Seoul

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 14)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 15 races from 10:45 to 18:00. The Jeju and Busan Racecourses will be open to customers at 20% of indoor seating capacity as will the Off Track Betting centres in Busan (both of them), Daegu, Changwon, Daejeon, Gwangju and Cheonan. Seoul Racecourse and all off-track locations in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province will remain closed. Here are the previews for Seoul including the long awaited return of Mark Story in race 13:

Seoul Racecourse remains depressingly empty

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

Wildly competitive opener. (5) GEUMSEONG SEGYE will probably start favourite based on his second-up performance on January 22nd when he beat three of these on his way to 2nd place over 1000M. It was a big improvement from his first run and he went on speed too, which is what he is likely to do here as well, from a good draw. (14) JILJU BORN was 4th in that race on what was his racecourse debut. He ran through the line pleasingly enough and the step up in trip may suit regardless of the wide gate. (8) DREAM KNOCK too did nothing too wrong on debut running 5th over 1000M beating a couple of today’s rivals. She too ran on well and could improve for the additional trip. Those three look to be the main contenders but don’t rule out progress from the likes of (7) ILHYANG DALMA or (11) GLOBAL STORM either.

Selections(8) Dream Knock (5) Geumseong Segye (14) Jilju Born (11) Global Storm
Next Best7, 12
Fast Start3, 5, 7, 11

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

(4) CHEONBISEONG broke through at start number two on January 22nd, leading pretty much from gate to wire over 1000M. He didn’t go especially well at this trip on debut but looks ready for another crack at it and has strong claims on a repeat win here. (8) NAMSAN SIDAE, out of an Oaks winner, was an encouraging 3rd on her debut in January. She ran on well over 1200M and looks well equipped for today’s task. So too does (1) TIZ BLACK. He raced twice in the first half of 2020, registering a 2nd and a 4th. He’s not been seen since last May but led all the way to win a quick trial on a wet track just last week. He looks nicely in first-up today. (11) MEOTJIN GUY showed progress on his second outing in January and can build on it today. There are three first-time starters and among them (10) GRACE LEE looks best equipped to make an immediate impact.

Selections(8) Namsan Sidae (4) Cheonbiseong (1) Tiz Black (10) Grace Lee
Next Best11, 14
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 12

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

Filly maiden here with none of the fourteen having even a top-four finish to their name. (9) SEMYEONG HAETSAL beat a couple of these on debut when running 5th in a very similar race. Accordingly, she has the fastest time of any at the distance and could well start as favourite. (2) HIVE ran 6th on her debut back in January over 1000M. She will be expected to have come on for that run and to be in contention here. (5) JAY EAGLE came home behind Semyeong Haetsal on what was her second start but did improve from her debut and may continue to make progress today. Of the others with experience, (4) SILVER HAMPTON looks the most likely to improve. There are three debut-makers and given the weakness of the race it is worth taking a look at them. Specifically, (13) VESPER, who ran 3rd in her trial in a reasonable time, running through the line strong.

Selections(2) Hive (9) Semyeong Haetsal (13) Vesper (4) Silver Hampton
Next Best14, 5
Fast Start2, 6, 10, 14

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

Fourteen maidens here. (10) BEOLMAL DAEJANG looks the standout having raced twice for a 4th and a 3rd but also having put in a fast time last start at this distance. He can sit just off the pace and prove too strong late on. He’s not the only one to have shown promise though. (14) SKY FUTURE has a 2nd and a 3rd from his two starts so far. He’s come from off the pace on both occasions so the wide draw shouldn’t trouble him too much and he can be a danger today. So too can (9) DREAM LUCKY. He steps up slightly in distance following a much-improved 2nd over 1200M on his latest outing and looks to have more development in him here. Plenty of others in at least the placing frame as well with perhaps (1) SPEED GUY and (5) WONDERFUL K the most likely.

Selections(10) Beolmal Daejang (14) Sky Future (1) Speed Guy (9) Dream Lucky
Next Best5, 4
Fast Start4, 5, 10, 13
(more…)

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 7)

Sunday’s racing is at Seoul with 15 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Seoul Racecourse and all off-track betting centres in the Greater Seoul area remain closed to customers, however, Busan Racecourse and Jeju Racecourse may admit customers along with off-course betting locations in Busan, Changwon, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon and Cheonan. Attendance at these locations is capped at 20% of indoor seated capacity and must be booked in advance using the “MyCard” app. Here are the Seoul previews

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

A maiden for fillies only to kick off with and it’s a competitive one. We going to focus on the ones with least experience, kicking off with (2) WONDERFUL MUSKET. She was a trial winner in November and then came from off the pace on debut to finish a good 5th over 1200M. She should have come on for that run and from gate 2m Johan Victoire may be able to get her closer to the action early on here and she has good claims. So too does (5) LEGEND STAR. She ran on strong for 3rd over 1000M on her debut on January 15th and the additional furlong today should help her a lot. Finishing 4th in that same race was (7) GOLDEN CHANCE. She was on pace throughout that day and should be again. There are three first-time starters among them. (1) DOUBLE TAKE looked very competent when 2nd in a well-run trial a month ago and the Take Charge Indy filly goes straight into contention here. Jockey Moon Se Young getting on a debut-maker is always going to attract attention and (12) GREEN FEELSTAR also showed promise in her trial and could go well first-up.

Selections(2) Wonderful Musket (5) Legend Star (1) Double Take (12) Green Feelstar
Next Best7, 13
Fast Start1, 7, 10, 13

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

A weak maiden here. Going purely on times at the distance (2) DASI DUSON comes out on top. There are other things to like about her too – she is a front-runner and having drawn gate 2, she should get a lead and the trainer/jockey combination gives plenty of confidence too. She will be there or thereabouts. (10) CHEONGSU RIDER offered nothing in four starts last year. However, she won a trial only last week in fine style and so long as she didn’t leave her race on the track there, can go well. (11) GEUMA MAJESTY has hinted at ability across ten starts so far and he too looked well when trialing last week and should be challenging for at least a place. For the win though, we are going to side with a newcomer. That’s (9) DONGJIN CHOEGANG. She ran very competently for 3rd and a good time in a trial a month ago and could have come on just right to debut here under Park Tae-jong.

