Punters will return in Korea on Friday in a limited way. With the exception of Seoul and Gyeonggi Province and Jeju Island, the rest of the country was returned to a “level 3” Covid alert which means that the racecourses and betting locations in those areas can open at 20% capacity. Of course, the majority of the population – and the vast majority of betting outlets – are in Seoul and Gyeonggi so it is not much, but it is a start with a total of 4,538 seats available for punters spread around the Busan Racecourse, the two Busan OCB’s and the OCB’s in Changwon, Gwangju, Daegu and Cheonan. Reservations must be made in advance through the My Card app, with no walk-up admission. Busan gets the weekend’s action underway with 7 races from 12:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

It will surely be third-time lucky for (1) DONGTEUJA BOY. He has finished 3rd in both his starts to date, both times behind promising horses and at his latest in a time two-and-a-half seconds faster than any of the others who go here have achieved for this distance. He draws nicely on the inside to sit on pace or handy and he should be too good. (2) MENI GLORY raced three times in the first half of this year, coming home 2nd on the first two of them. He races here for the first time since April, but looked well when leading and ultimately 2^nd in a barrier trial just last week. So long as he didn’t leave his race in the trial, he has little to fear here bar the favourite. (4) DOCTOR PENTAGON didn’t do too much wrong when 5^th on debut over 1000M on August 14^th. He should have come on for that run and can go closer here. (6) HAEUNDAE BLUE has hinted at progress across three starts to date and from a good central draw can be in the mix here. (5) USEUNG HUNTER ran 4^th on debut over 1000M back in February. He hasn’t raced since but ran well in an August trial and comes in with the benefit if an apprentice claim.

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Tricky race here. Likely favourite is (11) TWO TWO LIME, who has a 2^nd and a 3^rd in two attempts at this distance so far. She draws wide but overcame gate nine when runner-up two starts back, and carries a nice light weight. She has claims. So too (3) RUN AND GUN. Not the fastest of starters, she has a tendency to get a bit far back in her races but runs on well and has the fastest time for the distance of any of these. The only concern about (8) DAMYANG JEWANG is that he comes back in after almost six months out. He has a runner-up finish to his name at this distance and at a mile and while he didn’t offer too many clues when trialing up on a wet track in August, if he can pick up from where he left off, he has a winning chance. (4) ANNIKA GIRL has mixed her form but at her best can place in this company. (1) GALLOP BOY was a much-improved 2^nd at this distance three weeks ago and from the inside gate can maintain that momentum here.

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Weak maiden here. Four of them raced one another in a very similar class and distance race on August 13^th. (9) TRIPLE STORM only managed to finish 7^th in that race but it was his first time at the distance and he had previously run consistent times when not too far away over 1400M. He tends to get a bit far back in his races so may need a bit of luck but he could overturn the form. (8) SINBIHAN GANGJA came out the best of them that day, coming from off the pace to work home strongly for 2^nd place. That was his best finish to date and came following a significant improved two starts back having previously shown little. He is the logical favourite here. (3) NAMDO ILDEUNG hinted that she might be figuring things out a little quicker than Sinbihan Gangja. She ran 5^th in that August 13^th race having shown on pace early. She draws well again and should have learned from that experience last time. Among those who didn’t run in the August 13^th race, (6) SEONGSAN BULKKOT comes in off a front-running 2^nd over 1400M last month and can be competitive here while (1) HONEY STAR steps up to a mile for the first time and it may suit.

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Good race this with plenty of plausible winners. (4) WONDERFUL JAZZ has finished no worse than 5^th in six starts so far and comes in having come from off the pace to run 5^th at 1400M. He steps up to a mile for the first time and there is every chance that it can suit. (11) DOCTOR TAKE was a good winner over 1400M at class 6 level two starts back before running on well for 4^th over this distance on his first try at class 5 on August 13^th. He draws the dame wide gate today, which shouldn’t be a problem, and he has strong claims. (9) LUCAS SUN beat Doctor Take when the pair finished 3^rd and 4^th when racing each other over this distance at class 6 level. Lucas Sun comes up in class today having finished a good 2^nd over 1400M on August 1^st and comes down in the weights which brings him into the frame here. (12) K K WON is better than the 8^th he finished behind Doctor Take at his latest start suggests. He has run fast times at this distance and while still a maiden, can be in the placing frame today. Last start winner at this distance and up in class today, (7) ACE FOUR TEN is another in the hunt.

