Saturday’s racing is at Seoul where there are nine races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations (except Daegu) are open although attendance must be pre-booked with the MyCard app. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open the capital’s Saturday program. (9) MORNING PEARL is the one to beat, having raced consistently across five starts to date, including a 2nd place over 1200M and a last start 4th at this trip in a time faster than any of today’s rivals have achieved. She tends to go back and run-on but in the absence of much speed here, may be ridden further forward than before and be hard to beat. (10) NAMSAN MUJEOK improved at start number two when 5th over 1200M. His times have been underwhelming but the further slight step up in trip may suit and he won’t need to have progressed much to be in the finish here. (3) RESERVED JOHN finished off nicely for 3rd place on debut and with some natural progression can put be in the frame for at least another place. (5) THUNDER FLASH and (6) G STAR others to consider.
Selections
(9) Morning Pearl (10) Namsan Mujeok (3) Reserved John (5) Thunder Flash
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
2, 5, 9, 11
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies (and one mare) only here. (12) EUNHYE SERVE was sent off an odds-on favourite on February 13th but got too far back and while she finished off well, could only manage 5th, her worst finish to date. She’s not exactly got the best of the draw here but on her form prior to last time is probably worth another chance today. (4) KKANGDORI significantly improved at her latest start on February 13th when 2nd over 1300M having been handy throughout. The same apprentice keeps the weight light, and she can repeat from another good draw. (5) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE was 8th in that February 13th race, weakening in the closing stages. She has shown bits and pieces of ability prior to that though and the slight drop in trip brings her back into contention today. (1) GUK HYANG and (9) ELITE RULES are others with at least placing claims.
Seoul Race 3: Class 7 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Small field but plenty enter with recent form reading well and among them (2) GRAND STAR appears to be the one closest to a win. He comes in off a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two, both at this distance and has also recorded the fastest time of any of these at the distance. He can lead or sit handy here and may take some beating. (4) THUNDER HORSE was scarcely involved from a wide draw over 1300M last time out but instead we can go on his 4th place at this distance two starts back in January. He settled in midfield and ran on that day and can go close again today. (7) BLOW MIND comes up in trip following a good 3rd place over 1300M in January when he went back and ran through the line well. The additional distance can suit and with only four stats behind him, there looks to be scope for ore development. (8) GREAT JENNY and (6) COUNTRY ROAD are others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(2) Grand Star (4) Thunder Horse (7) Blow Mind (8) Great Jenny
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 5, 8
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(3) WONDERFUL K was sent off as favourite at class and distance on February 12th having won at this distance in the past and having posted some decent times. He led almost the entire race only to be denied by a nose on the line and under the same weight and a good gate today, has every chance of going one better. To do that, he will need to overturn the nose on the horse who beat him that day (1) VIKING HEART. The Cowboy Cal four-year-old sat handy throughout before getting in front at exactly the right time and while he had mixed his form prior to that, he too carries the same weight, draws very well, and has every chance of a repeat. There was less than a length back in that February race to (11) CAPTAIN BRAVO, who crossed the line in 3rd. He rarely misses the minor money and should be there or thereabouts again today. (10) CHEONGSAN GANGHO has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and along with the up in class (6) DIA POWERCAT, are among others to consider.
It’s been less than three months since the last Triple Crown series finished but what with the Three-Year-Old Championship moving back to its usual place on the calendar, we are just over a month away from the first leg the KRA Cup Mile at Busan on Sunday April 17th. Therefore both Seoul and Busan run trials on Sunday with the Sports Seoul Cup in the capital and the Gyeongnam Shinmun Cup at Busan, both Listed races over 1400M. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting branches are open and while the vaccine pass system has now been ended, attendance myst still be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:
Complete Value was champion Juvenile last year and kicks off his 2022 campaign in the Listed Sports Seoul Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens open proceedings. (7) YESULIYA shapes as the one to beat having hinted at ability across five starts to date including an on-pace 2nd place over 1000M at his latest. He also has the fastest time among any of these at today’s distance and is likely to be on the lead early with claims to go all the way. (12) PURGE DAY was an improved 2nd place over 1000M on his second start back in November. He comes in here following seventeen weeks off and while the draw isn’t ideal, this looks a nice race to return in. (9) P N S GOLD ran a good 2nd on debut and while she hasn’t quite managed to build on that yet, Moon Se-young climbs back aboard and she should be in the frame today. First-timer starter (11) SAEBYEOK BAND put in a decent trial and can be considered first-up with (10) CASH BACK also entering the calculations.
Selections
(7) Yesuliya (12) Purge Day (9) P N S Gold (11) Saebyeok Band
Next Best
10, 6
Fast Start
1, 7, 9, 10
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to look far past (1) FINAL CHARM here. He ran on well from a wide gate for an improved 4th on his second start on January 29th, running on well. There isn’t much early speed here so he may be on pace from the start and be hard to run down. (6) DISCO BOY is the logical second pick. He has come on from well back in his two starts so far to finish 6th and 5th. He comes up in trip today and in this limited company, should be finding at least the places. Those two should fill out the quinella as the form drops off a cliff after them. (3) MIR BEST from a good draw may improve, while (4) MONEY TAP too made-up ground after a bad start last time and can sneak some minor money too. (8) DONGBANGUI HON perhaps another one capable of getting round.
Selections
(1) Final Charm (6) Disco Boy (3) Mir Best (4) Money Tap
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
1, 2, 7, 9
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Another hot favourite here, this time in the shape of (4) DREAM SPEED. She has finished in the top five in five of her six starts so far and has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two. She tens to settle handy or midfield and should have way too much for this lot. (8) SHINE MUSIC comes back in trip after a spin over 1700M when she led but weakened in the home straight. She possesses the fastest time of any of these over today’s distance and has much chance as any of placing. (2) BANGTAN YEOGEOL and (3) DDATTEUTHANBIT can both be forgiven their respective latest outings. Both have performed fairly at this distance and should be in the placing frame here. (9) FYING BARIBE another with minor money hopes.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Small field and probable warm favourite in (8) FLYING THE CHAMP. After a nondescript debut, he was a much-improved 3rd on his second start which came over 1300M on February 13th in a good time. In such a small field the outside gate shouldn’t be a problem and he may take some beating. (4) EUNSEONG YEONGUNG came from well off the pace to run a fast-finishing 2nd over 1200M on February 11th, very nearly getting to the winner. The additional half furlong can work in his favour here and he will surely be coming on strong late again. (5) DONGBU WORLD was 4th behind Eunseong Yeongung in his racecourse debut. He’d previously been through plenty of trials, worked home well and can build on that performance here. (2) PHANTOM ACE and (7) DOCTOR KONGDOLI others to consider.
