Seoul

President’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (November 13)

Sunday is President’s Cup Day. Click here for a full runner-by-runner preview of the most valuable race of the season that is restricted to Korean-bred runners. The big race is race 8 of an 11-race program at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:15 to 16:45 with King Of The Match in the feature. Here are the previews:

Winner’s Man will be seeking to add the President’s Cup to his Korea Cup success (Pic: Ross Holburt/KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time. And among those debut-makers is the eagerly awaited (10) RAON EMPIRE. She’s half-sister to Raon The Fighter, currently the highest rated horse in Korea and she looked very well in two trials, crossing the line 1st in one and an unhurried 3rd in a fast time in the second when overcoming gate twelve. She will be a very short-priced favourite. (5) NAOL HAEGBOK did nothing on debut in June but was looked a better prospect when trialing up again behind Raon Empire in October. She should go better this time around. (1) YOUNGYOUNG SOCKS put in the best debut of those that have run before, showing on pace before finishing in the middle of the pack. She should have come on for that run and can improve here. (12) RED TAEPUNG should also improve from her debut while (4) WALGADAK looks the second best of the first timers.

Selections(10) Raon Empire (5) Naol Haengbok (1) Youngyoung Socks (12) Red Taepung
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 10

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

(5) SUPREME STAR looks the one to beat here. Her best result to date came on debut but she has run well in two starts since including her latest when stepping up to this trip and posting a time as fast as any of the others here have managed when 5th. She sat handy that day which she will probably do again, and this time she can stick to her task. (2) DANAEUN ROSE has a 3rd and a 2nd from her first three outings. Her only poor result so far came when drawn very wide and being unable to find a position. That shouldn’t happen here as she can get an easy run to the front and can be in this a long way. (11) WORLD PLAY has run on pleasingly enough across three starts so far and is showing signs of improvement. He should be aiming to better the 5th place scored last time out at 1000M and can be running on late here. (3) VESPER and (7) NEVER NEVER STOP other potential improvers.

Selections(5) Supreme Star (2) Danaeun Rose (11) World Play (3) Vesper
Next Best7, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

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

(6) BLACK CHOCOLATE ran out an emphatic winner on debut over this distance on October 16th, settling midfield before cruising away in the home straight. He comes up in class today, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come, and he is strongly favoured to maintain his 100% record here. (1) JEONGMUN PAPAGO got promoted to this level with back-to-back runner-up finishes at this distance before running 4th of twelve in a fair time on his first try at this class on October 9th. He can build on that here. (2) CONCORD QUEEN already has a 2nd place finish to her name at class and distance and from another good draw today can be on pace and in this a long way. (9) CHANCELLOR weakened late on at his latest start and may be better for being slightly back in trip today. (4) B. J. STORM another in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Black Chocolate (1) Jeongmun Papago (2) Concord Queen (9) Chancellor
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast. (4) GOODY ran in improved 3rd at start number two over this distance on October 2nd having gone right back from a wide gate and then run on well. He draws inside for the first time here and if he can a little but more prominent, he could win here. (5) FINAL SEVEN enters with a similar record having also improved to 3rd on his second outing on October 9th. He too sat back and ran on and can continue his development here. (8) HAEUNDAE STAR also showed progress when racing for the second time He comes up in trip for the first time here and under a very light weight can be running on well. (3) FLYING TOUCH by contrast ran poorly at her second career start but based on her debut can be given another chance here. There are three debut-makers and among them, (1) MULTI HIT looks to have the best chance of an immediate impact.

Selections(4) Goody (5) Final Seven (8) Haeundae Star (3) Flying Touch
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 12)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with four of the nine racing for the first time. There’s going to be a hot favourite in the shape of (5) JANGBI MUJIGAE. The Hansen filly is making her third start here having run 5th and 3rd in her previous two, both in quick times. She has been settling midfield and running on but in this company may well be on the pace and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to win this. (9) MIR POINT has been 7th in both his outings to date but posted a quicker time in the latter, running through the line well. With some more natural improvement, he can be in this. The newcomers don’t exactly quicken the pulse although (7) SIDAEUI MYEONGJAK ran well enough in his heat to suggest a bold showing first-up is possible. It’s hard to make a case for any of the other newbies based on their trials so (6) ANYANG POKKYEOKGI and (2) BEAT RACER are favoured to improve.

Selections(5) Jangbi Mujigae (9) Mir Point (7) Sidaeui Myeongjak (6) Anyang Pokkyeokgi
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start5, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens with four of the ten racing for the very first time. As in the previous race, we side with experience and (1) E-DANAEUN is set to be a warm favourite having run 5th of twelve on debut back on September 17th having drawn wide and then run on well. He doesn’t have the benefit of an apprentice claim today but that’s balanced somewhat by a much better draw and with some natural improvement, he looks the one to beat. Also drawing better at start number two is (4) SMARTY GLORY. She had to deal with gate twelve on debut on September 24th but ran on well to finish 5th in a fair time and with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. Look for improvement. (6) AMAN BAROWS was a well-beaten 6th on debut but the time was good, and he too can build on it here. As for the first timers, (3) SHARP SUNSHINE and (5) SAVANA CHARLIE looked the best in trials.

