Seoul

Filly & Mare Sunday: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (December 19)

Last Sunday Heat Yegam confirmed his position as Champion three-year-old colt with victory in the Minister’s Cup. This week it’s the turn of the fillies to finish up their Triple Crown. It will be one of Luna Stakes winner Raon Pink or Oaks winner Choegang Black, both of whom return to face each other again in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup over 2000M. One race earlier, the older fillies and mares get to run for a big prize in the Jeju Governor’s Cup with Raon First set to be a hot favourite. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there are 7 races from 11:10 to 16:40. All betting locations are open however attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

The finish to the Korean Oaks. Choegang Black, Raon Pink and Serve Ace return to Seoul for the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with all but one racing for the very first time. And among those first-timers there was a stand-out trial performance from (8) JAY PHOENIX. From the widest gate he cruised to the lead and continued that cruise to cross the line a full two-seconds faster than the next home. If he brings that form to the races, he wins. The sole entrant with previous experience came close on debut. After winning a trial (10) BLACK MASK was sent off hot favourite on October 16th but ultimately came home in 2nd place. Nevertheless, it was a quick time, and he comes in after nine weeks off, ready to be in the mix again. Back to the trial videos for the rest and (2) NERWOOLI won his heat in good fashion while there were also encouraging performances from (7) BURUI SINHWA and (11) HAPPY MIX.

Selections(8) Jay Phoenix (10) Black Mask (2) Nerwooli (7) Burui Sinhwa
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 10

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

Juvenile maidens and (9) ILNYEOM CHEONHA will be favourite. Having run well in a trial, he was 2nd on debut on November 21st at this distance, overcoming a slightly sluggish start to run on well. It was a fair time and faster than any of the others recorded on their respective debuts and he is the one to beat. (7) RAON THE FIGHTING also ran 3rd on debut on November 19th. He sat behind the pace and ran on pleasingly enough and should have come on for the run. There are three first time starters and the one which will attract the most interest is (5) GEUMA UNO. He was an on-pace 2nd in his heat in a fair time and the Kim Young-kwan/You Hyun-myung connection will ensure he is well backed first-up. (6) ALL CROWN and (10) PLAY THE INDY both hinted on debut that they have some potential and can also be in the mix for minor money.

Selections(9) Ilnyeom Cheonha (7) Raon The Fighting (5) Geuma Uno (6) All Crown
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 7

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

Filly maidens only here and it could be a chance for (6) DELPHINI to get her first win. She returned from six months out to run a pleasing 3rd over this distance in a similar race on November 21st, running on as is her style. From a nice central draw and with Munro aboard, there isn’t too much to fear here.  Vying with her for favourite status will be (8) GALSAEK HYANGGI. She’s shown improvement over three outings to date, culminating in 3rd place on her first try over today’s trip on November 20th when she went back and ran on strong. She’ll be in the finish again. (1) FLEX QUEEN recorded her best finish to date at her latest start when 2nd over this distance. She led that day and from the same inside gate today will surely aim to do the same. (7) EAST MAGIC and (5) WONDERFUL NIKIYA are among a few others with at least placing chances.

Selections(6) Delphini (8) Galsaek Hyanggi (1) Flex Queen (7) East Magic
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 11

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

Tricky race. (5) DAEHO NURI has finished no better than 5th in four attempts so far but he has run the kind of times that ought to be competitive here. From a good draw, he can sit handy and run on and this could be his day. (8) ALIVE STAR returns to action for the first time since May. He is the only previous winner in the field and while being first-up in thirty-two weeks is obviously going to pose some questions, he looked well enough when running 3rd in a late November trial. If he is at his best, he can win this. (3) ARTIE’S GAL races for the first time in even longer. His best result was a 3rd place on debut at this distance in a slow race more than a year ago, but he won a trial in November leading all the way, has a good draw and a featherweight to carry. (14) GREEN SPEED has already finished as runner-up at this distance. She led for much of that race so may need a touch of luck early from the widest gate, but she can be considered. (2) DOCTOR TANGO another placing chance.

Selections(5) Daeho Nuri (8) Alive Star (3) Artie’s Gal (14) Green Speed
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 12, 14

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(5) SAENAE HWANGJE showed improvement when stepped up to two-turns for the first time on November 14th, settling handy and running on for 2nd place. The time wasn’t fast, but he won’t need to go much faster to win this. (7) VIVA CHAMPION comes up to this trip for the first time after a couple of creditable performances at shorter. He has run on well in his latest two and if he does the same today will run into some money. (10) RUNNING NUMBER ONE overcame a wide draw to finish 3rd in a plodding affair at this distance on November 27th. That’s two places in his last three starts, both coming at this distance, and he should be in the finish again. (3) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN was 5th behind Running Number One at his latest outing and can aim to match or better today. (1) ONE PUTT always three-putts the start but usually runs on and should pass plenty in a race where a double-bogey will be enough to get on the leaderboard.

Selections(5) Saenae Hwangje (7) Viva Champion (10) Running Number One (3) Semyeong Captain
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(3) ADELE BOSS steps up in trip following a 3rd and a 5th in his latest two at 1000M and 1200M respectively. The latter time he had to deal with gate fourteen and wasn’t able to find a decent position whereas today, from a much better draw he can use his good start to get away well. He has claims. So too does (9) ONE RUSH, who has raced just twice but has a 5th and a 3rd with the latter being at this distance in a good time. She sat midfield and ran on that day and while she still draws wide, in the smaller field, should be able to find a position early and run on again. (1) DAEJI SPECIAL ran into 3rd place at 1000M at his latest start. Although a previous try at 1200M didn’t go especially well, from a nice draw he can be considered for improvement here. (6) YEONSEUNG GLORY improved to 2nd at his most recent start over this distance and along with (5) MONEY BAG, warrants consideration for a place.

Selections(3) Adele Boss (9) One Rush (1) Daeji Special (6) Yeonseung Glory
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 11)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. At least three of those with experience, however, look promising. We’ll tentatively side with (5) ONE MORE RUSH, who has raced twice for 7th and 3rd both at this distance and in similar times. She’ll sit handy to the pace here and today could be her day. It’s a toss-up between her and (3) EUNHYE SERVE. She came from midfield to run 4th on her debut on October 23rd, finishing off very nicely indeed. She draws better today and if she can get in a more forward positon early, could be hard to beat. (10) RAON THE WILD improved on his second start and while he draws wide this time, should benefit from that experience and can improve again. Among the first-timer starters, (6) POWER K and (1) NAOL ACE are likely to be the best supported.

Selections(5) One More Rush (3) Eunhye Serve (10) Raon The Wild (6) Power K
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 10, 11

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

More juvenile maidens but just two race for the first time. (8) WOW WOW has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts so far, both at 1000M and both times settling midfield and running on strong. The extra furlong can suit here and he looks the one to beat. (14) NAMSAN HORANGI draws the car-park but might like the additional furlong that he has compared with his 5th place on debut when he ran on pleasingly. He may need some luck in running early but expect some improvement nonetheless. (5) HANGANG BOSS also finished off well when 4th on debut over 1000M on November 6th. Among the fancied ones, he gets the best of the draw and can go closer here. (12) FLYING GOLD was similarly strong late on at his first time of asking and along with (7) SPUTNIK are among others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Wow Wow (14) Namsan Horangi (5) Hangang Boss (12) Flying Gold
Next Best7, 13
Fast Start8, 10, 13, 14

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

Filly maidens here. Having run well for 3rd on debut, (5) GOLD KAISER had no luck from gate fourteen at her second start on November 7th, using up plenty of energy to find a promising positon before quickly laying out and weakening. From a much better draw today and with Moon Se Young climbing aboard, she is worth taking note of. (3) DIA POWERCAT’s previous attempt at this distance didn’t go too well but she looks ready for another crack following a solid 3rd place over 1000M in a good time on October 30th. From a good draw she should be in this a long way. (9) ARCH MEMORY was doing her best work late on when debuting in 4th place over 1000M on November 13th. Up in trip here should suit and she can go closer. (11) SPEED GALLOP and (6) MAGIC JUDE are others who can trouble the judges.