Selections
(8) Flying The Champ (4) Eunseong Yeongung (5) Dongbu World (2) Phantom Ace
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 6
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(2) BLACK MASK has raced three times and finished as runner-up on all three occasions, twice at 1000M and most recently at 1200M. That’s enough to send him up in class here but that shouldn’t matter as from a great draw he should be on pace from the start and can lead all the way. (8) TES GO DAEBO looks to be the main danger. He too is up in class following a maiden win at start number four, but it had been coming. He can settle handy here and run on. (9) FLEX QUEEN will need a line drawn though her latest when she was slowly away from a wide gate and never made an impact. She has run well at this distance at class 6 level though and with a better start can challenge for the places. (4) ROCK FIGHTER too had a hard time at his latest when drawn wide but from a much better gate today can be given more of a chance. Another up in class following a last start win, (7) DIAMITE is another to keep safe.
Selections
(2) Black Mask (8) Tes Go Daebo (9) Flex Queen (4) Rock Fighter
Next Best
7, 6
Fast Start
2, 4, 5, 8
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(9) UNJU BULPAE looks to be working towards a win with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two, both over 1200M. He has raced at this distance too, posting a fast time (albeit at a time when the track was extremely fast). He will be expected to be on pace or handy here and could well have too much. Both Kim Young-kwan and Djordje Perovic are in form, and they team up here with (6) WONDERFUL FILE. The filly was much improved at her second outing at this distance on February 18th and will tempt plenty here. (11) SKY JEJUHYANG has got forward in all three of her races so far. She doesn’t draw well here but has good early speed and can go close again. (4) HWARANG BRAVO and (7) BLUE CAPTAIN are others who can enter the calculations.
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(6) EUNSEONG MARU was a good winner on debut over 1000M when coming from a handy position and running on but whatever could go wrong did on his reappearance at this class and distance on January 23rd. He pulled hard early before his saddle shifted forward at the 1000M and then he came back slightly lame. He has been back in work since mid-February and can return to winning ways here. (10) BYEOLBIT BOSEOK is yet to win in nine attempts but has six top-four finishes including at his latest start on January 22nd when he was 3rd at class and distance, settling midfield and running on. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights but should be going close. (9) NEW HOPE also comes in off a good 3rd last time out and while up in class can measure up. (11) NONSTOP CAT comes up a couple of kilos in the weights on a good 2nd place last time but should be competitive again. (4) TANK SOCKS will need to be forgiven his latest two, first over 1700M and then when getting too far back at this distance. He does have ability though and can go better this time.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
(7) LIGHT STORY has mixed his form since an impressive win on debut, but he has placed at this class over 1400M and comes in having run 4th over 1800M at his latest start when close to the pace throughout. He can return to winning ways today. The main danger is (9) YEONSEUNG BRAVO. He got his maiden win over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before running 3rd on his first try at this class on January 21. He goes best when on pace and will be aiming to get forward early here. (1) PICTURE JASPER remains a maiden but comes up in class after a good 2nd place at his latest start on February 11th. From a wide draw he got on pace and ran on well and under a lighter weight and much better gate, he can overturn the form on (6) DIA FORCE, who won that race and comes up in class too. That was a big upturn in form for the latter, but he can’t be completely ruled out here. (10) ALIVE CAPTAIN another to consider.
Selections
(7) Light Story (9) Yeonseung Bravo (1) Picture Jasper (6) Dia Force
Next Best
10, 3
Fast Start
5, 7, 8, 9
Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Tricky race here as the form isn’t especially convincing all round. Without much confidence, we’ll go with (5) RUFFIAN PARK, whose sole win was at this class and distance. He also has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and comes in following a decent 3rd place finish – again at class and distance – on January 30th. He carries the same weight here and from a good draw can go well. (10) DOUBLE TAKE is yet to win in eleven but has run well at this distance, albeit at class 6 level. Choi Bum-hyun, who rode him to his best finish, climbs back aboard today and he can be competitive. (9) CHALLAN HANNAL has decent experience at this class including a runner-up finish over 1400M. In this company he should be there or thereabouts. (2) FAST TRACK and (8) REAL PACK are others in the frame.
Selections
(5) Ruffian Park (10) Double Take (9) Challan Hannal (2) Fast Track
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 8
Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Racing moves to Seoul on Saturday with nine races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations are open and while vaccine passes are no longer required, attendance must still be pre-booked using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener. There will be a hot favourite in the shape of (5) RAON THE PEARL. She ran 4th on debut at 1000M in October before stepping up to this distance at start number two on January 16th and finishing a strong 2nd when handy throughout. She’ll be on pace or handy again here and should take some beating. There are two debut-makers and of them, (4) GREEN DRAGON could go well. She worked home well in her trial in a fair time and from a could draw can put in a bold showing. (6) GIPPEUM HWANHUI improved to 3rd at her second start on January 23rd and she can continue her positive trajectory here. (1) HERA BLADE and (9) CITY CHARM others in the placing frame.
Selections
(5) Raon The Pearl (4) Green Dragon (6) Gippeum Hwanhui (1) Hera Blade
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
2,5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Small field here and (4) FLYING ATHENA is the one to beat. After back-to-back 6th place finishes from her first two outings, she was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over 1300M on January 30th when handy and running on. She won’t need to improve much on that to win here. (2) ORGALIM has the best time among these at the distance, recorded three starts about when 2nd in early December. From a nice draw, expect him to be on pace here and to be in this a long way. (1) WILD SOCKS was beaten by Orgalim on their respective latest starts, but he draws much better today and should be a stiffer prospect. There are two debut makers and (6) GLOBAL CASTLE looks best placed to make an immediate impact while (3) TOUCH NINE is another in the placing frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Small but competitive field here. (6) BLACK ROOKIE comes back in trip following recent efforts at 1400M. She also comes down considerably in the weights. She has run fast times at 1300M, and this looks a suitable assignment today. (3) CHAMPION GAMUN comes up in class following a maiden win at start number eleven on January 23rd. It didn’t exactly come out of nothing, but it did mark a big uptick in form, and he draws well with a repeat not entirely out of the question. (7) VIENTO made all to win over this distance at class 6 level in December. Draw a line through her first effort at today’s trip when she was unable to settle from gate thirteen and she is worth another chance today. (4) ECTON JILJU and (8) WONDERFUL STORM other minor money prospects.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
Big field. (2) JAY TROSS looks the one to beat having finished no worse than 4th in four outings to date. Her win came over 1000M when she made all at class 6 level but at her latest outings, she came from off the pace to run a very close 2nd at 1200M. The extended trip today can suit. (13) K N UNDERKING has a 2nd and a 6th in two starts at this class since getting his maiden win last October. His running style is to settle back and run on so the wide gate shouldn’t be too disadvantageous. (8) JANGSAN POISON comes up in class following his maiden win at start number three when making all at this distance in a fair time on January 29th. That was the first time he had led as he does have a decent finish on him as well and he should measure up in this company. (4) SOUJU and (12) ICE STAR are others who can enter the calculations.