Selections(1) E-Danaeun (4) Smarty Glory (6) Aman Barows (3) Sharp Sunshine
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

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

(2) MENI ACE ran twice at the start of the year, registering a 2nd place over this distance, before then being off for eight months. She returned on October 9th, again at this trip, when she settled back from the widest gate, before running on for a solid 5th place. She should strip fitter for that run, she comes into a better gate, and she will be favourite to score. That will mean overturning the form on (5) SERYUNG, who was 4th in that October 9th race, a length and a half ahead of Meni Ace. He comes up 2kg without the benefit of an apprentice claim, but he should be competitive again. (11) MAGIC JUDE appears to be figuring out what to do three starts into a return after eight months off. The draw is not in her favour but with a touch of luck at the start, she can be considered. (7) GANGCHEOL BUDAE and (1) WHITE WITCH others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(2) Meni Ace (5) Seryung (11) Magic Jude (7) Gangcheol Budae
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) CUPID WARRIOR made all to win on debut over 1000M on October 2nd in a fast time. He comes up in class and in distance and while the draw does him no favours at all, the manner of that win suggests that with some natural improvement, he can maintain his 100% record here. (2) JAKDUKONG has been super consistent across her latest five outings, finishing either 3rd or 4th. That puts her up in class here but the counter to that is she is down in weight and draws very nicely. She can measure up here. (9) MEOTJIN GIROK returned to action following six months out on October 16th and ran a good 5th over this distance. He should strip fitter here and can get closer. (3) GOLD POWER, who can have a line drawn through his latest, and (5) DOLBAE among others int the minor money frame.

Selections(11) Cupid Warrior (2) Jakdukong (9) Meotjin Girok (3) Gold Power
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 8, 11
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 5)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens. (11) RAON THE QUALITY has raced twice so far, doing nothing on debut but improving significantly at start number two on September 18th when 4th over 1000M, running on well. The step up in trip can suit and she can win here. (7) FARCIARZ ran well on debut over the minimum trip in early September before finding things tough in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy against the track’s best juveniles and drawing the car park in gate fourteen. He comes back into much shallower waters here and has strong claims. (9) VISION STAR and (8) WINNER DRAGON both ran 4th on their respective debuts with both running on well over five furlongs. They too may appreciate the additional furlong today. (2) BULUI NALGAE, who overcame a wide gate last time to run a decent 4th, is another in the hunt.

Selections(11) Raon The Quality (7) Farciarz (9) Vision Star (8) Winner Dragon
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

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

More juvenile maidens and (4) GEUMBITMA is the one to beat. After running 2nd on his second start over 1000M in August, he was given his chance in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy against the track’s best juveniles and defied big odds to run a creditable 6th of fourteen over this distance. A repeat of that performance will make him hard to beat here. (3) DRAGON STAR comes up in trip for the first time after three solid efforts over 1000M. He has been running through the line well on each occasion and from a good gate, today may well suit. (8) RAON AMERICAN stepped up to this distance for his second outing on September 25th and having settled midfield ran on well for 2nd. Of those who have tackled the 1200M already, only Geumbitma in the Munhwa Ilbo has posted a faster time and he can be in contention here. (9) HUNTER BLADE and (2) HIGH GRAND among plenty of others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Geumbitma (3) Dragon Star (8) Raon American (9) Hunter Blade
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW25 Million

Fillies (and one mare) here. (5) ANOTHER LEVEL debuted in March, posting two 3rd place finishes before not racing again until October 9th. She won a trial in the lead up to that event but having drawn wide and worked to a position behind the leaders, she weakened in the closing stages. She should have derived much benefit from that run and looks the one to beat here. The rest have patchy form. Under a light weight with an apprentice claiming 2kg, (10) GOLD KAISER might be worth a place chance. She has run fairly in two starts this preparation since returning from eight months off and could be peaking fitness wise here. (2) SHOOTING REVERSE has mixed her form across four appearances to date but does have a runner-up finish to her name at this distance and that’s enough to put her in the frame here. (6) DAESEUNG GAON and (3) RUFFIAN EAGLE are others who may enter the calculations.

Selections(5) Another Level (10) Gold Kaiser (2) Shooting Reverse (6) Daeseung Gaon
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

Moon Se-young climbs aboard another favourite here in the shape of (1) STRONG CHARM. He got his maiden win in comfortable fashion on October 9th when settling midfield and running on over 1200M. That was his third start and he had shown improvement on each of them and while up in class and distance today, neither should be a problem. The main danger looks to be the similarly well-drawn (2) MAPARAM. She was sent off at big odds last time out on October 8th but led for much of the way around, ultimately finishing 2nd. That was the first time in a while that she had been ridden forward and the draw couple with the small field should enable her to do similar today. (7) HUIMANG OREUM comes up in class having got her maiden win at the fourth time of asking on October 8th. That was a big improvement but was it was over this distance in a fair time, and she can hold her own in this company. (8) HIDDEN BLADE and (5) GEUMSEONG SEGYE others with at least minor money chances.

