Seoul

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 3^rd 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 6^th when returning to action on June 19^th 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 Best	4, 6
Fast Start	1, 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 3^rd 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 5^th on debut over this distance before running a solid 4^th over 1300M second-up on June 12^th 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 2^nd at his third start on June 13^th 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 Best	8, 9
Fast Start	2, 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 2^nd 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 2^nd over 1200M, taking an early bump and then making up ground in the straight. She’s never been worse than 6^th in seven appearances and surely goes close again. (1) RUN TO GOAL is worth thought based on her last start 2^nd 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 Best	5, 6
Fast Start	1, 8, 11, 12

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

(12) MISS INDIE debuted over 1300M on May 30^th, 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 5^th 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 3^rd at this distance back in May and he has placing claims here as does (5) TRIPLE JILJU, who improved last start when 4^th 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 Best	2, 7
Fast Start	5, 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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 3^rd 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 Best	6, 10
Fast Start	2, 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 2^nd 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 3^rd behind Hill More at class and distance on June 6^th. 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 3^rd on debut, the Colonel John filly broke through at start number two over 1000M on June 12^th. 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 Best	12, 1
Fast Start	4, 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 29^th. 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 Best	11, 6
Fast Start	2, 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 3^rd and 4^th 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 2^nd 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 Best	10, 12
Fast Start	2, 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 12^th. 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 3^rd to On Point in that June 29^th 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 Best	8, 2
Fast Start	4, 5, 7, 9

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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 2^nd 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 2^nd 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 Best	5
Fast Start	2, 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 2^nd 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 Best	5, 10
Fast Start	1, 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 2^nd 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 Best	3, 11
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 11

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

(4) RUN FIGHTER has a 3^rd and a 2^nd 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 2^nd behind Wonder Blade. He should have come on for that experience and the additional half furlong today may suit. (1) FANTASTIC LEADER has two 3^rd place finishes and while he only managed 6^th 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 Best	9, 8
Fast Start	1, 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 3^rd 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 3^rd. 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 3^rd 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 Best	9, 7
Fast Start	2, 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 2^nd to Adele Pupil on a wet track and he followed up with another runner-up finish when dropped back to 1200M on June 13^th. 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 6^th. 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 Best	6, 2
Fast Start	1, 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 5^th. Back at 1200M and very nicely drawn, he has every chance of returning to winning ways. (9) CHEONBISEONG comes in after a good 2^nd 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 Best	10, 2
Fast Start	4, 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 2^nd 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 4^th 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 12^th. 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 Best	9
Fast Start	1, 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 Best	3, 9
Fast Start	3, 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 13^th and running a very creditable 2^nd 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 22^nd. 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 4^th). 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 2^nd 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 Best	5, 6
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 8

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

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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 3^rd and a 2^nd 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 5^th 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 4^th 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 Best	8
Fast Start	1, 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 6^th 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 2^nd in his May 21^st 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 Best	5, 4
Fast Start	1, 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 6^th. 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 3^rd 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, 4^th 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 Best	1, 6
Fast Start	3, 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 4^th 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 6^th 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 Best	7, 1
Fast Start	1, 2, 8, 9

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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 2^nd 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 Best	8, 4
Fast Start	2, 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 2^nd on his racecourse debut on May 23^rd 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 3^rd 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 4^th 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 3^rd 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 Best	8, 13
Fast Start	1, 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 4^th in three outings so far, at his latest start he put in a big run over this distance and just missed out on 2^nd. 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 4^th 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 Best	6, 11
Fast Start	1, 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 Best	12, 7
Fast Start	1, 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 3^rd 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 3^rd 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 Best	5, 7
Fast Start	2, 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 4^th and 3^rd. 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 5^th behind Doctor Take last start on May 23^rd. 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 Best	9, 10
Fast Start	1, 3, 7, 9

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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 Best	6, 12
Fast Start	1, 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 Best	10, 13
Fast Start	2, 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 Best	12, 3
Fast Start	3, 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 Best	8, 7
Fast Start	5, 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 Best	9, 11
Fast Start	4, 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 Best	7, 9
Fast Start	3, 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 Best	11, 3
Fast Start	1, 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 Best	5, 4
Fast Start	1, 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.