Selections(5) Gold Kaiser (3) Dia Powercat (9) Arch Memory (11) Speed Gallop
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8i

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

The form here is patchy to say the least. (12) GREAT EYE has stuttered a little in his latest two but has shown ability at this distance especially when 2nd three starts back, coming from off the pace. The wide draw isn’t too much of a concern and while Moon Se-young will have had swifter conveyances, this may be another winner. (4) V QUEEN has been consistent if unspectacular across eight starts to date but she has registered the fastest time of any of these at the distance and from a good draw should be in contention here. (9) SOJUNGHAN DANGSIN returned from ten months out to run a creditable 7th of twelve at 1200M on November 6th. She should have come on for that run and can improve here. (5) WONDERFUL CAT and (2) SONGAM PLAYER are others in the hunt.

Selections(12) Great Eye (4) V Queen (9) Sojunghan Dangsin (5) Wonderful Cat
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start2, 4, 8, 12
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Seoul & Busan Champion Juvenile Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 5)

It’s Champion Juvenile Sunday at Busan where the Korean Breeders’ Cup over 1400 will decide the best two-year-old of 2021. Twelve go in the race which is the final one on Busan’s seven-race card which runs from 11:10 to 16:40. There are ten races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations within Korea will be open with a cap of 80% of indoor capacity. Attendance must be booked in advance through the MyCard app and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 are required. Here are the previews of every race:

Yeonngwanguilegend is among the favourites for the Breeders’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens in the opener with just two racing for the first time. (6) JAY TROSS just came up short when favourite on what was her second start on October 30th at this distance when 2nd all the way around and just couldn’t get to the winner. The time was good, and she will be red-hot favourite to get it right this time. The main danger may be one of the debut-makers. (2) GLOBAL FIRST ran a solid trial and while that was back in September and she needs a run to avoid having to qualify again, a couple of others in this race also went in that heat and she handily dispatched them. From a good draw, she can go close. (8) CASH BACK was significant improver at start two on November 7th when leading early and ultimately finishing 3rd over this distance in a decent time and won’t need to improve too much to place here. (9) G STAR has been solid if unspectacular across two outings so far and beat a couple of these at his latest appearance. (3) ACE PLAN another who can improve.

Selections(6) Jay Tross (2) Global First (8) Cash Back (9) G Star
Next Best3, 5
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 8

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

Juvenile maidens and seven of the twelve race for the very first time and it is from those debut-makers that the top picks come from. (11) GREEN CHEETAH put in a very good trial, running seemingly within himself with just a little effort asked for towards the end. It was a fast time and while he draws wide, Franco Da Silva in the saddle should be able to help him overcome that and win. (2) LEGEND NUMBER ONE was a bit slow to begin in his trial but ran on very pleasingly, under hands and heels, crossing the line 4th in a fair time. He draws well and if he gets away smoothly, rates as a chance. (5) RAON THE TANK too wasn’t the quickest out of the traps in his trial but made good ground later and was unhurried in his finish. (10) SUPER CRACK beat a couple of his when trialing fairly in November, an improvement on his first qualification heat. You Hyun-myung climbs aboard for the race and he has placing chances. Among the experienced ones, (8) MONEY CASE is the clear pick having finished 4th on debut back in August. He has been back to trial since and can benefit from his experience here.

Selections(11) Green Cheetah (2) Legend Number One (5) Raon The Tank (10) Super Crack
Next Best8, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 11

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

Several of these raced one another at class and distance on November 7th. (2) NUMBER ONE TARGET finished the best of them, recovering from a bump at the start and running on to finish a good 2nd, her best finish to date. We’ll stick with her to beat them again and this time go one better. It’s probably that (3) RUBY CAT will be favourite to overturn the form from that day though. She has steadily improved across four starts today and was 3rd in that November 7th race. She was on the other end of that bump with Number One Target at the start but recovered well. If her improvement continues on the same trajectory that it has done so far from start to start, then she can be winning here. (1) NO SMALL SUN comes back up in trip following consecutive 4th place finishes over 1000M and from the inside gate can be a danger. (11) MORNING PEARL ran a much-improved 2nd last time out and along with (10) EUNHYE CHUNGMAN, 5th in that November 7th race, is to be considered for a place.

Selections(2) Number One Target (3) Ruby Cat (1) No Small Sun (11) Morning Pearl
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 10

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

(8) B. K. HANA ran a strong 2nd in a fast time over 1000M at her latest start on November 5th when handy and running on. She ran 5th at this distance on debt in August before finishing well back in a good race in September. She is in shallower eaters here and from the inside gate and with Perovic on her back, she is the one to beat. (1) HAEGA TTEUGO is one of two first-time starts in the race and seems to have potential. It took him two goes to qualify but he won the second of those attempts, breaking fairly before taking the lead and running on in a good time. If he brings that form to the races, then he can go close. (6) NEW CROWN has mixed his form across seven starts so far, but was a strong 3rd at his latest appearance, running on well from midfield. A repeat will see him in the finish today. (11) GEUMA STARLET and (5) HOT PLAY are others in the frame.

Selections(8) B. K. Hana (1) Haega Tteugo (6) New Crown (11) Geuma Starlet
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start5, 10, 11, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(3) GUITARIST beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place at this class and distance on October 30th. It was his best performance to date and fastest time of any of these that have tried the distance and should be enough to give him favourite status here. If he fails to arrive in tune then (4) THAT’S MY BOY and (2) JEOLMEUN YOUNGUNG, who came home 3rd and 4th in that October race, look set to be the best place to take advantage. Both came form off the pace that day to finish well and That’s My Boy is significantly better drawn this time around. If you don’t fancy that race very much, then (6) SANGSEUNG HAENGJIN and (5) SOUJU came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other over 1400M on November 6th and look the next best.

Selections(3) Guitarist (4) That’s My Boy (2) Jeolmeun Youngung (6) Sangseung Haengjin
Next Best5, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A very tricky race but something has to win. We’ll therefore take a chance on (2) YEONSEUNG BRAVO who, barring a dismal spin around 1400M two weeks ago, has been racing with some consistency recently. He has the fastest time of any of these at this distance and from a nice draw can get that latest run out of his system here. Probably favourite is (7) BARBELL STORM, who made a big step up to this trip at start number four on November 12th, having previously only raced over 1000M. He led into the home straight and ultimately came home 3rd in a run of merit and can have come on for that. Beating him that day was (10) SOL INVICTUS, who scored his best finish so far on his twentieth start. He might not have as much improvement in him as Barbell Storm but warrants some respect here. (4) SILVER LADY and (1) CHEONMA YEONGUNG are other placing hopes.

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

Racing on Saturday is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations throughout the country are open with an 80% indoor capacity cap. Attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:

Seoul

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

Juvenile maidens with six of the twelve racing for the first time. (3) DUSON DRIVE has probably done enough to warrant favourite status after a 7th and a 6th in his first two outings, in fair times. He draws nicely, can be on pace and can win. (5) TITAN SOCKS debuted over 1200M scoring a decent enough 5th place having previously performed well in a trial when he led. Dropping back to 1000M and from a central gate, he should be on speed and can get closer today. (12) DOWN THE ZONE finished down the field on debut but her time measures up in this company and she can improve despite the wide draw. Among the debut-makers, (2) CHEONEUNCHONG won her trial and while the time wasn’t fast, she did nothing wrong and in a race as soft as this, she can have fair claims first up. (1) JEWELRY BEST another first-timer who could sneak some money.