Selections
(2) Jay Tross (13) K N Underking (8) Jangsan Poison (4) Souju
Next Best
12, 11
Fast Start
2, 3, 10, 12
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here and plenty of them too. (10) CUPID JUMBO races for the first time since getting her maiden win at start number two over 1200M on Christmas Day. She is up in class and up in trip here but looked well enough when trailing up from a wide draw at the end of January. She can win again. (11) WONDERFUL SHADOW comes up in class and distance too following her own maiden win which came when she made all over 1000M on January 23rd. She might not get such an easy lead today but can be considered again here. (5) QUEEN OF BEST has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before. She comes up in weight today but that’s softened a little buy a better draw and she can be competitive. (8) SOEWAKKOT and (3) K N MENIQUEEN among others in the hunt.
Selections
(10) Cupid Jumbo (11) Wonderful Shadow (5) Queen Of Best (8) Soewakkot
Sunday sees racing at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:40). Last year’s champion three-year-old Heat Yegam makes his season-debut in Busan while in the feature in Seoul, 2019 Korea Cup winner Moonhak Chief will be among the contenders. All betting locations across Korea are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to fate vaccination against Covid-19 is required:
Heat Yegam races for the first time in 2022 (Pic: KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies open proceedings. (6) CUPID WAY is set to be a warm favourite. That’s based on her debut when she ran on well to run 2nd in a decent time behind a good winner over 1000M with an eye-catching final furlong. She comes up in trip but that should suit, and she’ll be hard to beat. It’s hard to go past (9) SONGAM BEST for second choice She beat three of these on her way to 3rd place on debut at 1000M on January 30th and can be expected to be on pace here. (3) MENI ACE and (12) DOLBAE were two of those behind Songam Best in that January race, and both can aim to improve and get closer here. There are three first time starters and among them, (10) SINHAN TEUKSONG looks to have the best chance of making an immediate impression.
Selections
(6) Cupid Way (9) Songam Best (3) Meni Ace (12) Dolbae
Next Best
10, 13
Fast Start
5, 9, 12, 13
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(1) SUPERDIA is the one to beat here. After trailing fairly, she put in a very solid effort from gate twelve on debut to get handy to the lead and then run on for 3rd. She draws much better on the inside today and should get a softer run to the front and be hard to go past. (2) MARUMA will almost certainly jump as second-favourite. He won a (slow) trial in December and then ran on well from a long way back to make it up to 5th over 1000M on debut on January 9th. He too draws much better this time around, and the step up in trip should suit. (11) LONDON SKY has already had a couple of spins around this distance and hinted at progress last time. He can run on and into some money here. (4) GEOLJAK MAN can aim to match the 4th place he achieved at his latest start while (9) SMART BYEOL is another with money chances.
Selections
(1) Superdia (2) Maruma (11) London Sky (4) Geoljak Man
Next Best
9, 12
Fast Start
1, 3, 11, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Short-priced favourite here in the shape of (9) ASPENROS. Having run 3rd on debut at this distance, he stepped up to 1400M on January 29th and having settled midfield from gate twelve, ran on for 2nd place, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He’ll take some beating here. (1) SMART BLUE has shown improvement at his latest two with a 2nd and a 3rd, both at 1200M. He draws well here and can continue to make progress. (7) EURO GANGJA was 3rd behind Aspenros in that January 29th race. That was an improvement, but he has seven-lengths to make up on him here. (2) FLY STAR debuted adequately in the same race and should have come on for the experience. (10) NEW A ONE another who has placing chances.
Selections
(9) Aspenros (1) Smart Blue (7) Euro Gangja (2) Fly Star
Next Best
10, 4
Fast Start
2, 8, 11, 13
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(10) MAN OF THE STAR has put in three promising runs so far including a good 3rd place over 1200M last time out when he led for much of the way around. He comes up slightly in trip today and despite the wide draw should have enough early speed to get on the lead again. This time he may not be caught. (4) GREAT CAPTAIN came home in 5th place to Man Of The Star’s 3rd on January 14th. That was an improvement from his debut, and he seemed to appreciate the step up in trip. He gets a little further today, and more development is possible. (6) GRAND SUN too hasn’t done much wrong in two outings to date, registering a 3rd and a 4th, both at 1200M. He will be on pace or handy here and can go close. (7) QUALITY QUEEN and (1) RAON THE FIGHTING, are others to consider for at least a place.
Selections
(10) Man Of The Star (4) Great Captain (6) Grand Sun (7) Quality Queen
Next Best
1, 3
Fast Start
1, 6, 7, 10
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Tricky one where only four of the twelve have tackled the 1700M before. (1) KING MOUNTAIN has never gone further than 1200M, but he has consistently run fair times and made a significant breakthrough when 2nd at his latest start on January 9th. When sitting handy and running on. He draws nicely on the inside again and may be worth taking a chance on here. (2) NAUI NARA comes in off back-to-back 3rd place finishes over 1400M and 1300M, the former time beating a few of today’s rivals. Expect him up on pace as well and he can go close. (8) DIVINE POWER has raced at this distance before and while he is yet to finished in the top-three in thirteen attempts, this is the kind of company in which he can pick up a cheque. (4) NAMSAN DREAM and (6) BLACK KING are others to enter the calculations.
Selections
(1) King Mountain (2) Naui Nara (8) Divine Power (4) Namsan Dream
Next Best
6, 7
Fast Start
1, 2, 9, 12
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies and mares only here. Despite the wide draw, (14) RADAR is going to be the favourite here. Having trailed well, she was a front-running 2nd on debut at this distance on January 28th, only going down by a small margin in a good time. The same apprentice jockey keeps the weight very light, and she will be expected to win here. (13) SAVE US didn’t do an awful lot in two starts last summer but returned on Christmas Eve after a few months off and has longed a much better prospect in two outings since. She has registered a 2nd and a 3rd, both at this distance and both in decent times. She too has a wide draw to overcome but should be equal to it. Those two should fill out the quinella in either order. (4) STELLA QUEEN may appreciate the step up in trip and could be an each-way price. (6) HAVANA JANE is the most experienced in the race by some margin; obviously not a good thing at class 6 but she has shown flashes of ability and has run good times at the trip. First-timer (9) LIONESS, potentially another who can go well.