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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 Best	11, 3
Fast Start	1, 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 5^th. 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 Best	10, 2
Fast Start	1, 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 2^nd 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 4^th 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 Best	12, 6
Fast Start	2, 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 2^nd in a very similar all0filly affair at class and distance on May 16^th. 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 4^th 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 Best	2, 11
Fast Start	1, 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 9^th. 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 4^th 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 Best	3
Fast Start	2, 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 16^th. 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 4^th 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 3^rd and 4^th 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 Best	1, 5
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 7

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Saturday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (June 19)

We are getting closer and closer to the government’s announcement of revised distancing guidelines to take effect from July and whether that means Seoul Racecourse and capital area OTBs will be allowed to admit customers again. That announcement is expected on Sunday. For now though, the same restrictions are in place which mean that this weekend the only betting locations open are in Busan (Racecourse and two OTBs), Changwon, Gwangju and Cheonan. There are Saturday cards at Seoul (8 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and at Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:50). Here are the previews:

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

Last year (7) JILJU DAERO was thought of highly enough to be allowed to take his chance in a couple of bug juvenile races in which he acquitted himself fairly. He has also run some fast times in amongst good quality opposition – better than what most of these have faced. At his last start he led over 1400M before weakening in the closing stages. He has since won a trial in good order and dropping back to the minimum trip today, everything would seem to be set up for him ideally here. He’ll be a big favourite. (2) CHEONGSANGSEONG ran well on debut at this trip in February before struggling a little when stepped up to 1300M last time. Today should suit more. Similarly, (8) VICTORY SAM struggled when asked to go further second-up having previously shown ability over today’s distance. (3) TEUKGEUP YEOWANG and (12) DESK TAP are others who have placing chances.

Selections	(7) Jilju Daero (2) Cheongsangseong (8) Victory Sam (12) Desk Tap
Next Best	3, 5
Fast Start	2, 8, 11, 12

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

(7) ENDLESS RUNNING finished 4^th on debut over 1300M last November having shown on pace early before returning in January with a fair if unspectacular effort in a slow race at 1400M. He hasn’t raced since but he looked very well when winning a trial in a fast time on a dry track at the end of May and this distance first-up could very well suit him today. The main danger and possible betting favourite is (4) SORI OREUM. After settling handy he ran on strong for 2^nd in a good time over this distance on debut on May 8^th. He should have benefited for that experience and can go close again today. Of the others with prior racing experience, (8) TRIPLE JILJU can improve dropped back to this trip for the first time and with an apprentice jockey taking 4kg off his back. There are though a couple of debut-makers to look out for. (1) TES BROTHER led every step of the way to win an admittedly lightly-populated trial just last week. It was a decent enough time and so long as he hasn’t left his race there, should go well. (9) TWO TWO LIME looked all at sea when trialing for the first time in February but was much more accomplished on late May and is another to consider.

Selections	(7) Endless Running (4) Sori Oreum (8) Triple Jilju (1) Tes Brother
Next Best	9, 5
Fast Start	1, 4, 5, 6

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

Fillies only here. Having won an April trial, (7) JUNGCHUBUSA brought that form to the races on debut on May 8^th over 1000M, sitting behind the leader before pulling away in the final furlong to win by as many as she pleased. She won’t need to improve much off that performance in order to win again here. There are two other previous winners in the field. (12) GANGSEO PRINCESS made all to win over this distance on debut in January but came unstuck on her return in March when she had to work hard to overcome a wide draw and then ran out of petrol in the closing stages over this distance. The Gemologist filly has had almost three months off since and while the barrier isn’t ideal again, she is worth another chance. (4) SONGAM CAT also has a tick in the win column although that has been her only showing of note so far. She tends to get a long way back in her races so may need a bit of luck. (1) FANCY PANTS and (6) CUPID WONDER are perhaps preferred to compete for the places.