Selections(9) Dongjin Choegang (2) Dasi Duson (10) Cheongsu Rider (11) Geuma Majesty
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start2, 7, 9

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

Maiden fillies here. (12) COMPLETE STAR has finished as runner-up on both her starts so far at 1200M and 1300M respectively. She showed a nice turn of foot in her latest and while the distance and the draw may both pose questions, she could well overcome them. (7) GEOLJAK WOMAN shouldn’t have a problem with either draw or distance. She has a good finish on her and will be involved at the business end of the race. She will dispute favourite status with Complete Star. (8) A ONE QUEEN has a 4th and a 3rd from two outings so far, both of them over the 1200M. She should be on or close to the pace early and has claims too. (14) THE QUEEN JUSTICE parted company with her jockey early on what was to be her third start in January before completing the course herself. She came away unscathed and while the barrier does her no favours, she looks to be in the hunt as well.

Selections(7) Geoljak Woman (8) A One Queen (12) Complete Star (14) The Queen Justice
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start4, 8, 12, 14

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

A little bit more clear cut this one as (14) K N LIGHT will start a strong favourite. He ran out a good winner over the distance on January 15th and carrying the same weight today should really win again. The gate is not ideal but he is not a front-runner anyway and it shouldn’t matter. (7) EOSEOWA has shown improvement across three starts so far culminating in a 3rd place at the distance last time out. He can build on that a be a threat today. So too can (1) ASTRO. It’s been a full fifteen months since he last raced – poorly – but he has trialed up sporadically over the last year or so and on the basis of the latest of them in January, seems to be getting the hang of things. He’s been gelded and a much better performance from him this time around is possible. (6) CHEONGSAN GASE and (11) WONDERFUL MAMBO are others in the placing hunt.

Selections(14) K N Light (1) Astro (7) Eoseowa (6) Cheongsan Gase
Next Best11, 5
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 11

Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

It’s hard to look too far beyond (4) CHOEGANG GAME here. Having won a trial, the Purge colt emerged from a handy positon to comfortably score over 1300M on debut on January 15th with a couple of his rivals here behind him. He steps up slightly in trip but should have too much and he will accordingly be a hot favourite. He is the only previous winner in the field but both (12) ROAD ROSE and (14) GLOBAL YEONGUNG have been knocking on the door. Both come in following last start runner-up finishes. Both can overcome the wide draws and aim for placing finishes here. (7) VYING BLADE comes in having run 3rd behind Choegang Game last time out. He should be close to the pace and can be competitive again (8) HAPPY MONTH is another in the hunt.

(more…)

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 28)

Sunday sees a behind closed-doors meeting at Seoul with 15 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Racecourses and OTB’s in the south of the country will be open to spectators with advance reservations (made through the MyCard app) at 20% of the indoor seated capacity. The open locations are Jeju Racecourse and Busan Racecourse as well as the off-track betting centres in Busan (both of them), Changwon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju and Cheonan. All betting locations in the Greater Seoul area. including Seoul Racecourse remain closed to customers. Here are the Seoul previews:

Those were the days…

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

Twelve previously unraced three-year-olds make their racecourse debuts here so it’s to the trial videos that we head. And we quickly find that (2) MORNING HILL is going to be a strong favourite. He went through two heats and while poor in the first of those, won his second on February 4th in a fast time with three of his rivals here down the track behind him. He’s well drawn and should win. (12) NORWAY THIRD came 2nd in the same heat, also in a good time. She’s a half-sister to Golden Winner, who has won five of twelve starts to date. (9) VICTORY SAM also looked very handy in her trial and is set to go well first up while (6) LONDON POWER’s time may have been slower but she won her heat well on a track surface that was considerably drier – and therefore slower – than some of the others here. (10) TIFFANY BLUE is out of Fly Top Queen, the most expensive horse imported to Korea for racing and whose other foal has won four from ten. She will have backers.

Selections(2) Morning Hill (12) Norway Third (10) Tiffany Blue (9) Victory Sam
Next Best6, 5
Fast Start2, 9, 12

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

Fillies only here and the two prior winners in the field look set to battle it out for top spot. (1) DAUL QUEEN has raced twice, winning well on debut before running 3rd on reappearance in December. Both were at this distance and both in more than competitive times for this level and she has every chance of winning again. The main danger is (2) IRON MUSKET. She’s one for one having scored a comfortable win on debut on January 8th, with a front-running performance over 1000M. This is tougher but she has every chance. (6) CUPID WONDER hinted at ability when stepped up to this distance last start and while she will need to improve if she is to challenge the favourites, should be aiming for a place. So too (11) ROSEDAY MARINE and (13) GO GO STAR.

Selections(1) Daul Queen (2) Iron Musket (11) Roseday Marine (13) Go Go Star
Next Best6, 12
Fast Start1, 2, 13, 14

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

Three-year-old maidens here. Both (7) RUNNING KING and (14) TOUGH MAN have raced twice and both have finished in 2nd place twice. Tough Man has recorded the superior times at both 1000M and 1200M but Running King has drawn considerably the better of the pair today. He is a front-runner, and it is possible that could be key. (13) ILGYEOK PILSAL led for much of the way on debut over 1000M on January 8th, ultimately ending up 2nd behind a good winner. He beat a couple of today’s rivals and can build on that today. (5) RAON CHAMPSELY was 5th behind Running King last start and can improve today while (1) NEW HOPE ran better than his 7th on debut suggests and could also get in the placing mix.

Selections(7) Running King (14) Tough Man (13) Ilgyeok Pilsal (1) New Hope
Next Best5, 6
Fast Start6, 7, 12, 14

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

Fillies only here and it’s a competitive one. (9) JOYFUL K will almost certainly be favourite. She’s not finished worse than 3rd in four starts so far and registered a good win over 1200M two starts back. She steps up slightly in trip for the first time and has very solid claims. (2) ADAMS APPLE remains a maiden but has come close twice. A front-runner she is nicely drawn to get on pace and looks primed to go close today. Challenging for the early speed too will be (5) K N YEOSIN, a last start winner at class and distance. The apprentice who won on her keeps the weight nice and low and she has the fastest time of all those who have raced at the distance before. (11) EUNHYE PADO and (13) YULONG STAR, the latter a winner over 1200M last start, are others firmly in the frame.

Selections(9) Joyful K (2) Adams Apple (5) K N Yeosin (13) Yulong Star
Next Best11, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(7) MORNING NEWS hasn’t exactly pulled up trees across her three starts so far but then again few of these have. What she has done is shown a little consistency and sticks to her task well. Johan Victoire takes the mount today and having run on well last time, expect her to be a little bit more forward a bit earlier today. (5) CHEON GONG ran poorly over 1200M on his latest outing but looks to be more suited by a bit of distance. He’ll ne close to the pace and should run on. (1) ROAD PINK is the only one of these to have recorded a good time at this distance and for that reason alone she has to enter the equation. That came in a good 4th last time out, her best to date and it could be that she’s finally figuring out what she’s meant to do. (8) CURRERECUS and (14) WONDERFUL JOY are others in the placing frame.