Selections(1) Strong Charm (2) Maparam (7) Huimang Oreum (8) Hidden Blade
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8


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

(2) NAOL CHEONJI made all to win on debut over 1000M on October 1st. She is up in class and in distance here but neither should be a problem and with Moon Se-young climbing aboard, she is sure to be well backed. It could be the battle of the “Naols” and (4) NAOL SESANG is up in class following her own maiden win on October 1st. She had made three indifferent starts at the beginning of the year but returned following over six months off looking much more the part and her win came at this distance. She was on pace all the way around and will be aiming to do similar here. (9) SAENAE QUEEN was a winner on debut in August before running 2nd from a wide gate on her first try at this class and distance on September 24th. She gets no favours with the barrier again but looks a strong place chance, nevertheless. (1) ELITE RULES and (10) BURUI GASOK among others to consider for the minors.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 29)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with five of them racing for the first time. (5) JUMONG CHEONHA is the pick having run 4th on debut at the end of August when handy throughout. He previously won a trial in a good time and with some natural improvement from his debut, can win. (7) CHROMITE went through a couple of trials before finishing 3rd on debut on September 24th. He never looked like getting to the first two but it was an encouraging performance that he should have derived benefit from. Of the first-timers, (2) SINPUNG YEOGEOL took a couple of trials to figure out what she was meant to be doing but she looked good in her latest at the end of September when she led throughout, ultimately crossing the line 2nd in a fair time. She draws well and should be ready for this. (4) YONGBI SEOUL and (3) HANGANG JILJU others in the frame.

Selections(5) Jumong Cheonha (7) Chromite (2) Sinpung Yeogeol (4) Yongbi Seoul
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 5

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

More juvenile maidens but just two of the ten are racing for the first time. There are a lot of letters in her name but (3) SEONGSILGONGJUPINK won a September trial before showing prominently in her debut on October 16th, ultimately finishing 3rd. She should have come on for that, Alan Munro climbs aboard, she draws well, and the additional furlong can suit. (6) THUNDER BRAVO has hinted at ability across three outings to date with the best being a 4th place at five furlongs in August. He draws much better than he did in his latest outing on September 25th when he had to contend with gate twelve but still worked home well for 6th place and he can improve here. (2) GLOBAL KANGTA finished 4th in that September 25th race having come from well off the pace. That was an improvement on his first two outings and he can continue to make progress here. (4) JAEWOO SIDAE and (5) SINUI BANJEON are others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(3) Seongsilgongjupink (6) Thunder Bravo (2) Global Kangta (4) Jaewoo Sidae
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(12) RUNNER MONSTER beat four of these on his way to 2nd place at this distance on October 2nd when sitting midfield and then running on to be narrowly defeated. He comes up 3kg without the benefit of an apprentice claim today and he is done absolutely no favours by the draw, but a similar run will see him go close. (4) HEEMANG WARRIOR was 4th in the October 2nd race having been handy throughout. She meets Runner Monster better at the weights and with a better gate and is capable of overturning the form. We’ll need to take (2) BOSS BABY on trust as he has never run further than 1200M. His recent form has been his best so far, however, and from a good draw, there is a chance the extended trip can suit. (8) DAECHEON CHAMP similarly comes up to two turns for the first time. She ran on well for 5th at her latest outing over 1400M having settled well back and is worth some thought. (1) HAPPY NICE ran 3rd in the October 2nd race and is another in the hunt.

Selections(12) Runner Monster (4) Heemang Warrior (2) Boss Baby (8) Daecheon Champ
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) HANGANGUI GISANG won an August trial and then duly led practically from gate to wire on debut over this distance on September 17th. He had to work hard to see off a determined challenge but did so well enough. He comes up in class and will be expected to win again. That determined challenge came from (12) PURGE DAY who returned that day eleven months after his previous outing. He was 2nd throughout and as that wasn’t his first runner-up finish, he comes up in class too. He should measure up and be the main danger again but the draw is very much against him overturning the form on the favourite. (7) LONDON SKY enters off a good 3rd place at class and distance on August 21st and following a couple of months off can go well fresh here. (10) SMART POWER and (1) KING MOUNTAIN are others with at least place chances.

Selections(9) Hangangui Gisang (12) Purge Day (7) London Sky (10) Smart Power
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 11

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

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 23)

No Stakes races but plenty of action at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:15 to 16:40). Here are the previews:

The Stakes race presentation stage won’t be in use this weekend (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with six of the twelve racing for the first time. There are two standouts. The only one to have raced twice already is (4) TAKE MUSIC, who improved to 2nd place at start number two on September 24th in a fast time. She has led both outings so far, draws well to do so again and can win. (12) MAESTRA led on her debut on September 18th right up until the closing stages when passed by a couple. The only thing against her here is the wide draw, but if she can overcome that, then she has every chance. (10) COMPLETE ANGEL won a trial and then didn’t do too much wrong when finishing midfield on debut having shown on pace. She can improve. Here. A couple of the first timers caught the eye in their respective heats. (11) SEONGSIL TAEYANG and (3) YOUNGYOUNG SOCKS perhaps have the best chance of making an immediate impact.

Selections(4) Take Music (12) Maestra (10) Complete Angel (11) Seongsil Taeyang
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens. There is just one first-timer starter, but we’ll take a chance on (12) CHOEGANG HYEONMA. He was slow away in his latest trial but worked home very nicely to cross the line in front. Starting out at 1200M should suit, the draw shouldn’t be too important, and Moon Se-young is in the saddle. (9) WINNER YOUNG was a solid 2nd on debut over 1000M on September 17th, running on from midfield He may appreciate the step up in trip here and can be considered.  (6) MONEY JANGGUN wasn’t fancied at all on debut but ran on strongly for 2nd place over 1000M and is another who can benefit from an additional furlong. (8) ARA MOA and (7) JANGHEUNG CLASS are others who finished off their respective debut races in good style and who can be considered for improvement.