Selections(3) Duson Drive (5) Titan Socks (12) Down The Zone (2) Cheoneunchong
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 10

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

(4) MEOTJIN GIROK has been getting closer across three starts so far culminating in a 3rd place ahead of a couple of these on his first try at this distance on November 6th when he sat handy and ran on. He draws nicely today and looks the one to beat. (9) MUNHAK FOREST has been getting closer with a 3rd and a 2nd in his latest two at 1200M and 1300M respectively, leading much of the way both times. Expect him to be on pace again and to be in this for a long time. (3) THUNDER HORSE ran 4th to Munhak Forest’s 3rd when they met on November 6th at this distance. While he is yet to finish in the top two, he has no fewer than seven top0five finishes from his twelve starts and can aim for another today. (1) P N S HER never got going over 1000M last time but on her second start managed a 5th over this distance. She draws much better today and can improve. (7) ORGALIM, another on-pacer, is among others with placing chances.

Selections(4) Meotjin Girok (9) Munhak Forest (3) Thunder Horse (1) P N S Her
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

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

(2) POSA POSA has finished in 5th place on four out of five starts now but today lines up in possibly the softest company he has faced so far. He enters here having finished 5th at his latest start when he came from a wide gate to sit handy and run on. He draws better today and has every chance of overturning the form on (4) KING CRUSH, who came from even wider that day to run 3rd. That marked a significant uptick in form at his fourth start and while he gives 5kg to Posa Posa again, has strong claims and will probably start as favourite. In a race where the exposed form is not strong, a chance has to be given to the only first-time starter, (1) HEUNGHAENG DAEBAK. He led his trial, ultimately finishing in 3rd place in a fair time and from the inside gate has every chance of going well first-up. (9) PURGE QUEEN and (6) TK PLEX are others in the hunt.

Selections(2) Posa Posa (4) King Crush (1) Heunghaeng Daebak (9) Purge Queen
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

(2) PEPE RUN came from off the pace two starts back to run a very good 4th at this distance in a good time. While he was a little one-paced in 6th at his latest start on November 20th, the margins weren’t huge and from a good draw and Victoire taking the mount, he has fair claims here. (11) FAST TRACK has finished off his races well so far, including a 5th over 1200M at his most recent on October 24th. The draw won’t be a problem and the slight step up in trip may well work in his favour. (9) GABO SARANGHAE has the fastest time among those who have tackled this distance before and she comes in off a good 4th at her last start. She can be on pace here and be in this a long way. (8) SINJURYU and (10) LAGERTHA others who have to potential to place.

Selections(2) Pepe Run (11) Fast Track (9) Gabo Saranghae (8) Sinjuryu
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start1, 9, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) JOEUN GWANGYE is yet to win but has seven top-five finished from ten attempts so far and enters following a close at hand 4th in a fast time over 1400M on October 30th. A previous attempt at this distance two starts back saw him lead and fade but he looks ready for another crack here and should be the one to beat. (8) RUFFIAN PARK is another maiden with plenty of money finishes in his record. His recent efforts have all been at this distance and he should be there or thereabouts again today. (3) AMAZING WHIZ does have winning experience albeit all the way back in February. He tackles two turns for the first time having run on nicely for 3rd at this class over 1300M last time out and looks a good placing shout here. The form falls off a bit after those three with (2) E STRIKE and (1) CHEONDUNG CAT perhaps possible to make a case for.

Selections(4) Joeun Gwangye (8) Ruffian Park (3) Amazing Whiz (2) E Strike
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5
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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 27)

Saturday is President’s Cup Eve in Seoul and there are 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. The feature class 1 event is the final race on the card and is a class 1 handicap over 1800M, where the old guard of Monhak Chief and Cheongdam Dokki will attempt to put the upstart Iron Socks in his place. All betting locations are open with an attendance cap of 80% of indoor capacity. Attendance must be pre-booked in advance using the MyCard app and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 is required.

Moonhak Chief goes in Seoul’s Saturday feature (Pic: KRA)

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

Juvenile maidens with all but one of the twelve racing for the very first time. Several of the newcomers look competitive but we will side with the one who has experience. (11) RAON THE JET debuted on October 3rd and having settled midfield, ran on to finish 4th in a fair time.  Both the runner-up and the 3rd place-getter that day have since gone on to win their next starts and Raon The Jet can frank that race’s form here. (4) CUPID VOW was an all the way trial winner in a fair time on October 29th. He draws well to lead again and looks set to be the main danger. (5) GOOD NISEN ran 2nd in that trial having sat handy throughout and he too should be there or thereabouts again. Among the newcomers, (6) EAGLE POINT recorded the fastest time in trials and while it was a slightly wetter track than most faced, that alone is enough to being him into the calculations. (1) THUNDER NURI another who could go well first up.

Selections(11) Raon The Jet (4) Cupid Vow (5) Good Nisen (6) Eagle Point
Next Best1, 12
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 12

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

Juvenile filly maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. We’re going to side with experience, though. (11) HWASUBOON has raced twice finishing 2nd on debut and then 3rd, both of them at this distance in good times. The draw is not ideal here but she should be able to overcome that and should have too much. (8) LUCKY INDY ran well on debut but then improved for 3rd place at start number two at this distance on October 24th, leading for much of the way. She should be on pace again and has every chance of going close. (12) BURUI KKOT similarly showed promise on debut when 5th in a decent time at the distance. She can come on for that run and while she draws the worst of all, can run on strong here. Maintaining the theme of the wide gates, (10) GREENBACK won a trial before putting in two creditable performances in the summer. She races for the first time since August and can go well first-up today. The first-timers don’t exactly leap out from the trial reports but (2) CUPID JUMBO perhaps has the best chance of making an immediate impact.

Selections(11) Hwasuboon (8) Lucky Indy (12) Burui Kkot (10) Greenback
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start8, 9, 10, 11

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

Competitive maiden. (14) MIGHTY SUNSHINE beat several of these by a decent margin on his way to 2nd place at this distance in a fair time on October 30th. He draws the car park today but he settled midfield and ran on last time so as long as he doesn’t find himself with too much to do, he can win here. (6) APPLE MINT came home in 3rd place that day. He was first-up following five months out and should have come on for that run. He has Perovic aboard and with the better draw could overturn the form on Mighty Sunshine. (2) YESULIYA steps up in trip for the first time following a solid 3rd place over 1000M on October 23rd. That was an uptick in form and from a good gate, he can continue to make progress. (5) PRINCESS DAY ran 4th in the October 30th race and along with (4) FIRST ROAD, is another in the placing frame

Selections(14) Mighty Sunshine (6) Apple Mint (2) Yesuliya (5) Princess Day
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Disregard the latest effort by (8) JEONGSEONG DAERO when he returned lame. He has been back in work for more than a month now and his form prior to that setback was good over the shorter distances. He finished off his races well and today’s extended trip may suit. Only four of these have raced at the distance before and (10) RUNNING NUMBER ONE probably has the right to be favourite based on his 2nd place at it two starts back when he ran on from midfield. It wasn’t a fast time but he should benefit from that experience and has every chance here. (9) HWARYEOHAN MISO has hinted at ability across three starts so far including a 2nd place two starts back at 1200M. He too has finished off races pleasingly enough and can adapt to two-turn racing. (2) MAGIC JOY and (1) SEONBONG GOLD others with minor money hopes.

