Seoul

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (August 7)

It’s Busan’s turn to take the weekend off so It’s just Seoul on duty. There are 10 races on Saturday from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul

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

Twelve previously unraced two-year-olds go around here. Eight of them are fillies and it’s one of those who is set to be favourite. (4) LADY FIRST beat three of today’s rivals in her trial when she showed prominently and ran on well for 2nd. The time was nothing out of the ordinary but it wasn’t a quick heat all round and if she brings that form to the races, she may prove hard to beat. (5) PUREUN YOJEONG ran 3rd in the same trial. She came from off the pace and finished off well and with some natural improvement, she can be in the finish here. The only trial winner in the field is (9) LAROMANEE. She made all to come home comfortably on top and while the draw doesn’t favour her, she will be expected to aim to lead and has solid claims. (8) POWER BOX will be looking to get on pace as well and can be considered, while (11) FAST TRACK is another who did nothing wrong in his trial

Selections(4) Lady First (5) Pureun Yojeong (9) Laromanee (8) Power Box
Next Best11, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

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

Three-year-old maidens here and we’re going to take a chance on one of the four first-time starters. (1) YEONGWANGUI CAPTAIN has taken a long time to be ready having first trialed up in September last year. He won a trial last November, making all but never raced and then finally reappeared in early July. He took part that day in a fast trial with some experienced horses and acquitted himself well, running 4th in a good time. He won’t need to improve much off that in order to win first-up here. (5) WONDERFUL HWASEONG has improved across three starts so far culminating in a good 2nd last time out when he was handy throughout before running on well at this distance. He draws the same gate today and looks the main danger. In a race of patchy form, the 2nd place secured by (2) MODERN TIMES on debut back in May puts her right in this regardless of the underwhelming 5th she managed on reappearance a month ago. She draws well to lead. (9) BIG POCKET offered no evidence of ability in four starts up to June. He did though win a trial last month and accordingly will have backers. Another first-time starter, (10) K N PARK, looks the best of a limited rest.

Selections(1) Yeongwangui Captain (5) Wonderful Hwaseong (2) Modern Times (9) Big Pocket
Next Best10, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

(4) K BLADE racked up three consecutive 3rd place finishes before running out of steam having led over this distance last time out. Nevertheless, he has the fastest time of any of these at 1300M and it would be no surprise if he made it tenth time lucky today. Another one with plenty of near-misses is (12) CUPID KOREA. He has a 2nd place over 1400M to his name as well as some solid efforts at today’s trip. He doesn’t tend to lead so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and he looks to be a danger. (5) COOL PRINCESS has mixed her form but she has proven capable of running good times. She draws well and looks set to lead here. (2) OFFICER COMMANDING and (11) GRAND STAR are among others with hopes of competing for a place.

Selections(4) K Blade (12) Cupid Korea (5) Cool Princess (2) Officer Commanding
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 12

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

(6) BURUI YEOWANG is a winner of two from three so far including last start which was at this class over 1200M. She has led or been right on pace in all three outings to date and while she comes up a couple of kilos in the weights and stretches out slightly in trip, she draws well and can win again. (11) BODYGUARD comes in seeking a hat-trick of victories. Both have come at this distance and both times he has come from off the pace, suggesting that the wide draw is of little consequence. He steps up in class today but should be competitive. (10) HAPPY DAY is yet to win but has had three near-misses from four starts. She comes up in class following a desperately close defeat at 1200M a month ago. She was doing her best work late on that day and slightly more distance to play with may suit. (2) LONDON QUEEN beat a couple of these when 2nd at this class over 1200M on June 20th and has placing chances again. (9) GAGANA among a number of others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(6) Burui Yeowang (11) Bodyguard (10) Happy Day (2) London Queen
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

It’s about time that (6) BEST TIME returned to the winner’s circle. Since her solitary win she has consistently run fast times and has had several near-misses including a solid 3rd at her latest outing over 1400M. She comes back in trip here and gets in under a light weight and can settle midfield and run on strong. (9) GLOBAL SUN registered three consecutive wins around the turn of the year which saw her promoted to this class. She comes in off a fair 4th at 1200M in June and a similar run today would see her not far off. (8) CHEONJI YEOGEOL was 4th behind Best Time at her latest start. She comes up a bit in the weights but can sit just off the pace here and run on strong. (10) GOOD VOW has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and along with (1) MASEONG TUHON, looks to have solid placing claims.

Selections(6) Best Time (9) Global Sun (8) Cheonji Yeogeol (10) Good Vow
Next Best1, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 9, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(6) ROYAL ROAD stepped up to this trip at his latest starts and ran a solid 3rd in decent company. He has already won at this level over 1400M and is tactically versatile as he can lead or go back and run on. He is giving weight away but really should take some beating in this company. (9) ALPHA DOK put in a decent shift when 4th on his first try at both class and distance on June 5th. He generally runs best when leading or close to the pace and if he can find a good position here, he looks to be the main danger. (7) WONDERFUL DEVIL comes up in class and distance following a good win over 1400M on July 3rd. She sat midfield and then finished strongly that day so the distance may suit and she gets in at a light weight. (4) GOLDEN BADGE remains a maiden after ten attempts but has gone close on plenty of occasions, including last time when she was 2nd at 1400M. She tackles two turns for the first time here and it may well suit. (2) SUN FIGHTING the best of the rest.

Selections(6) Royal Road (9) Alpha Dok (7) Wonderful Devil (4) Golden Badge
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Tricky race but it could be that it’s time for (10) JEONGSANG KINGDOM to get his maiden win. He has been getting closer across his latest three outings, beating plenty of today’s rivals along the way but tending to leave himself just a little too much to do. From the widest gate, he will surely go back again and will come through strong late on. If he leaves it too late again then (2) WONDERFUL INDIAN may be the one to take advantage. Beaten by Jeongsang Kingdom two starts back, he rebounded with a strong 3rd on his return on July 4th when he sat midfield before running on. He will be in the hunt again here. (5) SPEEDY ROOKIE got too far back over 1400M at his latest start but was 5th behind Jeongsang Kingdom at this trip in May. He may well be ridden a bit more forward today in the absence of much speed and he comes into the calcualtions. (3) INCHEON SPEED and (4) CUPID BABE are others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Jeongsang Kingdom (2) Wonderful Indian (5) Speedy Rookie (3) Incheon Speed
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 8, 9

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) NORTHERN TIME was a winner at start number two at class and distance on July 3rd when he overcame a wide draw to get on the early pace. He carries considerably more weight today which can be a steadier, but he draws much better and he has every chance of winning again. It’s a similar story with (9) NAMSANUI BYEOL, who came from off the pace to win well at class and distance on June 26th. He too comes up in the weights but the wide draw isn’t a concern and he can be a big danger. (5) CHEON GUN was 2nd to Namsanui Byeol in that race and also has experience of winning over this trip. He meets Namsanui Byeol at better weights this time and looks set to go close. (7) FULL BOOSTER is top-rated and while yet to win, has plenty of experience of going close and he can be involved in the finish. (1) SAENAE SUN appears to have more improvement in the tank and stretches out to the distance for the first time.

Selections(4) Northern Time (9) Namsanui Byeol (5) Cheon Gun (7) Full Booster
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) JOEUNGIRL has won five of her six starts to date including her last four in a row and accordingly steps up into class 3 company today. She has won at this distance before and comes nicely down in the weights. She has a good draw to lead and she has every chance of winning again. This should be a stern examination though. (2) MUNHAK MOON will also fancy getting on the pace from an inside draw and he has two wins from his last three starts, He too comes up in class following his latest score a month ago but he will be competitive. (3) FIGHT TODAY has loads of experience at this level and while he may not look a winning chance here, he is rarely far away and can be in the finish. (8) MIGHTY CHIP and (11) SIRIUS A are others capable of being in the finish.

Selections(5) Joeungirl (2) Munhak Moon (3) Fight Today (8) Mighty Chip
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 11

Seoul Race 10: Class 2 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

He might be up in class and we often talk about there being quite the gulf between class 3 and class 2, but it’s hard to oppose (7) SPEED GO. A winner of five from seven including his latest three, he comes in off a good win at this trip last start. He may need to go a bit faster today but he still looks to have more improvement in him and he should be leading gate to wire here. (2) SINGSING MARY enters off a good 3rd in a fast time at class and distance on July 3rd. She draws nicely in this small field and should be competitive from start to finish. (3) LUCKY BEOPJEON is super consistent and just like Speed Go, comes up in class today. He can settle just behind the pace and run on strongly. (4) RAON TAP MAN had a poor day at the office on his latest outing when well back behind Singsing Mary. We’ll go on his previous form at class and distance though and give him another chance here. The talented but wayward (6) MARK STORY is the wildcard.

Selections(7) Speed Go (2) Singsing Mary (3) Lucky Beopjeon (4) Raon Tap Man
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 8

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 25)

Seoul will take its summer weekend off next week followed by Busan the week after so this is the last time for three weeks that both tracks will be running on a Sunday. There are 9 races at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:30 to 16:50. Here are the previews:

East Jet goes on Sunday

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

Twelve previously unraced juveniles go around here so it’s to the trial videos that we must head. It’s pretty clear who the favourite is going to be. (3) COMPLETE TIME was an eye-catching winner of her trial, making all in a fast time on a good track. If she shows any natural improvement from that, she will be hard to beat. (10) CHEOLLICHONG placed 3rd in a trial when on pace and ridden to the line in a fair time. She’s by Hansen, whose progeny have shown speed as juveniles on the track here. (1) WONPYEONG GASOK was 4th in a trial when he settled last on jumping before making a solid run from the 600M and ran home better than anything else in his heat. He is a half-brother to Jungchubusa, who won her first two races at Seoul. (6) RAON THE SPURT is “full’ sister to Raon Tough Man, who ran 2nd in the Korean Derby last year. She trialed adequately when awkwardly away and settled handy to the leaders before running home well for 4th. She has every chance of going well first-up.