Selections(7) Morning News (5) Cheon Gong (1) Road Pink (14) Wonderful Joy
Next Best8, 3
Fast Start5, 6, 11, 13
(more…)

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 21) – “Dokki Day”

Cheongdam Dokki makes his seasonal re-appearance at Seoul on Sunday and the now seven-year-old will have a weighty task to overcome in the Class 1 feature if he is to make a winning start to the season. There are 15-races at Seoul on from 10:45 to 18:00. The meeting is behind closed doors although betting locations in Busan, Jeju, Gwangju, Daegu, Daejeon, Changwon and Cheonan will be open for betting. Here are the previews:

Seasonal reappearance – Cheongdam Dokku

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

A filly maiden to begin with and of the twelve, seven have raced before. They have all been extremely slow, so we’re going to pass on all of them and focus on the debut-makers and if (4) NAMSAN CHOCOLATE brings his trial form into the race itself, he should be winning fairly easily. She finished 3rd in a creditable time and the Tony Castenheira filly can lead all the way from a good draw here. (10) SMART DAEBO was 4th in the same trial not too far behind and that automatically makes her the second pick on debut as well. (2) FIRENZE CASTLE and (8) LOVE ARCH both posted decent enough times when finishing in midfield in their respective heats, while (1) SWEET KAKAO was a little slower but came out of a trial where there wasn’t much pace and she looks to have a good chance of aiming for some money on debut too.

Selections(4) Namsan Chocolate (10) Smart Daebo (1) Sweet Kakao (2) Firenze Castle
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start2, 4, 11

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

(9) THE KING BLADE has never been outside the top three in three starts so far and got his maiden win on December 20th at this distance. His winning time was more than a second faster anything else in the field has achieved and he really should be backing up with another win today and complete what should be an early double for trainer Tony Castenheira. (6) GEOSEN DOLPUNG looks next best. He ran a useful enough 4th of fourteen on debut a month ago having previously won a trial. While those two jump off the page of the form guide, not much else does. (7) GRAND FLY ran on to record a creditable enough time on what was his second start on December 19th and that may be enough to put him in contention here. (14) RAON THE CHOEGANG was last in that race but previously showed a bit of speed over 1000M and can be included in the numbers here. In such a weak race, it’s worth looking at the first-timers, and of the pair, (4) MAGIC MANJEOM looks the more likely to make an impact first-up.

Selections(9) The King Blade (6) Geosen Dolpung (4) Magic Manjeom (7) Grand Fly
Next Best14, 13
Fast Start6, 8, 9, 14

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

Good little race this and having come close to leading all the way his second start on December 6th, (3) DAEHAN JILJU returns to action here extremely well drawn to get to the lead again this time to hold on.  He’ll be joined on pace by (1) ELITE POWER, who has the fastest time of any of these at the distance. She has tended to weaken late on but looks a potential place line today. (4) GEUMA FLAWLESS is another who looks to be approaching a win.  He ran a solid 2nd place over this distance last start and while a touch consistent should be right in this. The main danger, however, could be (9) GRAND CASTLE. The only one of the fourteen to have visited the winner’s circle already, he stuck on debut last October and followed up with a 3rd and a 2nd. His times have been consistent, and he is another who should be competing for the early lead. (10) CHEROKEE MARINE and (14) NONSTOP CAT are others who are in at least the placing frame.

Selections(3) Daehan Jilju (9) Grand Castle (10) Cherokee Marine (4) Geuma Flawless
Next Best14, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 5, 9

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

Another class 6 with one previous winner in it. That’s (9) SEO E BEONJJEOK and he achieved it last time out at start number three, running on strong from midfield for a tight score at 1200M. The additional half furlong today shouldn’t matter, and he can win again. We’re going to look elsewhere though and in particular to (1) SPOT FLATTER. He was well beaten into 2nd by a good winner last time out but ran on well and with Alan Munro remaining aboard, looks to have solid claims to make the breakthrough this time. (2) TEUKGEUP YEOWANG was 3rd in that same race just before Christmas and can get close again here. The only one of the fourteen to have tackled this distance before is (13) BRAVO MAY. He did it in a reasonable time too and then ran 3rd back at 1200M last start. The draw shouldn’t matter, and he has placing chances. In a race in which overseas jockeys should do well, (4) MAGICUI HAMSEONG, to be partnered by David Breux, looks best of the rest.

Selections(1) Spot Flatter (9) Seo E Beonjjeok (13) Bravo May (4) Magicui Hamseong
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 9, 10

Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here and it looks wide open. We have one previous winner in the shape of (10) GRACE QUEEN, who bested three of these on her way to victory over 1200M on December 20th. Can she do it again? She’ll certainly have her supporters and while she hasn’t tried this distance before, she does have a 3rd place at 1300M. Nevertheless, the runner-up that day (4) ABOUT SOMETHING, has to be strongly considered. She is yet to score in seven but has run very well at this distance and today could well be her day, coming from off the pace. With an extra furlong, she may well have got there last time. (3) SEMYEONG NARAE come sin of a decent 2nd place over 1200M last start. She’s been relatively one-paced so far but sticks to her task well and she may appreciate the additional trip. Similarly, (5) SPEED FLYING doesn’t exactly fly home but does persevere and is consistently close. (9) TELOS has recorded the fastest time of any of these who have tried the distance before and along with (6) REMEMBER WHEN, has place chances here.

Selections(4) About Something (10) Grace Queen (3) Semyeong Narae (9) Telos
Next Best5, 6, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 10

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

(more…)

Seoul Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (February 5)

Blue Chipper will be going around at Busan on Friday but we’re turning our attention to Seoul which will be the location for the international simulcast this week and there are no fewer than 15 races from 10:00 to 17:00. The feature sees what is essentially a Group race run at handicap conditions when Morfhis renews hostilities with Eoma Eoma and Do Kki Blade over 1400M. Here are the previews:

Morfhis beat Do Kki Blade and Eoma Eoma in last summer’s SBS Sprint but Eoma Eoma now holds the 1400M track record and gets an 8kg handicap advantage on Friday

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

Three-year-old maidens here with only four of them having raced before. Of those four, (8) HOLIDAY CHARM ran 2nd on debut over this distance back on November 11th. He registered a creditable time and while it isn’t the most fashionable trainer/jockey combination and perhaps wants a bit further, he is probably worthy of being favourite today. (4) CUPID BULLET ran creditably enough for 5th place on debut at 1200M in December and can improve today while (7) TORUK MAKTO too did nothing wrong on her first try and she should be set to get much closer this time. Of the first timers, the most impressive in trials was (5) CHEONSANGSEONG, who won his heat three weeks ago in the kind of time that if replicated in this kind of race, would usually see him right in the mix. (6) DESK TAP, who came through the same trial, and (9) STAR CRAZY are others who can go well first up.