Selections	(7) Jungchubusa (12) Gangseo Princess (6) Cupid Wonder (1) Fancy Pants
Next Best	4, 3
Fast Start	1, 5, 7, 12

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

It took (7) GOLD FOUNTAIN a couple of goes to figure things out but once stepped up to 1400M on May 30^th he bolted up, coming from off midfield to strike the front in the straight and run on to win very easily. The additional furlong today should suit and he carries the same weight as last time. He looks hard to oppose here. Among those who have raced at a mile before, (1) CRYSTAL THINKING has the fastest time, recorded when running 2^nd, beating a couple of these, on May 23^rd. She draws the same barrier today and she can be a danger. So too can (2) B J’S TERMS. All four of his outings so far have come at this distance and in his latest two he has gone well, coming from well back in the field to finish off strong. Seo Seung-un remains aboard and a late challenge can be expected. (5) TEN TEN QUEEN has been getting too far back in her races but draws a decent gate today and along with (3) ANY LINE, looks best of the rest.

Selections	(7) Gold Fountain (1) Crystal Thinking (2) B J’s Terms (5) Ten Ten Queen
Next Best	3, 10
Fast Start	3, 6, 7, 10

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

There was plenty of merit to (10) BYEOLBIT BOSEOK’s runner-up finish last time over 1300M when he took a bump coming out of the gate before leading until the last half-furlong when he was passed by a good winner for a comfortable 2^nd. He draws a bit further out but comes back in trip and has solid claims. Merit aplenty too with how (1) ICE STAR won at class and distance at odds on May 8^th, stalking the leaders before coming through late on the inside. His times haven’t been fast but the same apprentice who won on him remains aboard, keeping the weight down and he draws the inside gate. (2) USEUNG HWANHUI came home 4^th in that same race continuing a run of solid if unspectacular form. She draws much better today and should be a danger while (6) ETERNAL MEMORY was 3^rd behind Byeolbit Boseok last time out. He never looked like getting to him that day but looks set to be ridden on pace here and overturning the form is not impossible. (14) TEUKGWON is a last start winner who scored over class and distance on May 9^th. He is going to use up plenty of energy getting to a handy position from the widest barrier but a good apprentice taking 2kg off may help.

Selections	(10) Byeolbit Boseok (1) Ice Star (2) Useung Hwanhui (6) Eternal Memory
Next Best	14, 5
Fast Start	1, 5, 6, 14

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (June 13)

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

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

Small field of maidens to kick things off but it’s competitive with two horses set to dispute favourite status. We’re siding with (8) SMART DAEBO who at her last start put in a good run to be a very close 2^nd despite stumbling a little at the start. A repeat of that effort makes her the one to beat here. The main challenger is (2) K BLADE. The Commissioner filly is working up to a win having been placed 3^rd at both most recent starts. Last time on a very wet track she settled close to the leaders and battled on in straight and it would be no surprise were she to breakthrough here. (1) ROSEDAY MARINE raced a little ungenerously last start but has placed at this distance in a nice time and should have placing claims. (6) PURGE QUEEN showed a bit of improvement last time too and can build on that run today. (3) MAIN OF KING another in the placing frame.

Selections	(8) Smart Daebo (2) K Blade (1) Roseday Marine (6) Purge Queen
Next Best	3
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 8

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

(9) LONDON SPEED was a close 2^nd at this trip last start in a satisfactory time and with a big margin to the rest of the field. The same as today she had the outside barrier but showed great speed to get across and lead and if she can do the same, she can win. (4) SMART HIGH has had just the one race start when she was up with the pace and appeared to be in with a really good shout in the home straight. She got run down but with natural improvement from that start she enters the calculations here and could well start the betting favourite. (2) ONLY WINNER has placed 2^nd at both 1400M and today’s distance of 1200M. She ran a nice 4th last start at 1300M, settling close to the pace and battling on well. She has a nice draw and the drop back in trip should enhance her chances. (3) WARRIOR THUNDER can perhaps have his last start disregarded and instead we’ll go on the close at hand 5^th over 1300M when he led to the 100M before being swamped. Back at 1200M and with a good barrier, he could be in the finish.