Selections(3) Complete Time (10) Cheollichong (1) Wonpyeong Gasok (6) Raon The Spurt
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 10

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

Fillies only and the one to beat is (1) CHOEGANG ILSE. She comes in off a career best 2nd over this trip on June 26th when she sat in midfield before running on strong and well beaten by a good winner. She can sit handy today from the inside gate and has the strongest finish in the race by some margin. The solitary first-time starter in the field caught the eye in her trial. (12) HAMAN BANGEOSAN sat handy and ran on strong for 2nd place in a decent time and while the widest gate may not be ideal, she looks well placed here on debut and can be considered. (3) HIT JACKPOT has been on an upward trajectory in terms of times and of finishes in recent starts, culminating in 2nd place last start at this distance having gone right back at the start and should be running on strong again. (2) STEADY WINNER couldn’t do herself justice from a wide draw over 1300M last start, but she comes back in trip and into a decent gate here and duly enters the calculations.

Selections(1) Choegang Ilse (12) Haman Bangeosan (3) Hit Jackpot (2) Steady Winner
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 10

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

We are going to take on the favourite here with (2) CRAZY TANK simply based on how he went in a trial last week. He’s only raced the three times before, most recently getting bumped early and then racing very wide before a decent enough finish for 4th. However, in his trial last week he made all to cross the line a full 23 (twenty-three) lengths ahead of anything else in what was, unsurprisingly, the fastest time of the morning. He has a great draw and while there is always the risk that he left his race in that trial, he looks worth taking a chance on. The favourite will be (5) DAESAN TEUKGEUP and deservedly so based on his last start five-length win over 1000M when wide but too strong in the straight. The extra distance won’t be a problem and he will be in the finish. (12) SMART POWER can’t be left out of the calculations as he is a winner at this distance when handy in the run which was followed up with a 4th place from way off the pace. He resumes for the first time since January but looked well in a recent trial and has placing claims. So too does (3) JISANGUN. He’s a colt who has shown improvement at every start and wasn’t far away when 5th over 1000M at his latest outing. Further natural improvement form that will bring him into the frame here.

Selections(2) Crazy Tank (5) Daesan Teukgeup (12) Smart Power (3) Jisangun
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 11

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

Not the most inspiring of maidens this but a couple of them look as though they have a win in them. (6) FIGHT DREAM is one of two here who have a runner-up finish to their name. His came in April over 1300M and he has since run creditably at today’s distance too with back-to-back 4th place finishes both times when leading. It might take a bit of time here as others are faster starters, but he can work his way to the front here and could score. (4) DOCTOR TAKE drops back in trip following a 3rd and a 4th over 1600M. He has been a bit one-paced in his races but can find a good position from a nice draw and go close. (9) SEONGSAN HERO beat Doctor Take last start when 2nd over a mile. He led that day until the middle of the home straight and will be expected to be on pace here with claims to go all the way. (8) SMARTY DOLPUNG has shown steady improvement across three starts to date with 4th place last time her best. She won’t need to improve much to match or better that here.

Selections(6) Fight Dream (4) Doctor Take (9) Seongsan Hero (8) Smarty Dolpung
Next Best3, 2
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 12

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

Tricky race but we’ll go with (4) CHOIN SPARK who may be the improver here having placed 2nd at his last start over 1000M when handy and wide all the way before balancing up nicely in the straight then working home well. Another crack at 1200M may suit and he could be the one to beat. (8) BURUI GASOK has run well at this class and was fair at his latest effort when on the pace and wide all the way. He has the fastest start amongst these and should be able to overcome gate eight to get on pace again. The solitary debut-maker is (10) NEW STAR YEONGCHEON, who was a trial winner at the start of this month. She led and then kicked clear near the finish and crossed the line with plenty in hand. She should strip fitter for that and enters the calculations first-up. (7) ONCHEONHA ran 3rd last start over this distance, showing speed to be on the pace and while he was well in arrears of the winner, he battled on well and was just pipped for 2nd. Solid placing chance here.

Selections(4) Choin Spark (8) Burui Gasok (10) New Star Yeongcheon (7) Oncheonha
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 8

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (3) GOOD TANK enters with a 100% record to maintain having won her first two starts in fine order, leading gate to wire in both. She comes up in class and in trip here but draws a great barrier to get to the lead again and has every chance of making it three in a row.  (6) FASHION BLADE is a winner of two from four so far and including her latest on June 20th, when she settled handy from a wide draw before dropping back and then running on smartly to score in a fast time at this class and distance beating a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She comes up in the weights as a result but draws better and is a danger. (11) BURNING PARTY ran 2nd to Fashion Blade in that June 20th race having been on pace and leading for much of the race. She has won at this distance and has posted consistently fast times so should be a threat again. (5) FIRST STAR was 4th in the same race and while she may perhaps have less scope for improvement than some of her rivals, she is rarely far away and should be in the mix again.

Selections(3) Good Tank (6) Fashion Blade (11) Burning Party (5) First Star
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 7, 8, 11

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

(3) LAGERTHA was a solid winner at this class and distance on her latest start on June 20th. That day she settled midfield before running on strong late on to beat a couple of today’s rivals in the process. She comes in at the same weights and a repeat of that effort would make her hard to beat. (7) HERO SPEED ran 2nd to Lagertha in the June 20th race. After settling on the pace and wide she finished off well and actually led in the final furlong. She may not turn the tables here but should be a strong place chance again. (6) GABO SARANGHAE was 4th in that same race continuing an upward trajectory of performances. She broke the best that day and was on pace until the end and she will be competing for the early lead again today. (11) AFLEET MARINE shouldn’t be too concerned about the wide draw. She can settle just off the pace and has consistently run competitive times at this distance. She disappointed as favourite last start when 6th but can be given another chance here.

Selections(3) Lagertha (7) Hero Speed (6) Gabo Saranghae (11) Afleet Marine
Next Best4, 9
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 11

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

(4) ACE SOLOMON was a winner of two from four at class 6 level, including at this distance, before running 2nd on his first try at this class on June 26th when he settled midfield and finished off well, albeit well beaten by a good winner. He finished ahead of two of today’s rivals and he has solid claims to return to the winner’s circle here.  (2) INFINITY POWER was a winner at this distance at class 6 level and ran a good 2nd at her latest start on June 20th, sitting off the pace and then running on strong. Jo In-kwon climbing aboard today is in her favour. (1) WONDERFUL KING drops back in trip following two very encouraging spins around 1400M. He is yet to win from eleven attempts but has six top-three finishes and while he is giving away weight, he draws well and should be in the finish again. (3) PARTY INDY steps up in class here following a good win at the distance in May. She made all that day and while this is a stiffer test, she should be on speed again and can measure up against most of these.

Selections(4) Ace Solomon (2) Infinity Power (1) Wonderful King (3) Party Indy
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 11

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

(12) GWANGYANG EUTTEUM ran 2nd on debut before stumbling a bit at the start on his reappearance on June 27th before proceeding to absolutely bolt in by eight-lengths over this distance. He is up in class here and draws the car park, but neither should be of concern, and he has every chance again. (1) HI HI is ultra-consistent having never been worse than 3rd in five starts so far and is versatile too having won from behind and also – by a full ten-lengths – when having led from the start. Last time over 1300M he settled midfield and ran on well for 3rd and he may prove hard to beat from the perfect draw. There appears to be plenty of speed in this race and if there is too much of it, (7) ENERGIZER could prove to be the beneficiary. He came from well back for a good 3rd place last time over 1300M beating a few of these in the process and he will be given a patient ride again here. (6) NORWAY THIRD is up in class on her last start win over 1000M when she led all the way. This is tougher but she may offer some each-way value.

Selections(12) Gwangyang Eutteum (1) Hi Hi (7) Energizer (6) Norway Third
Next Best2, 4
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 12
(more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (July 18)

Sunday racing is at Seoul (9 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (11:30 to 16:30). Cheongdam Dokki faces a weighty assignment in the concluding race in the capital. Here are the previews:

It was super weather in the capital on Saturday

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

Eight previously unraced juveniles kick off the day’s proceedings. (5) PURPLE K will be the favourite and is the top pick. She won her trial comfortably and while she was a touch ungainly early, she settled down and ran well under hands and heels in a fast time. She’s very much the one to beat. (1) GREENBACK won her trial in fine style, cruising to the lead and then being ridden out all the way to the line. A similar performance puts him squarely in the finish here. (2) PINE FARM trialed on a very wet track and appeared to hang out a lot, putting her rider at a disadvantage. She still ran well though in a useful time and if she has learned from the experience then a place may not be beyond her on debut. (7) SEUNGBUSA perhaps looks an outside chance based on his trial placing but he veered sharply inward to the running rail on jumping, losing ground and settling a long last. With that in mind, his performance in the closing stages was commendable.

Selections(5) Purple K (1) Greenback (2) Pine Farm (7) Seungbusa
Next Best8
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

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

A maiden for three-year-olds and down and (2) PUREUN JANGMI should have the beating of these. She ran 3rd on debut and then 2nd on her re-appearance, both at this distance and both times having raced on pace. At her latest start she led until the closing stages and recorded a fast time. Both of those were in restricted fillies’ company but she draws well again to lead and she should make it third time lucky here. (11) GLORY SONG has done nothing too much wrong in two starts so far, including a good 2nd place on debut over the 1000M. The extended trip today may work in her favour today. (7) DRIVE TOWN debuted all the way back in January, settling handy and running on for 2nd over 1000M. He came back to trial in decent order in June and comes into placing contention here . (1) AREUMDAUN GAMDONG has improved across three starts so far. Last time out she crossed from gate ten to briefly lead before ultimately finishing 4th but today, for the first time, she draws well. This should give her an easier run and she can match or better that 4th.

Selections(2) Pureun Jangmi (11) Glory Song (7) Drive Town (1) Areumdaun Gamdong
Next Best8, 12
Fast Start2, 4, 7, 11

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies only here. (10) DREAM KNOCK is the favourite, coming back into action twelve weeks after the latest of three encouraging runs at this level which included a 2nd and a 3rd. She trialed up nicely at the end of May and her running style suggests she doesn’t need to lead so the draw is not too disadvantageous. She has every chance. (7) MISS CAMP is worth thought based on her last start 2nd when she led before being caught near the line. The apprentice claim keeps her down in the weights and in the picture. (1) WONDERFUL GEUMSUNG has shown improvement across her four prior starts culminating in 2nd place last time out at this distance when she was handy throughout and then ran on, registering a good time. She draws the same gate today and it won’t take much improvement for her to be in the finish. There are a couple of newcomers. (11) LAPIEO BAN is an unraced filly who did reasonably well across three trials. The jockey booking will attract plenty.

