It’s Grand Prix Stakes Eve! Before the big race at Seoul on Sunday, the capital track hosts a Saturday meeting 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 in the opener with five of the eight racing for the first time. We’ll take a chance on one of the debut makers in the shape of (6) J MOTION. He made all to win his trial by a big margin and in a quick time in mid-November. If he can bring that form to the races, he can win first-up. The main danger is one of the ones with prior experience. (8) CLOUD NINE has raced twice, not doing much on debut but then improving to 3^rd when stepped up to this trip on October 23^rd. He sat right back early before running on and so long as he doesn’t leave himself too much to do, he can be competitive here. (2) SINUI HAMSEONG has been through a load of trials. The most recent (which was voluntary so may not appear on all race cards) on November 11^th saw his overcome a wide draw to sit off pace and hen run on very nicely to cross the line 1^st in a good time. The distance should suit for his debut here. (4) CLUB D is another trial winner and along with (7) NONSTOP THUNDER is also with claims to go well.

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

Maidens and it’s hard to look far past (11) GEUMBITMA. He has three top-four finishes from his four prior starts, alongside a solid 6^th place in the listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy. He comes in off a solid 3^rd place last time out on November 5^th when sitting handy throughout and while he has the challenge of the wide gate, he should have too much. (5) RAON AMERICAN ran 5^th in that November 5^th race, settling midfield and finishing off well. He also has a 2^nd place to his name at the distance and getting a much better draw than the favourite, can be a danger under You Hyun-myung, who is in town to ride in Sunday’s Grand Prix Stakes. (4) HUMMING BIRD enters off a last start runner-up finish over the distance and while she was well beaten by a good winner, she comes into a much better gate today and can go close again. (3) SUPREME STAR and (1) RAON THE CHARLIE among others with credible placing chances.

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

Fillies (and one mare) here and it looks to be between two last start winners. (11) WONDERFUL WEEK was a super winner at start number two over 1000M on October 30^th, settling handy and running on to stop the clock in a fast time. Neither he extended trip, or the class rise should be a problem and while the draw isn’t ideal, she looks to have plenty of potential. (6) MAPARAM was a fine winner over 1300M at this class on November 5^th, making all in a quick time. The engagement of an apprentice jockey keeps the weight down and from a good gate, she should be in this a long way again. (8) CONCORD QUEEN has finished in 6^th and 7^th in her latest two, but the margins haven’t been big, and she can be a factor here. (4) GEUMA ALLURE and (9) JAKDUKONG are among a lengthy list of other placing contenders.

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

A very competitive affair in prospect here. We’ll side with (2) EUNPA CHAMPION, an all the way winner on debut in a fast time over 1000M on November 6^th having previously won a trial. He is up in class and up a furlong and a half in distance, but he can be equal to both. (5) NAOL CHEONJI was a winner on debut over 1000M in October and then followed up with a 3^rd place over 1300M on her first try at this class on November 5^th. She should have benefited from that latter experience, she should be on pace here, and she has every chance. (3) YONGBI SEOUL is another who comes up in class having won on debut, in his case on October 29^th when settling handy to the lead and running on over 1000M. He too can measure up in this company. It took (9) SECRET KING a few more goes to get his maiden win but he did it in fine style over 1200M on November 19^th and can be competitive. (8) GEOMEUN JILJU another in the hunt.

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

(5) K N POST remains a maiden but it’s about time that changed. She has been consistent across her eight starts to date with her only disappointing recent effort coming when drawn very wide at this trip. She comes in off a strong runner-up finish over 1400M on October 23^rd when she settled back and ran on, and today can be her day. (2) WONDERFUL HWASEONG is another maiden. He also comes in off a spin around 1400M when 5^th and while he comes up 2.5kg on that effort, he draws a nice gate and can be competitive here. (9) JILJUE BADA beat a coupe of these on his way to 4^th place at class and distance on November 5^th. He comes in under the same weight and given his running style, the wide gate shouldn’t be a problem. (7) GRAND STAR and (3) DOUBLE TAKE among others in the minor money hunt.