Selections	(9) London Speed (4) Smart High (2) Only Winner (3) Warrior Thunder
Next Best	7, 8
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 9

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

(3) MY WIN was a huge winner at class and distance in a good time from barrier twelve on April 25^th, settling handily behind the leaders and finishing off way too strong for the rest. Today he has a better draw and looks hard to go past. (10) CHOEGANG JANGSAN has run just twice but has shown ability with back-to-back 4^th place finishes. Last time he settled behind the leaders and struck the front at the 300M but possibly found the 1400M a bit too much too soon. A forward showing today is a real possibility. (9) HAPPY MONTH ran on strong from a midfield position to finish 4^th at this class last start and can aim to at least match that finish today. (2) BALLERINA is the wild card. She has not raced since last August when 3^rd at this distance but looked sharp when trialing up a couple of weeks ago. She will obviously need this, but some minor money is not impossible. (7) AMAZING QUEEN among others in the placing frame.

Selections	(3) My Win (10) Choegang Jangsan (9) Happy Month (2) Ballerina
Next Best	7, 11
Fast Start	1, 3, 10, 11

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

Having gone back to trial after his second career start in March, (9) WONDERFUL FAGER looked a much better prospect when resuming on May 15^th, running 3^rd in a fast time having raced on pace throughout. You Hyun-myung remains aboard, he has the same gate again and this looks to be his for the winning. (5) NEW FIRE beat Wonderful Fager back in March and has since run a 2^nd at 1300M. In his latest two, both at further than today, he has come off the pace but showed when 4^th on debut over 1000M that he can be handy too and he looks the main danger. (4) ANNIKA GIRL practically stopped running at the 300M when sent off as favourite for what was her second start three weeks ago. She had previously run on well over 1000M and the drop back in trip slightly may bring her into the calculations today. (1) HAVE A GOOD TIME was a useful 2^nd at his latest start and while the time wasn’t fast, can build on that here. (7) MAGIC HILL the best of the rest.

Selections	(9) Wonderful Fager (5) New Fire (4) Annika Girl (1) Have A Good Time
Next Best	7, 10
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 8

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

(5) RAON THE TIGER is showing improvement with experience and appears to be ready to go forward now. Last start he was a bit awkwardly away then settled behind the leader and battled on in the straight for 2^nd. While it wasn’t a fast race, a repeat of that run puts him right in this. (2) FLYING INDY is worth consideration after his last start 2^nd at this distance when he was bumped a few times after the start and then making really good ground late on. With a bit more luck he can settle closer today and be in the frame. (3) BEST STORM was a touch disappointing when capitulating late on last start. Back to 1300M may suit better and he’s worth another chance here. (7) POLKA has been much improved at recent starts. Last time at 1200M she was handily placed before running on in the straight while the time before that over 1400M, she ran on resolutely for 4^th and could easily run into a place here. (9) SPEED FLYING the best of the rest.

Selections	(5) Raon The Tiger (2) Flying Indy (3) Best Storm (7) Polka
Next Best	9, 1
Fast Start	5, 7, 9, 13

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

Fillies only here. (6) TAMNA HWANGHU surprised almost everybody with a practically gate to wire easy win over class and distance on May 23^rd. That was her maiden win at start fourteen but with most of her rivals here coming out of the same race, along with a decent draw and an apprentice jockey taking 3kg off her back, lightning could actually strike twice. (10) BURNING GUN and (8) WHITE GALLOPER came home in 4^th and 5^th place respectively in that race. It was just a second start for Burning Gun and an improved showing while White Galloper was slowly away and failed to make ground the way she did when winning at this distance two starts back. Expect both to be in the hunt today. Finishing in 6^th place that day was (9) SECOND WIND, who started favourite following a strong 3^rd at the distance two starts back. She too warrants another chance here. If you don’t like that race, then the one to go for is (7) HORAENGI. Yet to win in six starts she has run some consistent times and could well be on the early speed here.

Selections	(6) Tamna Hwanghu (8) White Galloper (7) Horaengi (9) Second Wind
Next Best	10, 3
Fast Start	5, 7, 9, 10

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

Fillies and mares only here. (9) K N MENIQUEEN came up to this class last start and put in a nice effort over 1400M when she ran on wide in the straight. Back to 1300M and back in fillies and mares company today, she is the one to beat. (11) CUPID POINT ran 5^th on her first try at this class on April 25^th having previously racked up class 6 wins over 1200M and 1400M. She goes best when on or close to the pace so while she may need a bit of luck from a wide gate, she should be competitive here. Also needing luck from even wider will be (14) FORT SEUONE. She ran on well though to hit 3^rd over 1200M last time and the slight step up in trip may be to her benefit. Beating her that day at 1200M was (3) DAEGUN OK. That was a return to form after a couple of average efforts and she flew home from off the pace. She has won at this distance in the past and must be considered here. (13) SANTTEUTHANSEUCHIM is always competitive at this level and despite being another who had no luck on draw day, should be there or thereabouts again.