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

(9) HALLA NURI measures up on just about every indicator here and comes in off a really good 2^nd place at class and distance on August 13^th when 2^nd all the way around. She doesn’t draw well today but has run well from wide gates in the past and apprentice jockey booked means she carries a very light weight. She can win. (2) D’LOVELY QUEEN is a winner already at this distance and ran 3^rd on her first try at this class on August 22^nd. She draws really nicely to be on the early speed here and may not prove easy to catch. Draw a line through the latest performance of (3) MASTER QUEEN when she used up plenty of effort early to get into position from a wide gate. A natural front-runner, she draws much better this time and will be competing with D’Lovely Queen for the lead early and can be in the finish too. (4) CHOEGANG ILSE comes up in class having got her maiden win at start number seven with an all the way score over this distance on July 25^th. She led in that race and from a good draw, similar tactics will probably be employed here. The wildcard is (7) WILD BLUE, who hasn’t been seen since winning at 1300M at class 6 level in April. He didn’t give us much to go on with a somewhat anonymous trial in mid-August but he clearly has ability.

Busan Race 6: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

(6) TUHONUI BANSEOK was a superb winner at this class at start number four on August 22^nd, cruising away from the field in the final furlong for an easy score at a mile. He steps up in trip today but that should suit and while the 58kg will act as a steadier, he is the one to beat again. (12) HILL MORE is up in class and looks an interesting entry here. He got his maiden win last start at a mile and his running style suggests the additional furlong won’t be a problem. He is nicely weighted and while being drawn in the widest gate is always a nuisance over 1800M at Busan, he looks a good each-way prospect. (10) BURNING PARTY is similar to Hill More in being up in both class and distance here. She is more of a front-runner but she has a light weight and at least a placing chance. (3) QUEEN UP has a lot of experience at this level and rarely runs a bad race. If you value consistency, then she’s the one, although she is another who is tackling two-turns for the first time. (1) TWO TWO LEADS on the other hand is wildly inconsistent but has run a couple of fast times at the distance and is the wildcard.

Busan Race 7: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A really competitive race to finish with. (2) B.K JOHN is the probably favourite and justifiably so. He comes on off three consecutive runner- up finishes, two of them at a mile with the other at this distance. Tactically versatile, he draws well today and he has a good finish on him meaning there is plenty to like. (9) KING SOCKS returned from eighteen months off in July and had a hard time of it working hard to get on pace before weakening over 1200M. On the face of it, today’s is just as tough an assignment but he should be much better for that run and now, a further nine weeks down the line, could be ready to make a proper impact. (6) ROYAL TICKET beat four of these on his way to a class and distance win on August 14^th when he sat handy and ran on. He comes up considerable in the weights as a result but don’t rule out a repeat. (1) RAON YEOGEOL ran 3^rd in that race having led for much of it. She meets Royal Ticket on much better terms weight-wise and can get closer. (8) ECHO SUN, up in class after a smart win over this distance at class 4 level a month ago, is another in at least the placing frame.

Seoul’s Saturday meeting will be run behind closed doors with 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

The opener is for juvenile maidens and just two of the ten have raced before. (8) BYEOLUI SUNGAN raced well, running 3rd in a fast time over 1000M behind two who take their chance in tomorrow’s Rookie Stakes. He wasn’t the quickest away in that debut race but was taken across to the rail and ran on. He should have improved for the experience and can win here. There are a couple of dangerous first-time starters though. (1) CLAIR BEST ran well in his trial finishing a close 2^nd when placed under very little pressure at all. There looks to be much more in the tank and he draws very well on the inside again. (10) WORLD FORCE was a touch awkwardly away but was quickly up with the pace and looked extremely competent in the home straight, running on without being asked a question to cross the line 1^st. A win for either of those first-up would be no surprise. (5) LUCKY CROWN is the other one in the race with experience. She led on debut on August 7^th before weakening to 6^th but should have benefitted for the run. (3) DUSON FANTASTIC finished in 6^th place in his trial but the margins were small and the time was fair and he is another with first-up claims.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Having absolutely bolted up in a trial in July, (8) CRAZY TANK was well supported on his return to action a couple of weeks later. While he did show at the front for much of the race he weakened late on and finished 5^th, perhaps having left some of his spark in the heat. He comes in here after six weeks out, should be on pace again and can be given another chance. (4) GRAY CAT is first-up after five months out but shapes up as the best here with the fastest time of any of them at this distance and also a really good showing at 1300M too. He trialed up well in August running 3^rd in his heat in a decent time and with an apprentice aboard, he is down 5kg in the weights from the last time we saw him. (3) TROT QUEEN ran well for 5^th on debut over 1000M. She is nicely drawn to be on pace from the start again and should be in the finish. (9) LEGEND STAR doesn’t get the best of the draw but is another who likes to be on pace and has three 3^rd place finishes to her name already. (1) YES I CAN another in the placing frame.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Tricky race but (6) GEOSEN POWER may be ready to win. He has the fastest time among these for the distance which he recorded at his latest start on August 15^th when settling midfield and running on well. The same apprentice keeps the weight down and he has solid claims here. Four of these raced each other at this distance on July 25^th coming home between 3^rd and 7^th but there was barely anything in it. In 4^th place that day was (10) SEMYEONG HAETSAL, who is the only previous winner in the race. His victory came at this distance and he comes in off two consistent runs. His times aren’t great but he won’t need to do much more to be in the finish here. A nose ahead of him in 3^rd place was (4) SIMON STORM, who was recording her best finish in her ten outings to date. She has tended to come from well back in her races but actually draws a decent gate here for once and can aim to place again. (2) CHOIN SPARK comes out of that same race and is another who can challenge, most likely from on pace. It isn’t a strong race so first-time starter (7) HANGANG MAGIC, who ran 3^rd in her trial in a fair time, can’t be ruled out.