Selections
(14) Radar (13) Save Us (4) Stella Queen (6) Havana Jane
Next Best
9, 5
Fast Start
3, 5, 12, 14
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Competitive race. (5) HEUNGHAENG DAEBAK was a winner over 1300M at class 6 level two starts back before beating a couple of these on his way to an in now way disgraced 6th on his first try at this class having navigated his way across from gate fourteen. He does come up a little in the weights today but draws much better and has a chance. (8) POWER BOX will probably be favourite. It’s fair to say that he has mixed his form across five starts so far, including a disappointing showing last time out. He has run good times at this distance and if we catch him in-form, he may be too good. (11) SEUNGSEUNG POWER comes back in trip following good showings at 1300M and 1400M. He comes up in the weights and doesn’t draw well but can be considered. (4) DESK TAP was disappointing last time behind, among others, Seungseung Power, but is better than that and can be given another chance. (13) DONMA was a shock winner on debut and could be anything.
Seoul has 9 races on Saturday running from the unusual start time of 11:10 and going through until 18:00. This is to accommodate an additional Jeju race to make up for the ones canceled last week due to the weather. All betting locations are open, however, reservations must be made in advance through the MyCard app and evidence of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Competitive opener. We’ll go with (2) NAMSAN HORANGI, who showed promise in two starts towards the end of last year, running 5th both times, the latter in a fair time over this trip on December 11th. He has had a couple of months off since then but looked well in a trial last week and from a nice draw can win here. (3) ACE PLAN showed improvement at his latest outing on January 29th when tackling this distance for the first time and only going down narrowly for 2nd in a tight finish. He can sit handy and run on here and will be a danger. So too (8) GLOBAL BOBAE, who comes up in trip after a 2nd and a 4th in two efforts over 1000M. He ran on well enough both times and the additional furlong shouldn’t be an issue here. (13) CLAIR BEST ran 4th on debut last September. He didn’t offer too many clues in a January trial but may be of interest here. (6) CONCORD QUEEN looks on the correct trajectory having improved significantly at start number two when 3rd to Ace Plan’s 2nd
Selections
(2) Namsan Horangi (3) Ace Plan (8) Global Bobae (13) Clair Best
Next Best
6, 4
Fast Start
6, 8, 11, 13
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(4) MUSTANG POWER is set to be the one to beat here. He came off the pace to run 2nd over 1000M leading him to be sent off as favourite on reappearance at this distance on January 29th. Things didn’t go his way that day and he finished in 6th place, but the margins weren’t huge, and he looks well worth another go here. (6) RISING HAWK is another who will need to be forgiven his latest start when he raced four wide with no cover throughout. He had been more encouraging on debut, and in this company should be able to get on or close to the early speed. (3) HATMURI has worked home well in all three of his starts to date including last time out when beating a couple of these on his way to 6th place. Expect him to settle midfield here and come on strong late. (10) K N SKETCH took forever to get going on debut but should have come on for the experience and the additional furlong may assist. (8) BURUI JILJU among others with placing chances.
Selections
(4) Mustang Power (6) Rising Hawk (3) Hatmuri (10) K N Sketch
Next Best
8, 1
Fast Start
1, 4, 6, 12
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only here. (11) WONDERFUL WOMAN goes on top following her best finish to date on January 29th when she led for much of the way around over this distance, ultimately coming home in 2nd place. The draw is not kind today but expect here to be quickly up on pace again and she can go all the way this time. (1) WONDERFUL HAWAII was a much-improved 2nd on her latest start, albeit a long way behind a good winner. She gets the inside gate here and can maintain her momentum. (12) K N POST ran on adequately for 6th on debut at this distance in January. She posted a fast final furlong time, and the jockey booking catches the eye here. (9) EAST MAGIC and (4) HWARYEOHAN MISO are others who may have a say in the placings.
Raon The Fighter is the main draw on Sunday as the hottest property in Korean racing seeks to make it ten wins in a row. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Raon The Fighter (KRA)
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens go round here with five racing for the first time. One of those is set to be our top pick in the shape of (2) COMPLETE WEAPON. He has been through two trials, winning the most recent of them in a fast time in early December and while it has taken him a couple of months to get to the racecourse, this looks like a winnable assignment first up. Sticking with first timers, (4) JEONGMUN JILJU was also a trial winner, sitting handy and then running on strong in his heat and he too looks set to make a bold showing on debut. Turning to those with experience, (11) EUNHYE has a 2nd and 3rd from two three starts so far, with both the good results being at this distance. He has proven able to run well from on pace or behind, so the wide draw isn’t too much of a concern. (8) GOLDEN SCOOP was a much-improved 2nd when on pace at this distance on January 22nd and she, along with (10) CONCORDE SPURT, are others to take into consideration.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) GRAND POWER will be a warm favourite here after a much-improved showing over 1000M on January 23rd when he was on pace for the first time and ran on well. He comes back up in trip here but draws nicely on the inside and won’t need to go much better to win this one. (11) LONDON POWER has shown decent consistency with four top four finishes. She has run some fair times at this distance and is likely to be on pace from the start and be in this a long way. (13) ROAD ACE was 3rd behind Grand Power in that January 23rd race. He has three top five finishes from six starts so far and despite the wide draw can be going close here. (5) QUEEN LION and (6) NUMBER ONE TARGET, the latter with the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, are others in the placing frame.
Selections
(1) Grand Power (11) London Power (13) Road Ace (5) Queen Lion
Next Best
6, 12
Fast Start
1, 6, 11, 13
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
It’s hard to look past (6) BE CRAZY here. He has two 4ths and a last start 3rd from three appearances to date, the latest being that 3rd over this distance on January 16th when he sat on pace throughout. He can lead here and should be too good. (12) MIDAS CAMP has the fastest time among these at the distance and enters off a good 3rd place at 1200M a month ago He had an apprentice on that day so loses the 4kg claim here and draws wide but can go close again. (3) HANGANG BOSS had a hard time from a wide draw at his latest start but if you can draw a line through that, his previous two efforts were good. Coming into a better gate today, he can be given another chance. (8) OKDONG GONGJU is yet to win but has six top five finishes to his name and can aim to place here. (2) SINJURYU another in the minor money frame.
Selections
(6) Be Crazy (12) Midas Camp (3) Hangang Boss (8) Okdong Gongju
Next Best
2, 1
Fast Start
1, 6, 11, 12
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies only here. We’ll go with (6) DOCTOR KONGSUNI who starts for the third time having improved to 2nd at her latest start on January 21st when stepped up to this distance. She was on pace that day and should be again and may have too much. (4) SANGIM YEOWANG overcame a wide draw to run a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M three weeks ago. She comes up in trip here, gets a better gate and Seo Seung-un climbs aboard so there is plenty to like. (2) WONDERFUL CUTIE and (8) CHEONGHO BOSS came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at 1000M on January 16th. It was a big improvement for Wonderful Cutie while it was a debut outing for Cheongho Boss. The latter has since gone back and won a trial and both can be competitive today. In that trial, (1) PYEONGHWA CHUKJE ran 4th, a second encouraging performance, and she looks the best of the three first-time starters.
