There are 9 races on the behind-closed-doors card at Seoul on Saturday, running from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens get us underway with five of the twelve racing for the first time. It’s very hard to look beyond (11) COMPLETE TIME. The only one in the field who has raced twice already, he was 4^th on debut behind Wonpyeong Gasok, before coming back out and running 2^nd to Raon The Spurt on August 28^th, overcoming a wide draw to be on pace and then running on strong in a fast time. He’s drawn wide again but should have little trouble getting to the front and it’s hard to imagine him beaten here. (5) DAEBAK STAR won an August trial and then ran creditably on debut on September 12^th when 4^th practically the entire way around. He’ll be looking to get on pace with the favourite here and can improve his finishing position. A few of the first timers showed promise in their respective trials. (8) EUNHYE SERVE posted the fastest time, sitting midfield and finishing off well, while (1) HWARANG TODAY led all the way around in his heat. (9) JAY RAPTOR another who led throughout her trial and can give a good account of herself first up here.

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

Another juvenile maiden with five of the twelve racing for the first time. Again, there is going to be a hot favourite in the shape of (2) GLOBAL MAGIC. After winning an August trial in fine style, he debuted at this trip on September 18^th, he came out of gate eight and sat towards the front of midfield before finishing off well for 3^rd place behind Cowboy King in a decent time. He should have come on for that experience, draws better here and should be winning. (10) MAGIC GRACE actually ran a faster time than Global Magic on his debut on August 28^th, although he was assisted in that by a wet track. He and sat just behind the leaders throughout when finishing 4^th and while the draw is not ideal as he will want to get on pace, he has claims. (11) YESULIYA has raced twice and while on the surface, 9^th and 7^th doesn’t sound great, those two races are looking among the stronger juvenile affairs we have seen this year. She ran fair times in both and can improve. Similarly (1) BICHUI DAERYUK, 8^th behind Global Magic on her second start but runner-up at this distance on debut in August, should be in at least the placing hunt. Of the first time-starters, (12) GEOMOON showed improvement in her second trial and is perhaps the most likely to make an immediate impact. 

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

Regular maiden here. We’ll take a chance on (2) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE, wo steps up to 1300M for the first time following back-to-back 4^th place finishes at 1200M. They have been in contrasting styles, with one of them being running on from midfield and the other leading then being passed, bus she seems to be finding some consistency and won’t need to improve too much to score in this company. She will though need to overturn the form on (9) OKDONG GONGJU, who beat Namsan Chocolate over 1200M on September 11^th when running 2^nd and accordingly will probably start as favourite. That was her best finish in nine starts so far and she was ridden a little more prominently, having tended to get too far back in her races. A repeat performance will see her in the finish again. Further back still in that September race was (4) SEMYEONG GANGJA. She may well be better back up at 1300M, a distance at which she has performed well already, and draws nicely to get to the front. (12) M J STORM, on the other hand, comes back in trip after a decent 4^th over 1400M last start and has placing chances along with (5) MONEY GARAK, who came from well off the pace to run 3^rd at this trip at his own latest appearance. That was a full thirteen weeks ago though.

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

After six weeks out following a fall, Moon Se-young returns, just in time to ride Eoma Eoma in the SBS Sports Sprint tomorrow, and he could be straight back in the winner’s circle here with (12) GREAT EYE set to be favourite. The Transcend colt has shown improvement across four starts so far, notably last time out on September 18^th, when 2^nd on his first try at this distance. He settled midfield that day and ran on so the wide draw may not be an issue and while he benefitted from a 4kg apprentice allowance that day, the “Moon factor” may compensate for that. The main danger draws wide too. (11) HWARYEOHAN MISO has made both her starts so far over 1200M, but she has run 5^th and 2^nd with the latter a significantly improved time. She has gone right back both times and worked home very well and the extended trip today just might suit. (3) GEOSEN JILPUNG returns from three months off and looked well when 3^rd in a good time in a September trial. He draws well and can be a factor. (8) REAL PACK has mixed his form over six starts so far but along with (2) MAIN OF KING is another capable of competing for the minors.