Selections(10) Dream Knock (7) Miss Camp (1) Wonderful Geumsung (11) Lapieo Ban
Next Best4, 2
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

The sole previous winner is (3) WHITE GALLOPER, who scored three starts back over this distance, She settled back and then ran on well as is her style, and while in two subsequent starts she has left herself a bit too much to do, coming home 5th and 4th, she should be in the frame today under a very light weight. (10) A ONE PLUS looks ready to win after back-to-back runner-up finishes over 1300M, both in good times. At her last start, from an even wider draw than today, she settled midfield and then ran on strong, getting close to a good winner and a similar run could see her home on top here with the slightly added trip a plus. (1) CHOEGANG BEONJJEOK was much improved last time when from the inside gate, he managed to lead before ultimately running 2nd in a decent time over 1200M. He comes up in trip today but gets the same advantageous draw and can build on that progress. (2) DAEHOMA too got his best result to date at his latest outing when 4th at this trip. He too can take advantage of a good draw to get close to the pace and is not without a chance. 

Selections(3) White Galloper (10) A One Plus (1) Choegang Beonjjeok (2) Daehoma
Next Best12, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 5, 12

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

(6) THUNDER CHAMP had good recent form prior to his latest start when he got caught in a duel for the lead early and appeared to suffer for it, ending up well back behind a couple of today’s rivals. Draw a line through that and go on hos previous start over 1300M when he had a soft, relaxed lead only to go down by the narrowest of margins. He has the best start of any of these and is right in this. (11) NAUI SINHWA comes into the calculations based on his last start 2nd when he was squeezed a little soon after the start and then settled back before running on strong. He has mixed his form but has five top five finishes from seven starts and can go close here. (10) POLKA has the fastest time of these at this distance and he has been consistent in his recent form without breaking through. He can lead or come from midfield and the draw shouldn’t trouble him too much. (4) CHEONJON can have is latest start disregarded when he dipped soon after the start before settling handy but ultimately fading. His 2nd at the start before was much more in character and he is worth another chance here. (7) STAR RUSH the best of the rest.

Selections(6) Thunder Champ (11) Naui Sinhwa (10) Polka (4) Cheonjon
Next Best7, 3
Fast Start6, 7, 10, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

It’s about time (8) HORAENGI made her breakthrough. Form seven previous starts, she has missed the top five on only one occasion and has consistently recorded good times. She has raced on pace and also come from behind and has been beaten by better foes than she faces today. This time she should get it right. (4) QUEEN OF HEARTS has been getting quite far back in her races but finished off nicely for an improved 5th in an all-filly affair over 1200M on June 20th. The manner in which she finished off suggests that the additional trip today will be in her favour and she can continue to improve. (5) SORI OREUM ran 2nd on debut and then 5th when running on late on his reappearance a month ago. Both of those were over 1000M so he gets the chance to get stuck into a bit of distance today and it may well suit. (12) TAMNA HWANGHU is just one of two runners here who have previously won a race. It came at this distance two starts back and while the draw does her no favours here, she can go close.

Selections(8) Horaengi (4) Queen Of Hearts (5) Sori Oreum (12) Tamna Hwanghu
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(10) JEOLMEUN YEONGUNG ran on very pleasingly at start number two over 1200M on June 19th. He should strip fitter for that and his first run and with Munro aboard again and with an extra furlong to play with, he could breakthrough here. That means we are going to take on the favourite, which will be (7) SILVER DRAGON. He is always competitive and last start after being a little slow away, he finished off strongly for 4th. He has beaten plenty of these in recent outings, including Jeolmeun Yeongung and he has every chance of breaking through at what will be start number nine today. (6) LONDON HEAT is one of those who has finished behind Silver Dragon before, but she showed her ability at her latest start when 3rd over 1300M. She was handy in the run before finishing strongly and a repeat of that run should put her in the finish today. (5) PURGE QUEEN was poor when previously tried at this distance but looks ready for another crack after a fair 4th at 1200M when she stuck to her task well. Her times have been on the slow side, but she won’t need to improve too much to challenge for the places here.

Selections(10) Jeolmeun Yeongung (7) Silver Dragon (6) London Heat (5) Purge Queen
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 3 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(4) MAN OF TOP finally made his winning breakthrough at start number fifteen on June 27th after a strong of near-misses. That came at a mile as he sat handy before Ioannis Poullis roused him home in the closing stages. He goes back up to 1800M today, a distance he has performed well at and while he is up in class, this isn’t the most intimidating class 4 field that you’ll find, and he comes down a full 5kg in the weights. He will be strong favourite and is hard to oppose. (6) RAPID GAME ran 3rd behind Man Of Top two starts back at this distance before finishing 4th at a mile on his latest start. He carries even less weight under in-form jockey Kim Hye-sun and can push the favourite hard. (7) SEONGSAN POWER was a winner at this distance at class 4 level two starts back before running a very good 2nd at this class and distance on May 30th, beating three of today’s rivals in the process. She likes to lead and will force the rest to come past her. Running in 3rd place that day was (3) GIJEOGUI JEOKTOMA and he is one of a number capable of challenging for places.

Selections(4) Man Of Top (6) Rapid Game (7) Seongsan Power (3) Gijeogui Jeoktoma
Next Best8, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) ACHIM GISANG picks herself here having won all three previous starts by big margins and in good times. The barrier is of no concern due to her prodigious early speed, and she will lead again regardless. She’ll be hot favourite. Mot winning streaks come to an end at some point and (6) BRAVO MAY is the one with the most chance of bringing Achim Gisang’s to an end today. His win came at class 6 three starts back and in two outings since, he has run 2nd both times settling midfield and running on. Given his draw, we can expect him to settle handy to the leader today and wait for an opening. (4) ALCHAN NURI showed improvement last start when 3rd at this distance sitting midfield and running on. A repeat of that effort can get him into the placings again. In a race with such a hot favourite, we might as well go for an each-way one at big odds too. (1) PERFECT POWER has had excuses for his two latest failures but has put in some decent performances as well. He is a 1300M winner and has a nice draw on the inside.

Selections(9) Achim Gisang (6) Bravo May (4) Alchan Nuri (1) Perfect Power
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

After winning well on debut, (10) GOLDEN BYEORAK was on pace but ended up 3rd on reappearance over 1400M on May 22nd.  He has had eight weeks off since and should be right for his step up to a mile today. The draw isn’t a concern, and he can return to winning ways here. Quite a few are capable of stopping him on their day though. (7) MONOPOLY has won at the distance and ran 2nd on his first try at this class last time out. He likes to settle midfield and should be coming on strong late here. (3) GALAXY ROAD has the fastest time of any of these at the distance. He is up in class and racing for the first time since a solid score at over 1400M in April and should be competitive here. Rarely uncompetitive is (8) B.K JOHN, who beat a couple of these on his way to 2nd place at 1400M on June 13th. His one previous start at this distance didn’t go well but he has impressed since and looks ready for another crack today.

Selections(10) Golden Byeorak (7) Monopoly (3) Galaxy Road (8) B.K. John
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start3, 6, 8, 10

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

Many chances in this race but (4) HIDDEN DOLPUNG is the standout, favourite and pick. He won on debut and has since finished runner-up on three occasions. He settles handy to the leaders and runs on which suggests that the 1400M may suit him and he draws nicely for Moon Se Young to pick his spot. (3) ROYAL ELVIS comes in off 2nd and 3rd in his two latest starts and is the likely early leader here. The good draw will assist his chances. (5) GREEN DARC was a somewhat surprising winner at class and distance in a good time at her latest start. She was on pace early then handy and ran on for a good score. A repeat of that effort and a nice barrier bring her into contention again. (6) HEUNGROK DAEBU was 3rd last start over 1700M but is perhaps better suited to today’s trip. He likes to sit just behind the leaders, which is what he has done in both wins to date and he can go close today.

Selections(4) Hidden Dolpung (3) Royal Elvis (5) Green Darc (6) Heungrok Daebu
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 10

Busan Race 6: Class 2 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(8) BARBARIAN has six wins and a further four runner-up finished from eleven career outings to date. He comes in off a last start class and distance victory on June 13th against what was an arguably tougher set of opponents than today. He does come up slightly in the weights but that shouldn’t be an issue and he should win again. (4) MAPLE CLASSIC comes back up in trip following a good 3rd over 1200M three weeks ago. He can sit handy and run on strong here. Coming back in trip is (3) WORLD TOP. He won at this distance in March in a very fast time before weakening in his first two goes at this class, both over 1800M. This should suit better. Also back in trip is (5) WORLD TODAY. He mixes his form but has a solid record at this distance and should be in at least the placing hunt.

Selections(8) Barbarian (4) Maple Classic (3) World Top (5) World Today
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 5

Seoul Race 7: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(5) VICTOR MOON is a filly going places with two wins and a 2nd from three starts so far, all of them at today’s distance and all in good times. She is up in class but comes down in the weights and with a nice draw looks hard to beat. (10) LEVEL TAP is a 1200M specialist and was a big winner at class and distance last start when, as is his racing pattern, he led. Two starts back he posted a phenomenal time when 2nd to Legend Day. He has to contend with a weight increase, a wide draw and a tough opponent, but don’t rule out him overcoming all three. (1) SPRING KING has shown improvement at recent starts and is worth thought based on his latest outing when 3rd at this distance in a good time. He can maintain that momentum here. (3) BIG TO THE BIG has done her best work at a little bit further but accordingly, you can be sure she will be strong at the finish and can place.