Selections(12) Choegang Hyeonma (9) Winner Young (6) Money Janggun (8) Ara Moa
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

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

Not the strongest of maidens. (3) BARAMUI GEOM has raced just three times with 5th places in his latest two, both over 1300M. In this company he can be expected to be on speed and with Moon Se-young climbing aboard, he will have plenty of backers. He perhaps has more potential for improvement than (7) MONEY STONE, who comes in having secured her best finish in eighteen starts when 2nd over 1300M on October 1st. It was only a narrow defeat, and she warrants respect here. (5) NOW NURI has the fastest time amongst these for the distance and while that isn’t saying much, that and a runner-up finish two starts back are enough to put her in the mix here. (8) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER and (2) TOGETHER WAY others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(3) Baramui Geom (7) Money Stone (5) Now Nuri (8) Hampyeong Fighter
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open on the South Coast with six of the twelve racing for the firs time. We’ll side with experience though and (12) I WILL THE STAR was a front-running 2nd on debut over this distance on September 23rd in a fast time. The draw is not ideal, but she can overcome it and can win. (2) NINE FORCE ONE has run twice, improving to 3rd place on her second outing. She draws very nicely here and looks to be the main danger. (5) MOTHER MOUNTAIN was a solid 3rd on debut in a fast time over this distance before being slowly away and finishing in midfield on her second start over 1200M on September 18th. She drew the widest gate that day, but the draw is kinder here and back to the minimum distance, she can go close. Among the first timers, (10) DIA BOSS and (4) CONFIDENT performed adequately in their trials and may go well first-up.

Selections(12) I Will The Star (2) Nine Force One (5) Mother Mountain (10) Dia Boss
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(6) MAGIC JUDE returned from eight months out in August and has since run 3rd and 4th in two starts back, both at this distance and both times on pace or handy. He can lead again here form a good gate and can go all the way. (1) MACH STAR sat right at the back from a wide draw on debut over this distance on September 25th before running on very well for 4th. She should have come on for that run and from a much better barrier this time can go even closer. (2) EFFEL TAP has run fairly for two 6th places both over 1000M. He too draws well this time and can be on pace and be in this a long way. (5) MIGHTY ANN was 5th behind Mach Star in that September 25th race, continuing a run of consistent form which has seen four top-five finishes from seven starts so far. She likes to settle on the speed or handy and can play a big part here. (7) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN among others in the hunt.

Selections(6) Magic Jude (1) Mach Star (2) Effel Tap (5) Mighty Ann
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

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KRA Cup Classic Sunday: Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 16)

Sunday is KRA Cup Classic day at Seoul with Raon The Fighter heading a field of thirteen, six of whom come out of September’s international Korea Cup. See here for a runner-by-runner preview of the big race. There are 11 races in total at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:15 to 16:45. Here is the race-by-race:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with all but three of the twelve racing for the very first time. (7) SHINE ON ME came through two trials, posting decent times in both. She should be nice and fit for her debut outing here and with Moon Se-young aboard, is sure to have plenty of backers. (4) SEONGSILGONGJUPINK is a Hansen filly who won her trial at the end of September coming from off the pace. She draws well here and also looks set for a bold showing. (3) DASI TAEEONADO was on pace in her trial, ultimately crossing the line 2nd. She draws well to get forward again and can be considered first up. As for the experienced ones, (12) JEONGSANG LUCKY posted the fastest time while (6) GLORY AND HONOR didn’t do too much wrong and both can hope for improvement here.

Selections(7) Shine On Me (4) Seongsilgongjupink (3) Dasi Taeeonado (12) Jeongsang Lucky
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens. (7) META BLADE came from off the pace to run 2nd on debut over 1000M on August 20th. He should have come on for the experience, and the additional furlong can suit. It certainly suited (4) WONDERFUL INDY, who is the only one in the field to have tackled the distance. Having run 9th on debut at 1000M, he came back out on September 4th and ran a strong 2nd, settling midfield and running on. From a good gate and with that experience, he will surely be a big danger here. (2) SECRET PLAY is another who has been coming from off the pace in his two previous outings, both over 1000M. He should be doing his best work late on here and is another to consider. (3) G MOTION, a likely front-runner, and (5) SUPEREME STAR others in the hunt.

Selections(7) Meta Blade (4) Wonderful Indy (2) Secret Play (3) G Motion
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 8

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

Competitive maiden. It’s not often we take a chance on the only first-time starter in this kind of race, but we’re prepared to do precisely that here with (3) BLACK CHOCOLATE. He trialed up twice, running 2nd in the first of them before winning the second in September when handy throughout and running on well. The 1200M should suit first-up and he draws well. If you prefer experience, then (2) MAGIC MOCCASIN could be the one. She led for part of the way around over this distance on September 25th, her second runner-up finish. She draws well to lead again and can be in this a long way. (9) GOLD KAISER has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She returned from eight months off to run a solid 4th at this distance on September 18th and should have come on for it. She is another who likes to be on pace. (8) TOP POSITION and (6) YEONHUI SARANG are among other placing chances.

Selections(3) Black Chocolate (2) Magic Moccasin (9) Gold Kaiser (8) Top Position
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open at Busan with three of the eight racing for the first time. Here we will side with experience and (2) BARAMBARAM, who came from the back of a similarly small field on debut on September 23rd over this distance. He should have derived benefit from that and can go one better today. (4) ONE MIND similarly showed ability on her debut in late August when from a handy position, she ran on well for 3rd place, also at 1000M. She looks set to be on pace here and has solid claims. (7) HOTFLEX has run fairly in both starts so far, only beating a couple home each time but with the margins in front not too big. He can improve here. (5) DALLILLAEYO won a trial in September, running on pace throughout and looks to have the best chance among the first-time starters of making an impression. (3) ROAD TO DREAM too put in a fair time in his trial and can go well first up.