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

(7) CHOEGANG BLACK drops back in trip following a decent enough 3^rd place over 1700M at this class on September 18^th. That made it two 3^rd and a 4^th in three attempts since being promoted to this level following a class 6 score over 1300M back in May. She has run good times, including at this trip and can sit on pace or handy and run on here. (6) YEONGWANGUI CAPTAIN comes up in class and distance having broken through at start number two on August 29^th when sitting behind the early speed and then running on well for a comfortable victory over 1200M. She ran through the line well and the additional furlong should be within her capabilities. (3) BODYGUARD ran a strong class and distance 3^rd at class and distance on September 11^th and from a much better draw, can be looking to at least match that today. He can settle handy or midfield and run on. (12) SPEAR GUN remains a maiden after eight attempts, but he has been a model of consistency which has forced him up in class here. He ran Bodyguard close at 1300M back in June and his times suggest he will measure up in this company. (2) LUCKY APPEAL, up in class following a come from behind win over this distance a month ago, is another with placing claims.

Saturday’s racing is hopefully one of the last behind-closed-doors meetings at Seoul. There are 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

A small field of juvenile maidens to kick things off with five of the nine racing for the first time. Two of those first-timers were trial winners and we’ll put them on top. Slightly favoured is (2) HATMURI, who sat just off the pace in his heat before improving and then being asked for effort in the final furlong which he responded to well. The time was good, and he has every chance from a good gate. Also impressive in the trial was (3) TES GO DAEBO. He emerged from a wide gate before settling behind the leading group. He hit the front at the 400M and went on comfortable with minimal encouragement. The time was a bit slower than Hatmuri’s although the track was a little drier and slower, but he has solid claims. (8) SANSO POWER can also go well first-up. He improved in the second of two trials when he was handy then midfield, then found the inside fence and finished off well in a reasonable time. Of those with experience, (9) DUSON FANTASTIC got a good start on debut before being found a touch one-paced and ultimately finished 6^th. He should have come on for the experience. (4) RAON THE WILD may also improve.

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

Maiden juvenile fillies here with six of the ten racing for the first time. (7) BLACK MASK looked very accomplished in her trial, quickly establishing a lead and then cruising around to cross the line first by a substantial margin without having been asked a single question. If she brings anything like that to the races, then she wins. (9) HWANGGEUM CHEONJI won a June trial before debuting at this distance at the end of August when she emerged from the widest gate and got pushed wider before finding the rail on the turn and stealing a few lengths then working home well. She should have benefited for the experience and can be in the mix here. (2) THE FAVORITE won’t be favourite but she settled back on debut on September 11^th and then put in a good effort from the 300M to run 4^th. She can get closer today and can aim to be on pace. (8) SILVER STAR raced a touch greenly on debut, being slow out and not looking totally comfortable in the kickback. She finished off well enough and can improve today. Returning to the debut-makers, (5) MIRACLE K trialed up in 4^th behind the very good Chief Indy and finished in a fair time.

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

Standard class 6 here. We’ll take a chance on (7) DESK TAP, as he has been consistent across his seven starts to date which includes a 2^nd and a 4^th and the best time of any of these at the distance. He was a touch disappointing at his last start when he drew a wide gate and took a long time to get involved but he is worth another chance today. Based on his latest effort on September 12^th, (2) JISANGUN will probably start as favourite. He showed significant improvement that day when coming from off the pace to run 2^nd in a fair time at this distance. He draws much better this time around and has every chance. (11) SMART HIGH too looks to be on the right trajectory having improved with a 3^rd place at her latest start. That was back in July, and she does draw an unfavourable gate, but she can challenge for a place again. Resuming after almost twice as long away is (1) SAMJEONG TAPAS. He is the only one in the field to have a win to his name, achieved at this distance almost a year ago, and he comes in having trialed pleasingly. He makes his first start for Tony Castenheira and can go well. (3) LONDON POWER another in the hunt.