Selections(5) Victor Moon (10) Level Tap (1) Spring King (3) Big To The Big
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 10

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Small field but a tricky one. (7) DAEHAN JILJU has never been outside the top three in six outings to date. He comes in off back-to-back wins in good times over 1400M, with the latest especially impressive. He is up in both class and distance today but should be equal to both and can make it three in a row. Already with three in a row is (2) ACE HAMSEONG. He too steps up in class following his hat-trick with the latest two having been over 1700M. He comes in well at the weights, is versatile in his racing style and from a nice draw, can settle where he pleases. (4) FIRE ROAD has three wins from five starts including one around two turns. At his latest outing, his first at this class, he didn’t run badly, given his barrier and that he was forced wide throughout. He is worth another chance for a place here. (3) MANSE is worth consideration too. He is yet to try this distance, but his racing pattern suggests it may suit.

Selections(7) Daehan Jilju (2) Ace Hamseong (4) Fire Road (3) Manse
Next Best5
Fast Start3, 4, 7, 8

Seoul Race 9: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

(6) CHEONGDAM DOKKI has been one of Korea’s best racehorses for several seasons and is still in form. Disregard his last start when back in distance to 1400M and up against some super one-turn horses, but instead on his two-turn form. He has won two out of his last three at 1800M, carrying 60kg in both. Doubt may have been sowed by that April defeat to the extent that he may not even start as favourite, but his class can see him through here. If he does get turned over then (1) LIL’ PATRON perhaps has the best chance. He was a last start 2nd at this distance in a good time and performs best when handily placed which should be assisted by the inside barrier. (4) HEUNGHAENG JILJU is an up and comer who has won his last two races over 1800M at class 2 level to come up to the elite level for the first time. The likes of Cheongdam Dokki is a different prospect but he comes down in weight and should measure up to the majority of this field. (7) WONDERFUL EVIL may sneak a place based on recent 1800M form including a huge class 2 win on a good time. He wasn’t disgraced first-up in class 1 either.

Selections(6) Cheongdam Dokki (1) Lil’ Patron (4) Heunghaeng Jilju (7) Wonderful Evil
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start4, 7, 6, 11

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 17)

The behind closed doors meeting at Seoul on Saturday is a reasonably decent card with 9 races from 11:00 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Been a stormy week

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

Wide open race to begin with but two last start winners have an excellent chance of repeating. We’ll side with likely favourite (9) ECTON JILJU, who made all for a sharp win over 1000M at start number three on June 6th. It’s true that he weakened in his first two outings, which were both over today’s distance, but he looks to have come on since then and with another good start, he can go all the way again. (11) JUMALUI SIJAK took five attempts to get her maiden win and it too came over 1000M. She has come from off the pace in her races so far so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and she get in at a nice weight here under a good apprentice. (3) ROSEDAY MARINE has a 2nd place to her name and from a good draw should be on pace once more with claims on a place. In a race with not much depth, the first-timers should be in with a shout too, in particular (5) LUCKY THUNDER who ran well for 2nd in a useful time in a trial in late April. It’s taken him a while to get to the races but a similar run to the trial should put him close.

Selections(9) Ecton Jilju (11) Jumalui Sijak (3) Roseday Marine (5) Lucky Thunder
Next Best1, 10
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here and trying to catch one in form won’t be easy. (10) SPEED FLYING is at least consistent and while she is yet to win, she has finished in the top five on nine of thirteen occasions so far. She has registered good times at the distance, carries a light weight, and shouldn’t be troubled too much by the wide draw. We’ll take a chance on her. The probable favourite is (4) EUNHYE PADO, a status earned by a good 4th last start over 1400M when she sat handy from gate nine and then ran on fairly. In other recent starts she had been getting too far back, but she gets her best draw for a long time today and can make it count. (12) HAPPY MONTH has a strong finish on her and if she can keep out of trouble from the wide gate, she should be coming home strong with placing chances. (7) HIT ACE is another in the solid but unspectacular mold and that may be enough to see her challenging for some minor money here.

Selections(10) Speed Flying (4) Eunhye Pado (12) Happy Month (7) Hit Ace
Next Best6, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 9

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

Quite a strong race for the level. (6) LUMINOUS QUEEN is up in class after running 2nd on debut over 1000M before making all to strike easily over 1200M second-up on June 12th. She comes up slightly in trip here but is nicely drawn to be on pace again and she may take some beating. (3) ULTRA KING got his maiden win three starts back over 1400M. He’s been on pace in his subsequent two appearances at this level, both at that same distance and has weakened to 5th and 4th. He drops back slightly in trip today and with Munro aboard can challenge. So can (4) VYING BLADE. He was beaten by Ultra King last time but draws better today and should be going close. (10) GANGSEO PRINCESS has a great start on her but will need to overcome the wide draw to get to her favoured position. (1) FORT SEUONE another in the placing frame.

Selections(6) Luminous Queen (3) Ultra King (4) Vying Blade (10) Gangseo Princess
Next Best1, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 10

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

(4) FASHIONED PASSION put in a disappointing performance when well supported over 1400M on June 12th. Her jockey that day – whose services are not engaged this time – stated that he felt the distance did not agree with her and that she is better at shorter. Well, she goes back in trip today to a distance she won well at two starts back at this class when she settled back from a very wide draw and ran on strongly. She is favoured to return to the winner’s circle today. Instead, her last start jockey gets on (5) DONGJIN CHOEGANG and he is set to be the main danger. He won his opening two races, both at this distance, in fine but contrasting styles before struggling a little at this class over 1400M. He too, should appreciate the step back in trip. We will acknowledge but ignore the potential clue about which one Moon Se Young rides, while accepting it may come back to bite us as Dongjin Choegang does look to have more wins in him. (8) RAON THE TIGER is up in class after a front-running win over 1300M on June 13th. That win had been coming and we can expect him to be on pace or handy here and to be competitive in the finish. (1) ILGYEOK PILSAL comes up in class despite being winless so far but gets in under a nice weight and from the inside gate may sneak a place.

Selections(4) Fashioned Passion (5) Dongjin Choegang (8) Raon The Tiger (1) Ilgyeok Pilsal
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 12

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

(3) RAON PINK will be one of the biggest favourites of the day and she’s hard to oppose having won her latest two starts at 1300M and 1400M in good order, making all in one and sitting on the pace behind the leader in the other before proving too strong late on. The latest of those wins was at this class, the step back in trip is no issue, and she should be leading gate to wire again. (1) COBRA BALL returned from five months off to win easily with an all the way showing over this distance on June 12th. He is up in class but comes down in the weights and draws very nicely. He’ll be on pace too and looks the only credible threat. The rest are not convincing. (2) KING OF SUNDAY ran well for 4th place at class and distance at his last start a month ago, running on from midfield and a similar run should put him in placing contention today. (6) MONEY SIJANG is rarely too far away and is another who should be doing her best work late on.

(more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 11)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and at Busan (7 races from 11:10 to 16:40). Eoma Eoma faces Morfhis and Raon First in Seoul’s feature race. Here are the previews:

Morfhis got the better of Eoma Eoma in last year’s SBS Sports sprint but concedes a huge amount of weight on Sunday

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

We’re go-go on (3) BOGO TTO BOGO here following his last start win at this distance when he settled handily behind the leaders before running on strongly in the straight. He didn’t win by much, but he gets a slightly better draw today and has solid claims to follow up. Likely favourite is (11) JANGSAN GUARD. He is an improving type who ran a close 3rd to Bogo Tto Bogo last time when ridden to the lead early. He may need a bit of luck today from a wide draw but it’s clear he has potential. (12) SOEWAKKOT scored a soft win over 1000M last start. She led all the way and was too strong, registering a fast time. She steps out to 1200M here and doesn’t get much luck with the draw but with some luck can feature in the finish. (5) ICE STAR was a narrow winner at this distance two starts back. He only managed 6th when returning to action on June 19th but can aim for a place here. (4) JILJU BORN another in the placing hunt.

Selections(3) Bogo Tto Bogo (11) Jangsan Guard (12) Soewakkot (5) Ice Star
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 11, 12

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

We’ll take a chance on a first-timer starter here. (6) DONGTEUJA BOY. His dam is a half-sister to Dongbanui Gangja, one of the great runners in Korea of the early 2000s and she herself was a precocious talent winning her first six races. Her first foal to make the track was similarly good early on. Dongteuja Boy ran 3rd in his trial in a fast time behind two experienced racehorses and he has every chance of scoring first up. If you prefer experience, then (2) DOCTOR TEXAS is the one for you. He was 5th on debut over this distance before running a solid 4th over 1300M second-up on June 12th when he was on pace throughout. Back in trip and with a good gate he should be on pace again and has every chance of going all the way. (11) K CHUJKE was a significantly improved 2nd at his third start on June 13th and can build on that here while (1) SPEED MAST and (8) B J SONG have potential for improvement.

Selections(6) Dongteuja Boy (2) Doctor Texas (11) K Chukje (1) Speed Mast
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 9, 12

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

There is just the one unraced entrant here and we’re going to take a chance on him. The only two-year-old in the race, (4) BULBANGUL is a Hansen colt who trialed up very nicely, working home well three-lengths behind international Listed winner Dolkong. He should have derived great benefit from that excursion and with Moon Se Young aboard, is worth serious consideration first-up. (3) GEOLJAK WOMAN has placed at 1200M and returned to form lats start when 2nd over 1000M in a good time She was hard ridden that day to be handy and then ran on well in the straight and did her best work near the finish. A repeat of that run puts her in the mix. (11) REMEMBER WHEN is sure to have backers based on her latest outing when 2nd over 1200M, taking an early bump and then making up ground in the straight. She’s never been worse than 6th in seven appearances and surely goes close again. (1) RUN TO GOAL is worth thought based on her last start 2nd over 1000M, which was a big improvement. She looks ready to step back up in trip and should be competitive.