Selections(8) Holiday Charm (4) Cupid Bullet (5) Cheonsangseong (7) Toruk Makto
Next Best6, 9, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 7

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

(1) WINNER IS WELL struck on debut in December, coming from midfield to score at this distance in a time faster than any of the others here have achieved. He is a five-year-old so he is making up for lost time and he surely makes the most of getting a free hit in the shape of another crack at class 6 today. As for the rest of them, we’re looking for potential rather than achievement with not a single one of them having finished better than 6th. (4) BEST CHEONSANG led for much of the way around on her debut on December 19th before fading in the closing stages for 6th. She should have come on fitness wise for that run and can get closer today. (13) OLD SPECIAL debuted adequately all the way back last July. He’s not been seen since but trialed up in January looking well and should be a factor first up here. (5) ICE STAR and (6) GLOBAL CHEONSA have both been solid if unspectacular across two starts apiece and solid might be enough to get some money today.

Selections(1) Winner Is Well (13) Old Special (4) Best Cheonsang (6) Global Cheonsa
Next Best5, 3
Fast Start4, 13

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

It seems unlikely that this year’s Oaks winner will emerge from this very modest maiden for three-year-old fillies (6) DANCING WITH YOU has shown the most so far, leading for much of the way on debut before finishing 3rd, while racing just off the speed and ending up 4th on her second attempt with both races having been at today’s distance. She has a better draw today and every chance of making the breakthrough. (4) BORAQUEEN has improved across two starts so far, running 5th in her latest having expended up a bit of effort getting to the lead from a wide fate. She too is much better drawn today and can be a danger. Another couple of with seemingly the right trajectory are (2) LUCKY BALLY and (11) DAEJIUI YEOGEOL with both having shown improvement in their respective second outings. (10) K N MENIQUEEN will attract attention as Moon Se Young stays aboard. It is possible that he is simply maintaining relations with a top trainer but while his filly has finished well back in both starts so far, both have been tougher assignments than this and she has the fifth fastest time of the twelve who have raced at the distance already.

Selections(6) Dancing With You (4) Boraqueen (10) K N Meniqueen (2) Lucky Bally
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start4, 6

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

All fourteen tackle 1300M for the first time. We do have two last start winners though and it would be no surprise to see them competing for the win here, despite both having drawn wide. (12) HI HI is slightly favoured. A fast trial winner, he ran 3rd on debut before coming from midfield to comfortably score second up over this distance on December 19th in a decent time. A day later (13) STAR WARS made his own breakthrough. He led from gate to wire to win comfortably having run 2nd on debut. Another who improved on his second start is (14) TAP QUALITY. He is yet to win but ran a good 2nd on his latest outing and it was from the same outside gate that he has to deal with today. Plenty of others have hinted at ability too with (1) ADELE NARAE and (10) THE FIGHTING perhaps best placed to compete for the money here.

Selections(12) Hi Hi (13) Star Wars (14) Tap Quality (10) The Fighting
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start3, 6, 9, 13

Race 5: Class 6 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies only here and (3) CHEONMA TODAY has the opportunity to do something that will hopefully never happen again and that’s win three races in class 6. She has won her latest two in fine fashion by seven and six lengths respectively. She, along with every other runner in the field, steps up to the distance for the first time and there is no reason why it can’t suit. It’s very competitive though. (1) YEONGGWANGUI MISO broke through at start number three on December 20th. She had two 3rd place finishes prior to that and should be on pace from the start here. (9) BLACK ROOKIE was a much improved 2nd on her second start on December 20th, beating a couple of the others who go here in the process. She ran through the line well and may like the additional furlong today. (7) FOREVER ONE and (11) RUBICON also come in off the back of a runner-up finish and have placing claims at least again. There is another previous winner in the field in the shape of (4) QUEEN OF BEST. She scored in a fast time over 1200M in October but was disappointing on her return in December. Up in trip she is worth another chance.

Selections(3) Cheonma Today (1) Yeonggwangui Miso (9) Black Rookie (4) Queen Of Best
Next Best7, 11, 2
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7

Race 6: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 32 Million

(more…)

Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 12)

The last three wagering places that were accepting customers for betting have had to close so with no wagering available in Korea and low Stakes prize-money, we are back to all three tracks running in Korea simultaneously behind-closed-doors just one day a week. That day this week is Saturday and the 12-race Busan card is available for overseas simulcasting so that’s the one we will focus on for our previews, however, there is one sensational race in prospect at Seoul so we’ll add a preview for that at the bottom too:

The racecourses will be deserted and running simultaneously on Saturday only

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

A juvenile maiden to kick things off at Busan with five of the fourteen racing for the first time. (5) HAPPY WOMAN started slowly but ran on for 4th on debut over 1000M on November 20th., registering a fast final furlong. She should have come on for that run and with an extra furlong to play with here, should have every chance. (2) B.J. KING debuted over this trip at the end of October running a somewhat one-paced 6th. Improvement seems on the cards here and he can go close. (10) BAEDARI ICON beat a couple of these on his way to 6th place on debut last month. He benefits again from a very light weight and also can appreciate the additional distance. Among the first-timers, the jockey/trainer combination for (9) GOSUUI POWER will tempt plenty. The colt offered few clues when 2nd in a November trial but looked competent enough. His dam won nine of fifteen races here. (1) WONDERFUL BOBCAT too acquitted himself well in his heat.

Selections(5) Happy Woman (2) B. J. King (9) Gosuui Power (10) Baedari Icon
Next Best1, 3, 6
Fast Start4, 6. 9, 14

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

More maidens and again there are five debut-makers. (13) RANK THE POWER breezed through a trial in mid-November (having missed the qualification time in October) in the kind of time that would see him win plenty of actual five furlong races. The wide draw may not be ideal but if he brings that form here, then he should win. (12) WORLD CHANGE and (14) YEONSEUNG BRAVO are two other first-timers who also suffer from somewhat dodgy draws but performed adequately in trials and can go well first up. As for the ones with prior racing experience, (10) YEONGGWANGUI SPEED has a 3rd and a 4th place finish among three outings so far. He hasn’t been exactly fast but won’t need to be in order to challenge for a place again. It’s a similar story with (5) TEAM SKY who today benefits from a good apprentice jockey taking some weight off. The fastest time of any of these at the distance so far was recorded by (6) GOLD LUCK when 5th on debut and he too can aim for the places here.