Selections(8) Jeongseong Daero (10) Running Number One (9) Hwaryeohan Miso (2) Magic Joy
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start3, 10, 11, 12

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

The only filly in the race is (7) JOYFUL K and she comes in having run a close 3rd over class and distance at her latest start on October 30th when she overcame gate ten to sit handy and run on. She was beaten just under a length by (10) BEST TAP but gets the better of the draw today and can overturn that form. Best Tap is a big danger. He ran 2nd in that race continuing his consistent run of form at the distance and registering another good time. He is tactically versatile and won’t need to lead here so the draw shouldn’t be too much of a disadvantage. (9) YELLOW CAT comes up in class following a good win over 1300M on October 10th when she came from well off the pace to run on very strongly. She carries a nice light weight here and should measure up in this company. (12) BYEOLBIT BOSEOK is yet to win in seven attempts but has five top-four finishes and having overcome wide draws before, can go close again. (3) DAEWANGU another in the hunt in a very competitive affair.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 13)

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country, including the three racecourses, are open at limited capacity. Attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and proof of vaccination against Covid-19 are required. No walk-up admission is available. Here are the previews:

It’s autumn in Seoul

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

Juvenile maidens get the weekend underway in the capital and five of the eleven are racing for the first time. Much of the experience is promising though, including top pick and probable favourite (3) DUSON FANTASTIC. He finished in the pack on his first start in September, but the performance was good, and he showed solid improvement to then run 2nd on his reappearance on October 16th. He is a front-runner; he draws well here, and he can win. Among those challenging him for the early speed will be (4) RAON THE DASH. After winning a July trial, she has finished 5th in both race starts to date, both in quick times. Look for her to be challenging for better here. (9) COMPLETE LUCKY significantly improved at start number two with an on-pace 3rd a month ago. Expect her to be in this a long way. (1) CHAMP STYLE has run on well in both starts to date and while she may want a little further, she can’t be ruled out from the inside gate. As for the first-time starters (2) SMART BYEOL improved across two trials and perhaps has the best chance of making an immediate impact.

Selections(3) Duson Fantastic (4) Raon The Dash (9) Complete Lucky (1) Champ Style
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

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

Juvenile filly maidens with five of the ten racing for the very first time. It’s very hard to go past (6) ICHEON ARCH. Having only just scraped through her trial, she was totally unfancied on debut on October 2nd but ran around in 2nd place the entire way behind a good winner in a fast time. If she runs to anything near that today, then she should win. Frankly it’s also hard to look past (7) MAGIC JUDE for 2nd. She’s raced twice and finishes 6th twice in fair times for the respective conditions. She draws better today and won’t need to improve much to get on the board. Of the first timers, (3) NAOL CHAMP beat a couple of these in an October trial when handy to the lead early and just getting a little tired towards the end. If she’s trained on since, then she should have a placing chance first up. (1) WONDERFUL KITTY and (2) GEUMA WITTY others who may have a say.

Selections(6) Icheon Arch (7) Magic Jude (3) Naol Champ (1) Wonderful Kitty
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

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

Fillies only here. The logical pick is (8) GEUMGUKHWA, who seems to be working towards a win especially going on her latest two outings, especially her last start 2nd at this distance when she ran on strong from midfield to be beaten only by a good winner in a decent time. In this company she may well be ridden further forward earlier, and she has solid claims. (9) EAST MAGIC returned from almost eight months off to run an improved 4th over 1200M on October 9th. She should have come on for that run and the additional half-furlong today may well suit. (2) LUCKY CROWN has made all three starts so far at 1000M and at the latest of those was an improved 3rd in a fast time. She draws well to get on the pace here and is firmly in the hunt. (7) ELITE RULES came home 5th behind East Magic at her latest start and should be competitive again here while (5) LAGERTHA is the sole runner to have winning experience. It came at this distance four starts back and while she hasn’t done much in her other outings, that alone is another to bring her into the calculations in this kind of race.

Selections(8) Geumgukhwa (9) East Magic (2) Lucky Crown (7) Elite Rules
Next Best5, 12
Fast Start2, 8, 12, 13

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

Not the greatest of maidens here with none of the fourteen coming in having finished any better than 6th at their respective latest starts. (7) DESK TAP is the one to beat. He enters with the greatest consistency having finished in the top five on five of eight outings so far and can step up to 1300M for the first time with confidence. He has the fastest star in this field and from a decent enough draw and with David Breux taking over in the saddle, he can win. Draw a line through the latest offering from (12) REAL CONCORD when she was hampered early and in general got a bad trip. Instead go on her 2nd place two starts back at this distance as well as her 5th place the time before when she beat a couple of these, and she figures to be the main danger. Get the ruler out again and draw another line through the last showing of (3) MAIN OF KING. He comes back in trip today, draws well and comes down 4kg in the weights with an apprentice up and can go much better. (13) WONDERFUL CAT has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and while it was some time ago, that alone means she shouldn’t be completely ruled out in this company. (11) BARAMGWA HAMKKE another with placing chances.

Selections(7) Desk Tap (12) Real Concord (3) Main Of King (13) Wonderful Cat
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Another maiden where the form going in is distinctly average. That makes (10) SUPER BIRD a standout on the basis of her runner-up finish at her latest start on October 9th when she came from well off the pace to run on strong over 1200. She ran 3rd on her only previous try at this distance and looks to be the one to beat here. (14) K N PARK has only raced the once and should have come on for that 6th place finish over 1200M back in August He draws badly here but looks worthy of consideration in a weak race. (3) GREAT EYE has mixed his form across five starts so far but draws nicely here and should be in the mix. He got way too far back last time but should have an easier run of it here. (12) GABO SARANGHAE has mixed her form but is capable of running good times and along with (1) VIENTO, is another in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Super Bird (14) K N Park (3) Great Eye (12) Gabo Saranghae
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start1, 4, 12, 14

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) RAON CHAMPSELY returned from five months off on October 3rd and looked very much as tough she needed the race, knocking up very quickly and finishing last in a fast race at 1300M. She is way better than that though and should come in today race fit and ready to win from a nice draw. (6) JISANGUN comes up in class after an all the way win over 1200M on October 16th. He had been working up to that win for a while and it was a dominant one in a time faster than any of today’s rivals have achieved at the distance so he certainly should measure up class wise. (7) GEUMA FLAWLESS is yet to win in eleven attempts but has been consistently close with six top-three finishes. He generally settles back and runs on and will coming on strong late once more. (3) DREAM PELLA races for the first time since winning over this distance at class 6 level in May. He looked well in a trial three weeks ago and has every chance of going well first-up. (8) WOL YEONG I another in the placing hunt.

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Korea Derby Day 2021: Seoul & Busan Race-By-Race Preview (November 7)

It’s Korean Derby day at last! The latest Derby in history goes to post at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with race fans in attendance (attendance must be pre-booked using the My Card app – there is no walk-up admission). Heat Yegam won the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, at Busan last month, and will be favourite again. A full horse-by-horse preview of the Derby will be up soon but in the meantime, here is the full race by race preview of the 10-race card at Seoul (10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (7 races from 11:10 to 16:40):

Heat Yegam won the KRA Cup Mile last month (Pic: KRA)

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

The juvenile maidens get us underway with five of the eleven racing for the first time. And it’s one of those debut-makers who is set to be favourite. (1) PINE FARM first trialed up in May in good style but didn’t make it to the track that time around. He requalified in mid-October, running fast time behind Moonhak Chief and from a good gate should be on pace from the start and can lead all the way. The big danger has some experience. That’s (7) RAON THE ARIA, who was anonymous in her trial but debuted well with a strong 4th p lace at this distance on October 2nd when she sat handy all the way. She won’t need to improve much to be right in this. (10) NO SMALL SUN was a decent 4th on what was her second start on October 10th and if she can continue to make progress here can go close. Returning to the debut-makers, (4) NAMSAN HORANGI impressed when winning an October trial in a fair time and has every chance of going well first-up. (2) P N S LIN didn’t do much wrong in his heat and has an outside chance of sneaking into the money.

Selections(1) Pine Farm (7) Raon The Aria (10) No Small Sun (4) Namsan Horangi
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 10

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

Maiden juveniles start the card at Busan with seven of the twelve racing for the very first time. There is some ability among the experienced ones though, so we will side with (5) MAHAMERU, who after an encouraging trial, ran 6th on debut in September in a fast time on an admittedly wet track. He should have come on for that run and Perovic climbing aboard is a plus. (6) GREAT CHEONGHO was a good 4th on debut just two weeks ago when prominent throughout. It was a fair time on a dry track, and he can go closer today. (7) KING SATURDAY is perhaps the standout of the first timers. While indifferent in his mandatory trial in September, he was sent through a voluntary one just last week and significantly improved, posting a fast time and leading for much of the way. So long as he didn’t leave his race there, he can go well. (3) PLAY THE INDY didn’t do much wrong in what was a slow trial and could also play a part. The wildcard is (12) ANASTASIA, who raced twice uncompetitively in summer but recently went through two trials, winning the latter.

