI SKY look the most likely to make an immediate impact.

Selections(3) Rich Gate (11) S.I. Coco (8) Smarty Fighter (2) Heuimangui Changa
Next Best10, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maiden fillies here with three of the eleven racing for the first time. (4) ANYANG POKKYEOKGI is set to be hot favourite, based on her latest two which both ended in 3rd place, most recently over this distance on Christmas Day when overcoming the widest gate to lead. From a much better draw, she should get a more comfortable run today and may take some beating. Clear second favourite is (5) LADY TAEPUNG. She sat handy on debut over this distance on January 7th, finishing 3rd in a slowly run race and with some natural improvement, she can get closer today. (9) FALL IN LOVE looks the pick of the first timers. She went through two trials, improving significantly in the 2nd when 3rd across the line in a fair time having sat midfield and run on. The distance should suit first up, and a bold showing is possible. (2) MUNHAK CENTRAL and (11) BARAMUI HYANGGI others in the frame.

Selections(4) Anyang Pokkyeokgi (5) Lady Taepung (9) Fall In Love (2) Munhak Central
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens. (8) SAENAE KHAN comes in with a 2nd and two 4th places from three outings to date, most recently as beaten favourite over this distance on January 7th. He led that day on what was his first stretch out at further than 1000M and he can go all the way this time. That will mean overturning the form on (10) BULUI NALGAE, who has really mixed his performances across four starts so far, two good and two poor. He was 3rd in the January 7th race having sat right back and then made ground late on passing tired horses. He shapes as the danger here along with (5) GEOSEN CHAMP who like Saenae Khan, has run 4th in both his latest two. He posted a good time over 1200M two starts back and can settle back and run on here. The form drops off a bit after those three but (1) LEGEND K and (9) BLACK GUN have hinted at ability and can be place chances.

Selections(8) Saenae Khan (10) Bului Nalgae (5) Geosen Champ (1) Legend K
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A regular but very tricky maiden. There’s no clear favourite so we’ll take a chance on (2) TES MARY who has raced just twice, improving to 2nd on January 8th over 1200M when drawn wide and settling right back and running on. She draws much better here and should be running on strong again. (8) TWO ACE is yet to score in sixteen but has been ultra-consistent of late with a 2nd and two 4th place finished from his latest three. An apprentice keeps the weight light here and today could be his day. (11) JEONGWOO FOREVER is, like Tes Mary, another who can still have improvement in him. He has raced just three times and has finished no worse than 5th. He has finished off his races well and the step up in trip can be to his benefit. (1) BARAMSAL and the returning (3) ARCH SIN, who was on pace when requalifying in a trial a month ago, are among others who can place.

Selections(2) Tes Mary (8) Two Ace (11) Jeongwoo Forever (1) Baramsal
Next Best3, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 10, 11

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

(3) SUPER FINISH has finished no worse than 5th in four starts so far but remains a maiden. He is up in class here having got his second runner-up finish over this distance on Christmas Eve. He comes down slightly in the weights, draws very nicely and in a race that isn’t much stronger than he would have faced at class 6, he is the one to beat. It’s a very similar story with (6) GEUMSEONG SIDAE. He’s never finished any worse than 4th and comes up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes, both times when on pace and most recently over this distance on January 8th. He comes down 2kg in the weights and has solid claims here. (9) HIT POWER was a winner on debut over 1000M being finishing down the field in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy. Though he could only mange 8th on his most recent outing at this distance on Christmas Eve, the time was good, and he beat a couple of today’s rivals. He should be much closer in this company. (4) COWBOY TANGO and (2) BIG SMART, the latter needing to be forgiven his latest effort, the logical other money chances.

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Segye Ilbo Trophy Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (January 29)

The Stakes race program for 2023 finally gets underway at Seoul on Sunday when Raon First and Raon The Spurt head the field for the Listed Segye Ilbo Trophy over 1200M. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:40 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:05 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Raon First faces danger from her own stablemate in the Segye Ilbo Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens in the opener with all at least one start behind them and (10) TOUCH CHARM will be the warm favourite. She ran 3rd on debut over 1000M on November 26th before improving to 2nd on her next start on December 18th when stepped up to 1200M in filly only company. She comes up in trip again, and slightly in weight, but she should have too much. (8) NEULGAEUL is the only one in the field to have prior experience of this distance having finished a close 3rd on December 17th. That experience should stand him in good stead for this and he can be the main danger. (2) KARIZMA ran fairly enough for a midfield finish on debut over 1000M a month ago. He should have derived benefit from that and can improve today. (6) BEST CLONE returns after almost five months out and looked well in a trial earlier this month and along with (9) INDIANUI BYEOL, who began his career with a 2nd and a 3rd, can be considered for a place.

Selections(10) Touch Charm (8) Neulgaeul (2) Karizma (6) Best Clone
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(10) HWANGOO MONEY has come from well off the pace to run 3rd in both starts to date, both over 1200M and both from gate eleven. The wide draw certainly won’t be an issue and the additional half furlong should give him plenty of time to get the job done this time. (4) FAST GUN was anything but fast out of the gates on debut over 1000M on December 16th, but he finished off swiftly enough, passing plenty to finish 3rd. He should have come on for the run and he is another for who the extra distance can suit. (2) BRAVE CAPTAIN was much closer to the pace on her debut, scampering across from gate nine and ultimately running 4th over 1000M. With some natural improvement and from a better draw, she can match or better that today. (7) K GOLD BAR and others (9) SKY PUNCH are others who are in the placing hunt.