Selections(13) Rank The Power (10) Yeonggwangui Speed (5) Team Sky (12) World Change
Next Best14, 6
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8, 13

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

It may be class 6 but there are two previous winners among the field in the shape of (3) FIRST WIND and (12) GOLD MAGIC and it would be no big surprise were either of them to strike again. That said, there are a few who are yet to score who should be firmly in the frame. They include (2) NEW LUX, who has been getting steadily closer over four outing so far. That culminated in a useful 2nd last start behind Good Socks and the filly has every chance of going one better today. (9) OMEGA GIRL beat a couple of these on her way to a career best 3rd place at this distance on November 8th and has every chance of building on that here while (10) JANGSAN PRIDE too improved significantly at his latest outing, running 2nd over 1300M.

Selections(2) New Lux (3) First Wind (12) Gold Magic (9) Omega Girl
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start3, 7, 14

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(4) CATCH THE VICTORY comes in having run 3rd and 2nd in his two starts so far. He was well beaten by a good winner last start but in coming 2nd recorded the fastest time of any of these at the distance and he is the slight pick to go one better here. (7) KING BID steps back up in trip today after a good 3rd over 1000M in November. Seo Seung-un takes over in the saddle and he is sure to have plenty of backers. (9) LUCKY MAGIC looks to finally be figuring things out having run a career best 3rd last time out. Her times haven’t been exactly quick but they she won’t need to be too fast to be in the mix today. There are two first-time starters and (2) SKY MORE looks a prospect. By Hansen and out of a Korean Oaks and SBS Cup winning mare, she ran 4th in her trial in a useful enough time and should go well first-up.

Selections(4) Catch The Victory (7) King Bid (2) Sky More (9) Lucky Magic
Next Best1, 6, 12
Fast Start1, 2, 7

Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A good little race this with plenty in the hunt. (6) TAKE INDY KING was an emphatic winner on debut on November 6th, running on strongly to score by four-lengths. Her is up in both class and in distance today but neither should be an issue and he can win again. So too can (9) TOP OF KOREA. He too is up in class following a win in late August. It came at this distance and if he can get on or close to the speed, he has a good chance of following up. (5) MR. FUSION has the best time of any of these at the distance and from a good draw is likely to be on speed from the start. He too races for the first time since August when he was beaten by (11) POWER GATE. Power Gate has raced twice since then and hasn’t been too far away. A host of others have placing chances with the wildcard being (1) QUEEN UP, who began her career in an ultra-consistent manner but hasn’t raced since January. She trialed up seemingly within herself a couple of weeks ago and could be a factor.

Selections(6) Take Indy King (9) Top Of Korea (5) Mr. Fusion (11) Power Gate
Next Best1, 2, 14
Fast Start5, 9, 11

Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

A somewhat motley mixture of imports and locals ranging from juveniles to seven-year-olds line up here. The first California Chrome to race in Korea makes his debut. (5) BLUE CHAMP trialed nicely and in such a race has to go into contention. So too does another first-timer, (1) CLEAR. He ran 3rd in his trial in a decent enough time on a dry track and the Wolsley/Perovic combination will tempt plenty. As for the rest, (10) ECHO SUN looks the most convincing Although his best recent work has been over 1400M, he enters in good form and while the 57kg won’t help him, he looks to have solid claims. (13) DALGI was a very good winner over 1300M in August and while her performance over this distance at the end of October was slightly concerning, she is worth another chance in this company today. (8) HAPPY GATE has lost his way a touch in his latest two starts but may benefit from the drop back in trip and should be on pace from the start.

Selections(10) Echo Sun (1) Clear (13) Dalgi (5) Blue Champ
Next Best8, 9, 12
Fast Start8, 13

Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

A very competitive race. (14) YEONGGWANGUI TIME was a class and distance winner on October 31st with a front-running performance and came home in a time faster than any of the others have achieved at the distance. He gets no penalty for that win and has every chance of repeating. What he does get though is a bad draw and it won’t be easy for him to get the run of the race this time. (11) TITLE CODE and (10) NICE ONE came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced each other at class and distance on November 6th. Both look in the hunt here and with a weight advantage this time, Nice One could well overturn that form. (7) LUCKY NUMBER ONE is a front-runner who drops back into trip and should be in the frame from a central draw. (2) HAPPY WITCH finds herself up in class after a win and two runner-up finishes in three outings to date. She is nicely drawn to get on the early speed and can be competitive. 

(more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 6)

The locally-bred fillies and mares get their chance to shine at Seoul on Sunday when Oaks winner Uaryung headlines a super-competitive field in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. There is a 9-race behind-closed-doors card at Seoul from 14:00 to 18:00 which is preceded by a 6-race behind-closed-doors card at Busan from 10:45 to 13:30. Here are the previews:

Oaks winner Uaryung headlines Sunday’s Gyeonggi Governor’s at Seoul (Pic: KRA)

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

Great little maiden to start with and six of the full field of fourteen come in having placed on their respective latest starts. We going to tentatively go with (1) BEASTLY, who ran 2nd, well-beaten by a good winner but showing plenty of ability himself, over this this distance on October 31st. Ioannis Poullis can take advantage of the inside draw to put him on the speed and he can lead all the way. (8) BANJIUI GIJEOK comes in off two very encouraging showings as well. She’s a half-sister to some talented, if occasionally fragile, runners and surely has wins in her. (2) STAR EYE hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but nevertheless has a 3rd and 2nd to show for two outings and will be dangerous while (13) THE FIRST FACTOR has demonstrated solid progression across three starts and can continue that today. There are three debut-makers and among them, (6) ALIVE STAR looks the best, having trialed up well three weeks ago.

Selections(1) Beastly (8) Banjiui Gijeok (2) Star Eye (13) The First Factor
Next Best6, 5, 3
Fast Start1, 3, 5

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

(13) SAGARMATHA was an eye-catching winner on debut over this distance on October 31st leading almost the whole way around for an easy score. There is no penalty for it so she gets another crack at class 6 and as we have noted over the past few weeks, the form from those races has tended to hold up well so we will put her on top here, despite the wide draw. Having won a trial in the summer (9) GODDESS MOON looked the part on debut in October, running a useful 2nd at this distance and she should go close again today. (6) YEONGGWANGUI POWER also put in a solid showing first-up over 1000M and the addition of Djordje Perovic can only be a benefit this time. (1) SEOBU QUEEN and (3) SUNLIGHT BOY are others who have hinted at ability and could come into the equation.