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

Another tricky race with five of the twelve coming into this class for the first time. (7) JANGSAN GUARD is winless but up in class after three near-misses this preparation, all at this distance and all in competitive times. He comes down a little in the weights and draws well enough to suggest he can lead and he has as good a chance as any. (6) SMART DAEBO was a good winner two starts back at class 6 level over this distance and while he didn’t find it easy on his first try at this class on August 8^th, can be given another chance here. (4) LONDON SPEED similarly had a hard time when not seeing out 1400M on her first try at this level on July 24^th but should appreciate the drop back in trip and get an easier run from today’s gate. (11) SPRING KKUM finds himself down in class having made all nine appearances so far at class 4 level. His results on paper are unimpressive – hence why he final gets to drop – but against the better opposition he has run a fast time at this distance as well as consistently good times – faster than the average for this class – at 1400M. He has the steadier of 57kg on his back but don’t rule out a good run. (5) ISTHMUS another in the hunt but really, anything could win this.

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (6) JOYFUL K ran well for 5^th last time out at 1300M, settling midfield before going back and then running on. She steps up to 1400M for the first time today but her running style suggests it may suit and she has every chance. From a good draw, expect her to be ridden closer to the pace than in recent outings. (10) K BLADE comes up in class after a maiden in at start number ten over 1300M on August 7^th. She goes best on pace so the draw is not ideal but the distance should be ok and she can go close. (5) BIG RIVER has good experience at this class and has also registered a couple of decent times at the 1400M. She is tactically versatile but has the fastest start among these so should be on pace. (2) EUNHYE PADO too ran adequately on her first try at class 5 last time out. It’s been a while since she tackled this distance but she likes to run on strong and looks a placing chance at least. (9) ONE AND ONLY made all for a shock maiden win at this class over 1300M on August 7^th. More respect is warranted this time but the extra 4.5kg and extra half furlong makes a repeat a challenging task.

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Absolutely super race with none of the field having finished any worse than 5^th in their latest outing. (12) DAEHAN JILJU comes back in trip having notched his third consecutive win on July 18^th. That was over 1800M and making it four in a row will be a very tough ask what with the double whammy of the widest gate and 58kg on his back. Two starts back he overcame similar in a fast time, albeit it at class 5 level and he can do so again. (8) WINNER QUARDRILLE returns to action for the first time since April. She trialed up very well last weekend and while this is a very stiff ask first-up, she has loads of ability and a nice light weight. (7) A. P. PATEK enters with two wins from his latest three starts, both at this distance and the most recent at this class in a fast time. He likes to sit handy and run on and while he comes up slightly in the weights, he has solid chances again. (5) EODIGANA comes up in class following an easy nine-length score at this distance in a fast time on August 8^th. She was well beaten by Daehan Jilju two starts back but meets that one on even better terms this time and should be in the finish. Loads of others are competitive with (3) LUISA perhaps a decent each-way chance.

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

(1) ECHO VICTOR put in a disappointing performance on his latest appearance on June 27^th when led until the 300M before quickly giving up ground and finishing well back. He was later found to have been slightly lame. He was favourite that day for good reason as he is a class and distance winner in a fast time and has been very consistent. He has recovered and has been back in work a month, an apprentice keeps the weight down and he draws the perfect gate to get to the lead. If it wasn’t for the apprentice booking, he would be carrying the same as (3) J.S. GUNJU, who is joint top-rated. He comes in off a solid 2^nd place over 1200M on July 24^th and has posted some good times at this distance too. (4) ROCK LINE also enters off a solid 2^nd place in a fast time at 1300M last start. He comes up to the 1400M for the first time and should be in the hunt. (11) FINAL CANGINO had a poor day in the office at his latest start but gets tried at the distance for the first time and looks a placing hope. The wildcard is (6) MIGHTY KICK, who has done nothing in his two starts so far at 1200M, finishing well back but running on very strong both times. The added trip today should help.

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

(2) STAR BLADE comes up in class after landing his third win in eight starts when making all at this distance on June 13^th. His is a tougher ask but he comes down slightly in the weights and draws very nicely. (11) WONDERFUL INDIAN was a very good winner at class and distance on August 7^th when he settled handy behind the early pace before taking command in the home straight and running on for an easy victory. It was his first win in sixteen starts and he has the steadier of 57kg on his back today and a much less favourable draw but he has the ability to win again. (12) OKRYONG has beaten Wonderful Indian in the past and while he has an even worse draw, he looks nicely in with placing chances again. (8) MILKY SHERRY ran 4^th to Wonderful Indian at her latest start and once more gets in under a featherweight and shouldn’t be too far away. (1) ROYAL HAMSEONG comes in off a good class and distance 4^th place on August 15^th, his equal best finish to date, and he too has placing claims.