Selections(5) Mahameru (6) Great Cheongho (7) King Saturday (3) Play The Indy
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 12

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

A big field of maiden fillies and plenty look to have the potential to make the breakthrough. (14) GOLD KAISER is going to need to navigate her way from the widest gate, but if she can do that then she looks to have solid claims. Having won a September trial, she ran 3rd on debut over this distance in a fair time, having been handy early. If the draw is a concern, then (5) RUBY CAT is the one to be on. She has improved across three starts so far, culminating in 4th place last time out over 1300M. She can sit just off the pace here and it could be her day. (12) V QUEEN came home 5th in the same race in what was an uptick in form. She has a good finish on her so the draw shouldn’t be a problem and she can get even closer today. (3) SMART HIGH and (1) FLYING BARBIE are among others with placing potential.

Selections(14) Gold Kaiser (5) Ruby Cat (12) V Queen (3) Smart High
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 8, 14

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

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) ANNIKA GIRL stepped up to this distance at her latest start and ran a fair 5th place in a reasonable time in what was a tougher race than this. She sat handy that day and ran on and in this company, has every chance of breaking through. (1) DARI TTEUNI is the only one to have won a race and then alone brings her into contention. The victory was in May, and she hasn’t looked like repeating, however, she did beat a couple of these on her way to 6th place over 1300M two starts back. (12) WORLD FLOWER stepped up to this distance on October 8th and came from off the pace to run a useful 6th place in a fair time and a repeat of that run would be competitive here. (14) BAEK SEOL QUEEN was disappointing at her latest start in August but had previously registered some decent efforts. She trialed up a couple of weeks ago looking well and may have benefitted from the twelve weeks off. (8) USEUNG GANGJA is another in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Annika Girl (1) Dari Tteuni (12) World Flower (14) Baek Seol Queen
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

Another big field and a competitive race. (9) ROAD ACE has been working towards a win with steady improvement over his three starts so far, all of them at 1000M and culminating in a 2nd place last time out in a good time. He steps up in trip for the first time but should be on pace and can win. The presence of Moon Se Young aboard (5) KOREA GIJEOK may make the Hansen gelding favourite. He’s scoreless following fifteen attempts but enters in good form with a 2nd and a 4th from his latest two appearances, both at today’s distance and coming from off the pace. He can go close again. (6) DOUBLE TAKE too comes in with recent form reading positively. She comes in off a last start 4th when settling midfield at this trip and Munro stays aboard today. (3) GEOSEN DOLPUNG steps up to this trip for the first time. He was an on-pace 3rd in a fair time over 1200M on his last outing in September and will be expected to show the way again here. (11) POSA POSA perhaps the best of the rest.

Selections(9) Road Ace (5) Korea Gijeok (6) Double Take (3) Geosen Dolpung
Next Best11, 12
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 13

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

(7) VICTOR BASIUM is an intriguing entry here. He has only raced once, back in May, but he raced well, finishing in 4th place in a respectable time over the five furlongs. He trialed up smartly two weeks ago and in shallow waters here, has good claims first-up. (9) WONDERFUL REALTY comes out on top in plenty of indicators in this race. He the fastest finish on him as well as the fastest time at this distance. He comes in off a good class and distance 3rd place on October 1st and while the draw isn’t the best, he should be going close. (6) RAPIDO QUEEN has led both her latest starts at 1300M and 1400M before finishing back in the pack. The slight drop back in trip may be in her favour here and she should enter the calculations. (5) HAEUNDAE BLUE and (12) MYEONGSEONG CHARGE among others in the placing hunt.

Selections(7) Victor Basium (9) Wonderful Realty (6) Rapido Queen (5) Haeundae Blue
Next Best12, 10
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 12

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

(2) JANGSAN LASER returned to make his second start a full nine months after his first and it proved successful as he came from midfield to score over 1200M on October 3rd. As a result, he comes up in class but neither that, nor the step up in trip should be a problem and he can make it two in a row here. The main danger is (5) BEOLMAL DAEJANG. He comes in having posted two excellent times at this distance in his latest two outings, which ended in 4th and a very close 2nd. He comes up slightly in the weights today but has very solid claims. (3) COOL PRINCESS comes up in class following a win at this distance on October 2nd. She will need to improve on that performance but has drawn very nicely to lead and can measure up. (4) FIGHTING NOW has plenty of class and distance experience and along with (11) GRAY CAT is another with at least placing chances.

Selections(2) Jangsan Laser (5) Beolmal Daejang (3) Cool Princess (4) Fighting Now
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Small field of fillies here and after a string of near-misses, (7) NEW LUX should be winning. Two starts back she ran 3rd at class and distance in a super time on an admittedly wet track, continuing her consistent run of form. At her latest she was 5th over 1800M. She likes to sit handy or midfield and should have too much for these at the business end of the race. (1) GOLD LUCK comes up to the mile for the first time. She has got caught a bit far back in a couple of her latest starts but from a good draw on the inside this time, coupled with the additional distance to play with, she may push the favourite close. (8) TAMNA HWANGHU came from well off the place for a slashing 4th at class and distance on October 15th. She mixes her form but if she gets up a head of steam in the straight, she can run a few of these down. (4) QUEEN OF HEARTS and (6) GREAT GO are others with money chances.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 6)

Seoul will race in front of punters for the first time in a year on Saturday. There are 10 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Attendance at the racecourse must be pre-booked using the My Card app and evidence of Covid-19 vaccination is required. Here are the previews:

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

As ever it’s the juvenile maidens up first with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. And it’s first-timer (7) NEMO PRINCESS, who is the stand out. She easily won her second trial on October 22nd and with Moon Se Young aboard, is set to be a warm favourite. (12) SKY SONG trialed up well beating a couple of these in the process in a fair time. He settled back in midfield and ran on so the wide gate may not be too disadvantageous and he can go well first-up. (1) PURGE DAY debuted over 1200M finishing back in the pack. He previously trialed well and from the inside gate should be improving for that run. (9) ONE MORE RUSH ran pleasingly enough on debut, well back behind a good winner but posting a fair time and should have some natural improvement here. Returning to the debut-makers, (11) HAMPYEONG FIGHTER looks next best having led her trial early and finishing at her own pace when passed by Munhak Chief.

Selections(7) Nemo Princess (12) Sky Song (1) Purge Day (9) One More Rush
Next Best11, 2
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

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

(8) AMAZON KING has run well on both starts so far and was an improved 2nd at start number two in a fast race behind a good winner over 1000M on October 17th. He has been on-pace in both starts so far and the additional furlong shouldn’t pose a problem here. The principle danger is (3) ORGALIM, who significantly improved at his second start on October 2nd when he sat handy throughout, ultimately finishing 3rd in a good time at this distance. He draws well today and will surely be in the finish. (2) TES GO DAEBO won a trial before finishing 4th on debut over 1000M on October 16th. He went right back before running on well and may appreciate the extended trip today. (4) MEOTJIN GIROK and (10) GEUMSEONG CROWN are among others with placing hopes.

Selections(8) Amazon King (3) Orgalim (2) Tes Go Daebo (4) Meotjin Girok
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 11

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

One of the weakest maidens in some time but something has to win. On the grounds of having done least wrong so far, we’ll go with (1) MORNING PEARL. She’s raced twice so far, both at 1000M and both times she has made up good ground in the closing stages. She comes up in trip today, draws well and can win. (2) THUNDER HORSE is the only one in the field to have a top-three finish to his name, and that was recorded more than a year ago. That and his last start 4th over 1700M may be enough to make him favourite here and he has as good a chance as any. (12) WONDERFUL HAWAII has run consistent times and while they haven’t necessarily been fast, they look competitive here and she can run into at least a place. (11) SOJUNGHAN DANGSIN races for the first time since January and having looked well when 3rd in a trial in a fair time a month ago, can have claims first-up. (5) MUNHAK FOREST another who can run into a place here.