Selections(4) Bulbangul (3) Geoljak Woman (11) Remember When (1) Run To Goal
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 8, 11, 12

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

(12) MISS INDIE debuted over 1300M on May 30th, quickly working her way to the front from gate eleven and then running on for a comfortable win. Neither the step up in trip or the even wider draw should give her too many problems and the half-sister of Mr. Afleet, a winner of seven from twelve so far, should be maintaining her 100% record here. (3) B.K. KING STAR is likely to be the clear second favourite. He comes in off his maiden win at start five on June 5th when he settled handy before running on strong over this distance. He draws well and can give the favourite a scare. (4) HONEY STAR has hinted at some ability with his best so far being a smart 3rd at this distance back in May and he has placing claims here as does (5) TRIPLE JILJU, who improved last start when 4th in a decent time over 1000M. He tries this trip for the first time today. (2) BLUE OAK the best of the rest.

Selections(12) Miss Indie (3) B.K. King Star (4) Honey Star (5) Triple Jilju
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start5, 7, 9, 12

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

(4) THE FIGHTING has shown ability and last start it began to all come together with a 2nd at this trip in a good time. He worked hard to be on the pace all the way and battled on well. He draws closer today which should assist him. (11) BLUE HAMMER is potentially the betting favourite. Last start in the wet, he was handy before drifting back and working home adequately in the straight. Previously he raced handily on the rails and made-up good ground to be 2nd and could nail this race if he repeated that run although he may need some luck from the wide draw. (7) BEST FORCE has finished close at hand in recent starts in fair times. Last time out he was ridden hard to be midfield before running wide and running on. He can figure in the finish here. (5) DAESEUNG GAON improved to 3rd last time when settled well back in the field and working her way through the field late on. She along with (6) WONDERFUL ORANGE have placing claims.

Selections(4) The Fighting (11) Blue Hammer (7) Best Force (5) Daeseung Gaon
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(8) HAENAM HAMMER registered back-to-back wins over 1200M and a mile in March and April before running 2nd at this distance on her first crack at class 5 on May 29th, beaten by Sunlight Boy. She can be on pace or handy and looks to have the potential for further development. (7) HILL MORE comes in off consecutive runner-up finishes, the latter of which was at this class. He tends to go back and then run on strong and while he does carry an extra couple of kilos today, he should be in the finish today but may have to settle for yet another near miss. (5) FLAT BABE ran 3rd behind Hill More at class and distance on June 6th. Just like Hill More she is yet to win, but she is also yet to miss the top three in four starts. She gets a better draw today and can sit just behind the early speed. That speed may be set by (4) ECOPIA. Having run 3rd on debut, the Colonel John filly broke through at start number two over 1000M on June 12th. She comes up in both class and distance here, but from a good draw can get to the lead and cause problems. (12) SEOBU QUEEN among others with placing claims.

Selections(8) Haenam Hammer (7) Hill More (5) Flat Babe (4) Ecopia
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 10

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

Fillies only here. Likely favourite is (5) YULONG STAR who put in a much-improved run last start at class and distance when she recovered from an awkward start to settle midfield and run on resolutely. She looks ready to win here. (9) SARYEONI QUEEN is up in class following a four-length score last time out on May 29th. She has been consistent and run good times and if she can get on the pace here, she has winning chances again. (2) WONDERFUL HEART is a winner at 1300M and hasn’t been too far away in recent efforts. She is an on-pace type of runner so the barrier brings here into play here. (8) CATCH CHARM has been the beaten favourite at both of her latest two starts. In the first of them she led then weakened in the straight while in the second she was midfield throughout without quickening. She’ll not be favourite today but there is talent there and she’s worth keeping safe in the wider numbers. (11) RUBICON another in the frame.

Selections(5) Yulong Star (9) Saryeoni Queen (2) Wonderful Heart (8) Catch Charm
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

Plenty on the hunt here. We’ll go for (5) DUNCAN to prevail though. He holds the fastest time of any of these which he achieved when registering his maiden win back in January and has since acquitted himself competently enough in starts at 1800M and again at a mile. In this company he should be able to get close to the early pace and this can be his day. (7) POKPUNG EONDEOK beat Duncan last time out as the pair finished 3rd and 4th respectively at class and distance. He likes to go back in his races and then run on and while that does mean he sometimes needs some luck to avoid trouble in running, he can be a big danger here. The experienced (4) MAGIC FLYING looks like he is coming back into form. He ran a close 2nd to Man Of Top when sent off at decent odds just two weeks ago when he worked forward early from a wide draw and with Seo Seung-un taking the ride today, he has every chance. (3) TWO TWO LEADS and (10) SINBIHAN YEOIN are among others with placing hopes.

Selections(5) Duncan (7) Pokpung Eondeok (4) Magic Flying (3) Two Two Leads
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

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

(1) ON POINT broke through for a class 5 win at his latest start over this distance on June 12th. He had the widest gate that day and settled in midfield before running on strong to beat a useful field that contained a couple of today’s rivals. He has shown himself capable of running on pace too, so the inside gate gives jockey Kim Dong-soo plenty of options. He’s the one to beat. (7) JOY BROTHER was 3rd to On Point in that June 29th race. He settled midfield and then ran on, meeting a bit of interference at the 500M. With a clear run today, he can get closer. (9) CHOEGANG BLACK comes up in class after a last start win over 1300M. Her time was competitive, and she appears to have scope for further development. Another last start class 6 winner and possible each-way option here is (10) RULES CLASS. He won by a good margin over 1200M when settling midfield and running on, indicating that he may fancy this distance. (8) FEDERAL EYE is another with solid claims to at least a place.

Selections(1) On Point (7) Joy Brother (9) Choegang Black (10) Rules Class
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 9
(more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 4)

It’s going to be a wet one! The monsoon season arrived in Korea during racing on Saturday and it’s expected to keep on raining for the foreseeable future. There are Sunday cards at Seoul (9 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:30). Blue Chipper faces Doctor Carson once more at Busan while at Seoul there is a heavyweight clash too in the shape of Heuk Jeonsa vs Dia Road. Here are the previews:

It’s been a while since we had some really foul weather

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

Three-year-old fillies get proceedings underway. (6) MODERN TIMES comes in off a good 2nd on debut when after a bump at the start she showed speed to be on pace and ran on well. She twitched her tail a little every time the jockey urged her forward with the crop but responded well to hands and heels. Hopefully she has learned from that and can improve here. (3) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE has improved at every start and showed a nice effort last time when 2nd over 1000M showing plenty of speed to be at the front and finishing off pleasingly. She returns to the filly ranks today, gets a nice barrier and her jockey’s confidence will have been buoyed by a good win last week. (4) HAPPY DAY has placed in two of three starts to date. Her latest was her first since last summer and she could well have come in for it. (2) MAGIC TIDE’s worst finish to date was at this distance but she hung in at the start and took a bump before finishing well and may be worth some though. (5) PRINCESS SOCKS is the only filly in the field with a win to her name and comes into the calculations based on that.

Selections(6) Modern Times (3) Namsan Chocolate (4) Happy Day (2) Magic Tide
Next Best5
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 6

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

(7) AMAZING FOOT is set to be favourite here. He has two runner-up finishes from four starts so far, his latest being a fast race over 1000M on a wet track when he led for much of the way around. He’ll be on speed again here and can go all the way this time.  (2) SEOBU WONDERFUL made an inauspicious start to his career but went back to trial in June and looked a very different prospect. From a good draw, expect to see him on speed here. (1) KING BID has been knocking on the door for a while. He was a good 2nd over 1300M two starts back before leading and then weakening late over 1400M last start. Back in trip today and drawn on the inside can help him go close. The rest of the form in this race is patchy but (5) OMEGA GIRL and (9) QUICK WIND, the latter like Seobu Wonderful having shown promise in a trial since her latest race, which was all the way back last summer, are others to consider.

Selections(7) Amazing Foot (2) Seobu Wonderful (1) King Bid (9) Quick Wind
Next Best5, 10
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 7

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

(1) SAENAE WIN looks ready to win after placing at his last two starts. He has tended to be a little bit slow away, but his most recent performance was good one and with a little bit of luck today, he can make the breakthrough. (9) K N LIGHT is a winner at 1200M already. He has had to work hard from wide draws to get to a decent position and has perhaps paid for it in the later stages of his subsequent two races, but he looked well when winning a June trial and can go close here. (4) MAIN OF KING is worthy of consideration based on his last start over 1200M when he settled well back in the field in the field then ran on really well and doing his best work near the finish.  (8) GEUMA FLAWLESS has been there or thereabouts in recent starts. He met some interference early last time out over 1200M and then settled back before running on strong in the straight. 1300M should suit and with an easier run he can be competitive again. Solitary debut-maker (3) KING CRUSH trialed up in 2nd place behind K N Light and has every chance of going well on his racecourse debut.

Selections(1) Saenae Win (9) K N Light (4) Main Of King (8) Geuma Flawless
Next Best3, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

(4) RUN FIGHTER has a 3rd and a 2nd to his name from two starts so far, both times coming from off the pace and finishing off well. Those races were at 1200M and 1400M respectively so he splits the difference today and under the in-form Perovic can find a nice sport from a good barrier and be too strong late on. The main danger is (7) WINNER STAR. He’s raced just the once so far when he jumped midfield then settled handy and ran on for 2nd behind Wonder Blade. He should have come on for that experience and the additional half furlong today may suit.   (1) FANTASTIC LEADER has two 3rd place finishes and while he only managed 6th on his first try at this distance last start, he draws better today and can be competitive. (2) USEUNG MELODY and (9) CROWN KING STAR are others with the potential to improve.

Selections(4) Run Fighter (7) Winner Star (1) Fantastic Leader (2) Useung Melody
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 7, 9

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

(2) K BLADE is perhaps due a change of luck after three 3rd place finishes at distances out to 1300M. Her racing pattern is to be handy or on the pace and a nice draw here puts her into prime contention. (1) JEONGMUN PRINCE can have his latest start disregarded and instead we’ll look to his previous effort over 1400M when soon after the start he knuckled over but regained his footing before settling near the back and then working home very well for 3rd. He should be in contention here. (6) CHEONDUNGSEJA is the least experienced in the race with five prior outings, but he is showing improvement with a last start 3rd over 1000M. Going out to 1300M here may be a query but his racing pattern to date has been to settle midfield to handy which may suit the longer trip. (8) YEONGUNG DAEMA comes into the picture having been close at his last two starts. Last time over 1300M he was only fairly away but ran on well in the straight. (9) BIG RED the best of the rest.