Selections
(6) Doctor Kongsuni (4) Sangim Yeowang (2) Wonderful Cutie (8) Cheongho Boss
Next Best
1, 9
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 13
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maiden fillies here. The two French jockeys face off on the likely top-two in the market and we’ll side with Johan Victoire and (7) GALSAEK HYANGGI to prevail. The Menifee filly comes in having run 4th at her latest start at this distance, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process in a good time. She tends to settle back and run on and today can be her day. David Breux and (13) FIRST ROAD is the big danger. She has a 2nd place to her name, recorded two starts back at 1200M and she overcame a similarly wide draw to run 4th at that same distance at her latest start on January 16th. She has a good finish on her and will be running on here. (8) DONGSEO YEOGEOL has got a bit far back in her latest two but can be given another chance here from a better draw. (10) WONDERFUL NIKIYA and (11) TINA are others with genuine placing chances.
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(12) CHAMP GO is the logical top pick here. He has the fastest time of those who have tackled the distance before and enters in excellent form with a 3rd and a 2nd from his latest two appearances. It’s true that he doesn’t draw as favourably today but an apprentice keeps his weight down and with a little luck at the start, he can win this. (1) LINE BREAKER has been doing his best work late in all three of his outings so far at shorter distances. From a much better draw and out to an extended trip, he can go very close here. (2) CHOEGANG FORCE also comes up in trip. He has three top four finishes from four starts to date and came from well back for a fast-finishing 4th last time out. He has the fastest average time for the final furlong and can be a danger here. (9) ZERAGE and (6) BAEK SEOL QUEEN are among others in the hunt.
Selections
(12) Champ Go (1) Line Breaker (2) Choegang Force (9) Zerage
Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 12:00 to 16:40). All betting locations are open as usual but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and evidence of vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
It’s been a long time since Wang Beotkkot won the Nonghyup as a juvenile in 2018 but he has a chance ti win his first class 1 event on Sunday afternoon
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with four of the fourteen racing for the first time and a couple of them look promising. Experience will be on top though with the most experienced, with three starts to his name, (5) TES GO DAEBO set to be the logical favourite. They have seen him accrue a 2nd and two 4th placed finishes with that 2nd coming at this distance. He can sit on pace or handy from a good draw and should have too much. (9) USEUNG BARAM ran a very encouraging 2nd on his debut over 1000M on January 15th when running on from midfield. The extra furlong can suit, and he should be competitive. Turning to the first timers, (6) PUREUN NARAE was fastest in trials, leading for much of her heat. An apprentice booking means she carries a light weight. (2) BLACK BEOMI won her trial by plenty and while it wasn’t a fast time, she looked to have lots more in the tank. She draws very nicely and can put in a bold showing first-up. (8) GOLDEN THUNDER went back to trial after an indifferent debut and looked quite sharp. Expect improvement.
Selections
(5) Tes Go Daebo (9) Useung Baram (6) Pureun Narae (2) Black Beomi
Next Best
8, 14
Fast Start
2, 5, 6, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Maiden fillies and mares. (5) EUNHYE SERVE has shown plenty of promise across three starts to date and stepped up to this distance at her latest outing on January 8th and beat three of today’s rivals on her way to 3rd place when on pace throughout. She draws better this time, should be on pace again and may take some beating. (14) P N S HER ran adequately in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at just her second start last October. She then put in two ordinary performances before running an improved 4th behind Eunhye Serve a month ago. She draws even wider today but Munro gets on and she can go close. (11) COMPLETE LUCKY was an also-ran in that January race, starting slowly and scarcely getting involved. She had previously shown flashes of speed and with a better start today, can get closer. (6) NEW SMART showed signs of starting to figure things out when running on for 4th at this distance on January 15th and can continue to make progress here. (3) CHEONUNCHONG finished off nicely at 1000M last time and may like the additional furlong.
Selections
(5) Eunhye Serve (14) P N S Her (11) Complete Lucky (6) New Smart
Next Best
3, 8
Fast Start
5, 11, 12, 13
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Good little maiden this. (7) MORNING PEARL enters in good form with a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, most recently coming from well back over 1200M. She only comes up 1kg in the weights, draws fairly and the step up in trip can be to her benefit. (8) NEOREUL EUNGWONHAE has shown some decent speed across her three starts so far with the best being a swift 2nd at 1000M. She beat two of these on her way to 4th place at 1200M at her latest start on Boxing Day when she settled midfield and ran on and looks firmly in this today. (10) THUNDER HORSE comes back in trip after a creditable 3rd place over 1700M on January 8th. That equaled his best finish and having run a good time at this trip in the past, can match it again today. Draw a line through the latest run by (4) ORGALIM when from a wide draw he worked hard to get to position over 1200M before weakening. Instead go on his good 2nd place two starts back. He should be on pace here and will be in this a long way. (11) WILD SOCKS another in the frame.
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens with every horse in the race tackling the 1300M for the first time. After an ordinary debut, (4) RAON THE TANK was a much-improved 2nd when from a wide gate he settled midfield and ran on strong over 1200M on January 14th. He comes up slightly in trip again but draws significantly better and could well have too much here. Logical second choice is (9) ADELE STELLA. He comes back in trip after a solid 3rd place at 1600M on January 7th finishing off well from midfield and should be close here. (1) VICTORY NINE may appreciate the step up in trip. All his previous starts have been at 1000M, and he has run adequately but from the inside gate today and with further to play with, he may be a tougher prospect. (10) JOSEPHINE QUEEN and (11) SOUTHERN KING didn’t finish too far back on their respective debuts, and both have the potential to improve here.
Selections
(4) Raon The Tank (9) Adele Stella (1) Victory Nine (10) Josephine Queen
Next Best
11, 13
Fast Start
1, 2, 10, 11
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) POSA POSA performed poorly on his first try at this distance on January 8th, finishing back in the field. He was later found to have some swelling in his right foreleg. He came back into training in the last week of January and from the inside gate and amongst company that can best be described as modest, he can win. That will mean overturning the form from that race on (2) LAGERTHA, who notched his second consecutive 5th place finish. He comes down slightly in the weights today with a small apprentice claim and looks the most credible danger. (5) B J FLASH did little in three outings last year but has subsequently been through two trials, winning the second of them, and may well be a different prospect tackling two turns for the first time. (3) HANI and (8) CLOUTER among other chances in a race with very ordinary form.