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

It’s hard to look too far past (1) BURUI YEOWANG. A winner of two from five so far, she comes in off a very smart 2^nd place over 1300M on September 5^th when handy throughout. She does come up 2kg in the weights but should benefit from the inside barrier and can lead from gate to wire here. Logical second pick is (6) LADY FIRST. She was a winner on debut on August 7^th over 1000M and before running 6^th in the Rookie Stakes at this distance on September 5^th. She is in shallower waters today and should get closer. (10) SOEWAKKOT is perhaps a bit better than her first go at this class over 1300M suggests. True, she runs better on pace, so the draw today isn’t great, but she has outside placing claims. (8) LONDON QUEEN ran well for 3^rd at class and distance on September 11^th and while she does mix her form a little, should be in the finish while (9) BEST CHEONSANG also enters the calculations following a good runner-up finish at class and distance a month ago.

Saturday is Cup Mile Eve and we will have a full horse-by-horse preview of Sunday’s big race up later. For now though, there are 9 races at the behind-closed-doors meeting at Seoul on Saturday. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens to start things off with six of the twelve racing for the first time. The pick has experience though as (5) CHEONJI JIDAE ran a good 3rd on debut at this distance at the end of July when he settled in midfield and finished off well. It’s been eleven weeks off since but from a central draw he can return with a win here. (11) RAON THE TEUKGEUP was a decent enough 5th on his debut on September 4th. It was over this distance in a fair time and he made up good ground late on. With some natural progression from that, he should be in this. (12) CHEOLLICHONG’s two performances so far weren’t necessarily as bad as the 6^th and 8^th place finishes may make them look. Both times she finished behind horses with plenty of potential, her times weren’t bad and it would be no surprise to see her improving today. The debut-makers don’t really stand out but the best of them appears to be (9) WILD SOCKS. He put in a solid, if unspectacular trial and in what is a soft race to start off in, can challenge for the places. (1) COMPLETE LUCKY another who can improve on a relatively anonymous debut.

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

More juvenile maidens, this time with four of the ten racing for the first time. Again we opt for experience with two standouts who have little between them. Given the draw and the slight weight allowance she gets as a filly; we’ll veer towards (1) RAON THE DASH. Having won a July trial, she ran 5^th behind Aspen Taeyang (who has since won again) on debut on August 21^st when she settled handy but couldn’t quite hold her position at the business end. Nevertheless, it was a fir performance and one with potential. (10) ROAD ACE has equally solid claims. He has raced twice before and has run two consistent times at this distance both times settling midfield and, like Raon The Dash, just not being able to get past other juveniles who were perhaps a bit further developed. Today is a good opportunity for progress. (9) WINNER KAI debuts having run reasonably well in a slow trial. There is little to fear here so a positive debut is possible. (2) HANGANG MAGIC weakened on debut over 1200Mand back in trip and with a nice draw can improve today. (8) G STAR was very slow to get going on his debut on September 11^th and if he can her into gear a bit quicker this time, should improve.

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies here and possibly the best chance many of these will have for a win. (12) SUPER BIRD has as good a chance as any. She has been consistent over her three starts so far with a best a come from behind 3^rd place over 1300M two starts back. That running style suggests the wide draw won’t be an issue and she can win. The probable betting favourite is (3) TINA. That’s based on her run two starts back over this distance when she ran 2^nd in a time a full two seconds faster than any of her rivals today have managed for the 1200M. Granted it was wet and fast that day but nevertheless it was good run and while she weakened over 1400M on her August return, back down in trip today and from a good gate, she has strong claims. (1) ELITE RULES beat three of these on her way to a much improved 3^rd place at this distance on August 14^th when she settles slightly worse than midfield and then ran on. She drew the widest gate that day and from the inside here, David Breux should have plenty of options. (6) DDATTEUTHANBIT is the only one on the field to have placed twice with two 3^rd place finishes to her name. She was beaten by Elite Rules two starts back but a place can be on the agenda again. Solitary debut-maker (4) GOLD KAISER won her trial and while it was slow time draws well to be on pace and can be given a chance.

