Punters will be returning in limited numbers to Busan Racecourse this weekend with the city having lowered its social distancing guidelines. The track will be permitted to accommodate 1,017 racegoers indoors with a further 402 outdoor seats available (weather permitting). The two Busan off-track-betting centres at Dong-gu and Yeonje have been approved for 383 and 480 punters respectively. While the Greater Seoul area locations remain closed, this means that across Korea, with Daegu, Changwon, Cheonan and Gwangju also open, 5,204 punters wil be able to have a legal bet on the horses. All seats must be purchased in advance through the My Card app. There are 8 races at Seoul (11:00 to18:00) and 6 at Busan (11:30 to 16:50) on Saturday. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden fillies get us underway. After seemingly drifting aimlessly, (1) WOL YEONG I looks to be figuring things out with a 3rd and a 2nd in her latest two. She runs best on the early speed and today’s draw should help in this respect. She ran a good time at her latest start and a similar run will put her right in the finish here. (6) MODERN BEST ran 5th behind Wol Yeong I least start but had previously beaten her when 2nd at this distance in march. She likes to settle handy and run on and so long as she makes sure she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, can go close. (2) HAPPY DAY raced twice last summer registering a 3rd place on debut. She’s not been seen since August but looked very well when 2nd in a trial in a fast time two weeks ago. If she brings that form to the races, she has a winning chance. (4) SEMYEONG NARAE and (8) SHINE MUSIC have the fastest two times at this distance in the field and both have placing experience.

Selections	(1) Wol Yeong I (2) Happy Day (8) Shine Music (4) Semyeong Narae
Next Best	6, 7
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 9

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

(8) B J MISS showed at the front for most of her debut on April 25th, ultimately finishing 2nd. While that day’s good looking winner only managed 4th on his return, B J Miss should have come on for that run and coming out of the same gate, can get the lead again. She looks hard to beat. (6) LE CONCORD ran 5th in his only start to date last October when he was slowly away but ran on strong. He trialed nicely earlier this month and in this company looks set to go well first up. (5) MY DESTINY has hinted at ability across two starts so far and with a good start should be in the frame while (11) WORLD REMEMBER has plenty of experience and looks a place line in this company. The biggest danger though is likely to be on the of the four first-time starters. (9) GOOD TANK is the first foal to make it to the track out of Clean Up Speed, who won four of her eleven starts. She made all when winning a trial in a good time at the end of April and looks very nicely in here. 

Selections	(8) B J Miss (9) Good Tank (6) Le Concord (5) My Destiny
Next Best	11, 14
Fast Start	4, 6, 8, 13

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

Nice maiden this with plenty coming in looking like they have a win in them. Favourite and top pick is (6) BLUE HAMMER. He came from well back to run 3rd in debut at 1200M before then putting in a more forward showing for 2nd at the same trip on April 25th. The slight step up in distance today can help and he looks to have further development in him. (3) STEAL THE FASHION was 2nd on debut in January before running a decent time over 1400M on a wet track at 1400M. She got too far back last time out over 1200M but the gate and the distance today should suit and she can go close. (4) SAENAE WIN had an uptick in form at his latest outing, running on from well off the pace to grab 2nd at this distance. If Choi Bum-hyun can settle her in a spot that gives her a chance, she will be in the finish. (5) GEOSEN JILPUNG is a model of inconsistency, who was 5th behind Blue Hammer last time out but does have a 2nd place in her form and she can place here. (8) DAEWANGU another in the hunt.

Selections	(6) Blue Hammer (3) Steal The Fashion (4) Saenae Win (5) Geosen Jilpung
Next Best	8, 10
Fast Start	3, 5, 6, 8

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

(9) TOP ADELE overcame the widest draw to get to the lead and beat four of these on his way to a maiden win over this distance on April 25th. He comes very slightly down in the weights and also draws a little better so it is hard to recommend going against the form here. If we do want to take him on then (6) SEUNGNI GLORY is the prime candidate. He was a much-improved 3rd over 1400M on his second start on April 3rd. He got well back that and ran on strong and it could be the additional furlong today works in his favour. (3) DALRYEORA VOLPONI ran 2nd to Top Adele last time. He is another who is usually well back in his races but looks to be figuring out how to run on in the latter stages and he’s a place line again. (8) LUCAS SUN and (10) HONEY STAR are others in the hunt.