Selections(2) Barambaram (4) One Mind (7) Hotflex (5) Dallillaeyo
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 7

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

(2) GOMANARU has improved across three starts so far, culminating in a runner- up finish over 1300M on September 18th when settling back in midfield and running on. He stretches out to 1400M for the first time, and it could be what he needs to land himself in the winner’s circle. After an indifferent debut, (1) PERFECT GUN MAN has hinted at ability with back-to-back 4th place finishes in fair times at 1000M and 1200M. He too has been running on in his races and may appreciate the step up in trip today. (8) SARANG DAMOA is one of four racing here who does have experience of the distance already and among those, she has the fastest time. She is yet to win in eleven, but her recent form reads well, and despite being drawn widest, she can settle close to the pace here and she will run on. (7) PAX NURI and (3) TWO ACE the others in the placing frame.

Selections(2) Gomanaru (1) Perfect Gun Man (8) Sarang Damoa (7) Pax Nuri
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(9) ETERNAL ACE has made steady progress across nine starts so far and registered a 3rd place over this distance on September 18th having led throughout and posting a time almost a second faster than anything else here has managed over the distance and he should be hard to hold out here. (5) COME ON FIRST races for the first time since running 2nd at start number two back in May. He looked well when coming through a fast trial at the start of September and has every chance of a bold showing first up here. (1) POLE TO WIN also returns from a spell out having not raced since July. He ran fairly in September trial and can get on pace from the inside gate and be in this a long way. (4) ECTON POWER and (2) FLEX SHINHWA both need their latest starts (in the same race) forgiven, but both can go better here.

Selections(9) Eternal Ace (5) Come On First (1) Pole To Win (4) Ecton Power
Next Best2, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(7) ALL FOR YOUR DREAM returned from nine months out to run 3rd at this distance on September 17th when handy throughout. He should have derived plenty of benefit from that run, strip a bit fitter here, and he can get his maiden win. (1) EUREKA had four 4th placed finishes from seven starts so far. He suffered a reverse behind a couple of these last time out on September 3rd but draws nicely here and can be aiming for improvement. (8) LUXSEN was one of those who finished ahead of Eureka on September 3rd. He subsequently ran 6th over 1200M three weeks ago but this can suit a little more and he can go close again. (3) ROCK IMPACT comes up to this trip for the first time and it may well suit, while (4) P N S KING has mixed his form across twelve starts so far but can enter the calculations in this company.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 15)

Saturday sees 10 races in the capital from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Korea Derby runner-up Seungbusa is in action at Seoul on Saturday but faces a stern test (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with three of the nine racing for the first time. (1) COMPLETE FORCE impressed in a July trial and then ran well enough for 6th of eleven on debut on August 21st. He should have derived benefit from that run, should be on pace from the inside gate, and will take some beating. Clear second choice is (4) INDIANUI BYEOL. The Hansen colt won his trial in fine enough fashion, even if the time wasn’t first. Moon Se-young aboard a first timer will always catch the eye and he appears set for a bold showing first-up. (6) WHITE WITCH has run fairly for 4th and 6th in two starts so far, posting decent times. She won’t need to improve much to get in the places here. (8) CUPID SWING and (2) RAON THE CHARLIE are others who could improve on their debut showings.

Selections(1) Complete Force (4) Indianui Byeol (6) White Witch (8) Cupid Swing
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden sees four of the ten racing for the first time, and it looks a very competitive race. (10) LEGAL HIGH has raced twice so far, recording a 7th and a 6th in fair times. She has settled back both times and while she may need further, the wide draw may be of some help here in getting a trouble-free trip and under a light weight, she has as good a chance as any. (7) HAENGBOKAN MUNMAK is the only other one to have raced twice. She ran 4th of eight on debut in a good time and while she was unable to follow up, she is worth another chance here and should be on pace. (4) NANGJU YEOGEOL ran 4th of twelve on her debut in an all-filly maiden on September 18th. The time was good and while with no apprentice engaged today, she comes up in the weights, she can be involved. (9) GEUMA FIERY looks the best of the first-time starters while (2) STAR K is another who can improve on his debut effort.

Selections(10) Legal High (7) Haengbokan Munmak (4) Nangju Yeogeol (9) Geuma Fiery
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

Luigi Riccardi continues to hold a narrow lead at the top of the Trainers’ Premiership, and he can get another on the board here with (3) HUIMANG GADEUK. The filly returned from seven months out on August 20th to finish a front-running 2nd in a time half a second faster than anything else here has managed over this distance. She should have come on for that run, she should be on the early speed again, and she can win.  Busan jockey Park Jae-I had a fruitful weekend in Seoul last week and while once more he isn’t on one of the favourites in Sunday’s Group race, he picks up a nice ride here in (7) JAKDUKONG. After taking a few goes to figure things out, he enters in consistent form and should be running close. (4) BOLD AGAIN beat Jakdugong as the pair ran 2nd and 3rd over this distance on September 18th. That was his first start in almost precisely a year, and he should have come on for it. (8) ARCH MEMORY and (9) SECRET KING among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(3) Huimang Gadeuk (7) Jakdukong (4) Bold Again (8) Arch Memory
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (12) LAROMANEE is done no favours by the draw. But she enters in good form with her maiden win two starts back being followed by a 3rd place on her first try at this class on August 27th when settling handy and running on. She is back slightly up in trip today and with a bit of luck at the start she can be right in this. (1) HAPPY SOCKS beat a couple of these on her way to 5th place at this class over 1400M on September 17th. She posted a good time when 4th at this distance three starts back, and from the inside draw, she should find her way to the front early. She will be in this a long way. (5) BEST MAD CAM was 6th behind Happy Socks in that September 17th race. At the start before, she got her maiden win over this distance and with an apprentice on, her carried weight once more makes her competitive. (3) EUNHYE DREAM comes up in class following too many near misses. She remains a maiden but is well drawn and well weighted here and can measure up. (8) JEJUUI YOJEONG, the solitary mare, came from well back for 3rd place last time out and can be considered here.