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

(4) MENI GOLD fairly bolted up on debut on August 28^th leading from gate-to-wire to win by seven-lengths over 1000M. Accordingly, she is up in class and distance today but neither those things, nor being the only juvenile in the field, should be an issue, and from a good draw she can be on pace again and maintain her 100% record. (6) PARAN WANGJA is two starts into this current preparation following seven months out. He has run well both times with a 2^nd and a 3^rd, both at this class and distance and is a front-running type who can give Meni Gold some problems from the start. He does look to be working up to a second win and it could come here. (1) PRINCESS SOCKS ran 6^th behind Paran Wangja at her latest start but draws better today, giving her an opportunity to emulate her all the way win two starts back in a fast time at this distance at class 6 level. She seems to be an all or nothing type with two wins and then nothing better than 5^th in four outings to date but she is in the frame here. (7) POWER DOLPUNG is a touch more consistent with just one finish outside the top five in seven attempts. He drops back in trip and is another who can be on or close to the pace. (3) SPRING KKUM another in the placing frame in a competitive affair.

Saturday’s racing is set for Seoul with 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. The meeting is behind closed doors but betting locations in Busan, Changwon, Daegu, Cheonan and Gwangju will be open for punters who pre-book using the MyCard app. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden juveniles to kick off proceedings with eight of the twelve racing for the very first time. Two of the four experienced ones raced very well and both have solid claims although (9) DOUBLE EDGE will be sent off favourite. Having won a trial, he debuted on August 28^th and ran a strong 2^nd at this distance in a fast time. He was well beaten by a good winner but showed enough to suggest he will be winning sooner rather than later. Also well-beaten by a good winner on debut was (2) WOW WOW who ran 3^rd the Bencal Princess, a filly who went on to run 3^rd herself in a valuable juvenile race in September. Wow Wow came from off the pace that day, running on pleasingly, and can build on that performance here. A third experienced one, (12) MAGIC JUDE trialed up in 2^nd place to Double Edge before running a good 6^th on a very fast race on a wet track on debut on August 21^st. He will once more have to overcome a wide gate but should be in the finish. As for the first-time starters, (4) TRIPLE RUN was the fastest in trials and should be on pace from a nice draw. (3) SAENAE POWERFUL ran 2^nd in what wasn’t a very quickly run heat but looked competent enough to suggest he can go well first-up.

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

Juvenile filly maidens here with six of the ten racing for the first time, but it will be (2) PURPLE K, racing for the third time, who will be the red hot favourite. After winning a June trial, she ran 2^nd on debut to Seungbusa in one-minute flat over this distance having led for almost the entire way around. She then stepped up to 1200M on her reappearance and ran a creditable enough 4^th. Back at 1000M, with a good draw and just her contemporaries for company, she should be winning this. (7) WILD RUNNER went through a couple of trials and showed significant improvement in the second of them when he led for most of the way around, ultimately crossing the line in 2^nd place in a fair time. He should be able to get on pace here too as should (9) HWASUBOON who was a front-running 3^rd on her heat, again in a fair time. Both can go well first-up. Returning to the experience, (8) PUREUN YOJEONG ran 2rd at this distance on debut coming from off the pace. She then ran a touch disappointingly when stepped up to 1200M in the same race as Purple K, going back and failing to quicken. In this company, she is worth another chance. (10) GOLDEN CLASS another who hinted at ability in her trial.

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

Tricky one this but (1) COOL PRINCESS gets the nod based on her consistency. She is yet to win from nine attempts but has six top-five finishes including at her latest when 2^nd at this distance having settled handy from a wide draw and briefly leading close to the line only to get taken down by a fast finisher. She draws nicely here to lead and today could be her day. The main danger is (9) VIKING HEART. He too has shown consistency in his latest outings with a fast 2^nd at 1300M followed by a solid 4^th at this distance on August 29^th. He still has scope for improvement and can settle handy or midfield here and run on strong. (6) THAT’S MY BOY comes into contention on the strength of his significantly improved runner-up finish over 1300M on August 15^th. As he had done in all his races so far, he went right to back but for the first time he actually gained excellent ground late on and it is to be hoped the additional half furlong works in his favour today. (7) SMART POWER is the only previous winner in the race and that alone brings him into the calculations here. He tackles the distance for the first time. The wildcard is (12) SOUJU, who mixes his form, but has run by far the quickest time at the distance and could sneak a place.