Selections(1) Morning Pearl (2) Thunder Horse (12) Wonderful Hawaii (11) Sojunghan Dangsin
Next Best5, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

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

Big field here but (7) SANGSEUNG POWER looks ready to win. She comes up in trip following back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1300M, both times settling midfield and finishing off well. She should be able to sit handy here and be too strong late on. (14) SMART POWER has been consistent across four starts so far and comes in following a 4th place over this distance on October 2nd. He is the only previous winner in the race and despite the wide draw, he has every chance of going close here, but may need a bit of luck to find a position early. (1) SINUI HANSU comes back in trip following a good 3rd place over 1700M on October 10th when he ran in mid-division most of the way around before finishing off well. He has beaten a few of today’s rivals across his latest couple of starts and should be beating plenty again. (12) RUNNING NUMBER ONE similarly drops back in trip, in his case following 2nd place over 1700M three weeks ago. That was an uptick on recent form and he can maintain that momentum with a bold showing here. (13) GRAND STAR has the fastest time among these at the distance and could make for an interesting outsider.

Selections(7) Sangseung Power (14) Smart Power (1) Sinui Hansu (12) Running Number One
Next Best13, 2
Fast Start5, 6, 11, 14

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

(12) BYEOLUI SUNGAN comes up in class following three near-misses. On all three occasions, he has gone down to good horses though and has run well, recording good times. Her running style so far has shown she can run on so neither the wide draw or the slight step up in trip should be to her detriment and she can win. To do that she will need to pass (2) COWBOY KING. He sat handy and then ran on for a good win on debut over 1000M back on September 18th. He is up in both class and distance here but draws nicely to be on pace and could maintain his 100% record. (9) K N UNDERKING comes up in class having won at this distance at start number two on October 3rd. He sat midfield and ran on strongly that day and should measure up in this company. As for those with experience at this level, (5) COWBOY TANGO comes back in trip after a decent 4th on a very wet track over 1400M a month ago and along with (7) HWANGGEUM POWER, looks a place line here.

Selections(12) Byeolui Sungan (2) Cowboy King (9) K N Underking (5) Cowboy Tango
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (8) GREEN FEELSTAR has finished in the top five in all six of her outings to date, with her one win coming at this distance. She comes up in class following a close 2nd at this distance on November 3rd but looks well in here and sit behind the early speed and run on strong. (1) GUEOKMAAL has consistently run fast times at this distance and is experienced at this class. She comes in following a good 4th place at this distance in a slightly tougher race than this a month ago and from a great draw should go close. (6) HANGANG MAGIC swept home from off the pace to win smartly over 1000M at start number two on October 9th. She comes up in class and in distance but neither should be an issue and she has the potential to back up with another win. (3) BLACK SILVER comes slightly back in trip and significantly down in weight from her latest start what with an apprentice on board. She has a runner-up finish to her name at class and distance and should be in the placing frame here. (11) HWA SSI BYEOK another with money claims.

Selections(8) Green Feelstar (1) Gueokmaal (6) Hangang Magic (3) Black Silver
Next Best11, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(8) LUISA beat four of these when coming from just off the pace to win at class and distance on October 9th. That was her third win but she has never run worse than 5th in fourteen starts so far. She comes up slightly in the weights here but looks very much the one to beat. (1) BEST LINE got closest to Luisa in that October race having led until midway down the home straight and holding on for 2nd. She too comes up in the weights but draws very nicely and can be a danger again. (12) DAEJIUI YEOIN won her first five in a row but while she has stalled a little since reaching this class, she hasn’t been running badly with a 4th and a 3rd in fast times. The draw does her no favours today but a return to form shouldn’t be ruled out. (10) JANGSAN BADA returned from six months out to run a good 4th place over 1800M three weeks ago. He should have come on for that run and is in the hunt today. (11) WHIZ MOMENT races for the first time since June and looked well when winning an October trial.

Selections(8) Luisa (1) Best Line (12) Daejiui Yeoin (10) Jangsan Bada
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start4, 8, 11, 12

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(5) MIGHTY POP came close at his latest start when beaten by Heungrok Daebu at class and distance on October 2nd. That was his first go around two turns after posting fast times at 1400M and it seemed to suit well. He is joint-top weight here but is the one to beat. Clear second choice is (10) NAMSAN SIDAE. A winner of two from five he has never finished any worse than 3rd and won gate to wire over 1400M last start. He steps up to this trip for the first time today but there is no reason why it won’t suit and he has solid claims. (12) LIONETTE ran 5th behind Mighty Pop on October 2nd and while she draws the widest gate here, she can be running on strong at the business end and should be in the placing frame. So too (9) JEONGSANG KINGDOM, who always comes from way back and will benefit from Alan Munro aboard today. (4) UNCLE BELL, who pinched an excellent 3rd place under an enterprising ride at his latest start could again be in the hunt for some minor money.

Selections(5) Mighty Pop (10) Namsan Sidae (12) Lionette (9) Jeongsang Kingdom
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start1, 5, 10, 12

Seoul Race 9: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(12) ACE HAMSEONG was beaten into 3rd on his latest start which came over 1700M just two weeks ago when he went right back and ran on strongly. He comes back up slightly in trip today and that may be what he needs to return to the winner’s circle. (7) A. P. PATEK comes in off a strong 3rd place at 1700M on October 3rd. He can mix his form and can find himself getting a bit far back but he looks to have solid claims here. (11) STAR BLADE had a poor day at the office on his latest at his latest start behind A. P. Patek but is perhaps worth another chance based on his class and distance runner-up finish two starts back as well as his earlier class 5 win. He does tend to go best when on pace though so the draw is not helpful. (10) DREAM FASHION comes up in class after his second class 5 win at the distance on September 18th. He is nicely weighted here and his times should measure up at this class. (4) MANSE among others in the minor money frame.

Selections(12) Ace Hamseong (7) A. P. Patek (11) Star Blade (10) Dream Fashion
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 10: Class 1 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

(1) WINNER GOLD is giving away at least a full 6kg to everything in this field but that is because he is rated a full twenty points higher than anything else. He comes in following back-to-back 4th place finishes in tougher company than this over 1800M and back at one-turn today can return to the winner’s circle here. (10) CHEONGDAM JEWANG possesses a super time at this distance and ran well for 4th place behind Eoma Eoma at it back in September. He doesn’t need to lead so the draw shouldn’t matter and he should be a big danger here. (8) CUPID GUY enters off a great 2nd place in a fast time at class and distance behind the excellent filly Raon First on October 17th. He made up great ground late that day and will be aiming to do the same here. (3) MIGHTY GO and (9) PENETRO among those in the minor money hunt

Selections(1) Winner Gold (10) Cheongdam Jewang (8) Cupid Guy (3) Mighty Go
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 7

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 31)

Juveniles take centre-stage at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday afternoons with the running of the Gwacheon and Gimhae Mayor’s Cups. There are 9 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:10 to 17:30. Here are the previews:

Could it really be the last day behind closed doors?

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

Juvenile maidens get us underway with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (4) REMARKABLE is set to be favourite though. He ran 2nd in a good time on debut over this distance on September 18th before being tried in the valuable Munhwa Ilbo Cup for his second start at 1200M on October 3rd. From a wide draw he never really got going, finishing 6th of nine on the day but dropping back here in shallower waters, drawing well and getting Moon Se-young on his back, there is plenty to like about him. (3) DREAM SPEED has raced twice before, improving in her second outing, when she led at this distance, ultimately finishing 4th in a decent time. She should have made more progress for that and can continue to improve here.  (1) GIANT KILLING ran 3rd on debut on August 22nd, settling midfield and running on. He comes in fresh after ten weeks off and can improve on that here. Among the first-time starters, (7) WONPYEONG GWANGYA was the fastest in trials and can go well first-up.