Selections(12) Laromanee (1) Happy Socks (5) Best Mad Cam (3) Eunhye Dream
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 12

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

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Jeju Governor’s Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 9)

Graded Stakes racing returns to Seoul on Sunday for the first time since the Korea Cup and Korea Sprint five weeks ago with the Jeju Governor’s Cup (1400M KOR-G3) for local-bred fillies and mares taking centre stage. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:15 to 16:45. Here are the previews:

Golden Power and Raon The Spurt will clash again in the Jeju Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with five on the nine racing for the first time. And unlike in so many of these races where we go for experience, this time we’ll go with a first timer. (8) YUKWAEHAN SARANG won a trial in good fashion, running on pace on the bridle and responding well when asked for a brief effort. She looked well within herself and let loose on the track, has every chance first-up. (7) RAON THE FLATTER ran a creditable 4th on debut in July in a fair time before parting company with her jockey right after the start on her re-appearance on August 27th, competing the course pilotless. So long as man and beast stay united here, she should improve on that debut 4th. (2) GANGHAN QUEEN was on pace for much of her debut before weakening late on She should have derived benefit from that run and can be in this a little longer. (4) SEUNGRIUI YEONGHON and (5) VISION STAR are other newcomers who may provide some interest.

Selections(8) Yukwaehan Sarang (7) Raon The Flatter (2) Ganghan Queen (4) Seungriui Yeonghon
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here and based on his debut performance, it will be very hard to look past (4) NANOMETA. Having won a July trial, he came out on August 28th and came from off the pace to finish 2nd over 1000M. The additional furlong today should be ideal and with the benefit of that experience, he should take some beating. (5) MORNING PRINCESS was a decent 3rd on debut and while she found herself overmatched on her second appearance which is in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August, she finds herself back in shallower waters here and can be a big player. (2) BAEDARI WANGJA similarly ran well for 2nd on debut and while he couldn’t repeat at start number two on September 4th, he can be given another chance here. (3) HUNTER BLADE and (8) LEMON BLADE others in the placing frame.

Selections(4) Nanometa (5) Morning Princess (2) Baedari Wangja (3) Hunter Blade
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

A big field for this maiden but another short-price favourite seems likely and again Moon Se-young rides it in the shape of (7) STRONG CHARM. He has a 2nd and a 3rd to his name from three starts to date including last time out when he ran through the line well. He comes up in distance here, but it should suit, and he should sign off from class 6 with a win. (3) ROSE GOLD beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place two starts back and followed up with a 3rd, again at this distance, on September 18th. He has the fastest tie of any of these for the distance and from a good draw can go close. (11) DEVIL K is another who will be up to class 5 with a finish anywhere in the top three. He comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes in good times at this distance and can run on well here. (12) MENI ACE, who returns for the first time since February, and (2) SAMBA ZONE, are others in the frame.

Selections(7) Strong Charm (3) Rose Gold (11) Devil K (12) Meni Ace
Next Best2, 9
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 12

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open proceedings on the south coast, with four of the eleven racing for the first time. The hot favourite will be (2) WORLD LEGEND, a good 2nd on debut over 1000M in July and then 4th over this distance in a good time at start number two on August 28th. He draws very nicely to be on pace here and should take some beating. (10) K.AI has been on pace for 3rd and 2nd in two starts so far, both over the 1000M. The draw is a little wider than ideal, but he should handle the distance and can be a danger. So too (8) DOCTOR PANGPANG. He made good ground late to run 2nd on debut over 1000M on August 28th and should appreciate the step up in trip today. (1) ADELE HORANGI and (11) FINAL SEVEN can also be in the hunt for at least places in a race with decent form, given the lack of experience.

Selections(2) World Legend (10) K.Ai  (8) Doctor Pangpang (1) Adele Horangi
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 10, 11

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

(7) MONSTER POWER ran out a comfortable winner on debut over 1000M on September 3rd, settling midfield and then running on strongly. He comes up in class and in distance, but neither should be an issue and he is the one they need to beat here. (4) STAR RUSH is yet to win in twenty-five attempts, but he has had a fair few near-misses and was a decent 4th in a fair time over 1300M last time out. He has had a couple of months off and looks a place line here. (6) JANGSU NABOM too has placing chances. He weakened having led last time out but at the start prior, he ran a solid 3rd place beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. He has the fastest start among these and can be in this a long way. (1) COWBOY TANGO and (2) COMPLETE LUCKY are others with minor money claims.