Selections(10) Hwangoo Money (4) Fast Gun (2) Brave Captain (7) K Gold Bar
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens with all but one racing for the very first time. That experienced one didn’t do anything on debut to warrant recommendation so it’s to the trial videos we turn and the one who caught the eye the most was (5) TAMRA CHOEGANGJA. He sat handy in his heat before finishing well to cross the line in front, stopping the clock in a fair time. If he brings that form to the races, he won’t need to improve much to win this. (3) FANCY PLAY recorded the second fastest time in trials when leading in a heat in early December, ultimately finishing 2nd. He draws well to be on pace here and should be in it a long way. (12) CHECK POINT went through the same trial as Tamra Choegangja and while he does have five-lengths to make up, he ran on well and neither the wide draw nor the trip should be a hindrance first-up. Speaking of the trip, that sole one with experience, (7) THIS WEEKEND was slowly away and with a better start and in the absence of too many standout first-timers, can improve. (9) COMPLETE LEADER another debut-maker to keep an eye on.

Selections(5) Tamra Choegangja (3) Fancy Play (12) Check Point (7) This Weekend
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(6) HANEUL JEWANG enters off an improved 2nd place at this distance on December 16th when settling handy and finishing well to record a time faster than any of the others here have managed for the distance. He should be on or close to the speed again and in this company, will be warm favourite to go one better. The main danger is (8) META QUEEN. She was 5th behind Haneul Jewang in that December race but at the start before registered a runner-up finish of her own when on pace over 1000M. This is just her fourth career start and there could be some more improvement. (9) WONDERFUL CHACHA ran an improved 4th on his latest outing over 1300M on December 2nd. An apprentice keeps the weight light and he be in the mix here too. (10) SKY SHOT and (4) UNJU MACH among other minor money contenders.

Selections(6) Haneul Jewang (8) Meta Queen (9) Wonderful Chacha (10) Sky Shot
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start6, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

More three-year-old maidens with all but one of the twelve having raced at least once before. The debut-maker is notable though as he is set to be favourite. (3) JANGSAN SPO blitzed a trial in November, stopping the clock in a fast time some fourteen lengths clear of the next across the line. That showing, coupled with the modest opposition he faces here, makes him a heavy favourite, despite the big gap between trial and race. Only two of the experienced ones have positive form. (5) BEAT RUNNER is the clear second pick with a 6th and a 4th in two starts at 1000M and 1200M, the latter at this distance and both in fair times. A similar showing will see him place again. Draw a line through (4) MENI POCKET’s second appearance and instead go on her debut last summer and she is clear third choice although the length of time between starts isn’t reassuring. (8) CLAIR QUEEN and (11) GREEN SPECTER potential improvers.

Selections(3) Jangsan Spo (5) Beat Runner (4) Meni Pocket (8) Clair Queen
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 11

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

Tricky race. We’ll take a chance on (9) WITH SUN, who was a strong winner on debut over 1200M in November when coming from off the pace before running 4th in a slow race over this distance on his first try at this level. The wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and today there should be a bit more early speed to chase down. The probable favourite is (2) BACKTOTHELEGEND. He overcame the widest gate to get on pace over 1200M on Christmas Day and ultimately went on to win well. He is up in class and in distance here but draws much better and has solid claims. (3) BYEOLGYOUI KKUM was an all the way winner at start number two over 1200M on Christmas Day. He too comes up in class and distance but draws well to get on the speed again and should be in this a long way. (11) ALL OR NOTHING ran out an eye-catching winner on debut in December. It was at 1000M, but he can measure up here. (1) FASHION FORCE ONE another in the frame.

Selections(9) With Sun (2) Backtothelegend (3) Beolgyoui Kkum (11) All Or Nothing
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 11

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

Fillies (and two mares) here. There is very little to choose between the top two, both up in class following maiden wins. The coin toss comes down on the side of (3) WONDERFUL SLEW, who came from off the pace on debut over 1200M on December 18th to just get up to for the win. She comes up in trip here, but it can suit, and she can win. That’s true too for (5) JEOMSUNI GO. She was slowly away on debut over 1000M before rattling home late for a desperately near miss. She then took a very tight victory second-up at 1200M on Christmas Eve. She too comes up in class and distance and there is very little between them. If you fancy them both to get beat, then (11) GREENBACK maybe the place to turn. She has plenty of experience of this level and enters in consistent form. The draw isn’t ideal but with a touch of luck at the start, she can run on. (7) TOUR QUEEN and (6) DUSON CLASSIC, who was slowly away last time but should be on pace here, are others to consider.

Selections(3) Wonderful Slew (5) Jeomsuni Go (11) Greenback (7) Tour Queen
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 11, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(10) EUNSEONG WINNER ran out a strong winner at class and distance on December 23rd, settling just behind the early speed before taking things up at the top of the stretch and winning well. A word of caution in that she was found to have bled for the first time but she came through the mandatory trial earlier this month without issue. (8) ARCTURUS was 4th in that same race having led for much of the way in what was his first try at two turns. He has won well at a mile and can be a danger today. (6) HORAENGI is yet to win in fifteen attempts but has no fewer than twelve top five finishes including on her last start on Christmas Day when she came from well off the pace to run a close 2nd over a mile. She comes up in class here but is nicely weighted and has placed more than once at this distance already. (2) I WILL BE FREE and the rapidly up in class having won his latest two (1) MACH WONDER, are among plenty of others to consider.

Selections(10) Eunseong Winner (8) Arcturus (6) Horaengi (2) I Will Be Free
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 8, 10, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

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