Selections(4) Remarkable (3) Dream Speed (12) Janggun Byeol (3) Dream Speed
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 12

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

(1) NEW STAR YEONGCHEON comes in off two strong showing at 1200M, racing on pace and finishing 3rd and 4th, the latter time having come out of gate twelve. He draws the inside here and while he steps up in trip for the first time, he won’t need to improve much to win this. (5) K N TEUKGEUP also comes up in trip. He has mixed his form across six starts so far but has a 3rd place to his name and generally finishes off well. He gets a good draw and with Antonio Da Silva in the saddle can be aiming for a career best finish. (2) BIG ENERGY has been doing his best work late on in his latest two starts, both times running on strong for 4th over 1200M. The additional half furlong may well be what he needs to get even closer today. (8) SEMYEONG NARAE is the only one in the field to have a runner-up finish in her record and she comes in after beating a couple of these on her way to a fair 6th place at 1200M last start. She also has experience at 1400M which may be of benefit here. (9) MASEONG CHEONHA comes in having scored an on-pace 3rd at his latest start on September 4th and is another in the hunt although he will need a good start from an unfavourable gate.

Selections(1) New Star Yeongcheon (5) K N Teukgeup (2) Big Energy (8) Semyeong Narae
Next Best9, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 9

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

A tricky race with two standouts. (5) ONE JI is already a winner having struck at class 6 level two starts back when leading all the way at this distance. He then ran a solid 3rd place at this class and distance on September 19th. He is well drawn here, and he could well get to the lead and win again. The main danger is the up in class but sure to measure up (3) YUKWAEHAN SEONTAEK. He has a 3rd, and two runner-up finishes from three starts so far, all of them over 1000M. He has run on-pace all three times and should be able to do the same here from a great draw. He has winning claims. (6) CRAZY TANK comes up in class having broken through at start number five over this distance on September 4th. He was second-up into a comeback after a few months out and could well have progressed further. He likes to be on pace, but can may settle handy and run on here. (11) FASHIONED PASSION has developed a bit of a habit of getting a bit far back in her races. The wider draw may actually help here as she can avoid traffic problems and she certainly has plenty late speed. (4) BIG RED among others in the placing frame.

Selections(5) One Ji (3) Yukwaehan Seontaek (6) Crazy Tank (11) Fashioned Passion
Next Best4, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

Maidens with four of the twelve racing for the first time. (1) GREEN SPEED looks the one to beat. He has run 3rd and 4th in two starts so far, both of them at 1000M, finishing off strong both times. He steps up in trip to 1200M for the first time and it may well suit. (11) WINNER FALCON is a debut-maker sporting the Yoshida colours. The Smart Falcon fill is a late-starter at four-years-old but trialed very competently in a decent time and looks set to make a positive first race start here. (7) CHEONGMA POWER has certainly mixed his form across four starts so far but has run well twice at this trip including his latest start when he was 2nd having been handy throughout. He can settle just behind the early speed here and be a danger at the business end again. (5) MONGTTANG was an improved 4th on his third career start on October 3rd and his first at this distance. The jockey/trainer combination will make plenty take note. First-timer (12) CHOEGANG MIJIGAE another in the placing frame.

Selections(1) Green Speed (11) Winner Falcon (7) Cheongma Power (5) Mongttang
Next Best12, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5

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

(4) SPOT FLATTER comes back into shallower waters following an unsuccessful tilt at the KRA Cup Mile, the first leg of the Triple Crown, at Busan three weeks ago where he tried to sit behind an extremely hot pace but got overwhelmed, although he still finished with an extremely creditable time. How much that took out of him is a valid question but if he picks up his class 4 form where he left off, winning here on August 14th, then has every chance. (9) LAST BOSS is up in class following a good win over this distance on October 2nd. The time he recorded certainly measures up at this class and Moon Se-young taking the mount won’t harm his chances. (10) TIZ BLACK comes up in class having won his latest two, both at 1200M, by narrow margins. That takes him to three from six in total and he steps up in trip here with solid claims to make it three in a row. The draw is not ideal, but he can go close. Surely lightning doesn’t strike three times in a row with (5) CHEONJI POKPUNG. Twice in a row he has been unfancied yet swept home late to score over 1300M. He is up in class and in distance, but significantly down in weight and warrants some – perhaps reluctant -respect. (2) ULTRA KING another who is up in class today but comes down hugely in weight and draws well.

Selections(4) Spot Flatter (9) Last Boss (10) Tiz Black (5) Cheonji Pokpung
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(10) LANE KILLER has run on very strong for two 3rd place finishes and a 4th in three stats so far, each time making up good ground late. He steps up to a mile for the first time and his racing pattern, suggests that it will suit and that the draw won’t matter. The step up may suit (8) OLD CHEONHA too. He returned to action following six months out on October 17th but didn’t really get into the race finishing down the field. He should have benefited from that though and can improve today. (7) CHEONGMA YEONGUNG ran an improved 3rd over 1200M on his latest start three weeks ago. He has tended to get well back in his races before running on and the additional distance to play with here can suit. (12) SINBIHAN GANGJA is the only one in the race to have a runner-up finish to his name, which came at this distance three starts back and he should be in the placing frame here. (6) TEN TEN QUEEN has the fastest time among the four who have tackled the mile before and she too can have placing aims.

Selections(10) Lane Killer (8) Old Cheonha (7) Cheongma Yeongung (12) Sinbihan Gangja
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

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

(3) GOLDEN BADGE is yet to score in eleven attempts buy has been consistently close and took to this distance well when stepped up at her latest start back in August when she ran 2nd to promising three-year-old Royal Road. This is her first start since then, but a top jockey is engaged and from a good draw, she can sit handy and run on strong. (5) REDBACK returned from almost six months out to run 3rd behind Last Boss over 1400M on October 2nd. He settled midfield and ran on strong and can step up to two turns with confidence that it will suit. He still looks to have plenty more development in him and has strong claims here. (7) TANK SOCKS has been at this class for a long time, picking up a win at 1200M but she too steps up to this distance for the first time today. She has been running consistent times over 1400M in her latest three appearances and there is no reason why she can’t be in the mix here. It’s a similar story with (6) HEUKRYONG GAMU, who comes in with the fastest average time for the final furlong of all of these. He made up excellent ground late on over 1400M to go from almost last to 4th and is another for who the step up in trip may suit. (4) RUN RUN RUN struggled on his first try at this distance in September but can be given another chance here.

Selections(3) Golden Badge (5) Redback (7) Tank Socks (6) Heukryong Gamu
Next Best4, 11
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10
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Blue Chipper, Eoma Eoma, Morfhis, East Jet, Cheongdam Dokki, Tiz Plan, Moonhak Chief & More: SUPER SUNDAY SBS Sports Sprint & KRA Cup Classic Race-By-Race Preview (October 24)

There is double Group race action at Seoul on Sunday afternoon (sadly behind-closed-doors) with the SBS Sports Sprint at the KRA Cup Classic. There are 9 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:10 to 17:30.

Cheongdam Dokki on his way to his second Cup Classic 3 years ago (Pic:KRA)

Blue Chipper returns to Seoul Racecourse on Sunday for the first time since winning the Korea Sprint in 2019, a victory which punched his ticket to Santa Anita where he went on to run 3rd in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. He’s back at the Sprint distance of 1200M but runs slap bang into a host of Korea’s top sprint stars, including new star Eoma Eoma in the SBS Sports Sprint (KOR-G3).

Algorithms four-year-old Eoma Eoma took part in this race last year and ran a strong 3rd but has only got better in the intervening time, breaking the track record at 1400M and putting in a string of fine runs. He has drawn the outside gate but there is every reason to believe that won’t matter.

Blue Chipper draws well and after a frustrating campaign of giving away vast amounts of weight in handicaps during the Covid-relief racing period, finally gets to run at level weights. But even if he manages to see off Eoma Eoma, there is still plenty of other talent to deal with.

Morfhis won this race last year, powering home late under Johan Victoire. The draw doesn’t matter for him and in a race with lots of early speed, he may well take advantage. East Jet, from the inside gate is also a huge danger. He won the SROA Trophy last year at this distance and has posted formidable times.

