Seoul

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 23)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 14:50 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul runs on the afternoon and evening schedule this Saturday

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

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener and seven of the eight race for the first time. (7) HANGANG MUSIC did enough in her trial to warrant favourite status. She led from gate to wire, crossing the line on top in a time faster than any of the others in the race achieved and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (4) MAGIC CONCERT comes out of the same trial on May 13th when she sat handy and ran 4th. She had to contend with a wide gate that day and can get an easier run here. Experience often counts in these races and (2) ULTRA SOCKS is the only one who has it. She ran fairly on debut, finishing 6th of nine but should have benefitted for it and with natural improvement can get closer. (3) JAEWOO SIDAE and (1) APGUJEONG CHITA other first-timers who could make an impression.

Selections(7) Hangang Music (4) Magic Concert (2) Ultra Socks (3) Jaewoo Sidae
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

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

More juvenile maiden fillies and once again seven of the eight are first-time starters. (5) BAEKDU MEOTJAENGI finished ahead of a couple of today’s rivals when running 3rd in a fair time in a July 1st trial. She led for much of the heat and if she can get the lead again here, she may prove hard to pass. The experienced one is (6) ARGO GONGJU. She finished last on debut but didn’t disgrace herself and with some natural improvement from that run can start to figure things out here. (8) MOON DUST trialed competently enough, sitting handy and running on. A similar run here will put her in contention. (2) SUPREME STAR and (1) GHOST WOLF are others who did enough in trials to suggest taking note of first-up here.

Selections(5) Baekdu Meotjaengi (6) Argo Gongju (8) Moon Dust (2) Supreme Star
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

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

Anything could win this very ordinary maiden. (10) P N S SING has hinted at figuring things out in her recent outings. She has run a decent time at this distance and ran on well for 5thover 1300M last time out. She has as much chance as any. (2) WHIZ UP improved to 4th at start number two back in April when handy all the way. He returns off a sixteen-week layoff but could well be favourite in this company. From a good gate he should be on the pace and he has good claims. (1) DONGBANG SAGI has a 4th place at this distance and ran well for 5th in a better race than this last time. From the inside gate she can settle behind the leaders and run on. (7) INDIE POP and (11) EURO TEUKGEUP are others who could be in the mix.

Selections(10) P N S Sing (2) Whiz Up (1) Dongbang Sagi (7) Indie Pop
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 8, 10, 11

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

Maiden fillies. (8) LAROMANEE looks the one to beat based on her last start runner-up finish at this distance on June 19th when she sat handy throughout. Her time that day was significantly faster than any of the others here have registered and she should have too much today. (6) MAGIC MOCCASIN has four top-four finishes from five starts to date. She has the best start among these and from a fair draw should get to the lead and be in this a long way. (5) LOST WAR is yet to win in sixteen outings but has plenty of money finishes and enters in consistent form. She can sit handy to the lead and run on for a place. (1) DONGSEO YEOGEOL led for much of the way at 1300M last time out before ultimately finishing 3rd. She can go close again. (9) PAX NURI has potential for improvement.

Selections(8) Laromanee (6) Magic Moccasin (5) Lost War (1) Dongseo Yeogeol
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 16)

The afternoon and evening racing season continues at Seoul on Saturday with 10 races from 14:50 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens kick things off with six of the eight racing for the very first time. There are a couple of promising newcomers but experience can often count in these races we’ll side with (1) LUCKY POWER, who ran a decent enough 3rd on debut at this distance on June 18th when handy throughout. He should have benefitted for that, draws nicely on the inside, and can win here. (8) WONPYEONG TOWN ran fairly for 5th on his own debut in a fast race on the same day. He too should have come on for the run and with some natural improvement get closer today. The stand out first-timer is (5) RAON GIANT. The Musket Man filly made all to win her trial and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (6) ULTRA GALAXY and (4) LONDON BISANG others who look promising first-up.

Selections(1) Lucky Power (8) Wonpyeong Town (5) Raon Giant (6) Ultra Galaxy
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

Competitive maiden. (2) MUSTANG CHARM has shown good consistency across her six starts including a good runner-up finish over this distance two starts back. She draws a nice gate here and could get an easy run to the lead. Today can be her day. (4) AL SIMON has hinted at figuring things out across her latest couple and ran a good time when 4th at this distance on June 4th. She can settle behind the early leaders here and she has the fastest final furlong average time of any of these. Apprentice jockey Lee Sang-gyu takes his first race ride here and it is a promising one. (1) TIZ FIGHTING comes in having run a much-improved 2nd over 1300M on June 11th. He comes into a good gate here and Lee takes a full 4kg off his back. (8) TOP POSITION and (9) HANGANG DOLPUNG others in the frame.