Selections	(9) Top Adele (6) Seungni Glory (3) Dalryeora Volponi (10) Honey Star
Next Best	8, 11
Fast Start	3, 6, 8, 10

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

(10) RED PINE has been ultra-consistent across her six starts to date, finishing between 2nd and 6th in all of them. On her only previous try at this distance she recorded the fastest time that any of these have managed and a win doesn’t look far away. Her running style suggests the draw won’t be a problem and today can be her day. (5) BEST STORM came from well off the pace to run a strong 3rd last time out. He has mixed his form a little but looks the main danger here. (3) CHEONJON and (8) JEONGMUN PRINCE came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced one another at class and distance on April 24th with the former racing in midfield and the latter well back before both finishing off well. Both have placing claims again today. (11) BLACK INDY disappointed when well backed in that same race. He is worth another chance today at place odds.

Selections	(10) Red Pine (5) Best Storm (11) Black Indy (3) Cheonjon
Next Best	8, 1
Fast Start	3, 4, 5, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

Two fillies come in here seeking a hat-trick of victories and accordingly, they will be at the top of the market. (9) HAENAM HAMMER has overcome wide draws in her latest two to score impressively at 1200M and 1400M, coming from a handy position the first time and then making all the second. She is up in class here but slightly down in weight and she looks the one to beat. (7) MIDNIGHT QUEEN’s victories have both come at this class and both of them were over today’s distance. She’s nicely drawn to get on pace again and with an apprentice taking 3kg off her back, she looks a real chance too. Plenty of decent others. (1) ALPHA STAR lost his way a bit around the turn of the year but returns for the first time since January having looked very well in a trial last week and he goes straight into the frame. (5) SKY WIN and (6) SUNLIGHT BOY are others in the hunt.

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Closed doors once again this weekend with the only betting locations open those in Jeju, Daegu, Changwon, Gwangju and Cheonan. Saturday see 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 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Fillies kick things off. There is one previous winner in the field with (1) LOVE ARCH having scored on debut at this distance in February. She then followed up by running 4th when put up to today’s trip on April 10th beating a couple of these in the process, coming from well back in the field on both occasions. That’s enough to put her in the mix here but the favourite and top pick is (6) BLACK ROOKIE. She’s raced four times for two runner-up finishes, the latest of which was in a fast time at this distance on April 3rd. Expect her to be kept close to the pace throughout and she should have a bit too much for the rest in the closing stages. (9) NEW HOPE hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but comes in off the back of consecutive 3rd places and should be able to go close again. (11) SMART DAEBO and (12) CUPID WONDER are others who have hinted at ability and can aim for places.

Selections	(6) Black Rookie (1) Love Arch (11) Smart Daebo (9) New Hope
Next Best	12, 3
Fast Start	4, 7, 10, 11

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

Competitive looking affair with plenty coming in with decent form. There is just one previous winner in the race and we’ll go with him to repeat. (6) CATCH THE VICTORY led all the way when winning by as many as he pleased at this distance in December. For his return he led again before weakening over 1400M and has since had four months off. He returned to win a trial in fine order last week and from a good gate has strong claims here. Plenty of others look to have wins in them though. (7) BUSAN ACE and (2) DOCTOR GIANTS came home 2nd and 3rd when they raced one another at this distance on April 17th. Busan Ace led while Doctor Giants came from behind and both should be in the mix again. Disregard the latest start of (8) WONDERFUL FAGER. He went back to trial after it and drops back in trip to the distance at which he ran a good 3^rd on debut. (11) JANGSAN MANGCHI has ran a decent 4^th on his return from ten months out in April and can build on it today.