Selections	(9) K N Meniqueen (14) Fort Seunone (11) Cupid Point (3) Daegun Ok
Next Best	13, 1
Fast Start	1, 11, 12, 14

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Blue Chipper Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (June 6)

Blue Chipper will have the chance to avenge his loss at the hands of Doctor Carson as the two of them face off again in the feature race at Busan on Sunday afternoon. There are 6 races at Busan from 12:05 to 17:00 and 10 at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. The Seoul meeting will be held behind closed doors while there will be limited in person attendance at Busan. Unfortunately, the Daegu City Government has ordered the off-track betting location in that city to be closed as the Coivd alert level in that region has been raised to join Seoul, Gyeonggi and Jeju at “level 2”. Off-track centres in Busan Gwangju, Changwon and Cheonan remain open for limited in-person attendance which must be pre-booked. Here are the previews:

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

This is a race with little exposed form, so we’ll go out on a limb with (4) RUN TO GOAL. She ran well enough over the 1200M last time after stumbling out of the barriers and then copping a bump off the horse on her outside. After meeting interference in the straight she still ran well. She’s well drawn again and with more luck should be in the finish. The favourite will be (9) M J QUEEN on the grounds that she has won a race. That was on debut and while she hasn’t looked like following up in three starts since, she was prominent last time being passed just before the finish. The drop back to 1000M may suit. (10) ECTON JILJU showed improvement at start number two and is another who may appreciate the opportunity to race at five furlongs. (2) SAENAE HWANGJE and (8) TAEYANGTAGO are others whose form is not perhaps as bad as it first looks.

Selections	(4) Run To Goal (9) M J Queen (10) Ecton Jilju (8) Tayangtago
Next Best	2, 5
Fast Start	2, 4, 9, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(1) GEOLJAK WOMAN can be considered here having been placed over 1200M and getting a good barrier. Draw a line through her last start when she was inconvenienced at the start before working home very nicely. A clean getaway today puts her right in the finish. Likely betting favourite is (6) BEST CHEONSANG. She’s been consistent across her four starts so far and with the best first furlong average time of any of these, should relish the chance to compete over five furlongs for the first time. (10) JILJU BORN has raced at this distance already and did rather well at it, finishing 4^th on debut back in January. Las time out he raced green and wide before eventually finding his feet on the fence and that experience may have done him some good. He has a chance. (9) JEONGMUN JIJON was 4^th last start behind a runaway winner. That was an improvement on his previous two efforts, and he won’t need to be too much better to go close here. (3) GLOBAL STORM the best of the rest.

Selections	(1) Geoljak Woman (6) Best Cheonsang (10) Jilju Born (9) Jeongmun Jijon
Next Best	3, 5
Fast Start	3, 6, 10, 12

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

(3) CHEONGDAM TANK comes in with solid form and at het last start was a narrow 2^nd over today’s distance on a wet track. She settled in a handy spot and made up good ground that day and from a better barrier here looks the one to beat. (4) SILVER DRAGON has hit form recently and was doing his best work late on last time out over 1200M. That suggests he is ready for another crack at the slightly further trip today and he should go close. Like Cheongdam Tank, (10) LAST BOSS also enters having run 2^nd at this distance on his latest start. He came from an outside barrier to settle close to the pace that day, running on strongly and a repeat puts him in the finish again. (8) YEONGUNG DAEMA showed improvement last time despite being away awkwardly and then running wide. A more mature run here makes him a solid each-way hope. (11) WONDERFUL TYCOON did nothing too wrong when 4^th on debut last start and is another who can make progress here.