Selections(2) Mustang Charm (4) Al Simon (1) Tiz Fighting (8) Top Position
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(3) MARUMA comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at this distance and both in good times. He was on the pace in those races and from a good draw, he should be able to get to the lead and this time can win. (4) DONGBANGUI HON has been knocking on the door in his latest few outings with a pair of 3rds and a pair of 4ths. At his last start he beat a couple of these on his way to 3rd place over this distance and he should be in the mix again. (2) CLAIR POWER got a long way back in his first two races, before running on well late. On his third appearance on July 3rd, he settled closer, albeit in a smaller field, and he ran an improved 2nd. He’ll be a danger here. (1) HANEUL A has steadily improved over her four starts and along with (8) GLOBAL PRIME, is another to enter the calculations.

Selections(3) Maruma (4) Dongbangui Hon (2) Clair Power (1) Haneul A
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

Wide open race with plenty having credible winning claims. We’ll give the nod to (7) WONDERFUL SAM based on her last start 2nd at class and distance on May 22nd when she settled midfield and then ran on strongly. That was in restricted filly company but a similar run will put her firmly in the mix here. (4) SAINT LUCCA got his win at this distance when ridden on pace. He has mixed his form in three outings since but ran a good 3rd, again over this trip, on June 12th and if he can be ridden forward from a good gate today, he can go close. (2) SILVER STAR has outperformed her odds in her latest two running 4th and 3rd, both at this distance. She was beaten by Wonderful Sam last time out but can be competitive here. (11) NUBIGO and (8) THE FIGHTING among others to consider in a race of many chances.

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Ilgan Sports Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 10)

The Listed Ilgan Sports Trophy is the feature race on a day where there are 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 7 at Busan from 11:35 to 17:05. Here are the previews:

Last year’s Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner Eodigana is among those in the Ilgan Sports Trophy (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Tricky maiden to open with. Without too much confidence, we’ll side with (5) LONDON MYEONGGA. He has hinted at figuring out what to do in his latest two, running 5th both times over 1300M and 1200M. Moon Se-young getting booked today may suggest this is his time. (1) PERFECT TIME was a significantly improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip on June 5th. She settled back and ran on well in a fair time that time and won’t need to improve much to go very close here. (7) GLOBAL STORM ran a solid 3rd at this distance on June 11th and from a similar gate and against similar calibre opposition can be competitive again. (6) RESERVED JOHN and (3) LAST CALL others to consider.

Selections(5) London Myeongga (1) Perfect Time (7) Global Storm (6) Reserved John
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Competitive race featuring six fillies and one gelding. (2) BAEKDU MIIN ran out a very pleasing gate to wire winner over this distance on debut on May 28th, overcoming a wide draw to lead. She comes up in class here but is down in weights and comes into a better gate with solid claims of maintaining her 100% record. The primary danger is (4) OLD START who comes back in trip having led for much of the way around 1400M at his latest outing on May 14th. He has run good times at this distance and will be expected to be on the lead again here. (3) NANA LAND too is another who has put in some decent times at the distance and while she can get a bit far back in her races, should be competitive here. (5) GO GO STAR beat Nana Land when they faced one another on June 11th. That was an uptick on recent form, but she shouldn’t be ruled out. (7) HAPPY NEWMA comes up in class off a slightly unexpected all the way win over this distance back in April and may measure up.

Selections(2) Baekdu Miin (4) Old Start (3) Nana Land (5) Go Go Star
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

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

Seven juveniles make their racecourse debuts here so it’s to the trial videos that we head. We find that (6) GOLD ROSE was the most convincing in her heat, making all to cross the line well ahead of the rest in a fair time over the 1000M. If she brings that form to the races, she will be hard to beat. (5) BUILD UP ran 2nd in his trial but it was in a time almost as fast as that of Gold Rose. He settled back and ran on and is set for a bold showing first-up. (7) I’M KING IJI made all to win his heat. The time was touch slower than some of today’s rivals but nevertheless, he di what he needed to do and should have come on for the experience. (3) PISTOL STAR posted the quickest time of any of them in trials. It was a fast heat on a wet track but should stand him in good stead here. (1) THUNDER CROWN didn’t disgrace himself either and draws nicely on debut.

Selections(6) Gold Rose (5) Build Up (7) I’m King Iji (3) Pistol Star
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

Three main ones in the frame here but his last start 2nd at class and distance is enough to tip the balance toward (3) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE. She does come up in the weights by 2kg from that day when she settled behind the lead and ran on behind a good winner, but that’s balanced a little by a better gate and today can be here day. (7) TIZ SUCCESS comes up in class following a 2nd place on debut followed by a win, both at today’s distance. She has raced handy to the lead both times and while this is harder, she is lightly weighted and can measure up in this company. (8) BLUE CHARM is yet to win in fifteen starts but has been consistently close. He comes back in trip and should be a danger here running on. (1) M J TIME and (5) GOLDEN SCOOP, who has won a trial since her latest outing, are others to consider.