Selections	(6) Catch The Victory (7) Busan Ace (2) Doctor Giants (8) Wondeful Fager
Next Best	11, 3
Fast Start	6, 7, 9, 10

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

(2) SKY MANGCHI ran a strong 2^nd on debut over 1200M on April 11^th, running on strongly. The additional half furlong should only be to his benefit and he looks set to be one of the hottest favourites of the day and will probably lead all the way. (7) SINDAERO looks like he is starting to figure things out and comes in off three consistent including a last start 3^rd place when he ran on well after a slow start from a wide gate. (11) BIROE KING is the only runner to have already won a race. He was successful over 1200M three starts back and ran well enough for 4^th at this trip last start. His running style suggests that the wide draw shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience and he has a chance here. (4) FLYING INDY and (5) CHOIN SPARK are others to consider for the places.

Selections	(2) Sky Mangchi (7) Sindaero (11) Biroe King (5) Choin Spark
Next Best	4, 3
Fast Start	2, 3, 4, 11

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

(3) FASHION BLADE broke through at start number two over 1400M on April 10^th, coming from well off the pace to win well. There is every indication that a mile should suit just fine and she is likely to be favourite to win again. It is possible to take her on though. (8) WILD INDIE came from well back to run on strongly for 2^nd place over 1300M on debut on April 11^th. He should have learned from that experience and is likely to be the main danger here. (10) AFLEET TAPIT ran 5^th behind Wild Indie at his latest start and is another who may take to the step up in trip today. (1) JANGSAN PRIDE has mixed his form across his nine outings to date with his best result a 2^nd place over 1300M. Perovic remains aboard though and he will have backers. Among those who have tackled a mile before, (12) YEONGGWANGUIRUNNER has set the fastest time and could also be a place line today.

Selections	(8) Wild Indie (3) Fashion Blade (10) Afleet Tapit (12) Yeonggwanguirunner
Next Best	1, 11
Fast Start	2, 4, 6, 7

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

Having won a trial in April, (1) CHOEGANG JANGSAN finished off pleasingly enough after a slightly slow start for 4^th place on debut just two weeks ago. He is up in trip here and with just a little improvement off that run should be right in the mix. The likely favourite is (5) EOSEOWA. Over his five previous starts he has never finished any worse than 5^th and comes in off a career-best 2^nd over 1300M a month ago. From a good draw, expect him to be handy and to run on strong. (2) GO WELL has indeed gone quite well without being spectacular so far. He drops back in trip from 1700M and likes to come from behind with the only question being whether he will leave himself just a little too much to do again. (3) HEUKRYONG GAMU was a much improved 2^nd over this trip last start and can be considered for a place again while (11) JILJU DAERO is another in the hunt.

Selections	(1) Choegang Jangsan (5) Eoseowa (2) Go Well (11) Jilju Daero
Next Best	3, 6
Fast Start	1, 5, 8, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

(7) MUJEOK BULPAE is up in class and distance having registered his maiden win at start number two on April 17^th. That was at 1200M and he ran on strong from a handy position having been drawn wide. He gets a better barrier today and while this is stiffer, he has strong claims again. (14) MILLION MAKER and (5) ADELE PUPIL came home 2^nd and 3^rd when they raced each other over 1200M three weeks ago. Both have a win in their records and while the draw hasn’t been kind to Million Maker, both should be in the placing frame again today. (3) RAON THE STAR has had eight-weeks off since running 4^th to Adele Pupil’s 3^rd at this distance. She’s yet to win in five attempts but is rarely far away and under a light weight can come into the calculations. There are plenty of other place chances throughout the field with (10) NAMYANG SEUNGNI, who beat three of these on his way to 3^rd place at class and distance last start, chief among them.