The capital city’s December schedule gets underway on Saturday with a 10-race program from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews for what threatens to be a snowy day:

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

Juvenile filly maidens in the opener with three racing for the first time and all of them tackling the six furlongs for the first time. (8) COMPLETE ANGEL will be a warm favourite. Having won a trial, she ran 6^th on debut and then an improved 4^th on her second start, both at 1000M and both in good times. The additional furlong shouldn’t be an issue and she won’t need to improve very much to win this. (3) MOONHAK EDEN also won her trial but could manage no better than 8^th on debut on September 17^th. She has had a couple of months off since then, draws well and can be a different prospect today. (2) FOUR ACE was quick on debut in August but had a tough time second-up a month later. She has been back to trial since then and looks worth another chance here with the additional distance likely to suit. (4) SEONGSIL PINK can also improve on her debut performance while of the first timers, (5) SPO BULPAE looks the most likely to make an immediate impact.

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

(4) RAON THE QUALITY has hinted at ability across three starts so far with a 4^th over 1000M her best. At her latest start at this trip on November 5^th, she got a bit far back from a wide draw before rallying and from a much better gate this time, she can go much closer. (1) WONDERFUL TIZZY’s latest two outings have been much better than the bare fact of her 6^th placed finishes suggest, posting a time faster than any of his rivals here have managed for the distance. An apprentice takes 3kg off his back and from a great draw he should be a big factor. (10) WONDERFUL MUSIC has only missed the top-five on one occasion from six starts. Her latest two have been her best with 2^nd and 3^rd place finishes both at 1300M and both times having led. The draw is not ideal but if she can find a handy position, she can be in this a long way. (9) CHOEGANG MIRAE was well-backed on his return from six months out at the end of October but didn’t make an impact. He can strip fitter here. (6) CHIMING BOY another in the frame.

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

It’s hard to look too far past (6) GLOBAL KANGTA here. He’s shown steady improvement across four starts to date culminating in a 3^rd place over this distance on October 29^th when settling midfield and running on, stopping the clock in a good time. A similar run here would make him hard to beat. (8) SPRING WATER has shown significant improvement in his latest two appearances, both over 1200M and both times leading for much of the way around. He can be on pace again here and be in this a long way. (1) STAND BY ME returned from eight months out to run 6^th of twelve in a good time over this distance on November 13^th. He should strip fitter for that run and get closer here. (7) RAON THE FLATTER and (2) ARCH RIVER are among others who can be in the placing frame.

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

Another warm favourite here in the shape of (7) MAGIC HOUR. A winner on debut over 1000M in October, he then ran a creditable 5^th of eleven in the Listed Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy at this distance on November 6^th. He comes back into shallower waters today and should prove too strong. (3) KING MOUNTAIN is yet to win in twelve attempts but has several near misses including a good 2^nd place at class and distance in September. He likes to be on pace so is drawn well here and can be in this a long way. (2) POWER K returns to action for the first time since March. Before his lengthy layoff he was a winner over 1000M at class 6 level before running 3^rd at 1200M and 1300M at this class. He looked well when leading in a November trial, crossing the line in a fast time and a bold showing first-up here is possible. (8) BEAT UP is up in class following a good maiden win at his distance last time out. (5) DESK TAP another in the minor money hunt.

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Fillies only here and (8) MENI GOLD gets the nod. She stepped up to this distance last time out on what was his second go at this level, and he ran well, finishing a close 4^th in a good time having sat handy throughout. With the small field the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and he can win here. (4) BOLD AGAIN is rapidly up in class having won her latest two at 1200M and 1300M, racing prominently in both and proving too strong. This is harder again, but she comes in very nicely weighted and from a good draw can get to the lead and stay on. (1) MAGIC GRACE is a three-time winner and was given her chance in the Korean Oaks this summer. She has won at this distance and can be a danger here. (7) CUPID JUMBO and (2) BS ENERGY others in the hunt.