Selections
(1) Posa Posa (2) Lagertha (5) B J Flash (3) Hani
Next Best
8, 4
Fast Start
1, 2, 5, 9
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(2) SEONGSIL CHOEGO has raced just twice with a 6th on debut followed by 4th at start number two on January 7th when he worked hard from a wide gate to get on pace. He comes into a better gate today which should give him an easier run in the race and that can allow him to overturn the form on main danger and possible betting favourite (1) DAEHO NURI. The latter comes in following 3rd place in that January 7th race when settling back and running on. He also has the fastest time among these at the distance to his name and is sure to be in the finish once more. (3) GREEN CHEETAH ran an improved 5th last time out at 1400M and while back in trip, draws well and has a very light weight with an apprentice taking 3kg off her back. (7) BLUE CAPTAIN should be better for coming back in trip today after two spins around 1400M. His best result was 3rd at 1200M last November in a good time. (6) YEONGCHEON POWER is another in the frame.
Selections
(2) Seongsil Choego (1) Daeho Nuri (3) Green Cheetah (7) Blue Captain
Next Best
6, 5
Fast Start
2, 3, 7, 11
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Fillies and mares only here. (6) BAEKDU GIRL was a good winner on debut on December 18th when she sat handy early, hitting the front in the straight to run on comfortably over 1000M. She comes up in class and in distance here but has every chance of maintaining her 100% record. (1) HWASUBOON is yet to finish any worse than 5th in five starts so far. That 5th was last time, and it was her first try at this class and distance, but the margins weren’t huge and from the inside gate today, she should be close. (11) BURUI YEOWANG ran 3rd in that race, which was her 7th top-five finish from eight attempts. She is tactically versatile so the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of a hindrance to her chances here. (14) BEST TORCH and (13) RAON THE DASH both come up in class following last start wins, the latter at this distance and the former on debut, and both should be able to measure up in this company despite the unhelpful draws.
Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(1) LEGEND NUMBER ONE comes up in class and in distance following his maiden win at start number two over 1200M on January 14th at this distance. He is down in weight, draws superbly and the jockey/trainer combination ensures he will be favourite. (3) ALIVE STAR was an excellent winner 1200M at class 6 level on December 19th coming from just behind the early leaders to score comprehensively. He is up in class here but surely measures up and has claims again. So too a third last start winner in the shape of (13) STELL LUNA. Her win came at 1300M, but she hasn’t ben worse than 4th in four appearances to date and has posted good times at today’s trip. She doesn’t get the best of the draw but carries a light weight and should not be dismissed. (4) CHEONGHO LEADER is a perennial non-winner but knows how to bank money in this company and along with (10) GWANGDAESEUNGCHEON is a placing chance.
Selections
(1) Legend Number One (3) Alive Star (13) Stell Luna (4) Cheongho Leader
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00. All betting locations across the country are open although attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
A maiden for three-year-old fillies opens proceedings and it is a competitive one. We’ll go with (3) UJUUI BOM, who led for much of the way around on debut over 1000M, ultimately finishing 3rd in a fast time. She draws nicely here, can be on pace again, and while there is an additional furlong to deal with, she can win. (9) WONDERFUL KITTY has raced three times so far with a best finish of 2nd at 1000M. She got too far back on her first try at this distance on Boxing Day, before running on well and given more of a chance here can be right in this. (8) HWIPARAM has a 3rd and a 2nd from two starts, racing on pace both times and another bold showing will be expected here with the additional furlong likely to suit. (2) QUEENUI JILJU ran on pleasingly for 3rd on her debut having settled midfield and from a better draw today can be in the mix. (11) MIRACLE K perhaps the best of the rest.
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(5) JILJU JEONSA has been making steady progress in recent outings with a 3rd and a 2nd in his latest two, only going down narrowly over 1300M last time when racing handy throughout. He steps back in trip today but has the fastest time among these for 1200M and could well go one better today. The main danger is (3) WARRIOR THUNDER. He too has found some consistency recently and enters off a solid 3rd at this distance on January 15th when he was close to the pace throughout. He’ll be challenging for the lead again here and will be in this a long way. He meets Jilju Jeonsa marginally better in weight than when they last raced each other. Disregard the latest outing of (1) LUCKY INDY when he had a hard time from a wide draw. He gets the inside lane today and should go much better. (6) KING CRUSH came home 4th behind Jilju Jeonsa last time and can go close again while (12) BADAUI KKUM is another in the frame.
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(5) DREAM SPEED looks the one to beat here. She comes up marginally in trip following a runner-up finish over 1200M on January 15th when she sat handy throughout and finished off well. The time was slow but so was the track that day and she won’t need to find much more to win here. (14) ARCH CHARM gets no luck with the barrier but has worked home well in two starts so far, both at 1000M. If Park Eul-woon can keep her into contention coming into the straight, she should pick plenty off, given the additional furlong and a half to play with today. (4) SAINT LUCCA struggled to overcome the widest gate last time out, using up plenty of effort to get on pace and then weakening over 1200M. He should have an easier time of it earlier on today and has claims. (9) EUNHYE DREAM improved last time out at start number three when going back and then running on over 1000M. She’s another who may like the extra distance. (10) BROWN CHARM one who could improve.
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million
It’s hard to look too far past (2) VICS GO. Having got his maiden win at 1000M two starts back, he stepped up to this class on Christmas Day and ran a very close 2nd. He comes up in trip and in weight today, but that is alleviated a little by a much better draw and with Munro climbing aboard, he looks hard to beat. (4) JISANGUN led at his latest start over this distance on December 26th, ultimately finishing a close at hand 3rd having used up plenty of effort getting across from gate thirteen. He too gets a much better draw today and will be on pace an in this a long way again. (14) HYPER CAR has overcome wide draws in both his latest two to run 3rd and 2nd. He is yet to win in thirteen attempts but has seven top-three finishes to his name and it would be no surprise to see him working home well again. (8) STELLA ROAD was a last start winner at this class over 1700M and can’t be discounted here. (9) GOLD K another with placing claims.
Selections
(2) Vics Go (4) Jisangun (14) Hyper Car (8) Stella Road
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
4, 6, 9, 10
Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(6) WONDERFUL K’s solitary win to date came at this distance three starts back at class 6 level and while he disappointed as favourite on his first try at this class in November, showed that he can compete at this level when 4th in his latest outing on December 12th. He comes in fresh here and can win this. Probable betting favourite is (2) CAPTAIN BRAVO. He has been consistent across his latest starts with three consecutive 4th place finishes in respectable company at 1200 to 1400M. All three times, he has finished off very smartly indeed, suggesting he may be ready to tackle two turns again. (1) GREAT EYE got his maiden win at class 6 level over 1400M in December before beating a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place on his first try at this class and distance on January 16th. He draws well to sit behind the pace and can be in the mix again today. (8) AMAZING WHIZ enters in consistent form and should be there or thereabouts along with (5) DOUBLE TAKE.