Selections(13) Sagarmatha (6) Yeonggwangui Power (9) Goddess Moon (1) Seobu Queen
Next Best3, 4, 2
Fast Start3, 4, 6, 9, 13

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

(8) TOP LUCKY was narrowly beaten into 3rd place last start at this distance in a fast time on a dry track. He has beaten a couple of his rivals here recently and with Franco Da Silva in the saddle today, can make a return to the winner’s circle. (3) ULTRA PHOENIX was a last start winner at class and distance and as she suffers no penalty for it, has to warrant respect in similar company today. She’s well drawn to be prominent from the start. (4) PINEUI KKUM won at this class over 1200M at the end of October. He also has a 2nd place to his name at this distance and is firmly in the hunt for at least a place. (12) STRONG MIND is better than his last start 7th suggests and has outside placing chances while (14) DARK TEMPLAR is inconsistent but has found the money in similar company in the past.

Selections(8) Top Lucky (4) Pineui Kkum (3) Ultra Pheonix (14) Dark Templar
Next Best12, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 12

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

Competitive looking race but the Bart Rice/Djordje Perovic combination is too tempting to ignore. (5) YEOKJEON MYEONGSU ran 2nd on debut over 1200M in October having previously won a trial and while he is up in distance today, the Super Saver gelding looks to have excellent claims. He’s not alone. The experienced (1) SEONGSAN POWER doesn’t exactly win out of turn but rarely fails to pick up a cheque and should be close again today. (7) POKPUNG EONDEOK remains a maiden after six attempts but has the fastest time at the distance courtesy of a very good runner-up finish last start three weeks ago. (11) ROCKY SKY and (3) HANBIT YEONGGWANG came home 2nd and 6th respectively when they raced each other over 1200M a month ago and both should be in the minor money frame today.

Selections(5) Yeokjeon Myeongsu (1) Seongsan Power (7) Pokpung Eondeok (11) Rocky Sky
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 5, 6

Busan Race 5: Class 3 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 32 Million

We’re going with Perovic again. (2) GOLDEN WINNER has prevailed on four of nine occasions with plenty of these back down the track behind him. He won at class and distance two starts back with dropped back from a mile is the one to beat. The super-experienced (10) GANGHAN JILJU took thirty-four starts to make his breakthrough but immediately followed it up with another win and then two 3rd place finishes at this class. A very good apprentice keeps the weight light here and he looks set to be involved in yet another finish. (1) MAN OF THE MATCH and (3) YEONGGWANGUI FIGHT came home 5th and 6th when they raced each other at 1800M last month. They have both been beaten by Golden Winner recently but look to have placing chances here. So too (4) TANGENT.

Selections(2) Golden Winner (10) Ganghan Jilju (1) Man Of The Match (3) Yeonggwangui Fight
Next Best4, 12, 11
Fast Start1, 2, 9, 12

Busan Race 6: Class 1 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(1) SSONSAL is turning into a top-class sprinter and having dispatched a number of the better ones who go here over 1400M on October 16th and getting no penalty for it, there is little to suggest he can’t do the same again over 1200M today. (11) DORAONPOGYEONGSEON got the closest to Ssonsal that day in 2nd. He’s a multiple Group winner at this distance and while he had an apprentice taking weight off that day, he is no stranger to going close under big imposts and he can play a role late on here. (4) RAPIDO MAN won back to back races at class 3 in the summer to get promoted to this level. He looked well when winning a trial two weeks ago from an excellent draw can prove he belongs at this level. (8) A PURE GOOD MAN and (9) MORNING DAERO are others who could place.

Selections(1) Ssonsal (11) Doraonpogyeongseon (4) Rapido Man (8) A Pure Good Man
Next Best9, 12
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 9, 12

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

(10) ACHIM GISANG made all to win on debut on October 23rd over this distance having previously looked impressive in a trial. Due to getting no penalty that day, she gets another crack at class 6 today and it is very hard to imagine anything beating her. If she does manage to go wrong somewhere, then (6) TOUGH MAN is the logical contender to take advantage. He ran a useful enough 2nd on debut over 1000M a month ago and looks to have some potential of his own. It’s slim pickings amongst the others though. (1) ALPHA DOK has a couple of creditable runs to his name and while he hasn’t raced since July, looked well in a trial just last week. (14) ROYAL YEONGGWANG was 5th behind Achim Gisang last start and that too is enough to put him in with a shout of minor money today.

(more…)

Seoul & Busan Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 5)

The virus situation continues to worsen in Korea with country experiencing community transmission almost nationwide for the first time since the pandemic began. Although the numbers remain very small by global standards, regular readers will be aware that racing has been shut down for much less already this year and could well be again. It looks set to continue to cling on by a thread for at least this weekend, however, as Jeju Island, Daegu and Daejeon remain under “level 1.5” instead of “level 2” distancing measures. That means wagering facilities in those places can open at 20% capacity so at least some punters can play. Reservations must be made on the MyCard app the day before race day.

There have been some changes. If – and it is a big if the current schedule holds, on Jeju will race on Fridays while Seoul and Busan race on Saturdays and Sundays, one after the other. Races are contested behind closed doors and for reduced Stake money and horses are not penalised in the handicap for victories. On Saturday, Seoul will go first with 9 races from 10:45 to 15:00 followed by Busan with 6 races from 15:50 to 18:00. The races will be on overseas simulcast. Here are the previews:

Touch Star Man, KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup winner, will be in action at Busan on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

A maiden to begin with and all but one of the fourteen are juveniles with five racing for the very first time. We will side with experience though and (2) ALL HEART is the pick. He debuted promisingly enough in July before following up with a runner-up finish the next month. He is up to 1200M for the first time and from a good draw can lead early and should have too much. None of the other tried ones make for much appeal so we’ll turn to the first-timers to round out our tickets. (10) ZELOS was the fastest of those in trials and looks set to be second-favourite while (3) JAY EAGLE and (8) VIVA LADY also looked well in their heats and can go well first up. One that was less impressive in her trial but may be better suited by today’s 1200M is (14) NONSTOP CAT. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem.