Selections	(7) Mujeok Bulpae (14) Million Maker (5) Adele Pupil (3) Raon The Star
Next Best	10, 11
Fast Start	3, 7, 13, 14

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

Small but competitive field here. (8) STEADY CHAMPION made all to win at start number three on his first try at this distance on January 29^th. He’s not raced since but comes back looking nicely in here with a repeat victory a possibility. Plenty will take him on though with a filly. (10) BEST TIME registered her solitary victory over 1000M last summer but comes in here after back to back runner-up finishes over this distance. Her running style suggests the wide draw won’t be an issue for her and she could go one better today. We’ll disregard the latest starts of both (7) LAO JIN and (6) NONSTOP WINNING who put in out of character performances. Both should be competitive in this company and are worthy of another chance here. (1) THE BEAST rarely puts in a bad race and while once more others are likely to be quicker, he could sneak into some minor money.

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There are behind closed doors meetings on Saturday at both Seoul (8 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:50). The only betting locations open in Korea are those in Jeju, Daegu, Gwangju, Changwon and Cheonan where advance reservations through the MyCard app must be made.

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

Three-year-old fillies go around in the opener. (1) BURUI YEOWANG was a smart winner on debut, always prominent over 1200M in a fair time on a wet track. For her return she drops back in trip but has drawn nicely on the inside and has solid claims to get on top early and maintain her 100% record. She’ll be the hot favourite. Of the others who have raced before, (11) MAGIC TIDE looks the most promising having run a pleasing 3^rd in a decent time at this distance on debut before being 6^th when stepped up to 1200M on re-appearance. She can settle just off the pace and run on. The main dangers are the first-time starters though with more than one catching the eye in trials. (6) JUNGCHUBUSA went through a couple of heats and while she was pretty ordinary in the first of them, looked much more assured when crossing the line 1^st in the most recent of those in April. (12) SOEWAKKOT posted a god time when trialing up in 2^nd place with the first horse over the line in that heat having debuted creditably last week while (8) SOBERANIA is another who will be expected to go well first-up.

Selections	(1) Burui Yeowang (6) Jungchubusa (11) Magic Tide (12) Soewakkot
Next Best	8, 10
Fast Start	1, 6, 8, 12

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

All but one of these races for the very first time. The one with experience, (7) MAGIC HILL, did ok on debut, leading for part of the race before weakening over 1200M. She’s down in trip, down in the weights and should have come on for the experience which puts her right in the mix here. As for the newcomers, nothing really pulled up trees in its trial. (11) BABEL LILAC recorded the fastest time which will be enough to see her fancied by plenty but it was a fast heat on a quick track. (2) LUCKY RUN was the one who probably emerged with most credit from her heat, battling on well for a competent 4^th in a solid if unspectacular time. She draws well and looks a danger. (10) ECOPIA was on pace quickly in her trial and finished off well in the leading group. She draws wide but with a good start again, should be a factor. (3) RAY VICTOR perhaps best of the rest.

Selections	(7) Magic Hill (2) Lucky Run (11) Babel Lilac (10) Ecopia
Next Best	3, 4
Fast Start	1, 4, 7, 10

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

Maidens go around here. (1) BEOWULF has made enough progress across two trials and then his 3^rd place on debut to warrant favourite status. He sat midfield and then ran on well and with the inside gate today to his benefit, if he continues on the same trajectory he has followed so far, then he can win. (12) USEUNG HWANHUI seems to be figuring things out with two 3^rd place finishes from her latest three starts. Both those came at 1400M so she is back in trip today but she does have the fastest time of any of these at today’s distance and while she has drawn inconveniently, she can go close. Also back in trip is (6) SEMYEONG CAPTAIN, who showed considerable improvement to place 2^nd at this latest start. He has tended to get quite far back in his races but if Park Eul-woon can get him a bit closer a bit earlier, he has claims. (7) GUK HYANG and (11) RETURN BALLY BRAE are others with placing hopes.