Selections
(6) Wonderful K (2) Captain Bravo (1) Great Eye (8) Amazing Whiz
Next Best
5, 12
Fast Start
4, 6, 10, 11
Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
It’s hard to go too far past (3) REDBACK here. He won well at this distance at class 5 level in October before getting too far back at 1400M on his first try at this class the following month. He ran a good 4th over 1800M on Christmas Day when close to the pace throughout. He comes up 1kg for that effort but expect him up with the leaders early and he should be too strong. (9) GRAY CAT comes up in class following a maiden win at start eleven over 1200M on January 15th, a win that had been coming. His running style suggests that two-turns should suit even better, and he can measure up in this company. (2) CHOIN GANGJA hasn’t quite lived up to his early potential, but he has a 2nd place at class and distance to his name and from a good draw can go close. (4) VICTORICA comes in off a 4th place at class and distance on a slow track on January 9th and along with (1) CHEONGSAN GANGHO is another with at least placing chances.
Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Alllowance / KRW 60 Million
The top picks here all have wide gates to contend with. The very widest goes on top in the shape of (13) WOL YEONG I. While it took her fourteen starts to break through, which she finally did on January 16th, the win had been coming and she is consistent at this distance. She comes up in class, but this doesn’t look that much more difficult than her last assignment and while she may need a but of early luck in running, she is the one to beat. (11) BEST CHEONSANG is ultra-consistent with eight top five finishes from eleven starts including three consecutive 3rd places at class and distance leading into this. She will be close to the pace again and is a danger. (10) LONDON ACTIVE ran on well for 5th at class and distance on her latest start and while she comes up in the weights today, can be competitive. Better drawn in (6) LEAD VOCAL, who ran 6th in the same race as London Active last time out and can get closer today. (9) JEDI FORCE was on pace on debut on January 9th before weakening and should have come on for the experience.
Selections
(13) Wol Yeong I (11) Best Cheonsang (10) London Active (6) Lead Vocal
Next Best
9, 1
Fast Start
1, 7, 11, 12
Seoul Race 8: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million
Competitive race here. We’ll take a chance on (5) TRIPLE KINGDOM who enters in consistent form and at his latest start in December ran a strong class and distance 4th. He generally goes back and runs on and should be going close again here. (7) CHUNSAN was 5th behind Triple Kingdom in that December race but came back out on January 9th to win at class and distance, going right back and then running on strongly. He comes up a couple of kilograms in the weights but will probably start as favourite He is first up for twelve weeks and didn’t set the world alight in a trial two weeks ago but (6) MIGHTY CHIP won at class and distance when we last saw him on November 20th. He too is up in weight from that, but he shouldn’t be dismissed. (8) NAMSANUI BYEOL comes up in class but significantly down in weight from a good win over 1700M in December and should measure up here. (13) DUSON JANGGUN another with placing chances.
Seoul Race 9: Class 2 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million
Tricky race to conclude with. (5) BLACK MUSK is the quality horse in the race and 1400M is his go, having won four of his five starts at the distance. Around those he has thrown in a couple of howlers including last start at 1200M but if he gets a good position from a good draw, he can win. Probably favourite is (14) PREEMAX. He beat three of these when 3rd at 1200M on January 16th, including Black Musk. The latter has beaten him twice at this distance, but Preemax meets him with a weight advantage here even if the draw is less than ideal. (10) DORAON NALRI is another who may be happy to get back to 1400M as he has put in some super runs at it and can at least place today. (7) MIGHTY NEW and (2) BYEOLNARA SINSA are others in the hunt.
Selections
(5) Black Musk (14) Preemax (10) Doraon Nalri (7) Mighty New
The 2022 Stakes race season gets underway at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with the twentieth running of the Segye Ilbo Cup. A field of fourteen that includes several Group winners will contest the Listed event over the sprint distance of 1200M, which returns to the calendar after having to be pandemically postponed in 2021.
The Segye Ilbo Cup will be run for the first time since 2020 when Simjangui Godong won. Do Kki Blade, who was 3rd that day, returns (Pic: KRA)
Raon First – the only filly or mare in the race – is the probable favourite, coming off her comfortable win over her distaff contemporaries in t Jeju Governor’s Cup at 1400M in December, but she has beaten the males at class 1 level too and with a weight allowance and a great draw she may prove hard to catch.
2020 Owners’ Association Trophy winner East Jet also lines up and will be a big danger while Busan’s challenge is led by Classic winner Touch Star Man and the speedy Doctor Carson. The Segye Ilbo Cup is race 9 on the 11-race program at Seoul Racecourse which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. There are also 6 races at Busan from 12:00 to 16:40. All betting locations are open but attendance must be pre-booked through the MyCard app. Evidence of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maiden fillies in the opener with no fewer than ten of the twelve racing for the very first time. One of those first-timers goes on top in the shape of (5) HAMPYEONG NABI, who caught the eye in a heat, leading almost the entire way around before crossing the line in 2nd in a fast time. She draws nicely here and appears set for a bold showing first up. The two with experience both raced adequately enough on debut to suggest they should be in the frame here. (7) MENI SPEAR came home 4th on debut on Christmas Day at this distance having previously won a trial while (8) DOLBAE debuted a day later and ran 5th in a fair time. With natural improvement both can go closer this time around. Returning to the newcomers, (11) MENI ACE and (4) SONGAM NURI trialed up together and could be the best of the rest.
Selections
(5) Hampyeong Nabi (7) Meni Spear (8) Dolbae (11) Meni Ace
Next Best
4, 11
Fast Start
4, 5, 7, 8
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Small field as it’s restricted to sales graduates. Moon Se-young climbing aboard (6) FLYING ATHENA will prick some ears. He’s run adequately for 6th in both starts so far, last time running on over 1200M. Expect him to be up front early here and he could well break through. The primary danger is set to be (3) NAUI NARA. She’s improved across three outings so far, culminating with a 3rd place over 1400M on December 25th when she was prominent throughout. Expect her to be challenging for the early lead and to be in this a long way. Draw a line through the latest effort from (5) BIG ENERGY when he failed to settle from a wide draw. He had run consistently prior to that though and is worth another chance here. (1) MILLION QUEEN didn’t do much on debut but finished midfield and may improve from the inside gate. (9) GEOLJAK MAN has a 3rd place to his name and that’s enough to bring him into the calculations today.