Selections(3) Namsan Chocolate (7) Tiz Success (8) Blue Charm (1) M J Time
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7

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

After an indifferent debut, (6) HANEUL JILJU has, over three subsequent outings, looks very much as though she is working towards a maiden win with a 4th, 3rd and a 2nd. She has led in all those races, will surely do so again here, and this time she should come out on top. It took (1) PHANTOM QUEEN a little bit longer to show that she is figuring things out but her form in her latest two certainly reads well with a 4th and a 3rd. She doesn’t benefit from an apprentice claim today but that’s countered by having Seo Seung-un climb aboard and she should be running on late. (5) SIMON TOP GUN has mixed her form across her thirteen starts so far. She is yet to finish in the top-three but has plenty of minor money finishes and in this company can be looking for a best result to date. (2) DOCTOR PERSIA and (4) BOOMY STAR others who may be competitive.

Selections(6) Haneul Jilju (1) Phantom Queen (5) Simon Top Gun (2) Doctor Persia
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 9
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 9)

The summer racing season continues at Seoul on Saturday with a 10-race afternoon and evening card that runs from 14:50 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

The lights will be on at Seoul Raecourse again this Saturday evening

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

Juvenile maidens here with five of the seven racing for the first time and one of the two experienced ones is set to be hot favourite. That’s (2) WORLD KING MAN, who produced a strong 2nd on debut on June 18th over this distance when sitting behind the speed and running on in a good time. He was well beaten by a good winner but showed enough to suggest that he won’t need to improve very much to take some beating here. The other experienced one is (6) ARGO TAP, who ran out of steam in the closing stages having led for much of the way around on May 28th. He should have come on for that run and with a good apprentice jockey taking significant weight off, he can get closer. Pick of the first timers is (1) TOHO SKY. He significantly improved on his second trial, leading all the way around in a fair time. He draws nicely to get a good early position here and can be in this a long way. (4) GEUMBITMA and (7) RAON FOREST others to look out for first up.

Selections(2) World King Man (6) Argo Tap (1) Toho Sky (4) Geumbitma
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 6

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

Three-year-old maidens. (6) CHAPEL PRINCESS is the one to beat. She has a 4th and a pair of 5th place finishes from three starts so far, all at this distance and in the process has registered a faster time than any of the others in the race. On her latest outing she led and beat a couple of today’s rivals and from a fair draw should be on pace again and go all the way. (9) TANSAN beat a couple of these when 4th on debut in April and then ran a creditable 5th on her reappearance on June 4th. She has gone well back both times before running on and that style suggests the draw isn’t an issue and she can be a danger in the closing stages. After that pair, the form drops off significantly. (1) VINCERO KING with the benefit of a claim and the inside gate looks the logical third-pick while it’s possible (5) HANGANG HERO and (2) BEST FALCON could improve.

Selections(6) Chapel Princess (9) Tansan (1) Vincero King (5) Hangang Hero
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

Tricky maiden with many offering light claims but few convincing. (10) WONDERFUL MUSIC looks as good as any. She has a 4th and a 5th from two outings so far and while her times have been nothing special they can measure up here. Her running style suggests the draw isn’t a problem and with a bit of improvement she could win. (5) CHANCELLOR is the only one of these to have placed, something he achieved two starts back over this distance, and that should be enough to send him off as favourite here. From a good draw, he’ll be on pace. (9) THUNDER NURI has the best time among these at the distance, recorded on a sloppy track in March, and while her subsequent form hasn’t been convincing, she may be worth an each-way interest here. (3) GRACE LEE, who raced twice indifferently last year, could be a better prospect this time, having won a June trial, and (1) SUMMER ACE others in the frame.

Selections(10) Wonderful Music (5) Chancellor (9) Thunder Nuri (3) Grace Lee
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 10

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

Fillies only here and it’s hard to look far past (5) HIDDEN BLADE. Having trialed up well at the second attempt in April, she debuted on June 4th and ran a close 3rd in a good time at this distance having settled midfield and ran on. She should have come on for that experience and with some natural improvement today, she should win this. (6) LUCKY INDY didn’t get off to a good start on her latest appearance on April 17th when beaten by a couple of today’s rivals. The time before though she was an on pace 2nd and having returned from a couple of months off and with a better break, she can get close today. (3) ZELOS was a much-improved 2nd on June 12th at this distance. From a good draw, she can keep her momentum going today. (9) RALLY QUEEN and (4) GEOSEN GANGJA others who can place.

Selections(5) Hidden Blade (6) Lucky Indy (3) Zelos (9) Rally Queen
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

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

(2) INVICTUS was a good winner over 1200M at class 6 level three starts back and has subsequently run competently enough for 4th and 5th in two tries at this level over 1400M and 1300M. She stays at the same weight, draws a nice gate, and has claims here. The main danger is (7) BYEORAK. His solitary win came at this distance in January and he comes in having run a class and distance 5th on his latest start on June 18th. Moon Se-young climbs aboard and he is sure to have backers today. (5) THE FAVORITE once again won’t have that status but while she is yet to win in seven attempts, she has five top-four finishes. She likes to be on pace so draws well and carries a light weight. (8) CHADOL RUN comes up in class having secured her maiden win over 1200M a month ago and along with (6) LONDON QUEEN can be considered for the minors.