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 maiden fillies in the opener with all but one racing for the first time.  The experienced one goes on top though. (8) PHOENIX SERVE won a September trial and was sent off as favourite on debut at this distance on October 30^th, leading for much of the way around before ultimately coming home in 3^rd in a good time. She should have come on for that run, can be on pace again and this time can win. Plenty of the debut-makers showed well in their trials. They include (11) MILLION PARTY who sat handy and crossed the line as runner-up in her heat having drawn a similarly wide gate to today. (7) TOUCH CHARM was similarly on pace when trialling in October, also crossing the line in 2^nd in a fair time and a bold showing can be expected first up. As ever in these kinds of races, keep an eye on the market where (5) FINE DAY and (1) BADEN BADEN will also be expected to feature prominently.

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

Juvenile maidens again, this one open to colts and gelding as well as fillies, and all have raced at least once. Following an indifferent debut, (9) SECRET PLAY has put in back-to-back 3^rd place finishes, the latter at this distance on October 16^th when coming from off the pace and stopping the clock in a good time. Given his running style, the wide draw shouldn’t matter, and he has solid claims here. (6) POWERFUL HWASEONG has mixed his form across four outings to date. Two starts back he ran a strong 3^rd in fast time at this distance when settling just behind the early speed. In his latest outing he was drawn wide and was slowly away and from a better gate can be given another chance today. Those are the two standouts. (11) LEGAL HIGH has improved across three starts so far, culminating with a 3^rd place over 1000M when running on well a month ago. She comes up in trip for the first time and can go close. (7) THUNDER BRAVO and (10) GHOST CHARM others who can enter the calculations.

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

One hundred and eleven starts for just six top-three finishes among this lot. (3) HAPPY NICE appears to have taken to this distance with a 3^rd and a 4^th in her latest two outings, most recently beating a couple of today’s rivals on October 29^th when handy throughout. She comes in under the same weight, draws well and can win. (11) MY GONGJU has two 3^rd places to his name and comes up in trip following the most recent of them over 1400M on October 16^th. He has finished off his races adequately enough and the additional trip can suit. (8) HANI has knocked on the door a few times and her 5^th place behind Happy Nice last time out when she came right from the back of the field in the straight, puts her into contention here. (10) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE is the only runner in the field to have a 2^nd place finish to her name and she along with (2) EURO GANGJA are other potential placers

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

Two juveniles come up in class having run out impressive winners on their respective debuts and they will be at the top of the market here. (2) DOKKI BULPAE will be the one expected to prevail. Having made all in a late September trial in a fast time, he sat handy on debut before running on for an easy win without much effort. There should be plenty of improvement still to come and he’s the pick to maintain his 100% record. (5) BEST SUN went through a couple of additional trials before debuting but went well when he finally did on October 31^st, he similarly sat handy before running on hard to win easily. Neither the class nor the distance rise should be a problem. (4) GEUMSEONG SPEED was a winner over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before running 3^rd on her first try at this level when drawn wide and slowly away. She was a long way behind a good winner but from a better gate can give herself more of a chance here. (8) AL SIMON and (7) LONDON QUEEN among others in the minor money frame.

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

Tricky handicap here. We’ll take a chance with (7) BICHUI DAERYUK, who has the fastest time among these for the distance, recorded two starts back when runner-up. She weakened a little having raced forward over 1400M last time out, but she is back in trip today and third-up this preparation may well be peaking. (10) GOLDEN HONOR is yet to win from five attempts but enters in good form with a 4^th and a 3^rd from his latest two at 1300M and 1400M. He likes to settle back and run on strong, so the wide draw isn’t a concern, and he has every chance here. (2) NEW CHEONGPA made all to win over this trip at class 6 level on October 1^st before being ridden hard to get on pace from a wide draw before tiring over 1400M on his first try at this class. From a much better gate, he is worth another chance here. (1) HUIMANG CHAMP comes in off a couple of midfield finishes from his latest two, but his beaten margins haven’t been big, and an apprentice takes his weight down today. (6) CLASSIC STAR another who can enter the calculations in a competitive race.