Selections
(6) Flying Athena (3) Maui Nara (5) Big Energy (1) Million Queen
Next Best
9, 7
Fast Start
3, 4, 6, 7
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(1) GRAND STAR beat three of these on his way to 3rd place at this distance on December 19th when handy throughout. That was his best finish to date in nine attempts and from a good draw on the inside, he can sit handy again and this time break through. (3) DIVINE POWER has raced adequately in three attempts at this distance, posting fair times. He generally settles midfield or worse and then runs on and should get past plenty here. (4) GEUMSEONG MAN comes up in trip following a much-improved 2nd place when stepped up to 1400M on December 25th, beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process and the additional distance may suit even more. (11) APPLE MINT and (8) M J STORM among others to enter the calculations.
Selections
(1) Grand Star (3) Divine Power (4) Geumseong Man (11) Apple Mint
Next Best
8, 2
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 10
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Busan’s opener is a maiden for three-year-olds with four of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. We’ll tentatively side with experience as (7) JEONGDEUN-RO ran a solid 3rd on debut at this distance on January 10th, sitting handy all the way and completing the course in a fair time, albeit well back behind a good winner. She should have come on for that. Likely favourite is one of the first timers. (5) STAR ACE sat handy in his trial, finishing 2nd in a decent time. The Kim Young-kwan/You Hyun-myung combination is bound to make punters take note and from a good draw, there is no reason why he can’t win first-up. (12) INDIE MAGIC won a trial and while the draw does him no favours, in this company he can have claims first up. (1) GASOK DAY was 5th on debut in what was a monumentally slow race at the distance. He is surely capable of quicker and can improve from the inside gate. (9) SUNSHINE STAR maybe best of the rest.
Selections
(7) Jeongdeun-Ro (5) Star Ace (12) Indie Magic (1) Gasok Day
Next Best
9, 11
Fast Start
1, 5, 7, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
She’s yet to break through in thirteen starts to date but (6) GOLDEN BADGE has a strong of near-misses and has also run a fast time at this distance. She comes in having come from well back to run 2nd over 1400M on Boxing Day and has solid claims here. So too (7) SARYEONI FIRST, who won over 1200M at class 6 level last November before finishing 3rd at this class and distance on December 12th. He will probably settle midfield and run on and shouldn’t be far away. (11) ADELE NARAE took to this distance well when stepped up to it on January 9th and running 2nd, ahead of a couple of today’s rivals. He can build on that today. (9) BRAVO SOCKS and (3) RUFFIAN PARK are others who can have designs on the places.
Selections
(6) Golden Badge (7) Saryeoni First (11) Adele Narae (9) Bravo Socks
Next Best
3, 12
Fast Start
2, 4, 7, 11
Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(10) KING SATURDAY will be one of the hotter favourites of the weekend. He has finished 3rd and 2nd in his two starts so far at 1000M and 1200M and while he comes up in trip again here, he should be exiting class 6 with a win. (6) DROMOS ran fairly for 4th at her latest outing over 1200M and also has a 2nd at that distance to her name. She generally works home well, and the extended trip may be in her favour today. (12) NAMYANG CHEOLLI improved significantly when tried at this distance at start number three on December 24th when she led for much of the way, ultimately finishing in 2nd place in front of a couple of today’s rivals. The draw does her no favours here but with a touch of luck early, she can be in the finish. (1) QUEEN’S DAERO and (4) RUN AND GUN others to take into consideration.
Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 9 races from 10:45 to 18:00 (the Jeju pony meeting is also simulcast to Seoul, hence such bug gaps between races). All betting locations are open, however, attendance must be pre-booked using the MyCard app and proof of up to date vaccination against Covid-19 is required. Here are the previews:
Raon Pink returns to action on Saturday
Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
Three-year-old maidens here. (7) GLOBAL BOBAE will be the favourite having run 2nd on debut on Christmas Day, overcoming a wide draw to sit handy and run on in a good time. He should have come on for the experience and a similar run makes him hard to beat here. After winning a trial, (5) HATMURI ran 3rd on debut at this distance before running 6th at 1200M at start tow. He has had a couple of months off since then, Moon Se-young climbs aboard and he should go close. It’s similar with (2) P N S GOLD who has a 2nd and 4th from two starts so far. She draws well here and could be on pace from the start. (4) BE FLOWER and (6) YOUNG BLOOD are others to consider for improvement.
Selections
(7) Global Bobae (5) Hatmuri (2) P N S Gold (4) Be Flower
Next Best
6, 1
Fast Start
2, 3, 6, 7
Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million
(3) MUSTANG POWER ran a good 2nd on debut over this distance on December 25th. Coming from well off the pace. He was well-beaten by a good winner but showed enough to suggest he has some potential and from a much better gate this time, looks the one to beat. (14) G STAR has improved across three starts so far, including a runner-up finish at his latest on December 5th. He tends to get right back and then run on so the draw isn’t too much of a concern and the additional trip today may help. (13) GLOBAL PRIME too improved at his latest appearance on November 28th. He sat handy that day so may need a touch of luck early but is another who should like the increase in trip. (8) MABAWI and (10) AL SIMON others in the frame.
Selections
(3) Mustang Power (14) G Star (13) Global Prime (8) Mabawi
Next Best
10, 1
Fast Start
1, 2, 12, 13
Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
Fillies only here and a tricky one here especially as most of the leading contenders have drawn wide. With that in mind, we might as well go with the widest of all, (14) TOP POSITION drew widest of all on debut too over 1000M and stayed at the back before running on strong for 6th in a fast race. The additional trip here can give her more time to find a top position and she can win. So too (12) SOARA DAEBO. She has the fastest time among those who have tackled the distance before, recorded when 2nd on December 18th. She will settle midfield and should be in the finish again. (10) SMART BLUE beat a couple of these on her way to 2nd place at the distance on Christmas Day. It wasn’t a very fast time, but she seems to be heading in the right direction. (3) SWEET CAMP and (11) GEOSEN GISANG others in the placing frame.
Selections
(14) Top Position (12) Soara Daebo (10) Smart Blue (3) Sweet Camp
Next Best
11, 7
Fast Start
4, 10, 11, 12
Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million
(10) JANGSAN POISON has worked home well in both starts so far and at his latest was 5th over 1200M coming from the back of the field. He looks like he needs a bit of distance, and he gets it here. So does (12) ASPENROS went right back on debut over 1300M on December 26th but finished off very nicely to beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 3rd place. He too should appreciate a bit more distance to play with today and could well start as favourite. Solitary debut-maker (3) FLY STAR finished off a trial very well in December and from a good draw has every chance of a bold showing first-up. (14) CHEONJI JIDAE was the big loser from the draw but has been consistent across his four starts so far and shouldn’t be far away. (2) HELLO GEUMSEONG mixes her form, but this is the kind of race in which she can challenge for minor money.
Horse Racing in Korea 