Seoul Race 9: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Absolutely super race to finish with a class 2 field that in a normal year we would probably only see come together in a Listed race. (4) SPEED GO is the winner of six from eight so far, including his latest four. He was most recently and all the way winner in a very fast time at this class and distance on August 7^th. He gets clobbered with an additional 5kg for the that performance but he draws well again and can win again. (6) UNCLE OH has an even faster time at this distance. He led from barrier ten on a wet track last start on July 3^rd ultimately finishing in 4^th place behind a couple of today’s rivals but draws much better this time and should reverse the form on them. (5) ICE PUNCH comes up in class after two really good wins at 1200M and 1400M at class 3 level. He comes down in the weights, draws well and has solid chances. (12) BAREM was one of those who beat Uncle Oh in July when he was first-up following four months off. His draw is not so good but he has plenty of speed about him. (11) FINAL STAR is another who comes up in class following a good win last start and is yet another in at least the placing hunt.

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

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

A juvenile maiden to open with and six of the eleven race for the very first time. From a nice draw, (2) MENI GOLD is the pick. She was a little slow away in her trial but ran on pleasingly enough when hustled up the inside to cross the line in 3^rd place in a fair time. The jockey booking suggests she is ready to win first-up. (7) DOUBLE EDGE was handy to the speed in his trial and responded very well when asked for an effort in the home straight, coasting the final half furlong and crossing the line in front. It was a good time and he too has solid claims on debut. In terms of experience, (9) GALSAEK HYANGGI ran on from an unpromising position on debut on August 7^th, recorded a very good final furlong, albeit far too late to make an impact on the race. With a better start, she can improve today. So too (10) BROWN CHARM, who ran on but with too much to do and should also be better for the run. Neither draw especially well though. Returning to the first-timers, (6) P N S HER is another who could trialed competently and can be competitive.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

More juvenile maidens, again with six of the eleven making their racecourse debuts. There is some positive experience on show though and we shall side with it. (9) RAON THE SPURT did nothing in her trial but ran strongly for 2^nd place in a fast time on debut at this trip having led early. She is a “full” sister to Raon Tough Man, who won five of his ten starts, and while the draw is a little bit worse than last time, she can win. Also drawing worse is a horse she beat last time, (10) COMPLETE TIME. The Old Fashioned filly was sent off as favourite having won a trial in good order but didn’t quicken as well as hoped and ended up in 4^th. She should have learned from that experience and should be worth another chance here. (3) GREENBACK was a trial winner who went on to run 5^th on debut in a fast time on July 18^th. She draws well here and should be looking to improve. Plenty of promise among the first-time starters as well. (8) MAGIC GRACE won her trial in fine order while (5) ORGALIM is sure to have plenty of backers first up too.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Competitive affair here. (8) GREEN FEELSTAR comes in having won at class and distance on June 26^th when having drawn wide, she settled midfield and steadily improved, winning comfortably in the end. She has had nine weeks off since then but carries exactly the same weight and get a better draw. She has claims to back up. (7) FANCY PANTS may be yet to win after eight attempts but has never finished any worse than 5^th. She was on pace for her latest 3^rd place at this distance on July 24^th and should be up there again today. (3) SHINE MUSIC is another who comes in with decent consistency and while she has finished no better than 3^rd, she has a good time to her name at the trip, albeit on a wet track, and has lacing claims here. (2) HERO SPEED and (1) LAGERTHA are among others with at least placing chances.

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(8) ACHIM GISANG suffered her first defeat at start number four on July 18^th. It was, frankly, a tough ask for her that day as she was first-up following almost six months out; she was stepping up to this class for the first time and she was tackling 1400M for the first time. In the event she got to the lead and was looking well until the top of the straight before running out of petrol and finishing 4^th. She should be better for that experience off a further six weeks out and dropping back in trip today to a distance at which she ran a super time in January, she is the one to beat. It won’t be easy though because (6) DREAM KNOCK is up in class following a super first-up win over 1200M on July 18^th when she was wide throughout but ran on to win by eight-lengths. Her racing pattern suggests the step up in trip will suit and she looks a big danger here. (10) NONGBON BADA comes in having beaten three of these on her way to 3^rd place at class and distance on July 24^th when drawn even wider than she is today. She has a strong finish on her and will be poised to run home strong. (2) ELITE POWER is a winner at this distance in a fast time at class 6 level and while she had a poor day at the office last time, she draws much better here and can be competitive. (3) AFLEET MARINE among others in the placing frame.