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Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 3)

Sunday’s racing is at both Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (7 races from 11:35 to 17:05). Entry to both racecourses is free across this weekend. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(5) MIGHTY ANN will be the favouite here and she looks hard to go past. She enters off a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both times on pace. In this small field she will be expected to lead and should go all the way. (8) DONGTEUJA WAY debuted back in March, finishing back in the pack in a fast race on a wet track at this distance. He had previously shown a bit of speed in a trial and with some natural improvement here, can go closer. Debut-maker (2) DANAEUN ROSE overcame the widest gate in a trial to get to the front and run on to cross the line 3rd. She can join the favourite on the speed here and can produce a bold showing first-up. (1) EAST MAGIC and (4) HWANGOO GANGJA the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Mighty Ann (8) Dongteuja Way (2) Danaeun Rose (1) East Magic
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

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

(2) CHANGER was a beaten favourite on his second start on June 4th when on pace but weakening late on to finish 6th. He had previously run 2nd over this trip on April 23rd so we’ll give him another chance here against limited opposition. (1) RED WARRIOR was well fancied on debut having run well in an April trial. He showed on pace in the May 22nd race at this distance but dropped away in the final furlong. He should have come on from that and can be a different prospect today. (5) WONDERFUL MUSKET raced twice in December 2020 and March 2021 but hasn’t been seen since. She performed well in a trial in mid-June and the jockey booking catches the eye. (7) ANYANG SAJA and (8) GUK HYANG others with placing chances.

Selections(2) Changer (1) Red Warrior (5) Wonderful Musket (7) Anyang Saja
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

Seven previously unraced juveniles get their first taste of racing here so it’s to the trial videos we head. The standout is (1) BETELGEUSE. He looked very assured in his trial crossing the line 4th in a fast time under minimal pressure. He draws nicely to be on pace here and while that trial was back at the end of April, his star can shine bright first-up. (4) ILGANG DAERO was the next best in trials, settling midfield and then running through the line well in 2nd in a good time. (2) CHEONSAUI NORAE too settled back in her heat and ran on pleasingly for 3rd place. She gets a good draw and should be working home strongly again. Stablemate of Betelgeuse (7) ARCTURUS continues the space theme. He didn’t do much wrong when trialling and can go well first-up. (3) WONDERFUL ANDOVER came through the same heat as Ilgang Daero and while further back, wasn’t too far away.

Selections(1) Betelgeuse (4) Ilgang Daero (2) Cheonsaui Norae (7) Arcturus
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(3) VESPER returned from over a year out to run 2nd over 1200M on May 29th when she went right back at the start but finished powerfully, albeit well beaten by a good winner. She should have come on for the run, comes into a better gate today and can go one better with the slightly additional trip in her favour. The main danger is (4) ACE PLAN. He enters in consistent form with a 3rd and two 4th place finishes from his latest three outings all at this distance and with some good times. He’ll be on pace here and could well go all the way. (2) CAMP SAVER comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes, both at 1200M. She is another one who likes to run on pace, and she draws nicely here. (1) SAEBYEOK BAND and (5) CLAIR POWER are others in the money hunt.

Selections(3) Vesper (4) Ace Plan (2) Camp Saver (1) Saebyeok Band
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

Maiden fillies (and one mare) here with three racing for the first time. One of the newcomers is the top pick in the shape of (3) TOTAL ECLIPSE. She led her trial, ultimately running 2nd in a fast time behind a horse who ran 3rd of eight on his own debut last week. She can put her rivals in the shade here. Having run 2nd on debut, (11) QUEEN ALLIE had a poor day at the office when favourite on her return on May 29th, seemingly becoming unbalanced early in the race and never playing a role. She was sent back to trial after that, and she won a heat on June 11th in fine style and is worth another chance here. (4) CROWD ONE has been consistent if unspectacular across six starts so far. Similar runs to her latest should see her in the finish here. Stablemate of Total Eclipse, (9) KATNISS isn’t very quick, but she did lead at her latest outing on June 3rd, holding on for 3rd. She comes in under a light weight and a repeat can’t be ruled out. (5) POCKET POWER has been through loads of trials and finally makes it to the races with a chance first-up.

Selections(3) Total Eclipse (11) Queen Allie (4) Crowd One (9) Katniss
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 6

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

A weak maiden here. (2) MIR POWER probably warrants favourite status based on her 3rd place two starts back over 1200M. She only beat a couple home on her next outing on June 19th but while she comes up in the weights, Moon Se-young gets the leg up today and she has as good a chance as any. (1) STAR CRAZY has shown his best form in trials, but he draws a good gate here and the apprentice keeps his carried weight low. He should be on pace and can be in this a long way. (3) GEUMA WITTY comes up in trip following a couple of creditable performances at 1200M. She has been one-paced but that may be enough to see her into some money here. (5) DEVIL K only beat one home on debut but did win a trial and may improve. (7) HEEMANG WARRIOR managed a 3rd place on debut on May 1st and while it was a slow race, that alone is enough to being her into contention in this company.