Morfhis won the 2020 SBS Sports with Eoma Eoma in 3rd

An hour later, Cheongdam Dokki will bid for an unprecedented third victory in the KRA Cup Mile (KOR G2) over 2000M at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday as the popular chestnut heads the field for the 36th running of the race.

Winner in 2017 and 2018 before running 2nd to Dolkong in 2019 (there was no race in 2020 due to the pandemic), the now seven-year-old Cheongdam Dokki made his first start for trainer Tony Castenheira three weeks ago when successfully holding off the fast-finishing Jjang Kong to return to the winner’s circle over 1800M. He faces a star-studded set of rivals on Sunday. 

Korea Cup 2019 winner Moonhak Chief returns to action for the first time since May as does Tiz Plan, who knows a thing or two about lowering Cheongdam Dokki’s colours, having defeated him in last year’s Busan Mayor’s Cup. All three horses will very much appreciate being back running under weight for age conditions after a year of giving away significant weight in handicaps.

The up-and-coming Haengbok Wangja enters off a seven-race winning streak, made even more remarkable by the fact that he failed to win any of his first seven starts. The Daerdevil colt dips his toe into elite waters for the first time, but such has been the manner of his recent rise that he may even start the race as betting favourite.

Five horses have travelled up from Busan and the two best south-coast hopes are both trained by Peter Wolsley. Mr. Afleet is a winner of nine from fourteen and while he will have to overcome having drawn the widest gate, he enters in form and will have plenty of backers. So too will his stablemate Hunch, the biggest winner from the barrier draw, and a big winner at this distance in Busan in the summer.

Here is the race-by-race for both meetings:

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

Juvenile maidens to kick things off with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. We will side with experience for the top two picks though. (5) LUCKY INDY ran 5th on debut on September 19th, sitting handy and briefly leading before being passed. It was promising enough, and she draws well to get forward today and has fair claims. So too does probable favourite (10) RAON THE WEEKEND. Having won a trial in August, she led for much of the way around on debut on September 18th, ultimately weakening and finishing 5th. The draw is not ideal for her here but if she can get to the front here, she may be difficult to pass. Among the first timers, (4) YONGHOJIMA is the pick. He went through a couple of trials and significantly improved in the second of them, running 3rd in a decent time on a dry track He draws nicely here and surely goes well. (6) TEUKBYEOL trialed up behind the likes of Moonhak Chief and Tiz Plan. She didn’t get involved with those and went around at the back, completing the course competently and in a fair time. The jockey booking will cause plenty to take note. (1) GRAND POWER went through two trials, going well in both.

Selections(5) Lucky Indy (10) Raon The Weekend (4) Yonghojima (6) Teukbyeol
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 10

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

Quite a good standard maiden this with plenty looking capable of winning. We will go with (9) STELLA ROAD, who has been knocking on the door across her four starts so far, finishing between 2nd and 4th in each of them. She has the fastest time among these at the distance and in a race devoid of much early speed, she can get on pace or handy and is just about the one to beat. (5) GEOSEN GISANG has finished in 5th place in both starts so far, both at this distance and in fair times, beating a couple of today’s rivals last time. She has a fast start comparable to most here and from a good draw can be on pace and improve. (6) SWEET CAMP was an improved 2nd at start number two on September 19th when she led for much of the way around. She’ll be on pace again and can go close again. (1) YES I CAN came from well back to run on well for 2nd in good time on September 4th and he too has claims to match or even better that from the same gate. (4) FAST TRACK comes up in trip for the first time and may benefit.

Selections(9) Stella Road (5) Geosen Gisang (6) Sweet Camp (1) Yes I Can
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 9

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

(9) BYEOLBIT MARU broke through at start number three with a comprehensive score over 1000M on September 19th when she settled just behind the leaders before taking things up at the top of the straight and running away from the field. She comes up in both class and in distance today, but the manner of that win suggests there is more to come. (6) DAEJIUI YEOGEOL was a class and distance winner on September 18th, settling back in the field and making good ground in the straight. She has mixed her form but has run consistent times and can be a threat here. (12) GWANGYANG EUTTEUM got his maiden win at this distance at class 6 level and then ran a good class and distance 3rd place having led for much of the way on October 2nd. The draw is not ideal here, but she has run good times already and has a winning chance again.  (11) POWER BOX has shown plenty of speed in a 4th place and a win at class 6 level. He led during that win, so the draw isn’t ideal, and he is up in both class and distance but looks to have potential for more development. (4) GREAT THUNDER is consistent and another sure to be involved at the business end of the race.

Selections(9) Byeolbit Maru (6) Daejiui Yeogeol (12) Gwangyang Eutteum (11) Power Box
Next Best4, 10
Fast Start1, 8, 11, 12

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

Juvenile filly maidens here with nine of the twelve racing for the very first time. It’s from those first timers that we find our favourite and top pick, (3) ILBEONJI. The Cowboy Cal filly looked very assured when leading all the way in her trial, cantering home with minimal urging in a good time. Drawing well here, she can lead all the way. On the same day, (4) SEOGWI PLUS also trialed up. She was ridden a little harder in her heat but once she had shaken off the rest was allowed to cruise to the line, stopping the clock in the exact same time as Ilbeonji would thirty minutes later. Ilbeonji goes on top here due to having done the same time in less effort, but it would be no surprise if Seogwi Plus put up a stiff challenge. (8) GREEN PAPAGO trialed up nicely behind an experienced trial winner, running on pleasingly enough. With an apprentice claim she has a feather weight on her back and can run well first-up. Among the experience (12) QUEEN’S DAERO ran a good 4th on debut over 1000M in a fair time three weeks ago. She drew wide that day too and should be aiming to match or better here. (11) WISH LUCK took a while to get going on debut but should have come on for the experience and can improve on her 8th place.

Selections(3) Ilbeonji (4) Seogwi Plus (8) Green Papago (12) Queen’s Daero
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 12

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

Fillies only here and a very competitive race with all but one having finished no worse than 6th in their latest outing and with four up in class last start winners. Really a case can be made for any of them, but we have to decide so we will go for the least experienced, (3) MENIFEE MUSIC to continue to improve. She is one of the up in class ones following a maiden win at start number two over 1200M on September 11th. She worked her way from gate nine to get on the speed that day and ran on well and can be competitive here. (11) DIECO is super consistent with eleven top-five finishes from sixteen starts. She comes in off a good 2nd place over 1300M last start and her solitary win to date came from this gate three starts back. (7) BAEDARI CANDY didn’t run badly when tried at 1700M last time out but should be better today. She won at class and distance in a fast time on August 15th and while she carries more weight this time, should be firmly in the hunt. (12) MAGIC TIDE remains a maiden after six attempts but ran on very strongly from the back for 3rd over 1200M at this class on her latest start and may appreciate the step up in distance here. (1) LAPEIO BAN, another up in class, is one of several others with equal claims.

Selections(3) Menifee Music (11) Dieco (7) Baedari Candy (12) Magic Tide
Next Best1, 4
Fast Start3, 7, 10, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Maidens, and stepping up to a mile for the first time, (11) CATCH THE SUN is the favourite. She has finished in the top five on all five of her starts so far and looks to be working towards a win following a good runner-up finish over 1400M on October 3rd, when she settled handy and ran on well behind a good winner. Her times have been consistent, the draw doesn’t look a problem and she may take some beating. (5) MAJOR FORCE came home in 3rd place behind Catch The Sun in that 1400M race three weeks ago, when she came from well back in the field. That was her best finish in eleven starts and she may well be ready for another attempt on a mile here. (3) NORTHERN LIGHTS has been consistent in recent outings and beat a couple of these on her way to 5th place over 1400M on September 19th. From a good draw, she should be aiming for better here. (4) ANY LINE and (8) OMEGA GIRL are others in the placing frame.

Selections(11) Catch The Sun (5) Major Force (3) Northern Lights (4) Any Line
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 11
(more…)