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

A very competitive race with almost everything entering in good form. (1) BEST TAP is established at class and distance having run solid times in his latest three which have finished with a 2^nd and two 4^th places. His style is to go back and run-on but the inside gate gives his jockey options today and he has as good a chance as any. (5) BEOLMAL DAEJANG is another consistent one at this level and actually led for most of the way last time out over this distance before ultimately finishing in 4^th. He has never finished worse than 4^th and he should be a big player here and the possible betting favourite. (9) ILGYEOK PILSAL comes up in trip after running on well over 1300M six weeks ago on a wet track. He has finished off most of his races well and can be on contention here. (7) NONGBON BADA was a winner at this distance at class 6 three starts back in a time that can win at this class too. Her subsequent efforts have both been at 1300M and she comes into the mix here. (11) MAKALU POWER the best of a very competitive rest.

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

(12) ASPEN TAEYANG was a super winner on debut, sitting handy to the lead before leaving everything in the distance in the home straight to record a sub-one-minute time for five-furlongs. He is up in class and distance and has also drawn the car park, but even so the manner of that victory suggests he has to go on top again and should win again. (5) GWANGYANG EUTTEUM was a winner over this distance in a fast time at class 6 level before putting in a shocker on his first try at this class, hanging near the 800M point and then running out and eased down after the bit got pulled through. He was suspended for two months as a result and ordered to complete two trials, which he has done, winning them both in gate to wire fashion. At his best, he is a real danger here. (3) WINNER BLUE comes in off a nice 2^nd place at class and distance last time when he led for most of the way and from a nice draw he can be on the speed again with claims to compete for a place. (1) TAP QUALITY has finished no worse than 4^th in seven outings so far and should at the very least maintain that run here. (10) MAGIC JUNIOR among others in the placing frame.

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A very competitive race for fillies and mares. We’ll tentatively side with (3) FOREVER ONE, who draws very well to get to the lead, as she did last time when narrowly defeated by Spot Flatter over class and distance on August 14^th. She is very nicely weighted here and can return to the winner’s circle. (8) GREEN DARC has consistently run fast times at class and distance, including her latest when 6^th in what was a very good race. She can sit handy or settle in midfield and run on and she has claims today. (11) WONDERFUL RUBY was a good class and distance winner on August 14^th when she defied being drawn in gate twelve to sit just off the leaders and then score well. She has a wide draw again but also has an additional 5kg on her back to contend with but nevertheless a repeat isn’t impossible. (1) CHALLENGE SOCKS win at this distance at class 5 level in April and has subsequently put in two adequate showings at this level. The draw should make her competitive here. (5) WINNER TEMPLAR drops back in trip and into placing contention.

There are nine races at Seoul on Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00. The meeting takes place behind closed doors although betting outlets in Busan, Changwon, Daegu, Gwangju and Cheonan will be open for pre-booked punters (through the MyCard app). Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

A juvenile maiden to kick things off and unlike many similar races where there are usually only one or two obvious contenders, there are no standouts here which bring plenty into contention. With that in mind, we will give the nod to the only one with prior racecourse experience in the shape of (12) BICHUI DAERYUK. She ran 2^nd on debut at this distance on August 7^th and while she was a long way behind the winner, she ran on pleasingly enough in a fair time. She doesn’t draw well here but with some improvement, she may prevail. (8) GLOBAL MAGIC won his trial when after leading early, he was overtaken before rallying again and looks to have promise. (4) RAON THE WEEKEND won his trial and while the time wasn’t especially fast, he showed enough to suggest that has ability. (2) REMARKABLE ran 2^nd in her trial in a decent time. She gets a nice draw here as well as an apprentice jockey aboard meaning she carries significantly less than any other runner in the race. (9) JAY TROSS is another trial winner who will aim to be on pace and can be in the finish.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

A weak race even for this level which is how we can put (2) CHAMPION GAMUN as the top pick despite his recent form on paper looking less than impressive. He has, however, put in a couple of decent times at this distance, racing against better opposition and from a good draw, he can be expected to be on pace from the start and difficult to pass. (5) MUJEOK JANGSAN come sin off a significantly improved 3^rd place over 1300M on August 7^th when she settled handy and then ran on. She steps up to 1400M for the first time and it may suit. (1) LAGERTHA is the only previous winner in the field and on that basis alone must come into the calculations. That win was three starts back at 300M when he settled midfield and finished well. While previous attempts at this distance haven’t gone well, he draws nicely here and should be involved. (4) GREAT EYE has shown improvement across his three starts so far and ran on strong for 4^th over 1200M three weeks ago. The step up in trip may suit and an apprentice keeps the carried weight down. (12) SOUTH BAN another in the placing frame.