Selections(2) Mir Power (1) Star Crazy (3) Geuma Witty (5) Devil K
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 4
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 2)

The first afternoon/evening meeting of the year at Seoul takes place on Saturday with 10 races from 14:50 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Perhaps this night racing season, we shall update our stock photos of night racing.

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

Maiden juveniles over the short course in the opener. Two of the nine have raced before and while experience is usually worth plenty in these types of races, we’ll take a chance on a newcomer. (6) MENI POCKET is the second out of eight-time winner Meni Money to make the track. She went through two trials, improving significantly in the second of them earlier this month, responding very nicely when asked and running through the line well. She is a bit on the small side but can win first up. (9) NUT PLAY ran well enough for 4th on debut in a fair time on May 28th, on pace throughout. He should have come on for that run and get closer today. (4) WONPYEONG KILLAR debuted in the same race, finishing in 5th place and with natural improvement, he too can be backed. Returning to the debut-makers, (2) GWANGCHIGI won his trial in good fashion and can lead from a good draw, while (1) GOOD CABO is bound to be backed with Moon Se-young on.

Selections(6) Meni Pocket (9) Nut Play (4) Wonpyeong Killar (2) Gwangchigi
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 9

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

Maidens here. (4) NAOL ACE will be hot favourite coming in off back-to-back 4th place finishes, most recently over this distance in a time significantly quicker than any of his rivals here have achieved. He comes in fresh following a fourteen-week layoff and he should win. (3) JEONGMUN PAPAGO was an improved 3rd on his latest start on May 29th when settling midfield and running on. He comes into a better gate today and looks a solid placing chance again. (7) WONDERFUL HAWAII has mixed her form across eleven previous outings but does have a 2nd and a 3rd to her name at this distance. A top-three finish will see her up in class and she probably should achieve it. (1) COMPLETE JOY and (8) P N S LIN are others in the minor money frame.

Selections(4) Naol Ace (3) Jeongmun Papago (7) Wonderful Hawaii (1) Complete Joy
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A small field of maidens and (6) TANGJA is the clear pick following his much-improved 2nd at start number two over this distance back in March. He broke a bit slow that day from a wide gate but was quickly up with the speed and led until the closing stages. He ultimately went down by a nose to Mighty Good who has since won again at class 5 level and while this is his first start since, he should win. (1) VICTORY SAM ran 2nd over 1000M all the way back in June of last year. She didn’t reappear until the end of this May when she led before tiring. She should strip fitter for that run and can go close today. (7) GEUMSEONG CROWN ran 4th on his return from six-months out at the end of May. He too should have come on for that run and looks a placing chance here. (5) TRES VITE and (4) SKY PANGPANG others with minor money hopes.

Selections(6) Tangja (1) Victory Sam (7) Geumseong Crown (5) Tres Vite
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(4) ORAE HAMKKEHAJA was a winner on debut over 1200M, making all, before returning and running 5th on his first try at this class over 1400M on June 4th. He comes up in the weights here and also in distance to two-turns, but he should be able to overcome both and can win. (9) JEONGMUN POKJU comes in having run 3rd on his latest try at this distance on May 22nd when on pace throughout. He too comes up in the weights but Moon Se-young remains aboard and he will be a big danger here. (1) JIGEUMYEOGIE came from well off the pace to run a smart 3rd at class and distance on June 5th. From the inside gate he can be dropped in behind the speed here and then run on strong once more. (6) FLYING ATHENA and (3) THAT’S MY BOY others who can enter the placing calculations.

Selections(4) Orae Hamkkehaja (9) Jeongmun Pokju (1) Jigeimyeogie (6) Flying Athena
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start4, 7, 8, 10

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

(4) KING HONOR has hinted at ability across three starts so far and finished off well for 4th over 1300M at his latest outing on June 5th. He comes up slightly in trip here, should be on the lead, and can win. (7) EPIPHANY mixes his form but goes well on his day and this small field can suit. He will settle behind the leaders and can run on strong. (6) BANG BANG TTEUNE has tended to get a little bit far back in her races but she has run a decent time at this trip. She is another who may appreciate the smaller field and can experience less traffic problems today. (2) RUNNER MONSTER comes in off his best finish to date, when 3rd over 1300M on June 5th. The same apprentice keeps the weight light and he can go close. (3) BEST BIG BANG another in the hunt.

Selections(4) King Honor (7) Epiphany (6) Bang Bang Tteune (2) Runner Monster
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7
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Summer Race Schedule To Begin July 1st – 9pm Finishes Friday & Saturday

Racing will switch to its summer schedule from this coming weekend, Friday July 1st, running until the the weekend that ends on Sunday August 28th. During July and August, racing on Fridays and Saturdays will have a mid-afternoon start with the final race at 9pm. The Sunday schedule will remain unaffected.