Selections	(1) Beowulf (12) Useung Hwanhui (6) Semyeong Captain (7) Guk Hyang
Next Best	11, 4
Fast Start	4, 9, 10, 12

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 22 Million

Two last start winners go head to head here and both of them did absolutely nothing on their respective debuts before coming out to win second-up. (4) ALIVE STAR is slightly favoured. His debut was back in December and he subsequently went through two trials before coming back to score a really good win just twelve days ago on April 25^th. He looked to be getting stronger as the race progressed and can strike again here while the iron is hot. (6) BUSANHANG GALMAEGI clung on for a gutsy all the way win over 1400M on March 6^th. The Alternation colt had previously weakened on debut over this distance but has clearly come on plenty since then. He’ll probably lead again and Alive Star will be forced to try and come past him. (2) GWANGDAESEUNGCHEON showed signs of improvement when beating a couple of these on his way to 4^th place a month ago and he can build on that here. (11) SEOBU QUEEN has been consistent across her four starts so far with three 3^rd place finishes and she should be there of thereabouts again while (13) CHEONGMA HWANGHU has also hinted at ability.

Selections	(4) Alive Star (6) Busanhang Galmaegi (11) Seobu Queen (13) Cheongma Hwanghu
Next Best	2, 9
Fast Start	4, 9, 10, 13

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

(5) SILVER DRAGON returned from eight months out to run a good 2^nd on March 28^th at this distance coming from well back to flash home. Ueda Masashi keeps the ride and they can go one better today. The main danger and possible betting favourite is (7) ROSEDAY MARINE. She has been relatively consistent across her five outings so far culminating in 2^nd place at this distance on April 4^th. She’ll be ridden relatively close to the pace and will surely be in the mix at the finish. (3) RAON THE TIGER drops back in trip after a couple of spins around 1400M with mixed results. He’s drawn well to get on pace here and can stick around to contest at least the places. The only previous winner in the field is (6) LEROY BLANC, who scored over 1400M two starts back. He didn’t so much on reappearance but is worth consideration in what isn’t a strong race. (8) OFFICER COMMANDING another in the hunt.

Selections	(5) Silver Dragon (7) Roseday Marine (6) Leroy Blanc (3) Raon The Tiger
Next Best	8, 9
Fast Start	3, 6, 7, 13

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (9) SAGARMATHA is a winner of two from four so far, finishing 3^rd in the other two. She’s one of four up in class following last start wins but looks best equipped to deal with the step up. She is a front runner, who should be on pace from the start and can go all the way. (4) MASTER QUEEN ran 2^nd to Sagarmatha in February before registering a maiden win of her own three weeks ago. She too is a natural leader and she has the better of the draw suggesting she may be able to cause the favourite some problems. (12) MORNING THUNDER hasn’t raced since winning at class 6 last July. Obviously she’ll need this run but she looked good when putting in a fast time in a trial two weeks ago and could surprise on debut. (5) DALLAE has the fastest time of any of these at the distance and is sure to be in the finish again while (7) GREAT GO remains a maiden but is rarely far away and can be considered fort a place once more.

Selections	(9) Sagarmatha (4) Master Queen (5) Dallae (12) Morning Thunder
Next Best	7, 3
Fast Start	4, 5, 8, 9

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There are behind closed doors meetings on Saturday at both Seoul (8 races from 11:00 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 11:30 to 16:50). The only locations open for betting within in Korea will be Jeju Racecourse as well as the Off-track betting centres in Daegu, Gwangju, Changwon and Cheonan. Here are the previews:

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

A maiden to begin with. Five of the twelve are racing for the first time and one of them, (6) LUMINOUS QUEEN, may start as favourite. The Simon Pure filly ran 2^nd in her only official trial in what was a creditable time under today’s top jockey. This isn’t the most intimidating race to begin in and she should go well. We’ll side with experience though and go with the consistent (2) THUNDER K. He’s finished in the top five on four of six outings to date and has run decent times at this distance. He is well drawn to lead, has Antonio Da Silva in the saddle for the first time, and could make his breakthrough today. (10) WONDERFUL MAMBO is the only one in the race to have a 2^nd place finish to her name and that brings her into the calculations again. (9) REAL CONCORD, a stablemate of Luminous Queen, and (11) TORUK MAKTO are others in the placing frame.