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Another wide open race. We’ll take a chance on (6) DIECO, who was a winner at this class over 1200M two starts back before running a slightly disappointing 5^th at her latest start over today’s trip on August 14^th when she was drawn in the widest gate and ran on fairly. She draws better this time meets that day’s winner at significantly better weights and could reverse the form. That day’s winner (4) J.S. POWER is the probable favourite and the one to beat. He led from gate to wire that day wo score a narrow win over the useful Rubicon in a fast time. He draws nicely again with the only concern being that he comes up 3kg in the weights. (2) SECRET BOSSS enters off an excellent 3^rd place last time at class and distance in a fast time on a wet track. As is his style he came from well off the pace that day but from an inside draw if he can be a little handier then he has strong claims. (1) MODERN BEST produced a fine performance to score her maiden win over this distance at start number seven on August 8^th, coming from well off the pace. She comes up in class accordingly but should measure up. (11) SHADOW QUEEN ran a strong 2^nd at class and distance at her latest start and is one of several others with placing claims in what is a strong race.

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) ULTRA KING gets the nod here based on his solid class and distance win on August 15^th when he sat behind the leader throughout before pouncing in the final furlong and running on to score comfortably. He comes up 2.5kg in the weights as a result but draws well and can repeat. (2) MAD BLADE comes up in class having registered his maiden win a month ago over 1300M when on pace throughout and running on for an easy win. She should be able to measure up at this class and while it won’t be quite as easy to get on pace here, he can go close. (6) COMPLETE STAR comes in off a solid class and distance 3^rd place finish on August 15^th, an all-filly race in which she led for part of the way around. She is nicely in here under just 52kg and should go close again. (1) AROMA remains a maiden after nine attempts but has proven competitive at this level with a 3^rd and 4^th in his latest two outings, both at class and distance. The wildcard is (11) ROAD RAN, who is probably the best horse in the race. She is a class and distance winner in a time faster than any of these have achieved, however, she races for the first time since November last year and while she trialed up adequately, didn’t quite show enough to suggest a bet first-up. Watch with interest.

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Good race here with two clear standouts. (1) MONSTER K comes in seeking his third straight victory having prevailed twice in a row at class and distance. Both times he has led all the way and both times has run out a good winner. He draws beautifully to get on pace again and while he is up in weight, the Astrology gelding can be equal to the task. The danger is (8) BYEOLNARA JILJU. He got his maiden win at start number three at class and distance on July 24^th when he sat behind the early leader before taking things up in the straight and running on for a very easy win. He does come up a full 5kg in the weights which should be a steadier, but he also looks to have scope for improvement whereas Monster K may have peaked. He has a big chance. (7) CHOEGO RACE won at class and distance two starts back before coming home in 4^th place on his reappearance on August 22^nd. He stays at the same weight and draws well enough to be in at least the placing frame again. (4) QUICKSILVER KITTEN was 5^th behind Choego Race last time out and has cope for improvement while (2) CHUNJI GWANGPUNG weakened on debut in June but should have come on for the experience and can improve today.