Evening racing is to return after a two year hiatus

Typical schedules will be as follows:

FRIDAY

Busan Racecourse: 7 races from 15:35 to 21:00

Jeju Racecourse: 8 races from 14:10 to 20:00

SATURDAY

Seoul Racecourse: 10 races from 14:50 to 21:00

Jeju Racecourse: 6 races from 14:00 to 17:45

SUNDAY

Seoul Racecourse: 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00

Busan Racecourse: 7 races from 11:35 to 17:05

There will be free entry to all racecourses on the weekend of Friday July 1st to Sunday July 3rd.

Mayor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 26)

The Busan Mayor’s Cup has attracted a super field and is the feature race of a big Sunday program in Korea. See here for a full preview of the big race. There are 6 races at Busan from 11:35 to 16:20 as well as 11 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Ten three-year-old maiden fillies go around in the opener and there are two standouts. (2) GEUMA CHIC was a much-improved runner-up at start number two on June 5th when unlike on debut, she was prominent throughout. She draws nicely again to sit close to the speed and with a bit more natural improvement, she can win. (8) SONGAM ARCHGIRL has improved across three outings to date. Along with Geuma Chic, she is the only one in the field to have previously raced at this distance and she registered a faster time when running 2nd from a wide gate on April 23rd. She comes in fresh after nine weeks off and may start as favourite. (10) GREEN DRAGON has put in two creditable runs in 2nd and 4th so far, both times on pace. The draw isn’t ideal, but she looks a good place chance again. (1) MAGIC MOCCASIN should be on the early speed from the inside gate and can be in this a long way while (9) FLY JENNY has the potential to improve from her debut.

Selections(2) Geuma Chic (8) Songam Archgirl (10) Green Dragon (1) Magic Moccasin
Next Best9, 6
Fast Start1, 8, 9, 10

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

Three-year-old maidens although this one is open to the boys as well. It’s hard to look past (5) WORLD CHARM. Having trialled up well, he was 2nd on debut at this distance on May 28th when handy to the lead throughout. The time wasn’t fast, but he wasn’t beaten too far and with some natural improvement here, he should win. (12) DREAM ROSE was sent off as favourite for her debut on back on March 20th, having shown good speed in a trial. He ran 5th having been close to the pace and having had a further three months off since and has every chance of improvement. (7) NB JEONSA comes in off a 3rd and a 4th at this distance in his latest two, having been on pace both times. He’ll be getting forward again and should be going close. (2) ROMA BLADE and (4) SHOOTING REVERSE others with placing chances.

Selections(5) World Charm (12) Dream Rose (7) NB Jeonsa (2) Roma Blade
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start5, 7, 10, 12

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

Three-year-old maidens open proceedings on the south coast. (2) WORLD FOUR A will be a hot favourite to break through at what will be start number three having run 2nd and 3rd in two prior outings. He’s been on the pace both times and from a great draw should lead again and prove hard to catch. (6) TOMYRIS won a trial before drawing the widest gate on debut and getting well back before running on for 6th. She should have come on for that run and from a much better draw today she can get much closer. (9) TWO OF US has been consistent across three starts so far and has registered the fastest time for the distance of any of these when 3rd back in April. She too likes to get forward and while she is drawn a little wide, she should be competitive again. First-time starter (11) TAP DANCER and (12) GEOMBOSEONG are others in the placing frame at least.

Selections(2) World Four A (6) Tomyris (9) Two Of Us (11) Tap Dancer
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(7) EUNHYE RECORD looks the one to beat here. He comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes over this distance and 1400M, last time out beating a couple of today’s rivals. He can sit behind the speed here and use his strong finish to make the breakthrough. (8) ECHO ZONE finished 6th behind Eunhye Record when they met at 1400M on May 28th. He also has a 3rd to his name over 1200M and may appreciate the slight drop in trip and the less unfavourable draw. (11) JAKDUKONG and (9) P N S YARNS came home 3rd and 4th with not much between them when they raced each other at 1200M on May 29th. Both came from off the pace, and both shouldn’t be concerned by the relatively wide gates. (10) ARCH RIVER has the fastest time of these at the distance and is another with potential to improve.

Selections(7) Eunhye Record (8) Echo Zone (11) Jakdukong (9) P N S Yarns
Next Best10, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 12

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

(4) MILK DAY enters in the best form here having finished 4th and 2nd in his latest two, most recently at 1400M on May 29th when from a wide gate, he sat behind the speed and ran on for a close runner-up finish, his best in ten starts so far. In doing so, he registered the fastest time amongst those who have tackled this distance before and from a nice gate, can drop in behind the leaders again and run on. (8) VIEW AMAZING comes in off a much-improved 2nd place at this distance on May 27th, when on pace throughout. He should be on the speed here and can be in this a long way. (6) STAR CATCH has shown good consistency across her most recent outings. Last time out on May 29th at 1300M, she settled back in the pack and ran through the line well for 3rd. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and it may suit. (10) CITY BLADE and (7) AGAIN HELEN are others in at least the placing calculations.