Selections(2) All Heart (14) Nonstop Cat (10) Zelos (8) Viva Lady
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start2, 10

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

Having won a trial, (11) DONG E BEONJJEOK ran a solid 2nd on debut over this distance on October 23rd. He was on the early speed in both of those appearances so while he will need to overcome a wide draw, he looks nicely in to win here. (6) GOLD SPIKE ran 2nd to Dong E Beonjjeok in the trial before finishing 4th on debut and she looks set to build on that here. (2) FASHIONED PASSION came from off the pace to run a strong 4th on her first start in October and she also looks to have the scope for further improvement today. The most experienced horses in the race are (4) GREEN POKJU and (13) THUNDER HORSE who have made three starts apiece. Both have places already and can contest the minor money again today.

Selections(11) Dong E Beonjjeok (6) Gold Spike (2) Fashioned Passion (13) Thunder Horse
Next Best4, 3
Fast Start3, 4, 10, 11

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

(3) GEUMA FLAWLESS has mixed his form across five starts so far but put in a promising run for 5th on his latest outing on October 23rd. From a good draw, Antonio Da Silva can sit behind the early pace and finish strongly. (7) JILPUNG BAEKGWANG has been a touch one-paced in both starts so far. She finally gets a draw that isn’t in the car park today tough so should be handier early and can improve. (9) RAON SPECIAL has the fastest time of any of these at the distance so far and looks likely to play a significant role. She is another who will be looking to finish off strongly. (1) COMLETE SHINE and (11) GOLDEN BADGE are others who should be in the hunt in this modest affair.

Selections(3) Geuma Flawless (9) Raon Special (7) Jilpung Baekgwang (11) Golden Badge
Next Best1, 12
Fast Start2, 6, 8, 13

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Pretty useful class 6 race with three winners getting another crack in the level due to the current Covid-relief rules around racing. We’ll come to those in a moment though because we are putting a maiden on top in the shape of (14) K N MAGIC. The Kantharos filly was a good 2nd on debut beaten only by a good winner and while she has drawn the car park here, she has an extra furlong to play with and that could be key. (1) MOST SPEED was an all the way winner at this distance on October 16th and from the inside gate will be well placed to go forward and get close again. (4) ALCHAN NURI similarly significantly improved to win at this trip in October and can go well once more. (9) SPOTLIGHT was a somewhat anonymous 4th on debut after a dreadful start and can improve today. (7) MACH JIJON, a likely pacesetter, and (8) SOARA BABA, another last start winner, are others in the hunt.

Selections(14) K N Magic (1) Most Speed (9) Spotlight (4) Alchan Nuri
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A competitive race but the consistent (7) UNOECHANGCHEON may have enough about her to win. She has finished no worse than 4th across four starts so far and her win at 1200M was emphatic. She has already posted two competitive times at this distance and could have too much today. (11) WINNER TEMPLAR has also been consistent even though she remains winless. She has acquitted herself well over this trip and can go close. (1) TOP SEED has already won over 1400M. He’s been a little slow to jump in his latest couple but has run on well and can be involved again. (3) POTENTIAL ENERGY is up in class following a good win over 1300M back in August and should be on pace from the start today.

Selections(7) Uneochangcheon (11) Winner Templar (1) Top Seed (3) Potential Energy
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start2, 3, 11

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

(12) THE DREAM comes in here looking to complete a hat-trick of wins and it would be a surprise if he didn’t get it. He gets no penalty for his very good victory at class and distance on October 23rd when he had four of these back down the track behind him and he can repeat today. (9) NUNBUSIN HANSEN and (8) SUPER ECTON came home 3rd and 5th in that race respectively and both can aim to match or improve that today but a stiffer challenge may come from (11) MANSEOK JIGI. The Paynter colt recorded the fastest time of any of these for the distance when winning on November 1st and if he can get to the early pace, can go close once more.

(more…)

Heungbaragi, Heat Yegam Claim Juvenile Wins / Racing To Continue Under Raised Distancing Levels

This year’s juvenile crop got a rare opportunity to run for a big prize at both Seoul and Busan on Sunday with the Jeju Governor’s Cup prize split into two heats and run as what would have been the second leg of the Juvenile Series, both of them over 1200M.

At Busan there were only eight runners but still plenty of intrigue as Winner’s Man and Heat Yegam put their 100% records on the line. While Winner’s Man was favourite, it was Heat Yegam, under You Hyun-myung, who prevailed, leading gate-to-wire for a four-length victory. Winner’s Man was 2nd with Good Socks a further nine-lengths in arrears in 3rd.

Heat Yegam [Take Charge Indy – Desert Heat (Mr. Prospector)] is from the first of what will ultimately be three Korean crops by Take Charge Indy. He’s the third foal from his dam to race in Korea – the other two have both won races but Heat Yegam looks significantly better than either of them.

Up at Seoul the equivalent race attracted a full field of fourteen, including the first five home in August’s Rookie Stakes. Choegangyeongcheon, who only debuted the day before the Rookie, was sent off slight favourite but reared in the gates prior to the start and while passed fit to run, was never a factor.

Instead it was Rookie winner Heungbaragi who made light work of the widest draw to hit the front early and run on for an eye-catching two-and-a-half length win. Super Champion came home in 2nd place with the filly Jedi in 3rd.

Heungbaragi [Old Fashioned – Grand Marketing (After Market)] moves on to three wins from three starts. He is the first foal out of his dam, who did her racing in Korea. He could well be a career-defining horse for veteran jockey Lee Joon-chel.

With Busan having joined Seoul under “Level 2” social distancing rules, both tracks were devoid of spectators over the weekend. Only Jeju Racecourse and four provincial OTBs were able to accept a limited number of customers and accordingly, with the exception of the juvenile races, there was reduced stakes money all around (and horses will not be penalized by the handicapper for their successes or otherwise).

It was feared that the government may raise the level to 2 for the entire country on Sunday afternoon but instead they settled on maintaining the Seoul and Busan levels while raising the rest of the country to 1.5. This means that weekend racing can continue but there will be changes.

Only Jeju will race on Friday while Seoul and Busan will both race – with truncated cards – on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday, Seoul will conduct its card first with Busan immediately following while this will be done in reverse on Sunday. Races will continue to be run for reduced Stake money. The only places which will be open for spectators and betting are the Jeju Racecourse and the Daegu and Daejeon Off-Course Betting centres. Attendance at all three will be limited to 20% of capacity.