Selections(2) K Blade (1) Jeongmun Prince (6) Cheondungseja (8) Yeongung Daema
Next Best9, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(7) MUJEOK BULPAE tops all the indicators here. Fastest average first furlong, fastest average final furlong, fastest time at this distance. That latter record was recorded two starts back when beating a few of these when 2nd to Adele Pupil on a wet track and he followed up with another runner-up finish when dropped back to 1200M on June 13th. He carries top weight but should be too good. (5) TEAM SKY was well back behind Mujeok Bulpae two starts ago from a horrible draw but stepped up to a mile last time and made all for a narrow win. Ioannis Poullis isn’t likely to hang about here so expect him to lead again and be in the finish. (4) CHOEGANG LIGER was very slowly away last start before rallying for 6th. He is better than that and has placing claims here along with (6) ROCK PEGASUS and (8) YEONGGWANGUIRUNNER.

Selections(7) Mujeok Bulpae (5) Team Sky (4) Choegang Liger (8) Yeonggwanguirunner
Next Best6, 2
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

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

(8) THE QUEEN JUSTICE ran a good race on her first try at this class when she settled midfield and ran on wide in the straight over 1300M. She comes back to 1200M after a seven-week freshen up and looks nicely in here. The faovurite will be (4) MORNING HILL. He was a good winner of his opening two races but weakened having led over 1400M on his first try at class 5 level on June 5th. Back at 1200M and very nicely drawn, he has every chance of returning to winning ways. (9) CHEONBISEONG comes in after a good 2nd when he settled handy to the leaders and then ran on well on the rails beating a number of these in the process. The draw isn’t ideal but he looks a placing chance. Further back in that race was (6) GREEN POKJU. We’ll give that filly another chance based on her win to starts back at class 6 level when she made all over this distance. (10) STREET GANGJA another in at least the placing frame.

Selections(8) The Queen Justice (4) Morning Hill (9) Cheonbiseong (6) Green Pokju
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 33 Million

(8) SUCCESS MACHO has won both his starts so far in fine fashion with front running performances over both 1200M and 1300M with winning margins of six and five-lengths respectively. He is up in both class and slightly in distance today, but neither should present any issue and he will be hotly favoured to complete a hat-trick of victories. (1) DONGBANUI SIJAK also comes up in class in her case after a less spectacular, but commendably solid start to her career. She comes in after a good 2nd in a fast time to Miss Indie over 1300M and the additional half furlong may suit under a light weight. (2) WONDERFUL KING is yet to score in ten attempts but has four runner-up finishes ad was a decent 4th at this class and distance having led last time out. He draws nicely and can be on pace early. (6) WONDERFUL JAZZ comes up in class and in distance after a decent win over 1200M on June 12th. He can sit on the pace or handy and can be competitive at this level. (9) CHEONNYEONUIGUREUM another with placing hopes.

Selections(8) Success Macho (1) Dongbanui Sijak (2) Wonderful King (6) Wonderful Jazz
Next Best9
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) RAPIDO ARES gets the nod here. Disregard her latest start when she was caught a little wide early from less-than-ideal barrier. She had good form prior to that when on the pace or settled in a handy position and today’s draw helps her chances. (1) LOVE RACE is competitive at most distances. She has tended to get back in her races but from the inside gate here, Antonio Da Silva may opt to have her handy and she comes into the calculations. (6) MONEY SILK is a hard horse to get too enthused over but, in this field, he is a genuine place chance based on times he has run. Last time he was wide but still ran on and should go better here. It’s been a while since (8) MAMMA ROMA placed but she does seem to prefer this distance, and this isn’t the toughest of races. He racing pattern is to settle midfield and run on, she has light weight and looks a money chance. (3) IL MARE mixes his form but is another one who in this company, can aim for a money finish.

Selections(5) Rapido Ares (1) Love Race (6) Money Silk (8) Mamma Roma
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1800M) Allowance / KRW 45 Million

It’s rare in Korea for a horse to tackle 1800M at just his second start but (8) GEUMA STORMING is a four-year-old who went through a good number of trials before making his debut at a mile on June 13th and running a very creditable 2nd having led for much of the race. He should have learned a bit from the experience and is from the track’s top stable. He looks to have an excellent chance of winning here. (9) SEUNGNI TOUT was a last start winner at a mile on May 22nd. That was his maiden win but he has finished in the top four in seven of nine attempts to date and is set to be one of the main dangers here, most likely sitting handy and then running on. That day in May he beat (10) TWO TWO CARLTON, who himself was a class and distance winner in April (with Seungni Tout in 4th). Two Two Carlton likes to settle midfield so the draw should not be a problem. With Perovic taking the ride, there was a chance in tactics on (4) DOCTOR SKY and it did the trick has with a front-running performance he recorded a good 2nd over a mile in a fast time and that brings him into contention here. (5) TOP BEST the best of a competitive rest.

Selections(8) Geuma Storming (9) Seungni Tout (10) Two Two Carlton (4) Doctor Sky
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

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

(more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (July 3)

Saturday was supposed to be the first race meeting at Seoul to take place with fans in attendance since last November, but it was not to be. And while the vaccination program has made rapid progress, as case numbers continue to rise in the Seoul and Gyeonggi area (337 new cases in the capital on Friday), it seems questionable that permission will be granted any time soon. For more background on the abrupt but not unexpected about-turn made by the local authorities see here. There are 9 races at Seoul on Saturday from 11:30 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Fillies kick us off and (4) CHOEGANG QUEEN looks ready to win at what will be start number three for her. She has a 3rd and a 2nd from her two starts so far, both times racing handy and running on in creditable times. She drew wide on both occasions but gets a much better gate today and can make her breakthrough here. (2) LEAD VOCAL is the only runner in the field to already have a victory to her name. That came two starts back in fine fashion when she made all over 1400M in an impressive time on a wet track. She was 5th on her reappearance in early May but won a trial in good order a couple of weeks ago and should be the main danger here. (7) SOBERANIA did nothing much wrong when 4th on debut back in May and can build on that today while (1) FLYING FULL MOON and (8) MODERN BEST are others who have placing chances among this small field.

Selections(4) Choegang Queen (2) Lead Vocal (7) Soberania (1) Flying Full Moon
Next Best8
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

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

The first event of the season for previously unraced two-year-olds race of the season brings with it boosted prize money and no form, so we have to head to the trial videos. Accordingly, (7) YUKWAEHAN NALDEUL is set to jump as favourite having made all to win his qualification trial in early May before doing similar in another voluntary trial, although this time sitting handy, at the end of that month. If he brings that form to the races, he’ll be hard to beat first up. (8) BYEOLI SUNGAN only finished 6th in his heat but the time was a fast one as the trial field that day included some class 1 and class 2 horses and he acquitted himself well. Moon Se Young rode him in the heat and partners him first-up here so he is bound to get plenty of backing. (9) YESULIYA beat a couple of his fellow debut-makers here when running 2nd in his May 21st trial. He led until the final furlong and posted a good time on a wet track. With just nine runners, the wide draw shouldn’t be too problematic. (5) BENCAL PRINCESS made all to win her heat and while the time wasn’t fast, she was a long way clear of the rest of the field and should be able to go well. (3) ROAD ACE didn’t catch the eye in his qualification trial but improved in a voluntary trial two weeks ago when he looked more assured and if he can improve again on that, can be in the finish.

Selections(7) Yukwaehan Naldeul (8) Byeoli Sungan (9) Yesuliya (3) Road Ace
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 5, 7, 9

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

Back to the class 6 fillies here and it is hard to look past (3) AQUA PUNCH. She finished well back on debut but stepped up to score at start number two over 1300M on June 6th. She sat handy that day striking the front in the final furlong and going on well and from a similar draw in what looks a significantly easier assignment, she’ll be hard to beat. (4) ADVANCE has a 3rd place to her name and while that was over 1000M, she comes in under a nice light weight under the same apprentice who rode her that day. She draws well and if she can get a close position early, she can be in the finish. So too can (2) BORI BORI who ran on well from midfield last time for a good, if well-beaten, 4th place. That was her best to date and she can build on it here. (7) CHOENTAP too gets a bit of a weight allowance and may improve in weak company.

Selections(3) Aqua Punch (4) Advance (2) Bori Bori (7) Choentap
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 6

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 33 Million

Three-year-old maidens go around here. (2) IMUGI is set to be the warm favourite having made steady progress across four starts so far including back to back 4th place finishes in his most recent outings at 1200M and 1400M. He steps up to seven furlongs for the first time and from a good draw he can sit handy and then run on and be too strong in the finish. (9) RUN RUN RUN ran out of track at his latest start but when he got well back before running on strong for 6th place. Choi Bum-hyun remains aboard and his first go at an extended trip may be in his favour. The same can be said for (6) WONDERFUL DEVIL, who has settled towards the back of the field at each of her three starts so far before finishing well and similarly looks like she may appreciate a bit of distance. (5) MAGIC JOY and (7) GRAND STAR are others in the hunt for places.

Selections(2) Imugi (9) Run Run Run (6) Wonderful Devil (5) Magic Joy
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9
(more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 27)

All fingers and toes are crossed that Sunday sees the final behind closed doors meetings before the track and other locations in Seoul can re-open next weekend. There are 10 races in Seoul (10:45 to 18:00) and 6 in Busan (12:05 to 17:00). Here are the previews:

East Jet is back on Sunday after being disqualified last start (Pic: KRA)

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

Maidens get us underway. (1) A ONE QUEEN has put in good efforts at her last two starts when on pace. At her latest she stumbled a little at the start before getting close to the lead and running on well. She drops back slightly in trip today and with a better draw looks right in this so we will take a chance on her to beat the likely favourite. That is (11) COMPLETE VALUE, who makes it to the races having won consecutive trials in May. Both times she has been steadily away before cruising away late and 1200M seems ideal first-up. (2) WONDERFUL K placed at this distance at his first start and has performed fairly in three efforts since. He was handy then passed in the run last start and the drop back in trip may suit. It may pay to disregard the latest effort of (7) FINAL ACE when she led but raced ungenerously. Two starts back she ran much better, leading to the 50M and then finishing 2nd and a repeat isn’t impossible. (8) GRAND MASTER is another in the placing frame at least.