Selections(7) Monster Power (4) Star Rush (6) Jangsu Nabom (1) Cowboy Tango
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) ALPHA V is winless but comes up in class following a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes, all over 1200M. She carries a light weight and he running style suggests that the widest gate – of only eight – shouldn’t be a problem. This is hardly the most intimidating of class 5 fields and this could be her day. (6) GOLD TAP will probably start as favourite. While he comes in having missed the top five for the first time, when 6th over this class and distance on September 16th, that wasn’t a bad run, and the finish was tight. He can sit in pace or handy here and may prove too strong late on. (2) MY SONG is a winner over this distance at class 6 level and while she weakened to only beat one home having led over her previous start at the beginning of September, she is worth another chance today. (1) INDIAN PARTY and (7) WIND PARK others capable of sneaking a place.

Selections(8) Alpha V (6) Gold Tap (2) My Song (1) Indian Party
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 8

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

Small but competitive field with two standouts. It’s time (7) GANA FASHION won a race. She has three runner-up finishes and one 3rd place from four starts so far and came close to making all at class and distance last time out. She can be on pace again and may just be a little sharper in the finish which is what makes her the very marginal top pick over (2) TIZ SUCCESS, who has similar form but with a win in the books and over one race less. She too was an on-pace 2nd last time out, stopping the clock in an identical time to that of Gana Fashion in her race. She comes up one more kilogram than her rival does and also starts here for the first time in three months. It would be a big surprise if those two don’t fill out the quinella so the rest look like battling for the minors. (3) ELITE RULES, (1) JEONGMUN PAPAGO and (4) TIZ FIGHTING all come in off the back of good latest starts.

Selections(7) Gana Fashion (2) Tiz Success (3) Elite Rules (1) Jeongmun Papago
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 7

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

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

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with six of the eleven racing for the first time. We shall side with experience though because (7) RAON SPIKE caught the eye on debut on August 14th, settling midfield and running on for a close 3rd in a fast time over this distance. He should have derived benefit from the run and any kind of improvement should see him home on top. There is a debut-maker to keep an eye on though. (11) MAGIC HOUR made all to win his trial in a decent time earlier this month. While he may not have drawn the best, if he can bring that form to the races, he can go close first up and will probably be second favourite. (10) CAT’S EYE put in a bold showing on his debut on September 3rd, leading before weakening late. He should have come on for the run and be in it a bit longer today. Neither (6) BAEKDU BOY nor (9) SUPER FINISH disgraced themselves on their respective debuts and both can be entitled to some improvement here.

Selections(7) Raon Spike (11) Magic Hour (10) Cat’s Eye (6) Baekdu Boy
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Tricky maiden with some very shaky form. Only four have tackled the distance before and (5) LAST CALL was the fastest among them, athough that’s very much a relative thing, in this company. He has been consistent; an apprentice rider keeps the weight low and today could be this day. The only one of the nine who has troubled the scorers so far is (6) DANAEUN ROSE, who ran an on-pace 3rd on debut over 1200M in July. She couldn’t get to the front from a wide gate on her re-appearance in August but draws better today and has claims to be favourite. (8) GENTLE RULES is similar to Last Call, in terms of having been consistent if unspectacular. He got a 4th place over this distance two starts back and while the time was slow, he won’t need to go much better to improve on that here. (1) WONDERFUL MUSIC and (4) HUIMANG OREUM are others who could potentially improve.

Selections(5) Last Call (6) Danaeun Rose (8) Gentle Rules (1) Wonderful Music
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

Another maiden and it’s hard to look past (1) ANYANG SAJA. Having run 6th from a wide gate on debut, he was a much-improved 2nd at start number two when settling behind the early speed and then running on. He draws nicely here and while this is his first start for three months, he should have too much for this field and will start as a short-priced favourite. Clear second favourite is (3) NAMSAN KKOT. She has finished between 3rd and 5th in all four of her starts so far, generally settling back or in midfield and running on. She too comes back off a bit of a layoff – in her case she last ran in May – but she looked well enough when winning a trial last Friday and should go close here. In the same colours, (10) NAMSAN MUJEOK also returns for the first time since May. He registered a 3rd and a 4th in his last two starts before his layoff and came through a trial three weeks ago well enough to suggest he can pick up from where he left off here. (4) GOLDEN LUCKY has been back to trial since his inauspicious debut in August and can be given another chance. (9) SONGAM NURI does have a 3rd place on his record and that’s enough to give him a chance of the minors here. 

Selections(1) Anyang Saja (3) Namsan Kkot  (10) Namsan Mujeok (4) Golden Lucky
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

Fillies only here with another short-priced favourite and just as in race 3, Antonio is riding it from gate one. (1) CONCORD QUEEN scored her maiden win in March, making all over 1300M and she has been working her way back towards another victory, almost grabbing it on her latest start on August 27th when leading nearly the entire way around only to be denied by the favourite on the line. She comes up in the weights by 2kg here but that’s balanced by a better draw, and she should take some beating. (3) CUPID JUMBO races for the first time since May. She had shown ability and looked well when trialling in July and may provide some interest at a probable each-way price as she has run well first-up before. (11) MORNING PEARL comes n off a good 2nd at class and distance on September 4th. She came from off the pace that day so the wide draw shouldn’t be a hindrance and she can be a danger here. (4) INNER PEACE and (10) THE FAVORITE – who assuredly won’t have that status – are others in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Concord Queen (3) Cupid Jumbo (11) Morning Pearl (4) Inner Peace
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10
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Juvenile Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (October 2)