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

The ultra-consistent (1) TANK SOCKS looks ready to return to the winner’s circle here. In her latest two she has come from well off the pace to run 4^th and 3^rd, both at this class and distance and the inside gate should give options. She has a strong finish and with a little less to do late on today, can win. (6) TYCHE FIRE drops back in trip with his recent starts all having been over 1700M. He is top-rated in the race and has every chance of going close here. (4) BLACK CHARM was 5^th behind Tyche Fire over 1700M two starts back but rebounded to run 2^nd at the same distance at the end of May. He has had almost three months off since and is another who may appreciate the step back in trip here. So too may (3) DREAM MAX. Her style had been to come from well off the pace so it was no surprise when she was tried around two turns for her first two goes at this level. It didn’t really work out so she drops back to the distance at which she got her maiden win and she draws very nicely. (2) JILJU DAERO one of a number of others with at least placing hopes.

Saturday’s behind-closed-doors meeting at Seoul has 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juveniles here with only one of the eleven having previous racing experience. And unlike a lof these type of races, at least half of those first-timers showed enough in their respective trials to suggest they have the ability to win first-up here. We have to narrow it down though so we’ll go with one of two trial winners (1) ASPEN TAEYANG. He was very well held together in his trial, crossing the line first in an unhurried manner with seemingly plenty to spare. He draws well and the jockey/trainer combination is sure to attract plenty. (11) CHEONJIUI BIT ran 2^nd in the same trial and was equally unhurried having led in the early stages. That won’t be so easy from the widest gate but she has potential. (8) JEONGSANG Z registered the fastest trial time. She looked a little ungainly in her heat but ran on strong without the whip. (10) MAGIC JUDE also looked to have lots in hand when 2^nd in his trial after leading. (2) RAON THE DASH won his heat although he was asked a few questions, as was (7) GEUMSEONG SPEED. Experience can often count for a lot in these types of races and (4) CHEOLLICHONG did nothing too wrong when 6^th on debut at this distance on July 25^th. He draws much better today and can have come on for that run.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) LAPIEO BAN has run just the once, finishing 4^th at 1200M on July 18^th. She drew the widest but one gate that day and was slowly away before making good ground in the closing stages. She should have come on for that experience and the Strong Mandate filly draws better today with solid claims to break through. (5) WONDERFUL ORANGE has consistently run decent times at this distance and has a 2^nd place to her name. She does have a tendency to be slowly away but can run on well and should be in the finish here. (6) LUCKY BALLY showed significant improvement when 4^th ahead of Wonderful Orange at her latest start just two weeks ago. She draws better today and can build on that progress. (8) DAESEUNG GAON is another who goes back and runs on. She gets in under a featherweight here and has placing claims. The thirty-three race maiden (1) IRYEO HAYEO is wildly unpredictable but her performance two starts back when 2^nd at this distance in fast time means she can’t be overlooked for the minor money.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(4) STELLA ROAD has finished no worse than 4^th in three starts so far and steps up to this distance for the first time looking ready to win. Last time out she came from behind the pace to run 2^nd well beaten by a good winner and she draws nicely here to be able to pick her spot. (6) MYEONGPUM HERO looks to be improving following a solid 3^rd place over 1200M on July 17^th when he was handy throughout and can build on that today while (2) GEUMSEONG MAN debuted in the same race and while very slowly away, once he finally got into top gear, he finished off very nicely and should be improving today. (10) SINDAERO had a poor day at the office last start but has shown ability at this distance and can be given another chance (7) LUCKY SEOKPO has had a real stop-start career but he does have ability and perhaps just needs to get some races under his belt. He returns for the first time since April today and should be leading early and is one of many who if they run to their best, can have a say in the finish.

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

A very competitive race involving no fewer than four last start winners as well as plenty of other capable sorts. (5) RAON THE TIGER was a good winner over this distance at class 6 level two starts back before running 2^nd at his latest effort at this class over 1200M. He draws well to get to the early lead and he could go all the way. (8) CHEONGDAM TANK got his maiden win at start number nine over 1700M on July 3^rd. He has shown ability at this distance as well, is tactically versatile, and has every chance again. (7) SAENAE WIN comes up in class after a gate to wire victory at this distance at class 6 on July 4^th. That win had been coming and while the fast time was aided by a wet track, she should be able to measure up in this company. (9) FASHIONED PASSION is a winner at this class and came home a good 3^rd behind Raon The Tiger at her latest start. She has a strong finish on her and will be working home late here. (2) CHEONJI POKPUNG was a massive longshot last time out and appeared from absolutely nowhere to run from last to 1^st in the home straight on July 17^th. He comes up in the weights but warrants more respect here.