Selections	(2) Thunder K (6) Luminous Queen (10) Wonderful Mambo (9) Real Concord
Next Best	11, 5
Fast Start	1, 2, 10, 11

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

Twelve previously unraced three-year-olds go around here so we need to head to the trial videos for clues. (5) KING ALLIE was the standout, leading his heat all the way to come home in the kind of time that would win plenty of races over this distance. He’s a half-brother to Stakes winning sprinter Do Kki Blade and will be favourite to score first-up here. (2) ANNIKA GIRL also put in a worthy trial performance, registering a quick time and the Kim Young-kwan/Djordje Perovic connection will ensure that she has plenty of backers. Her dam was a solid racehorse in Korea and produced a couple of other useful types. (6) GEUMBANJI came through the same trial as Annika Girl and acquitted herself well enough to have placing chances first-up. (4) GLORY SONG and (8) JJANG I are others who will be expected to get some support.

Selections	(5) King Allie (2) Annika Girl (8) Jjang I (6) Geumbanji
Next Best	4, 3
Fast Start	2, 4, 5

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

(8) DREAM KNOCK will be favourite. After running 5^th on debut, he was a close 2^nd when stepped up to this trip on March 14^th. She has the fastest time of any of these at the distance by some margin and can settle handy here before running on strong. (1) TIFFANY BLUE ran on pleasingly enough on debut, making good ground late over the 1000M to finish 6^th. She should have come on for that and the step up in trip can be to her benefit. Having run well over 1000M on debut, (10) STEAL THE FASHION didn’t do too much wrong when 6^th over 1400M at start number two last month. Today’s distance should suit more and she can go close. (12) MODERN BEST and (7) WOL YEONG I came home 2^nd and 3^rd when they raced each other over this distance on March 21^st and both look to have placing claims again.

Selections	(8) Dream Knock (1) Tiffany Blue (10) Steal The Fashion (12) Moden Best
Next Best	7, 14
Fast Start	7, 10, 11, 14

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

Twelve maiden fillies here. (4) WORLD REMEMBER and (3) QUEEN HARLEY came home 3^rd and 4^th respectively when they raced each other at 1200M on March 20^th. For World Remember it was a big uptick in form following some very average performances, while for Queen Harley, it was her first ever race. There is an extra furlong to play with today and while both should be in the hunt, we’ll go with Queen Harley as having the more potential for improvement. (1) WHITE GALLOPER and (2) HAPPY WOMAN both come in having shown a bit of promise so far. White Galloper has tended to get caught back and wide but has still run on pleasingly enough. She has a much better draw today and can be in the mix. Happy Woman hasn’t shown much in the way of speed but has been competitive and can be so again. So too (6) STEADY WINNER, who has indeed been steady rather than spectacular across three starts to date and looks a place line here.

Selections	(3) Queen Harley (4) World Remember (6) Steady Winner (1) White Galloper
Next Best	2, 11
Fast Start	3, 4, 11, 12

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

Very tricky race here. While (4) BEST STORM wasn’t hugely impressive when 7thover 1400M last start, we’ll drawn a line through that as he after a slow start he ended up well back in the field most of the way around. Two starts back he ran a strong 2^nd to Spotlight and could be the one to beat here. (3) BRAVO MAY too was just average on his latest appearance but had previously put in some solid performances and should be going close here. Along with Best Storm, the only other horse in the field to have a runner-up finish to his name is (12) CONDOR YEOWANG. That was on her second – and most recent – start all the way back last August over 1000M. She looked well when running 2^nd in a fast time in a trial at the start of this month and there’s no reason why she shouldn’t go well first-up against this limited set of opposition. (2) HIT ACE and (8) CHEONSANGSEONG are others who should be competing for at least minor money.

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Sunday’s racing is at Seoul (10 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:05 to 17:00). Both meetings will be run behind closed doors but the Jeju Racecourse as well as OCBs at Daegu, Gwangju and Cheonan will be open for betting. Here are the previews:

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

(3) CHEON CHONG gets his chance here following a good 3rd place over 1400M where he led until close to the line. He’s got a nice draw here to get prominent early and has a winning chance. (6) DASI DUSON has been competitive in her latest two. She was a close 6th at 1300M in January before running 2nd at this distance on March 7th, leading and battling on in the straight. She will challenge for the lead and has claims. (10) ILHYANG DALMA has placed twice from three starts and beat a number of these when 3rd last time out. She hung a little in the straight but finished off well enough and improvement is possible. (7) MISS YANGHO is the only previous winner in the field having struck three starts back at this distance in a good time. She was slow away last start but ran on well and can be considered. (11) GREEN FEELSTAR did nothing wrong when 4th on debut at the distance and is another with potential to improve.