Selections(4) Milk Day (8) View Amazing (6) Star Catch (10) City Blade
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 11
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 25)

There are nine races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. The first five races will be run in honour of trainers Kim Jeom-oh, Park Dae-heung, Seo Jung-ha, Lim Bong-chun and Ji Yong-cheol, all of whom are retiring this month. Here are the previews:

Sports Chosun winner Determination will be in action on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Juvenile maidens including the first two-year-old of the year to race for the second time. That experience could be key and (3) A ONE STAR is the pick. He ran 3rd of eight on debut on May 28th when at the back of the field for most of the way before running on strongly. He should have come on for that and can give trainer Ji Yong-cheol a winning start to the final weekend of his thirty-six-year career. A One Star shows we always have to be careful with the trial results as he was very slow in his and was sent off at 76/1 on debut. (7) MORNING PRINCE won his heat when prominent throughout and is perhaps the pick of the newcomers. (1) GLOBAL KANGTA ran on well for 3rd in his heat in a fair time. He gets a better draw for his real race debut and can go close. (4) NEMO PRINCE and (6) HANGANG YEOUL also ran in times that can see them competitive here.

Selections(3) A One Star (7) Morning Prince (1) Global Kangta (4) Nemo Prince
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Another set of juveniles racing for a big prize with seven of the nine making their racecourse debuts. We’ll side with experience though and (6) WHITE NUMBER ONE. After trialing up fairly, he ran 3rd on debut having been handy throughout and with some natural improvement from that run, can go very close here. (5) SURE WIN won her trial in fine style, sitting behind the leader early before running on well. If she brings that form to the races, she will be in the finish. (1) LEGAL HIGH also won her trial, settling back and running on. The time wasn’t fast but didn’t need to be and with an apprentice taking 3kg off her back, she comes in under a feather weight. (2) NAVY CHROME is a rare California Chrome filly in Korea. She made all to win her trial in a fair time and from a nice draw should be on pace early here. (8) GEOMEUN JIJLU among others who hinted at ability in trials.

Selections(6) White Number One (5) Sure Win (1) Legal High (2) Navy Chrome
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

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

Three-year-old (and one juvenile) maidens here with five of the twelve racing for the first time. It’s hard to look far past (1) OKCHEON CHOEGANG. He has shown steady improvement over his four starts so far and at his latest was 2nd at this distance on May 29th when handy to the speed throughout and briefly leading with a furlong to run. He draws well here to lead and should go all the way. (5) KINGS EYE ran 4th behind Okcheon Choegang in that May 29th race. That was an improvement from his debut and if he continues on the same development trajectory, he has a chance here. So too (8) EUNPA MOUNTAIN, who came home 3rd at this distance at start number two on May 22nd. He will look to sit handy to the speed and can run on. Debut-maker (4) GOLD POWER as well as (11) ARA CHAMP are among others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(1) Okcheon Choegang (5) Kings Eye (8) Eunpa Mountain (4) Gold Power
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

Fillies and mares only here. (5) K N OLD QUEEN is the one to beat. Her win came at this distance in a good time when making all at class 6 level in January and she has run fairly in two subsequent outings at this class including her latest on May 15th when 3rd. She likes to sit on pace or handy and should prove too strong here. (4) HWASUBOON had a poor day at the office over 1300M on March 26th. She’s had almost three months off since then and is a class and distance winner already so can be given another chance today. Likewise (2) REMARKABLE was only ordinary on her latest appearance on May 29th. She is yet to win in eleven attempts but has twice placed at this class and distance and from a good draw can settle back and run on into the money again here. (9) ELITE RULES and (1) CONCORD SPARK are others who can have lines drawn through their respective latest runs and can go better today.

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SBS Sports Sprint Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (June 19)

The SBS Sports Sprint highlights Sunday’s racing. See here for a runner-by-runner guide to the big race. There are 11 races on the card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:35 to 16:20. Here is the race-by-race:

Black Musk won the SROA Chairman’s Sprint and is the probable 2nd favourite in the SBS (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

The opening maiden is wide open, so we’ll take on the favourite. Down in the weights with an apprentice aboard, (5) BLACK INDY may well have enough about him to break through here. He has the fastest time among these for the distance and today gets a better draw than in recent starts. That should allow him to be on pace and in this a long way at what should be an each-way price. With Moon Se-young climbing aboard, (6) DONGBANGUI HON is the probable favourite. He has been knocking at the door in his latest three with a 3rd and two 4th places and while the times haven’t been fast, he has potential. (2) G STAR has tended to get a bit far back in his races but is very well drawn today to just drop in behind the speed and run on. He will be finishing well and can be a danger. (9) DIVINE FUTURES has shown steady improvement and was a good 3rd at this distance last time out on May 21st. The draw is not ideal, but he can go close. (7) MONEY STONE another in the hunt.