Seoul’s Saturday meeting will take place behind closed doors although betting outlets in the south of the country will be open for pre-booked punters. Those locations are Busan Racecourse, Busan OCBs (x2), Changwon, Gwangju, Daegu and Cheonan. Bookings must be made using the My Card app. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with eight of the eleven racing for the first time. The favourite will be (7) YAMUJIN GALLOPER, who won his trial in good order, sitting handy to the lead before running on strong although he was ridden out hard. It was a fast time though and he won’t need to improve much on that to win first-up. In terms of experience, (10) THE REAPER ran a good 2nd place on debut on August 22nd when he was on pace for out but just could quite go with a very good winner. He draws wide today but will surely be in the finish and has strong claims. (1) LAROMANEE may only have finished in 9th place on her own debut on August 7th but the margins weren’t big and the time wasn’t bad. She draws much better today so look for her to get on pace and improve. Returning to the debut-makers, (2) DAPHNE and (6) LEGEND SOCKS both went well in their trials and with some natural improvement for the experience, can both be in the mix.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies (and one mare) here. While (3) CUPID WONDER has mixed her form across her seven starts so far, her showing at her latest start on August 8th suggests she is ready to win. She settled midfield that day and ran on strong for 2nd place in a good time. She has a better gate this time and with Johan Victoire climbing aboard, there is plenty to like. (9) MENIFEE MUSIC ran 4th on debut over 1000M back on July 18th. Two of the three who bear her that day ran well in the Rookie Stakes last week so the form of that race has taken a boost. She can settle handy here and run on. (4) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE ran 4th behind Cupid Wonder at her latest start on August 8th. She goes best when close to the pace and from the nice draw here she can compete for the lead. (7) SEMYEONG GANGJA drops back slightly in trip following a good 3rd place over 1300M in July. She is another who mixes her form but won’t need to improve much on that to go close. The only previous winner in the race is (1) TOUCH MY ADELE and that fact alone brings her into the calculations.

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

A very competitive class 5 affair. (2) BLUE HAMMER may be a maiden and may be up in class but he could also be peaking here at start number five. He has some solid performances in the bank at class 6 level including a good 3rd place last time when he overcame gate eleven to sit handy and run on in a good time. He comes down in the weights here, gets a better draw and has Munro in the saddle. He could win. The likely favourite is (1) PARK WIN. He has plenty of experience at this level, and his 2nd place on August 8th at class and distance, beating three of these in the process in a fast time makes him a strong option here. He does go up in the weights but he gets a better draw and he is a real chance. (8) BIG RED comes up in class after registering his maiden win at start number eight on August. The time before he ran a fast time at this distance and he can measure up in today’s company. (7) SOEWAKKOT was a touch disappointing when 2nd over 1200M on August 14th and has to come up in class regardless. While she did tire a little late on having led that day, that doesn’t mean she won’t get the additional half-furlong here. She comes down in the weights and may be worth another chance at a probable each-way price. (9) LAST BOSS is also beautifully weighted and has won at the distance already, albeit at class 6 level.

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies and mares only here. While she comes up 3kg in the weights, it’s hard to look too far beyond (6) LEAD VOCAL. She was a front-running winner at class and distance on August 8th, overcoming a wide draw to get close to the pace. From a better gate this time, she can sit handy behind the speed and may well prove too strong late on. (7) THE QUEEN JUSTICE has the fastest time among these at this distance by some margin. That was achieved when runner-up two starts back and while she only managed 6th place on her return last month, she warrants another chance. She can get a bit far back in her races, as happened last time, but once she gets going, she has a very smart finish on her. (4) ROYAL GHOST remains a maiden after seventeen attempts but has a remarkable fourteen finishes between 2nd and 5th. She was 4th behind Lead Vocal last start and that run can be expected to continue today. (1) LEROY BLANC and (11) SPECIAL STORY among plenty of others in at least the placing hunt.

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) SINUI ADEUL won three consecutive races between April and June at 1200M and 1300M before his streak came to an end on his first try at this class on August 8th when stepped up to 1400M and running 2nd. He stays nicely down in the weights here, he draws well and while he is yet to run a really fast time at this distance – even when compared with his rivals today – he can return to the winner’s circle. (11) RAON BEAT ran 3rd behind Sinui Adeul in that August 8th race, coming from the middle of the pack and working home strong. He drops back to this trip for the first time since his second career start last November but there is no reason why it can’t suit. He has a great finish on him and if handy to the lead, he could run on well. (6) LADY KELLY is a winner of four from nine having scored at class and distance on August 8th when after a fair start, she was quickly into the lead and ran on well. She comes up slightly in the weights today but should be on speed and will be a danger. (8) EAST IMPACT is up in class and accordingly significantly down in the weights. He has won three of five outings, showing plenty of speed along the way. This is his stiffest assignment to date but if he can get to his favoured position on the lead, he has every chance of winning again. (5) RAON LIGHT MAN was a bit ordinary over 1400M at his latest start but has plenty of speed about him and is a place chance today.