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

Another very competitive race for the level, this time with three last start winners, although all three are up in class. (5) BULBANGUL didn’t exactly set the world alight when winning at this distance on debut on July 11^th. On a wet track, he settled towards the back and then ran on strongly in the home straight to score. He should have improved for that run and while he may need to be a bit handier earlier, he has claims to measure up against this tougher opposition. (6) VICEROY has the fastest time at the distance, recorded on a wet track when he led from gate to wire to win at class 6 level in May. He has since put in two creditable runs at this level and should be in the mix again. (1) WINNER BLUE too has good experience at this level and while he comes up in the weights here, he has placing claims. (8) ICE STAR comes up in class after two wins from his latest three. He seems to be a bit of an all or nothing type as those two victories are his only top five finishes, but he comes in off a light weight and could be involved. (9) CHEONDUNGSEJA another up in class who can be competitive.

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Another competitive race. (9) COBRA BALL was a smart winner at this distance two starts back when resuming after five months off and then ran a very good 2^nd place at this class beating a couple of these in the progress when he led until the furlong pole. He stays down in the weights here and while the draw isn’t the best, he has won from wider and has solid claims. (10) DALRINEUN BITKKAL came from off the pace to win at class and distance in a fast time on a wet track on July 10^th. He came from a wider gate than he has today so the draw should be no problem but he does come up a full 4kg in the weights. He has a real chance. So too does (5) DONGJIN CHOEGANG. A winner of three from five so far, he is up in class having made all over this distance in a good time on July 17^th and he should be more than competitive at this level. Plenty of others with placing claims including (2) CHOEGO CAMP from a nice draw, and (11) MONEY CHAMP, a class and distance 4^th last time.

Seoul flies solo this Sunday with a behind-closed-doors meeting featuring 15 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile maidens kick off Sunday with four of the eight racing for the first time. We will side with experience though and (5) TOP CLASS, who ran 4^th on debut at this distance on July 3^rd beating a couple of these in the process. He was close to the pace throughout and draws well again to get to the front. (6) BYEOLBIT MARU looks a big danger. Having trialed up well, she debuted on July 10^th over 1200M when she was on pace early and ultimately finished 4^th. She should have come on for that experience and the drop back in trip could work in her favour. (1) MAPARAM was on pace too on his debut, ultimately ending up in 7^th place in the same race as Top Class. He should strip fitter for that experience and can improve today. Among the newcomers, (4) MENI WONDERFUL is the first foal out of Meni Money, a very good racehorse here, He trialed up pleasingly enough. (8) P N S LUCKY also did nothing much wrong in her heat.

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Three-year-old maidens here. We’ll give (6) CHOEGANG JANGSAN another chance. He never really got going at his last start when well back over 1300M but previously had shown some signs of ability and has posted the best time at this distance. Expect him to be out of the gate and away a bit better today and he should be in the finish. (12) GREAT THUNDER comes in off a solid 2^nd place at class and distance last start when settling midfield and running on strong. The draw doesn’t do him any favours here, but he doesn’t need to lead, and he can continue the progress he has made across his three prior outings. (1) GEOSEN GISANG can take advantage of the inside gate to get forward early. She overcame gate ten on debut to run competently enough for a midfield finish over this distance and should have come on for the experience. (7) SISEON JUMA too did nothing wrong with a very similar performance on debut and can build on that here. (3) BOLD AGAIN has hinted at ability without reward in two starts so far and can improve today.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Two standouts here. (4) GEOLJAK WOMAN ran on strong from behind to come home in 4^th place over this distance at her latest start on July 11^th. The time before she showed a good turn of foot over 1000M to record her 2^nd runner-up finish. Her style is to settle midfield and run on and with Kim Yong-geun aboard again, she has a real chance. The big danger is (7) BIG RED. He came close to getting his maiden win last time out 2^nd over 1300M in a fast time on a wet track. He has the best start among these so expect him to be leading early with every chance of going all the way. (2) GEOSEN POWER comes down in the weights with an apprentice aboard as well as getting a much better barrier than his latest start when 5^th at this distance and that brings him into the calculations. He should be challenging for the lead early. (6) SONGAM CAT is the sole previous winner in the race and while that win was unexpected and she has shown no signs of following up, in this company she can aim for minor money. (10) SUPER PARK another with placing chances.

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Small field of maidens here. (1) JEONGMUN PRINCE is the pick, coming in off a strong 4^th at this distance on July 4^th in a fast time on what was admittedly a very wet track. He went right back that day before making up good ground late, the same style that saw him to a placing finish over 1400M. Leaving himself too much to do is a concern in this small field he can be ridden further forward, and he has solid chances here. (4) STAR RUSH sat behind the pace at this distance last start before finishing in 5^th place. He has three 3^rd place finishes to his name as well and he comes back slightly in the weights today with an apprentice up. He will be on pace and has a chance. So too does (7) MAD BLADE, who has finished behind Star Rush in two of his latest three appearances. Nevertheless, he comes in following a useful enough showing at the distance on a wet track in July and he is the only one of the field to have a runner-up finish in his record. (3) OKCHUMA and (6) RUNNING NUMBER ONE are others in the minor money frame.