Selections(5) Black Indy (6) Dongbanui Hon (2) G Star (9) Divine Futures
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 10

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

Three of these maidens raced each other at this distance on May 15th and the three of them should be at the top of the market here. The best finisher that day was (3) MIR POWER, who settled midfield but ran on well for 3rd place. The same apprentice jockey returns today – this time claiming 3kg rather than the 4kg she got that day – and she can come out on top here. The most fancied of the three in that May race and the probable favourite here is (6) M J TIME. She ran 7th in that May 15th race having been close to the pace early but was the best backed of the three, having run 2nd at this distance on April 23rd. She’s worth another chance here. (1) HAMPYEONG ACE was 4th in that race, big uptick on his first two starts and with some natural improvement can be in the mix here. Among those who didn’t go in that race, (4) WONPYEONG GWANGYA and (7) YEONHUI SARANG look the best  

Selections(3) Mir Power (6) M J Time (1) Hampyeong Ace (4) Wonpyeong Gwangya
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

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

Three-year-old maidens here. (7) HALLOWEEN PARTY returned from almost six months off to run 2nd at this distance on May 8th when handy throughout. That was a big improvement from when we last saw him and he won’t need to get much better to win this. The main danger is (8) MAHAMERU. She too did nothing in her first couple of starts last year but came back in April and has since run 3rd and 2nd at 1200M and 1300M. She has a strong finish on her and will be doing her best work late again here. (6) GAMDONG ENERGY has mixed her form across four outings so far but a repeat of her run two starts back which saw her 3rd over 1200M, will put her right in this. She will be on pace from the start. (3) SSAEKSSAEGI returns for the first time since January having trialed up encouragingly last weekend. (1) GEUMA NIMBLE another in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Halloween Party (8) Mahameru (6) Gamdong Energy (3) Ssaekssaegi
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

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

(9) MYEONGJIN CANDY has been working towards a win across her latest three starts, culminating with a 2nd place over 1300M on May 21st having led all the way around. Despite the wide draw, she has more early speed than anything else here so should get to the front again, she has a light weight on her back, and she may take some beating. Logical second pick is (3) LAROMANEE. She has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded when 3rd two starts back. She’ll be up on the speed too and has a strong finish on her. Those two look to be head and shoulders above the rest but (4) GENTLE RULES returns to action almost five months after her debut. She showed enough in a recent trial to suggest she can be competitive. (2) ROSE GOLD and (1) CHEONSEONGI other minor contenders.

Selections(9) Myeongjin Candy (3) Laromanee (4) Gentle Rules (2) Rose Gold
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

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

After taking a race to find her feet, (6) GOLD SWEET has finished in the top-four in each of her latest three starts, two at 1200M and one at 1300M being close to the pace each time. She should be leading here and looks hard to go past. (4) PHANTOM QUEEN was significantly improved at start number five when a close 4th over this distance in a good time on June 5th. Once more she carries a very light weight, and she can continue her development here. (3) UNJU STAR has also started to figure things out in her most recent two appearances with a 3rd and a 5th, the former at this distance. She draws nicely here to be on or close to the lead and should be aiming for at least another place. (7) HWARANG SKY and (1) ECTON POWER are others who can be targeting money finishes.

Selections(6) Gold Sweet (4) Phantom Queen (3) Unju Star (7) Hwarang Sky
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 6

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

Kim Tae-hui is on another favourite here and (10) SKY FUTURE really does look the one to beat. The apprentice jockey’s 3kg claim takes Sky Future down 3kg from when he beat several of these on his way to 3rd place over this distance on his first try at this class on May 22nd. He doesn’t need to lead so the draw shouldn’t be a concern and he has never finished any worse than 3rd in five starts. (2) EUNSEONG MARU came home 5th in that May 22nd race and while she comes up in the weights (apprentice Kim rode her that day), she still looks nicely enough in here to go close again. (5) YESULIYA comes up in class following a good win over this distance back in March. He is in fresh following a fifteen week break and can measure up in this company. (9) MUNHAK FOREST and (1) UNJUUI BOM others who can enter the calculations.

Selections(10) Sky Future (2) Eunseong Maru (5) Yesuliya (9) Munhak Forest
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(10) HAENGBOKAN HAMAN ran out an eleven-length winner over this distance on May 22nd on what was her second career start. That was a filly-only maiden, and she is up in class here, but the manner of that win and the winning time suggest that there is more to come, and a similar run will see her comfortably on top again. (6) PILGRIM is yet to win in nine attempts but has six top-five finishes including a runner-up finish at this class and distance two starts back. He likes to settle in midfield and then run on and can go close again. (3) POKPUNG JILJU returned from a ten-month absence to run a solid 2nd over 1200M on May 15th. That was enough to shunt him up in class here but from a good draw and under a fair weight, he can measure up. (12) KKUM NEOMEO and (4) KING BOSS the other standouts in a race with plenty of depth for the level.

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