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 in the opener and (4) G MOTION will be one of the banker favourites of the day. Having run 3^rd on debut at 1000M, he stepped up to this trip for his second start on October 16^th and duly ran 2^nd in a good time, sitting handy and finishing well. He shouldn’t need to improve much, if at all, on that run to win here. (5) TAURUS QUEEN looked promising when 2^nd on debut over 1000M on October 16^th. That was in filly only company, but the time was fast and they way she finished off suggests that the additional furlong today should suit. (1) CHROMITE too finished off well for 3^rd on both his previous starts over 1000M. He draws nicely here and should go close again. (3) ARGO RICH and (10) MONEY JANGGUN among others with the potential to improve.

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

More juvenile maidens. (4) ULTRA GALAXY beat three of these on his way to a good 3^rd place at this distance on October 22^nd. That was his third start and his best finish to date. Expect him to settle midfield again and run on and he can come out on top here. (10) MORNING PRINCE has two 3^rd places from three starts so far including last time out on October 9^th when running on in a good time. The wide draw shouldn’t be an inconvenience, and he can be in the mix again. (5) EFFEL TAP improved to 3^rd when tried at this distance for the first time on October 23^rd. He should have derived benefit from the run, Moon Se-young stays aboard, and he has claims here. (9) POWERFUL SOCKS ran 4^th behind Ultra Galaxy on October 22^nd and while he gets a less favourable draw this time, the margin wasn’t big and it’s not impossible he could overturn that form. (3) BAEKDU BOY another in the frame.

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

A regular maiden here and (4) SECRET KING should have too much. He comes in off a 2^nd, 4^th, and a 3^rd from his latest three, all at this distance and all in good times. He draws very nicely to be on pace or handy and he will be hot favourite to prove too strong. (11) SSANG OK RU wasn’t ready when debuting in January, but he returned to action looking a much better individual when 3^rd at this distance on October 23^rd, leading for much of the way around. He should have benefited for that run and while the draw is wide, he can be a danger late on here. (2) ARCH MEMORY was 6^th behind Secret King in her last outing on October 15^th. That continued a consistent run of form, and a similar effort should see her in the frame here. (5) TOGETHER WAY and (7) PURPLE STORM the other logical placing chances.

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

(10) HWARANG TODAY was a winner two starts back over 1200M at class 6 level before running 2^nd at the same trip on his first try at this level on October 30^th. He comes up 2kg in the weights but Moon Se-young climbs aboard and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem. He has every chance here. The main danger is (1) SURE WIN. Despite the name he has one just one of five starts so far but was a solid 3^rd on his first try at this class over 1400M on October 23^rd. He carries a very light weight again and from the inside gate, should be looking to get on pace right from the very start. (11) SPO BLADE comes up in class having won well from the front over 1200M on October 22^nd. This is harder and the draw is not ideal but don’t rule out a bod showing. (4) GRAY THOR and (8) SAENAE HWANGJE among others firmly in the hunt in a competitive race.

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

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 5^th and 3^rd 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 7^th 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.

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 5^th of twelve on debut back on September 17^th 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 24^th but ran on well to finish 5^th in a fair time and with a couple of today’s rivals behind her. Look for improvement. (6) AMAN BAROWS was a well-beaten 6^th 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.

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

(2) MENI ACE ran twice at the start of the year, registering a 2^nd place over this distance, before then being off for eight months. She returned on October 9^th, again at this trip, when she settled back from the widest gate, before running on for a solid 5^th 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 4^th in that October 9^th 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.

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

(11) CUPID WARRIOR made all to win on debut over 1000M on October 2^nd 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 3^rd or 4^th. 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 5^th 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.

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 18^th when 4^th 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 4^th 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 4^th, is another in the hunt.

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

More juvenile maidens and (4) GEUMBITMA is the one to beat. After running 2^nd 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 6^th 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 25^th and having settled midfield ran on well for 2^nd. 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.

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

Fillies (and one mare) here. (5) ANOTHER LEVEL debuted in March, posting two 3^rd place finishes before not racing again until October 9^th. 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.

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 9^th 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 8^th but led for much of the way around, ultimately finishing 2^nd. 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 8^th. 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.

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 1^st. 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 2^nd from a wide gate on her first try at this class and distance on September 24^th. 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.