Selections	(3) Cheongdam Tank (4) Silver Dragon (10) Last Boss (8) Yeongung Daema
Next Best	11, 12
Fast Start	3, 5, 10, 12

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

Fillies only here. (1) PUREUN JANGMI is going to be favourite here. She’s a Kim Young-kwan trainee who having won her trial ran 3^rd when favourite on debut. Improvement will be expected on that, and it would be no surprise were she to make her breakthrough here. We’re going to take her on though. (12) SEUNGNI MAGICQUEEN went one better on her debut, finishing in 2^nd place to a good winner and recording the fastest time any of these have managed so far at the distance. The draw is not ideal, but it wasn’t the first time around either and with a bit of improvement she has every chance. Both (2) BYEOLI TTEUNE and (11) SAEMANGUIVISION both showed improvement at their respective latest starts each registering a career best 2^nd place. They look the next best contenders for the money with Saemanguivision the slightly preferred of the pair. There are two debut-makers and (14) ALIVE QUEEN looked competent enough in two trials and can go well first up despite the wide draw.

Selections	(12) Seungni Magicqueen (1) Pureun Jangmi (11) Saemanguivision (14) Alive Queen
Next Best	11, 6
Fast Start	1, 9, 10, 12

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

(2) CHEONMA TODAY is a winner of three from seven and was a super all the way victor over this distance last start. Ostensible she is up in class here but in normal times would have been a number of races back. Add in the nice barrier and she can win again. Favourite will probably be (4) CATCH CHARM. She won her first two and then last start when up in class led while pulling hard before battling on for 5^th. That was her first outing in more than four months so she may well have got the bad manners out of her system, and she can improve here. If she does, she has a winning chance. (6) OLD SPECIAL comes up in class after an all the way score at this distance last time. He may not get things his way quite so easily this time what with there being plenty of other early speed too, but he should still be competitive. (3) RUBICON got her maiden win at start six last time, and she too steps up in grade today. She seems to run well whenever she draws a good barrier and doesn’t need to cross, so she can also be in the finish. (9) SHOWMAKER another in the placing frame.

Selections	(2) Cheonma Today (4) Catch Charm (6) Old Special (3) Rubicon
Next Best	9, 12
Fast Start	2, 4, 9, 11

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

(4) WILD INDIE is set to be hot favourite here. He came from well back to run 2^nd on debut over 1300M before stepping up to a mile and repeating the trick, running 2^nd to a good winner. He’s a half-brother to Beolmaui Kkum and Kkakjaengi, Korean Stakes winners both, and he surely breaks through today. (5) B J’S TERMS was one of those rare horses in Korea who began their career at a mile and all of his three starts so far have come at the distance. He is another who seems to like to come from well back and he did exactly that to beat a few of these when 3^rd last time out. He can continue his progress today. (2) DIA FORCE ran 4^th behind B J’s Terms on his first try at a mile four weeks ago and can aim to match or better that today while (6) KING BROTHER, 5^th in the same race, and (9) MINYEO GEOMGAEK are others in the placing hunt.

Selections	(4) Wild Indie (5) B J’s Terms (2) Dia Force (6) King Brother
Next Best	9, 7
Fast Start	3, 6, 7, 8

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

(5) OXFORD KING picks himself really based on two consecutive wins in good times, beating several of these in the process in the most recent one. He made all both times and while he does carry more weight today, is drawn nicely to repeat. (8) DIA KEY ran 3^rd to Oxford King on May 1^st and meets him on 2.5kg better terms today which can bring him closer. He likes to settle midfield and run on and similar will be expected today. (6) RAON DIA has been 3^rd in both starts at this class. Whether drawn inside or out wide, she sits handy and finishes strong and she should be firmly in contention for at least a place today. (3) DALRINEUN BITKKAL comes up in class and back in distance following a good win over 1400M a month ago. Both of his wins have come when he has led or been in a handy position and he can comfortably sit behind what should be a good pace here and try to take advantage in the closing stages. (9) MONEY CHAMP the best of the rest.

