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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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