Selections	(3) Cheon Chong (6) Dasi Duson (10) Ilhyang Dalma (7) Miss Yangho
Next Best	11, 4
Fast Start	2, 6, 10, 11

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

Fillies and mares only here. (5) THE QUEEN JUSTICE ran a super race last start over this distance. She overcame the widest gate to run on speed the whole way around and only to go down narrowly into 2nd place. She gets a much better draw this time and should have the run of the race. (1) NOKRICHONG is the only previous winner in the field. That came last start when she was shuffled back in the field early but rallied to run home strongly. From barrier 1 she can sit handy and finish strongly again. (10) EUNHYE PADO’s latest effort was better than it appears on paper as she was slowly away and then hampered which resulted in her being back and wide before running on fairly. She has placed at this distance and shouldn’t be overlooked. (14) REMEMBER WHEN has run some useful enough times for this class at 1200M. Given the draw she may need some luck but could sneak a place. (12) DELPHINI was much improved second-up making up good ground and the additional half furlong may suit.

Selections	(5) The Queen Justice (1) Nokrichong (10) Eunhye Pado (12) Delphini
Next Best	14, 13
Fast Start	1, 5, 10, 13

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

(2) ALPHA DOK looks ready to win. He was a distant 3rd two starts back when hampered at the start before colliding with the running rail before running on creditably Last time he worked forwards to lead easily from a wide gate ultimately accounting for all but a good w inner, Raon Beat. Great draw here and he’s warm favourite. (14) DREAM FASHION has been on the improve of late and ran on late from a wide positon for a good 2nd place last start. The draw doesn’t do him any favours but it’s not as if he is a good starter anyway and he can run on. (10) QUEENS TOUR got buffeted all over the place early on last start before regaining her composure to run a strong 2nd. That was just her second start and she showed good maturity in adversity which she can build on here. (8) AMAZING QUEEN and (11) GEUMSEONG CHARMING the others who have hinted at ability.

Selections	(2) Alpha Dok (10) Queens Tour (14) Dream Fashion (8) Amazing Queen
Next Best	11, 5
Fast Start	2, 8, 9, 11

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

Fillies only here and while it is a bit risky to read too much into trials, (12) PUREUN JANGMI certainly looked the part in hers when 2nd in a fast time back in March having led for much of the heat. From the track’s top stable and with Perovic aboard, she probably starts favourite. Of those with experience, (6) MASTER QUEEN is the best. She led for most of the way around last start before being collared by a good winner at the distance. She is well drawn to lead again and will be there or thereabouts at the business end. So too should (8) PARTY INDY. Her best finish so far was last time over 1000M but she can get on pace here and stick to task. (9) GEUMA STARLET was promising enough on debut to warrant keeping an eye on while (11) DONGBANUI SIJAK is the only previous winner in the field and not to be overlooked either.

Selections	(12) Pureun Jangmi (6) Master Queen (11) Dongbanui Sijak (8) Party Indy
Next Best	9, 14
Fast Start	6, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

(3) SERVE ACE is working up towards a win and has been strong in her latest two, both over 1300M. Last time out she was ridden early to get a handy position behind the leader and then stuck to task well for 2nd. The extra distance should suit and today could be her day. Main danger is (6) GO WELL, whose last start can be disregarded as it went anything but well with him losing any chance at the start. He has some good form behind him though and has placed at 1400M. He is another whose style should suit the two-turns. (8) LONDON HEAT is one of just three who have raced at this distance already. That was two starts back when he overcame a wide trip to briefly strike the front in the home straight before being headed. Place chances here. (12) HAWKUI YEONGGWANG also has place chances. He was a close 3rd last time out on a wet track over 1300M. (7) ISTHMUS has run on pleasingly enough in both previous outings and is another who may appreciate more distance.