The juvenile series kicks off at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy in the capital and the Areumdaun Jilju Stakes on the South Coast. Both will have hot favourites with the respective track’s “Rookie Stakes” winners Giant Punch and Fantastic Kingdom both expected to kick on. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 with 6 at Busan from 12:15 to 16:40. Here are the previews:

Juvenile Series races in times gone by have been good (Pic KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

An unusual start to the day in that it is for juvenile fillies at class 4 level, so it is targeted at imported horses, the first such race here for a while. Five of the eight race for the first time but they find themselves up against a proven winner in (1) FIRE GIRL. She made all to win over 1200M on debut on August 28th and from the inside gate, the Pioneerof The Nile filly will be odds-on to make it two from two. The main dangers are set to be first timers. (6) MEDICI WOLF won a trial having been handy throughout. The time wasn’t quick, but she did it well and should have derived benefit from it. (2) MOONHAK SONG and (8) BS POWER both went faster than Medici Wolf in their heats and can go well first up. (7) MISS HIGH FLY another who hinted at ability.

Selections(1) Fire Girl (6) Medici Wolf (2) Moonhak Song (8) BS Power
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The first division of two juvenile maidens and six of the twelve are racing for the first time. (1) DRAGON STAR gets the nod following a 3rd and a 5th in his opening two races, both in decent times when coming from off the pace. He draws very well here and with some natural improvement can win. The draw doesn’t favour (12) HIGH GRAND. He comes in off a solid 6th and a 4th in his latest two most recently behind Naol Sniper, who has gone on to win again. With a bit of luck at the start, he can find a good position and he can tun on well. (5) JANGBI MUJIGAE ran on well for 5th place in a fast race on a wet drack over this distance on debut and a repeat of that would put him right in this. As for the debut-makers, (9) TOUR QUEEN and (3) CUPID WARRIOR look best equipped to make an immediate impression.

Selections(1) Dragon Star (12) High Grand (5) Jangbi Mujigae (9) Tour Queen
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The second division of the juvenile maiden sees five of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. There are a couple of standouts and given the draw, we’ll side with (1) SINUI YEOIN. She ran on for a close 4th on debut over this distance on August 14th in a fast time on a wet track. She can be on pace or handy here and could prove too strong. (10) GLOBAL CHANGA was well-backed on debut when he ran 2nd to Ranut, who takes his chance in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy later today. He overcame gate eleven that day and while he scarcely draws any better here, he may well start as favourite. (8) DALGEUM is the logical third pick, following an improved 3rd in her second outing on August 20th when sitting in midfield and then running on over a wet track. She can finish strongly again here. (4) GIPPEUM HWANHO didn’t do too much wrong when 5th on debut and should have come on for the run. The debut-makers don’t really jump out here although (5) AMAN BAROWS went through a lot of trials a registered a couple of decent times.

Selections(1) Sinui Yeoin (10) Global Changa (8) Dalgeum (4) Gippeum Hwanho
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens open proceedings on the south coast. (3) HANSEN COD GIRL was a close 3rd on debut on September 2nd just getting the worst of a desperately tight three-way finish. She draws well to be on pace again and won’t need to improve much on that to win. (12) PISTOL STAR also suffered a near-miss on debut. That was back in July when handy throughout and just narrowly being beaten into 2nd over 1000M. He races for the first time since and if he can get a bit of luck position-wise from the wide draw, he can have a big say in this. There are three first timers and (1) META QUEEN looked good when winning an August trial. She draws well and could sneak a place on debut here. Likewise (9) GEMIJIN was a distance 2nd in his heat to an experienced racehorse but stopped the clock in a fair time and can be competitive. (11) ARTHUR KING IJI is one of a few with the potential to improve on their debut effort.

Selections(3) Hansen Cod Girl (12) Pistol Star (1) Meta Queen (9) Gemijin
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 9, 11, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(6) ARGO TAP has shown potential across three starts to date with a best of 3rd. He has led all three including his latest when he tackled 1200M for the first time and led for most of the way, before ultimately finishing 5th of nine. He should have come on for that experience, can lead again, and this time go all the way. Any top-three finish will put (3) HWANGWOO GANGJA up to class 5 and it could well be a win. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over today’s trip. Last time she was on pace, something that will be expected again from a good draw, and an apprentice jockey keeps the weight down. He has solid claims. There was a full ten months between (7) CUPID WOW making his debut and re-appearing. He was better the second time around, running 3rd on his return. That was in early July so he has had another three months off since, but a repeat of that run will put him close at the finish. Solitary debut-maker (1) JILJU DAESE and two-time placegetter (8) GEUMA ALLURE are others in the frame.

Selections(6) Argo Tap (3) Hwangwoo Gangja (7) Cupid Wow (1) Jilju Daese
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A big field of maidens but (9) MIGHTY STORM will be expected to score. After three consecutive 4th place finishes, he managed 3rd on his latest outing at 1200M on September 4th when settling midfield and running on. The slight step up in trip today might be what he needs, and he is the one to beat. (11) GOLDEN RACER has finished off both her races to date very well over 1200M, especially last tie out when running on for 4th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter to her, and the additional half furlong should be appreciated. (5) TEUKGEUP CAMP is another up slightly in trip having done his recent work over 1200M. He ran good times at this distance and may well be ridden a bit further forward today with there being not much genuine speed in this race. (10) HALLA BAEKDU and (3) ECTON POWER among others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(9) Mighty Storm (11) Golden Racer (5) Teukgeup Camp (10) Halla Baekdu
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10
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