Selections(1) A One Queen (11) Complete Value (2) Wonderful K (7) Final Ace
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

(14) GWANGYANG EUTTEUM won a trial in April and was then a good 2nd on his racecourse debut on May 23rd at 1000M and while not assisted by the draw here, he is likely to start a justified favourite. On debut he ran handy before getting caught wide but ran on very strong and won’t need to improve too much. (10) HURRICANE SOCKS has run 3rd at both his latest two starts beating a couple of these in the process. Last time he was caught a bit wide but continued to show improvement and he can maintain his momentum here. (7) STELLA ROAD ran 4th last start behind Hurricane Socks. She was well back turning for home but made up a lot of ground in the straight. That followed a good 3rd on debut and she’s worth thought here with Kim Yong-geun remaining aboard. (6) BLACK INDY and (8) HESSIAN are others with at least placing claims.

Selections(14) Gwangyang Eutteum (10) Hurricane Socks (7) Stella Road (6) Black Indy
Next Best8, 13
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 14

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

(3) AFLEET MARINE has been close at recent starts and perhaps deserves a change of luck. She has a significantly better barrier today compared to last time when she was awkwardly away from gate twelve but proceeded to put in a huge run nonetheless getting to the lead in the straight and only being passed by a couple in the shadow of the post. She has a big chance today. She’ll need to beat the favourite who is likely to be (9) CHOEGANG JANGSAN. No worse than 4th in three outings so far, at his latest start he put in a big run over this distance and just missed out on 2nd. He can come from handy or further back and a win would appear to be in his near future. (5) SINDAERO has raced competitively recently. He raced midfield last time before running on well and a repeat should put him close at the finish. (10) CONDOR YEOWANG ran in a similar fashion at his latest start for 4th and an apprentice taking an additional 2kg off his back brings him into the calculations. (6) WONDERFUL ORANGE another with placing claims.

Selections(3) Afleet Marine (9) Choegang Jangsan (5) Sindaero (10) Condor Yeowang
Next Best6, 11
Fast Start1, 6, 10, 11

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

After back to back runner-up finishes, (4) ACE GUY looks ready to win at what will be start number five. He has been finishing off his races tremendously well and the additional half furlong could well be what he has been waiting for. (2) TRIPLE STORM has been knocking on the door in his latest couple. He tends to get very far back in his races before running on and while he may once more find one or two too quick, he should be coming strongly at the business end. Like Ace Guy, (3) K K WON benefits from a 3kg apprentice allowance. He drops back in trip having led in the straight over a mile last time only to be passed late on by a good winner and he surely goes close again. (9) GALLANT WARRIOR and (12) BLUE OAK among others in the placing frame at least.

Selections(4) Ace Guy (2) Triple Storm (3) K K Won (9) Gallant Warrior
Next Best12, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

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

(10) BODYGUARD is a winner at this distance at his last start in a good time when he settled midfield and finished off nicely. Although he has drawn wider this time, it may actually suit his running style and he will be the one to beat here. (9) STAR RUSH has to be considered on sheer consistency having run 3rd at each of his last three starts. Last time out he settled in the back of the field and ran on strongly with a repeat of those efforts likely to put him firmly in the finish today. (11) JILPUNG BAEKGWANG comes into consideration after her much improved run last start when 3rd over 1400M. She settled much handier than usual that day and if she can do the same over 1300M this time, she can get close. (1) EUNHYE GADUEK should provide each-way value as while his paper form isn’t great, he has made improvement at each run and stumbled at the start before being bumped last time. He should get an easier passage from the inside gate and may be worth a shy at the stumps. (5) CUPID KOREA another with strong placing claims.

Selections(10) Bodyguard (9) Star Rush (11) Jilpung Baekgwang (1) Eunhye Gaduek
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start2, 5, 10, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Two horses who seem to be figuring things out after both making seven starts should head the market here and there seems little to choose between them. We’ll marginally side with (3) DOCTOR TAKE, who has beaten a few of these over his latest two starts, both of them at a mile. In both of those, he has settled in midfield and has run on well for 4th and 3rd. In a race without a huge amount of speed, he may take this on early and it can be third time lucky at the distance today. The big rival is (4) LUCAS SUN who was a touch one-paced on his first try at a mile last time but nevertheless registered a decent time. His style is usually to go back and finish strongly and he is a real chance. (1) SEONGSAN HERO ran 5th behind Doctor Take last start on May 23rd. He was ridden closer earlier than he had been in previous outings and the inside gate could help him today. (7) ACE FOUR TEN and (9) BOUNTY HUNTER among others with claims.

Selections(3) Doctor Take (4) Lucas Sun (1) Seongsan Hero (7) Ace Four Ten
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 9
(more…)

International Exchange Race Saturday -Seoul & Busan: Race-by-Race Preview (June 26)

With any luck this will be the last weekend without any spectators at Seoul Racecourse. Distancing guidelines are set to revised from the start of July that would permit attendance but for now Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, Daegu and Jeju Island remain shut meaning that the only (legal) betting in Korea this weekend will be at Busan, Changwon, Cheonan and Gwangju. On Saturday there are 8 races at Seoul (11:00 to 18:00) and 6 at Busan (11:30 to 16:50). The annual international exchange races will be run at Seoul on Saturday although obviously without any visiting delagtes in attendance and no boosted prize money. Seoul races 4 to 8 are named for (in race order), Tokyo City Keiba, Gold Circle (South Africa), China Horse Industry Association, Jockey Club of Turkey and the Selangor Turf Club (Malaysia). Here are the previews:

Roller Blade, whose three-year-old season was disrupted more than most, finally returns to action on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

Fillies only to kick things off. After back to back runner-up finishes, (1) DONGHAENG will be hot favourite to strike through at start number three here. On debut she ran on well from midfield over 1000M before being on pace throughout at this distance last time. She gets a much better barrier today and looks hard to beat. (2) DASI DUSON has a 2nd place finish to her name and beat a couple of these on her way to a second consecutive 4th place finish at her latest start. Her times haven’t been great but she should be competitive here. (5) ILHYANG DALMA got far too back in her last outing although she rallied well for 5th. She previously beat Dasi Duson when running 2nd at this distance and from a good draw looks a contender. (3) BANGTAN YEOGEOL has the fastest time of any of these at the distance while (6) SEMYEONG HAETSAL is the only one to have previously won a race and those facts put both into at least the placing frame here.

Selections(1) Donghaeng (2) Dasi Duson (5) Ilhyang Dalma (3) Bangtan Yeogeol
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 11

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

After running a strong 2nd on debut, (5) B J MISS was well backed on her re-appearance on May 29th. Things didn’t go well, however, as she was awkwardly away and then wide throughout, failing to run on. She draws a little better today and is worth another chance. (9) BAEK PUNG returned from six months out to run a solid 3rd place over 1000M, settling towards the back of midfield and running on strong. He comes up in the weights here but looks ready for the step up in trip and should be a big danger. (3) FIRST WIND is the solitary previous winner among this field, having scored over this distance all the way back last November. He overcame the widest gate to run a decent 5th last time and can build on that here. (7) CHOEGANG ILSE and (10) DONGBANG CAPTAIN are both a little better than their respective latest efforts suggest and both look a placing line today.

Selections(5) B J Miss (9) Baek Pung (3) First Wind (7) Choegang Ilse
Next Best10, 13
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 12

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

(2) KOREA GIJEOK has raced eleven times and is yet to trouble the scorers but he has been consistent hovering around the minor money and in this weak company, that might be enough to see him home here. He tends to settle back and run on and the step up to 1400M might be just what he needs to finally make the breakthrough. (11) GEUMSUNG CHARMING already has experience at this distance, including his career best 2nd place finish at it in March. He too enters in consistent form and while he has drawn wide consistently, he tends to overcome it and should be a threat here. (8) CHAMILHO comes in off a couple of months out after a good 4th place at 1200M last start. While her only disappointing run so far has been at today’s distance, she looks ready for another crack here. Similarly, (7) GEOSEN JILPUNG was last on his only previous try at 1400M but has subsequently run well at shorter and may be ready to try again. (12) BIBONG MARU will try to cross from the widest gate to lead and f she gets there, could cause some problems at the business end.

Selections(2) Korea Gijeok (11) Geumsung Charming (8) Chamilho (7) Geosen Jilpung
Next Best12, 3
Fast Start3, 8, 11, 12

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

In recent starts, (5) DOCTOR CORNS has looked to get on pace from the start, something he was unable to do in his early attempts at this distance. He has since been tackling further but drops back in trip after some good results. He draws very nicely here – much better than he did before at this distance, and if he gets the lead, today should be his day. (12) CATCH THE SKY was only fairly away on debut but made up significant ground late on over the 1000M. He should have benefited from that experience and the additional furlong today may bring him into the calculations. (2) BAEK SEOL QUEEN put in two sub-par performances in February and April and got sent back to trial. She has had a couple of months off and looked very well when re-qualifying at the end of May and should improve first-up here. (1) MYEONGGA DAERO and (8) SEONGSIL SONYEO are others to consider.

Selections(5) Doctor Corns (12) Catch The Sky (2) Baek Seol Queen (1) Myeongga Daero
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start5, 9, 11, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

No fewer than six last-start winners go around here. (4) SKY MANGCHI ran 2nd on debut, coming from off the pace before leading all the way at this distance to get his maiden win on May 5th. He comes up in class here but draws well and doesn’t have too much to fear. Also up in class is (8) EOSEOWA. He ran out a good winner over 1400M following a couple of near-misses. He likes to settle just behind the early speed and run on strong and he has good claims to be in the finish here. (7) SINUI ADEUL comes up following back to back wins at class 6 level. They were both at 1200M on muddy or worse tracks and a previous try at this distance didn’t go well but he must be taken seriously. (6) ENERGIZER led last start over 1400M but weakened in the straight to finish a very much unplaced even-money favourite. He steps back marginally in trip today to a distance that he has already won at and is set to be one of the principal dangers. Returning to the theme of last start winners up in class, (9) ACE PRINCE made all over 1200M last start and should also be in the frame here.