Selections	(5) Oxford King (8) Dia Key (6) Raon Dia (3) Dalrineun Bitkkal
Next Best	9, 2
Fast Start	5, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 35 Million

(9) BEASTLY scored back-to-back class 6 wins in December and April both times leading almost the whole way around. He stepped up to this class three-weeks ago and though sent off favourite couldn’t quite get to where he needed to be from a wide draw ultimately finishing 4^th. The step up in trip should be fine and he can return to winning ways today. (10) FLAT BABE has raced three times and has three runner-up finishes to her name. She too is up in class but has already registered the fastest time among any of these who have previously tackled the distance and another 2^nd place should be the minimum aim. Continuing the theme of those up in class is (1) CHOEGANG LIGER. He has run consistently solid times and can be competitive at this level. (5) INDIAN PARTY and (8) WONDERFUL KING are others in placing contention.

Selections	(9) Beastly (10) Flat Babe (1) Choegang Liger (8) Wonderful King
Next Best	5, 6
Fast Start	4, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 35 Million

Fillies and mares only here and (1) LOVELY K will be a warm favourite. Two starts back she registered a good win in a fast time over the 1200M before running 4^th over 1400M when she got within a length of the winner despite being inconvenienced in the home straight. She can settle handy here and is the one to beat. (9) CHALLENGE SOCKS is a last start winner at this distance at class 5 level. She doesn’t tend to show a lot of early speed, but she ran on well under a confident ride for a win that was easier than the margin suggests. Down in weights, she should be right in this. Disregard the last start of (2) MJ POINT is perhaps worth some thought. In her races she has settled midfield and run on well and both the draw and step up in trip may benefit today. It’s been more than a year since she last ran, and she’ll definitely need this but (3) TIZ ROSE has plenty of ability and trialed up adequately. She could make for an interesting outsider. (11) LIONETTE is still relatively unexposed and was a solid 4^th at start number two a month ago and is another with placing hopes.

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Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 30)

It’s the turn of Morfhis to give away 8kg and try to win a handicap on Sunday. One of the stars of last summer lines up over 1400M in the concluding class 1 feature at Seoul. There are 10 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 17:00. Here are the previews:

Morfhis won the SBS Sports Sprint last summer

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

A very competitive opener but we’ll side with (2) STAR RUSH to finally make the breakthrough at what will be his eleventh attempt. True, he has so far finished no better than 3^rd but he comes in off solid recent performances from wide draws where he is run on well. He is not exactly possessed of early speed so the inside gate today may allow him to settle closer to the leaders. (3) GREAT HANSEN is the only runner here to have a win to her name. That came last start where she showed a big improvement, leading all the way. It was a much more mature performance compared to her previous ones where she had been hard to control. Expect her to lead most of the way and force the rest to try and come past. (8) RULES CLASS is starting to show some consistency and has run times that put him into the picture here. Last start he was 3^rd from a wide draw and can match or better that today. (7) MAD BLADE and (12) LEGEND BOURSE others in the hunt.

Selections	(2) Star Rush (3) Great Hansen (8) Rules Class (7) Mad Blade
Next Best	12, 11
Fast Start	3, 6, 9, 12

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

(7) STELLA ROAD came home 3^rd on her only start so far. It was at this distance on April 25^th and she settled just behind the leaders before working home well. She should have come on for the experience and we’ll be expecting a bold showing today. (12) SECRET BOSS was a much-improved 2^nd last start showing that he is figuring things out. It took him a while to find daylight that day but once he did, he finished off nicely enough and while he may need a little luck from the wide barrier, the 2kg drop with the apprentice on board brings him right into this. (6) WONDERFUL MAMBO led into the closing stages last start before being headed and finishing 4^th or the second time in a row. She’ll head to the lead again and can be involved at the business end. (10) HURRICANE SOCKS and (13) THUNDER HORSE are others with hopes of the money.

Selections	(7) Stella Road (12) Secret Boss (6) Wonderful Mambo (13) Thunder Horse
Next Best	10, 3
Fast Start	5, 6, 7, 10

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

(10) GOLD K is set to be one of the shorter priced favourites of the day. His last start was a good effort when he settled behind the leaders before finding a gap as the field straightened and running on well for a close 4^th. He drops back slightly in trip today and is the one to beat. He sticks out a mile off because the rest have very patchy form. (12) ADVANCE managed a 3^rd place two starts back and that in itself will bring her into the calculations. (1) GEOSEN DOLPUNG is drawn nicely to lead and may well find that not many come past at the business end of the race. (3) LUXURY KING doesn’t have much to recommend about him on the face of it but his last start found him well back and wide on a wet track before running home well and with a better barrier today, he could improve at good odds. (5) GRAND MASTER another to keep an eye on.