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

The second division of the maiden and (2) SOUJU could be ready to win here. It is fair to say he has mixed his form across ten starts so far but he comes in following his best run to date when 3^rd over 1300M on July 4^th. It was a very wet track that day, but he draws nicely in this small field and has as good a chance as any. (6) LONDON HEAT registered a good 3^rd place two starts back at this distance and then at her latest outing led over 1400M before weakening late on. She will most likely be leading here too and should be able to stay on better today. (7) LUXURY KING comes in off his best finish to date, a 3^rd place over 1400M on July 18^th. He can sit on the pace here and run on with placing chances again. (5) CHOEGANG TOMA races for the first time in five months and trialed up well enough to suggest he is worth keeping an eye on for what is essentially, a fresh start today. (4) STORM WARRIOR another with minor money hopes.

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here.  (6) AQUA PUNCH comes up in class following back-to-back wins, both of them at this distance. The latest of those saw her on pace throughout, running to the lead in the home straight and then eased down late on. She should measure up in this class and can complete her hat-trick here. It’s not an easy race though.  Disregard the last start of (4) COMPLETE STAR when she didn’t seem to recover from being tightened for room in the early stages of the race and then came back slightly lame. She’s had over two months off since and instead we’ll go on her previous form at this distance which includes a win at class 6 level and 4^th place in this grade. She can go close. (3) SHADOW QUEEN comes in off a solid 3^rd place at her latest outing when she overcame gate eleven to run on strong for 4^th over 1200M and from a much better gate today, she should be in the placing frame. Both (10) ARAK TO WIN (9) GREAT HANSEN come up in class after last start placings at class 6 level and both can be competitive in this company. 

Seoul Race 7: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies and mares only again and it’s a nice competitive affair with plenty of possible winners. (7) GANGSEO PRINCESS got promoted to this class with a win over 1000M and then a runner-up finish at 1200Mbefore running 5^th from a wide draw at today’s distance on her first crack at class 5 in a good time. She looks to have more development in her, can lead and can win. (9) CHOEGANG QUEEN got her win at start number three over 1200M on July 3^rd, coming from a handy position to win well. She is up in class today but looks to have plenty more potential for further improvement. (8) EUNHYE PADO was a fine winner over this distance in a decent time on a good-rated track on July 17^th. She settled towards the back and then ran on wide for a good score. (10) VICTORICA has the fastest time of any of these at the distance, which she recorded when running 2^nd on a very wet track at her last start on July 10^th. She can lead, as she did when winning at 1200M in April, or come from the middle and while she is up in the weights today, she can go close. (8) EUNHYE PADO was a fine winner over this distance in a decent time on a good-rated track on July 17^th. She settled towards the back and then ran on wide for a good score. She also comes up in class but can measure up. (1) CAREER HIGH perhaps the best of the rest.

Seoul Race 8: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(7) TAP QUALITY comes back in trip following a solid 5^th place over 1400M on July 3^rd when he was handy throughout then wide in the straight and only beaten a length and a half in a tight finish. That showed he can compete at this class and while yet to win he has a solid record at this distance at class 6 level. He has a big chance today. (1) FLYING VICTOR comes up in class after a maiden win at start number four on July 10^th when he was handy and wide and ran on well.  From the inside gate, he can settle close to the lead here and has claims again. (6) MISS CAMP comes up in class after back-to-back runner-up finishes, the second of which was in a good time at this distance. An apprentice claim puts her right in this, and she should be on pace. Both (4) RUNNING KING and (2) GLOBAL YEONGUNG are better than recent results suggest, and both are at least place chances here.

It’s Seoul only on Sunday and accordingly there is a bumper fifteen-race program from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Tricky one to start with. (1) GEOSEN DOLPUNG hasn’t exactly set the stopwatch alight with his times over his first four starts but his last time out 3rd having led for much of the way around was encouraging. So too was a trial in July when he led all the way. He draws the inside so should get a nice lead here and can make the breakthrough. (4) ONLY WINNER has a couple of runner-up finishes to her name. Last time, at this distance, she settled midfield and ran on for 4th and she should be in the finish again today. So too should (7) FINAL ACE. His results have been up and down but enters with his best results being his recent ones. He should be on pace from the start. (12) DESK TAP ran 5th behind Final Ace two starts back but improved when back at 1000M and 3rd on his June reappearance. He overcame the widest draw that day too and shouldn’t be ruled out. (11) DOUBLE TAKE has run a couple of useful times and is a minor money contender.