Selections(4) Sky Mangchi (8) Eoseowa (7) Sinui Adeul (6) Energizer
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start4, 9, 10, 11

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

Fillies (and two mares) only here. A good trial winner in April, (3) MUSIC BOX ran a good 2nd on debut on May 22nd settling in midfield and then running on strong for 2nd place over 1000M. The Indie Band filly should only benefit from the step up in trip and from a good barrier, she can make the breakthrough here. (1) DARI TTEUNI clearly benefited from four months off between January and May because when she returned, she did so in style, settling close to the pace before running on for a good win at this distance at long odds. She will be given more respect today and from the inside has solid claims to be in the finish again. (2) DANCING DRAGON was 2nd in that same race and likewise can go well again but a bigger danger may be (13) STEADY WINNER. She is yet to win in five attempts but is yet to finish any worse than 5th either. She beat a couple of these on her wat to 3rd place over 1400M at her last start and while the draw here doesn’t do her any favours, she should be going close again. She is a half-sister to listed winner Mask. (7) RAPIDO QUEEN, who has a 2nd and a 4th in two starts this preparation, is among others with placing claims.

Selections(3) Music Box (1) Dari Tteuni (13) Steady Winner (2) Dancing Dragon
Next Best7, 9
Fast Start3, 5, 9, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 35 Million

(1) TOUGH MAN is yet to finish any worse than 2nd with two victories to his name, both at this distance. Last time he stepped up to 1400M and ran 2nd to Balvenie, who went on to win again two weeks ago, and back down to 1200M today, he will be expected to return to the winner’s circle, most likely leading gate to wire. This isn’t a one-horse race though. (6) NAUI JEONSEOL come sin off back to back victories. They both came at two turns but while it is interesting to see him dropped significantly back in trip after those successes, he has run well at this trip too. He comes up in the weights but looks the main danger. (4) MONEY CHAMP enters as a last start class and distance winner. He too comes up in the weights but draws well and will be looking to get on pace from the start. (8) GIANT GIRL and (11) GYORYONGDEUKSU are among others will designs on the places.

Selections(1) Tough Man (6) Naui Jeonseol (4) Money Champ (8) Giant Girl
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 11

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

Tricky one but we’ll go with (7) RAON THE POWER to return to winning ways. He won his first two starts and has since followed up with a 2nd and two 3rd place finishes at this class and distance. He can settle just off the pace here and can be too strong late on. (3) ACE SOLOMON looks the biggest danger. A natural front-runner, he dropped back to 1000M to register his maiden victory on June 5th. He draws nice to give himself every chance again here. (6) HALLA NURI’s sole victory was almost a year ago but she has the fastest time for the distance among any of these and isn’t without chances of her own. She has been twice beaten by Raon The Power but should be in the placing mix. (2) TOP ADELE steps up in class but back in trip and is another who has drawn well to get on pace early. (5) APRIL QUEEN, a nice 3rd last time is another to consider for a place.

Selections(7) Raon The Power (3) Ace Solomon (2) Top Adele (6) Halla Nuri
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 35 Million

(9) RACE ROYAL has been getting a bit too far back in her races before running on very nicely indeed. She’s been behind Jangsan Gold in her latest two and fortunately for Race Royal, Jangsan Gold is not here today. She remains nicely in the weights and if she can just avoid giving her rivals too much of a head-start then today can be her day. The main danger is (8) SAENAE SUN, who has finished in 4th place in both her prior starts. The latest of those was in a fast time behind the excellent prospect Victor Moon. She has come from the middle of the pack both times and should run on strong again. (1) MONSTER K was an improved 3rd at his latest effort and looks to be finally figuring things out while (2) MEOTJIN GEUMSEONG is a Korean bred with two wins to his name and after seemingly losing his way a little after being promoted to this level, looks to be finding his feet again. He drops back to this distance for the first time in a while and should be in the finish. Also dropping back is (4) MILKY SHERRY, another locally-bred runner who while she doesn’t exactly win out of turn, generally outperforms her odds.

(more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 20)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 17:00). Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(1) THUNDER K was a last start class and distance winner when he broke nicely and comfortably took the lead midway before running on for a good win. He has a nice draw again today and in a race with no much convincing form in it, he reads as the winner again. (12) DAESAN TEUKGEUP was slowly away and then heavily bumped last start so he actually did well to trail home in midfield. That was all the way back in November last year so disregard it. He trialed up pleasingly in May and can go well first-up today. Solitary debut-maker (8) YUKWAEHAN SEONTAEK looked well-educated when trialing in May, showing speed to lead from a middle barrier and running steady in the straight. He won’t need to improve too much on that to be in the finish today. (2) SARYEONI got buffeted all over the place on debut and should have learned plenty. He has a better gate today and can improve. (11) CHOIN SPARK is another with a good opportunity to improve here.

Selections(1) Thunder K (12) Daesan Teukgeup (8) Yukwaehan Seontaek (2) Saryeoni
Next Best11, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 7, 8

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

Fillies only here. (5) SPEED DANCER could provide some value. She won’t be favourite, but she hasn’t been far away at the finish in her last starts including last time on a very wet track when she settled midfield and made up good ground in the straight. There’s not much exposed form here and she has as good a chance as any. Probably favourite is (1) GABO SARANGHAE. She’s offered consistency and has shown good speed at her latest starts when she has had to overcome wide draws. With the inside gate in her favour today, she surely goes close. Gabo Saranghae is one of only two fillies in the race who has finished on the board to date. The other is (11) SAENAE CHOICE, who got two runner-up finishes in the early part of her career. Her recent form has been fair and while the draw today isn’t ideal as she does her best work when on the early speed, she should be competitive. (13) CHANGI CHARM seems to be on a general trajectory of improvement. She stumbled at the start last time and got well back in the field before running on for a good 5th. Draw doesn’t help here but she can be in the finish. (10) SIMON STORM the best of the rest.

Selections(5) Speed Dancer (1) Gabo Saranghae (11) Saenae Choice (13) Changi Charm
Next Best10, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 11, 13

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Good for a class 6 despite there being only one previous winner in the race and (2) DAESE MANSE picks herself here after a huge nine-length last start win over 1300M when she raced in a handy spot before joining the leaders, then exploded away under hands and heels. Today is a bit further but the result should be the same. (5) ISTHMUS can be considered following his last start 2nd over 1300M in a good time. He settled midfield on the fence and then made up excellent ground in the straight to narrowly miss the chocolates on the line. The extra half furlong is in his favour. (9) GOLDEN BADGE has been consistent across the last few starts, including placing over this trip in a good time. Last time out, in heavy rain, she settled midfield and ran on well to be 4th in a very close finish over 1300M and she has claims here. (11) LAST BOSS has mixed his form but has shown ability and along with (12) YUJEONG CHAMP should be aiming for a money finish.

Selections(2) Daese Manse (5) Isthmus (9) Golden Badge (11) Last Boss
Next Best12, 6
Fast Start2, 7, 9, 11

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

Fillies only to kick things off at Busan and it’s hard to look past (1) GOOD TANK. Having won her trial in fine order in April and was excellent on debut, leading all the way to win by a big margin in a good time. She draws the inside gate for her return, carries exactly the same weight as last time, and looks very hard to beat. (7) MYEONGSEONG MAGIC ran a good 2nd in a very similar all0filly affair at class and distance on May 16th. It was her best finish to date having run close to the pace throughout. She’ll be on pace again along with another strong place hope, (12) JEJUOLLE GIL. The Officer filly raced twice at the backend of last year with her best finish being a 4th place when she led for much of the way around. She trialed up at the end of May looking well and should be in the finish. The others are all going to need to significantly improve. (2) SMARTY DOLPUNG and (5) QUEEN OF HEARTS are perhaps the best contenders to do so.

Selections(1) Good Tank (12) Jejuolle Gil (7) Myeongseong Magic (5) Queen Of Hearts
Next Best2, 11
Fast Start1, 7, 12, 13

Seoul Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 35 Million

(5) YEOLRIN MUN was a shock winner at class and distance on May 9th. It was a narrow win but he did well, overcoming the widest gate and then threading a route through traffic to score with seemingly more in the tank. He is up in weight but draws better and should be in the finish again. We will go with that day’s runner-up (2) RAON LIGHT MAN, to overturn the form though. He was up with the pace that day but was a touch ungenerous in the run. He is very consistent, gets a good draw and while both are up in weight, meets Yeolrin Mun on better terms in that department. (6) HEUNG DREAM enters in great form having won two of his last three, both at 1200M. Sandwiched in between them was a solid 4th at today’s distance when he beat a couple of his rivals here. He drew wide that day so should get an easier run this time and can aim for at least a place. (3) CHEONJI YEOGEOL and (8) BEST TIME are others who can compete for minor money.

Selections(2) Raon Light Man (5) Yeolrin Mun (6) Heung Dream (8) Best Time
Next Best3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 7

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

Tricky race. (4) QUEEN OF THE QUEEN is probably a worthy favourite having won at class and distance on May 16th. That was a big uptick in form and was on a wet track, but it was a fine performance in a fast time and a repeat isn’t impossible. We’ll take her on though. (9) MAJOR FORCE comes in off two good 4th place finishes over a mile. Both times he has been close to the pace only to get beaten in the closing stages. Seo Seung-un remains aboard and the drop back in trip may suit. In contrast, (11) SUSO POWER comes up in trip after some solid efforts over 1200M. She’s settled well back in her latest two only to run on strong finishing 3rd and 4th respectively and it is possible the extra furlong can work in her favour today. (1) PEACE BAEK’s latest two outings at a mile and 1400M have shown promise. From the inside gate, she can sit close to the pace and run on. (2) HONEY STAR mixes his form but the combined factors of distance and draw today mean he can go close.

Selections(9) Major Force (11) Suso Power (4) Queen Of The Queen (2) Honey Star
Next Best1, 5
Fast Start1, 3, 5, 7
(more…)