Selections	(10) Gold K (12) Advance (3) Luxury King (1) Geosen Dolpung
Next Best	5, 4
Fast Start	1, 9, 12, 13

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies kick us off at Busan and it’s the solitary first-time starter that catches our eye. The Isidore Farm bred (11) MISS INDIE is a half-sister to Mr. Afleet, a winner of seven from twelve so far. She certainly looked the part in her trial, winning the heat in a decent time and it would be no surprise were she to score first up. There are two previous winners to contend with. (2) APRIL QUEEN and (4) DONGBANUI SIJAK. Both scored on debut and while neither have managed to follow up since, both can be dangerous here from good barriers. (5) SAEMULGYEOLUI PADO ran on well for 4^th last start, a big improvement from her debut and is another in the placing frame while (8) QUEEN HARLEY has hinted at ability and gets a top jockey aboard today.

Selections	(11) Miss Indie (2) April Queen (4) Dongbanui Sijak (8) Queen Harley
Next Best	5, 13
Fast Start	2, 4, 7, 9

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

Fillies only in this maiden and it could be a tale of two Choegangs. (11) CHOEGANG BLACK has been competitive in both starts so far. She has slightly fly-jumped the start both times putting her at a slight disadvantage but if she can fix that she has a real chance as she has worked home strongly both times. (10) CHOEGANG QUEEN put in a solid performance for 2^nd place on debut over 1200M racing handily throughout. The step up in trip should be fine and she looks the main danger. (9) SARANG DAMOA is worth consideration on recent efforts. She’s run on well in both of her latest two appearances and if she can find a handy position can be a threat. (5) CONDOR YEOWANG had to contend with a wide gate on her return from eight months out but still ran well enough for a creditable midfield finish. She should be fitter for that and can improve here. (2) HWANGGEUM DALBIT the best of the rest.

Selections	(11) Choegang Black (10) Choegang Queen (9) Sarang Damoa (5) Condor Yeowang
Next Best	2, 3
Fast Start	2, 3, 10, 11

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

Very tricky one. (1) YEONSEUNG MISO has the fastest time of any of these at this distance which she managed last start when recording a career best 3rd. It comes with a warning that it was on a very wet track and really came out of nowhere but for the first time that day she was ridden close to the front early and she has a great barrier to do that again. (6) RUN FIGHTER was 3^rd on debut over 1200M on April 25^th and the way he improved late on that day may make him the betting favourite here. The distance should suit, and he can go close. (8) TRIPLE STORM tends to get a long way back in his races, but he does run on and should pass plenty late on. He looks a solid place line along with (9) POKPUNG JILJU who weakened a little late on over a mile last time out. (3) GOLD FOUNTAIN improved at start number two last time out and the stable he’s from means he is sure to have plenty of backers.

Selections	(1) Yeonseung Miso (6) Run Fighter (8) Triple Storm (3) Gold Fountain
Next Best	9, 10
Fast Start	3, 4, 9, 12

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

A good race with plenty of potential winners. (4) ROYAL ROAD will probably be favourite He was an excellent class and distance winner last start coming from off the pace. He can lead all the way too and while he is up in weight today which may slow him a little, he has every chance of scoring. (5) DONGJIN CHOEGANG has won both his starts so far which puts him up in class. Class 6 winners don’t always measure up in their very first try at class 5 but he is down in weight and has a nice barrier, so he has every chance of being successful. We’ll take a chance with (12) COLJOY too. He put in a fine effort at his first start at this class when away a little slowly and then settling well back before flying home late for 4^th. He is a winner at this distance and a repeat of those efforts plus a touch of luck gives him a potential winning chance here. (6) MAGIC RECORD has a win and a 2^nd, both at 1200M in good times on wet tracks. Up in class today she can be competitive. (3) A.P. PATEK mist also be kept safe as he is a consistent type capable of running on.

Selections	(4) Royal Road (12) Coljoy (5) Dongjin Choegang (3) A. P. Patek
Next Best	6, 13
Fast Start	1, 6, 12, 13

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Horse Racing in Korea

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