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

He’s drawn in the car park but that shouldn’t stop (12) WONDERFUL K from getting off the mark at start number seven. He has the fastest time among these for the distance by some margin and last time settled back before running on strongly for 3^rd. Jang Chu-youl can pick his spot here and he should be too strong. (5) ONE JI overcame a wide draw to lead over 1300M last time out on June 27^th. The better gate coupled with the slight drop back in trip can help him challenge for the early lead and he should be in the finish again. (3) KING CRUSH is perhaps worth another look after an inauspicious debut a month ago. He had previously shown ability in a trial and should strip fitter for his race experience. Kim Yong-geun stays aboard which is a plus. (2) MAIN OF KING didn’t impress last time out at 1300M but if we go on his run at this distance two starts back when he ran on from midfield for a solid 2^nd place, then he has claims. (4) BIBONG MARU draws much better than she has at her two latest outings and accordingly can come into at least the placing calculations.

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

(7) WONDERFUL TYCOON is the one to beat here. He has by some margin the fastest time among any of these at the distance, recorded when 3^rd two starts back, and he followed up with another 3^rd at 1200M a month ago. His style is to settle midfield and run on strong and he should have too much here. (12) LEGEND STAR has finished 3^rd in all three starts so far. At her first start she was slowly away before finishing well over 1000M but has been prominent early in her subsequent two outings. She steps up slightly in trip today and she can match or better those 3rds. The only previous winner in the race is (11) JEONGMUN POKJU, who made his breakthrough two starts back at 1400M. Last time out he got a bit too far back before rallying for 5^th at this distance and if given more of a chance today position-wise, then he should be in the mix. (10) MAGIC TIDE steps up to this trip for the first time and seems to be figuring things out with a good 4^th at 1200M last time. Expect him to be on pace today despite the wide draw. (4) PEPE RUN was an improved 4^th last time out and can build on that today.

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies only here and at start number sixteen, (1) WONDERFUL ORANGE ready to break through at last. She comes in having run a well beaten 2^nd at this distance last start when, as is her style, she went back at the start but closed strongly. She has been running consistently good times and the inside gate should see her get an easy enough run here. (7) BORI BORI also enters off a last start runner-up finish when she sat handy and ran on in a similar race over this distance. That continued her upward trajectory and she should be in the hunt here. (6) MISS SPEED came home in 3^rd place in the same race, her best finish in nine starts so far. She has tended to get a bit far back in her races but ran a little more prominently early on last time and a repeat of that can see her in the finish again. (2) MODERN BEST came home in 5^th place to (8) FLYING FULL MOON’s 4^th when they met at 1200M on July 3^rd and both have placing claims here.

Seoul Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

There is only one previous winner in the race and it would be no surprise if (11) TOUCH MY ADELE was to follow up with another. That win came at her last stat when she settled towards the back of a small field but ran on very strongly in the closing stages. The additional half furlong today shouldn’t hurt her cause at all and despite the thirteen weeks between runs, she is the one to beat. (10) YEONGUNG DAEMA come sin following a 6^th place in a fast time on a wet track at this distance on July 4^th. The same apprentice who rode him that day keeps the weight down again and he should be aiming for a career-best finish here. He shares the fastest time at the distance with (8) REAL CONCORD who recorded hers when 5^th in a different race on the same day She was ridden a little more forward that day than she had been in other starts and it seemed to pay off and improvement can be expected here. (7) TEUKGEUP YEOWANG comes back up in trip following 4^th place at 1000M. She could well be on pace early here and should be in the finish. (3) GEUMSUNG CHARMING drops back in trip after some solid showings at 1400M and is another with placing claims.

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Having won two trials, (1) YUKWAEHAN NALDEUL was a gate to wire winner by four-lengths on debut over 1000M on July 3rd. He comes up in both class and trip today but neither looks to be much of an issue and from a very nice draw, he is one of the banker favourites of the day. (8) GOLDEN CHANCE has been no worse than 5^th in five outings to date although she is yet to win. She does her best work when leading and while that won’t be easy what with the favourite being much better drawn, she can go close. (7) BLACK SILVER beat Golden Chance when 2^nd at class and distance on June 27^th. A brand new apprentice jockey sees her come done significantly in the weights for this time and another placing is a possibility. (10) GREEN POKJU is another who likes to lead so while the draw may not be ideal for him here, if he can find a decent position, he can’t be ruled out. (3) SET THE PACE the best of the rest.

Seoul Race 7: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Could this finally be time for (12) ROYAL GHOST to make the breakthrough. She has no fewer than nine top three finishes from sixteen outings to date yet a maiden win continues to elude her. She beat a couple of these when overcoming gate thirteen to run 3^rd at class and distance on June 27^th, sweeping home from off the pace and a similar run today may just see her do it. She is giving weight away to the favourite though. That’s (11) LEAD VOCAL, whose win came at class 6 level over 1400M when making all. She enters off a solid 3^rd place at this distance last start and while she comes up in class, she will have plenty of backers. (3) GAJA PLAN’s latest two appearances have been underwhelming but she draws nicely to get on pace here and can improve. (1) AROMA comes in off a solid class and distance 3^rd place on June 20^th and can aim to match here. (9) ILHYANG DALMA comes up in class despite remaining winless and is another in the placing frame.