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 29)

The Juveniles get their chance to shine on Sunday with the Jeju Governor’s Cup split into two divisions at Seoul & Busan. With 150 Million Won up for grabs in each heat, the races – which act as the two second-legs of the Juveniles Series – are not as valuable as in normal years, but still give the youngsters a chance at a big prize. Both Busan (4 races from 13:00 to 14:20) & Seoul (8 races from 14:50 to 18:00) will race behind closed doors on Sunday although simulcast betting on the races will be available at the Jeju Racecourse plus at four provincial OTBs which are not subject to level 2 social distancing restrictions. Here are the previews:

Who will succeed Roller Blade as Champion Juvenile? The second legs of the 2020 Juvenile Series are on Sunday

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

There look to be two standouts in Busan’s opener. (2) DONGBANUI SIJAK gets another crack at class 6 having prevailed on debut on October 23rd over this distance. From gate 2, Jo In-kwon can settle him close to the early speed and he can run on strongly. (10) MILLION MAKER is still yet to break through but after an inauspicious debut, he has put in two strong showings and has the fastest time of any of these at the distance. He’s not raced since July but trialed nicely earlier this month and should go well under Djordje Perovic. Bart Rice and You Hyun-myung teamed up to win with a debut-maker on Friday and they have another one here in the shape of (6) ACE SOLOMON. He looked well when winning an October trial and looks nicely in here first-up. (3) SPRING FIRE and (5) KWAEHAN HWANGGEUM look best of the rest.

Selections(10) Million Maker (2) Dongbanui Sijak (6) Ace Solomon (5) Kwaehan Hwanggeum
Next Best3, 13
Fast Start1, 3, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s hard to look too far past (1) SPEED KINGDOM here. He had little trouble carting around 57kg when leading gate to wire over class and distance on October 31st. Having drawn the inside again today, Ioannis Poullis will aim to do similar and there’s no reason why he can’t go all the way once more. (10) YEONGGWANGUI EAGLE came home in 3rd place in that race and should be a contender again although a couple of others may offer stiffer challenges. (4) ROCK PEGASUS is up in class after a very solid win at this distance earlier this month. He can set up camp behind the early speed and run on strong late. (2) GABO TODAY was a touch disappointing when relatively well fancied over 1300M two weeks ago. Kim Young-kwan and Djordje Perovic persevere with him and he’s worth another chance here.

Selections(1) Speed Kingdom (4) Rock Pegasus (2) Gabo Today (10) Yeonggwangui Eagle
Next Best8, 7
Fast Start1, 2,

Busan Race 3: Class 3 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 32 Million

It took (3) POWER TRAIN a couple of goes to figure things out but he’s now won all four of his starts in 2020, zipping through the lower grades as a result. Can he make it five in a row? He can but there a couple of caveats. All his victories so far have come at a mile or further and this is his first try at class 3 level. Nevertheless, his class can see him through. If he does come up short, then (1) STAR OREUM is the most likely to take advantage. An excellent class and distance winner on October 31st, beating a couple of these in the process, apprentice Mo-Jun-ho today takes a full 4kg off his back and he has solid claims. So too does (2) POWER WONDERFUL, who drops back in trip having won at this class over a mile earlier this month as well as the ever consistent (7) SPICE CANDY, who in contrast, steps up to seven-furlongs for the first time and can’t be ruled out.

Selections(3) Power Train (1) Star Oreum (7) Spice Candy (2) Power Wonderful
Next Best12, 13
Fast Start1, 3, 4, 7, 11, 12

Busan Race 4: Class Open (1200M) Allowance “Jeju Governor’s Cup” – Busan / KRW 150 Million

Busan’s second leg of the juvenile series. (2) WINNER’S MAN picks himself really, having been hugely impressive in winning all three of his outings to date without breaking sweat. He’s not yet actually run at this distance but having won at both 1000M and 1300M there is little to suggest it will be a problem for him. (8) HEAT YEGAM is the most credible danger. He too is unbeaten and led all the way for an easy win over this distance in 1.13.3 on October 23rd, a time that was faster than both the class 3 and class 4 events over the same distance that day and looks to have the potential for more. The logical trifecta is filled out by (3) MACH TITAN, who led gate to wire for an impressive looking win over the distance at the end of last month, albeit at class 6 level. (4) GOOD SOCKS and (1) TOP MATE to dispute the minor money.

Selections(2) Winner’s Man (8) Heat Yegam (3) Mach Titan (4) Good Socks
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start2, 8

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

The capital’s Sunday program begins with a competitive maiden with five of the fourteen racing for the first time. Of the ones with prior experience, there are a couple of standouts. (4) DAECHEON EOLJJANG came from well back to run 2nd on debut on October 16th. He had a wide draw that day but punters will need to weigh up whether having the benefit of Kim Yong-geun’s experience in the saddle will counter the 4kg extra he needs to carry. (9) JOYFUL K has run twice already with a 2nd and a 3rd place to her name, both at this distance. She has the quickest time of any of these who have tried 1200M – not a great achievement – and should be very competitive here. (8) BIG FORCE ONE improved to 5th on her second outing beating a couple of these in the process. She should be on pace from the stat and can go close. Of the first-timers, the stand out is (3) COMPLETE STAR. She ran 3rd in a very fast trial in October and has every chance of going well on debut here.

Selections(9) Joyful K (4) Daecheon Eoljjang (3) Complete Star (8) Big Force One
Next Best13, 7
Fast Start8, 12

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

Another maiden although this time it is very much the first-time starters who will be favoured. (7) CATCH CHARM looks the best of them having made all to win an October trial. It was the kind of time that would win plenty of class 6 races over the distance and if he brings that form to the races, he’ll win today. (9) SPEAR GUN also caught the eye in trials. The Tourist colt wasn’t quite as quick as Catch Charm but won’t need to have come very much in order to go close on debut today. Among those with experience already, (4) STEADY CHAMPION recorded the fastest time of these on debut at the distance and accordingly has placing claims. (8) EOSEOWA and (12) FANTASY QUEEN are others who can improve.

Selections(7) Catch Charm (9) Spear Gun (4) Steady Champion (12) Fantasy Queen
Next Best8, 14
Fast Start5, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 28 Million

A field of thirteen inexperienced imports take on one local here. The local is a good one, albeit one we haven’t seen for a very long time. (2) MYEONGWANG won two of three starts in 2019 and while he hasn’t raced for a full fifteen months, he looked well in a trial last week and should be right in the mix first-up today. We’re not going to put him on top though. Instead we are going to buy into the minor hype surrounding (5) WILDLY ROMANTIC. The Bayern colt blitzed a trial in October and his debut has been eagerly awaited. He will be expected to win this assignment. (7) ROYAL TAERI also looked good in his latest trial. The Bodemeister colt ran well alongside several established racehorses and should go well first-up today. (1) DOKKAEBE and (12) DANGCHAN SERYEOK are others whose debuts will be watched carefully.

(more…)