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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 2^nd. 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 3^rd 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

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 4^th 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 2^nd 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 2^nd place secured by (2) MODERN TIMES on debut back in May puts her right in this regardless of the underwhelming 5^th 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.

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

(4) K BLADE racked up three consecutive 3^rd 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 2^nd 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.

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 2^nd at this class over 1200M on June 20^th and has placing chances again. (9) GAGANA among a number of others in the minor money hunt.

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 3^rd 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 4^th at 1200M in June and a similar run today would see her not far off. (8) CHEONJI YEOGEOL was 4^th 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.

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 3^rd 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 4^th on his first try at both class and distance on June 5^th. 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 3^rd. 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 2^nd at 1400M. She tackles two turns for the first time here and it may well suit. (2) SUN FIGHTING the best of the rest.

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 3^rd on his return on July 4^th 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 5^th 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.

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 3^rd 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 26^th. 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 2^nd 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.

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.

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 3^rd in a fast time at class and distance on July 3^rd. 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.

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:

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 6^th. 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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.

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 4^th 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.

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 2^nd on debut over 1000M before making all to strike easily over 1200M second-up on June 12^th. 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 5^th and 4^th. 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.

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 12^th. 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 13^th. 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.

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 12^th. 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 4^th 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.