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For racing to continue at its current level of two days a week, we need the social distancing levels to remain at “1.5” in at least Jeju Island, Daegu and Gwangju (and ideally Cheonan). They are currently at level “2.0” in Seoul and Busan but with no vaccine progress and the virus cases predicted by both local media and government to rise significantly next week, it is possible that in the capital at least there will be further restrictions. This weekend and next weekend should be ok though. Saturday sees 8 races at Seoul from 11:00 to 18:00 and 6 races at Busan from 11:30 to 16:50. Here are the previews:

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

Maiden fillies get things underway for the weekend. (4) GOLDEN CHANCE will probably be favourite off the back of a 4^th and a 2^nd in two starts so far. She came close to making all in the latter of those, which was at this distance, and is nicely drawn to get to the front early again. (5) LONDON POWER ran well for 3^rd on debut over 1000M at the end of February. She was well back behind a good winner but should have come on for the run and can be a danger. (1) DANCING WITH YOU showed promise in her first two outings and while she put in a poor effort in her third, she has subsequently trialed up well and should be a factor. (13) MACH JIJON is another who can have a line drawn through her latest effort. She has the fastest time of any of these for the distance and can go better today. (14) CHOEGANG QUEEN is the solitary debut maker. She didn’t catch the eye in trials but all the others from her dam have been winners and she is worth keeping an eye on.

Selections	(5) London Power (4) Golden Chance (13) Mach Jijon (1) Dancing With you
Next Best	10, 13
Fast Start	1, 10, 11, 13

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

Just one previous winner in the field and that status is enough to ensure that (8) ACE SOLOMON is well-backed here. Always prominent he ran on to win very comfortably over this distance on March 6^th. He carries only slightly more weight today and should be on pace once more with every chance of a repeat. (13) MUJEOK BULPAE registered a pleasing enough 2^nd on debut over 1000M on February 27^th. He had previously shown good speed in a trial and should have come on for that run to be a big danger here. (5) SEONGSIL SONYEO came from off the pace to run 2^nd at this distance a month ago and can aim for the places again. There are three first time starters and a couple of them look to have claims first-up. Both (11) BURNING GUN and (14) CONSTANTINE ran 2^nd in their respective trials and while the draw does neither of them any favours, both should acquit themselves well.

Selections	(8) Ace Solomon (13) Mujeok Bulpae (5) Seongsil Sonyeo (14) Constantine
Next Best	11, 9
Fast Start	1, 4, 5, 8

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

A maiden that is somewhat on the weak side. The only one of them to have even finished in the top three before is (11) CHAMILHO and that’s enough to make her favourite. Forget her latest effort when the 1400M didn’t suit, she’s back at 1200M today and shouldn’t be bothered by the wide draw. We’re going to side with the solitary debut-maker though. (14) SMART OFFICER came from the middle of the pack to win a trial at the end of March. While she has the worst of the draw, she couldn’t have asked for a softer race to debut in and she won’t need to improve much off that trial to win. (6) DOUBLE TAKE did nothing on debut but previously clocked a good time in a trial so is worth another chance here while (8) AURORA ROAD and (10) VESPER are others who can improve on inauspicious starts.

Selections	(14) Smart Officer (11) Chamilho (10) Vesper (6) Double Take
Next Best	8, 9
Fast Start	1, 4, 11, 13

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

Competitive race here. (8) THE WIN beat a couple of these when 3^rd in a promising enough debut on March 27^th. True, he was some way back behind a good winner but ran on pleasingly and the additional furlong could be to his benefit today. (13) JAMAICA POWER was 4^th in that race on what was his debut too. He perhaps has a bit more to find but the jockey booking is eye-catching. The main threat though is (10) MIDNIGHT QUEEN. While she was only 7^th last time out, she finished ahead of a couple of these in a good time in what was a much stiffer test. She has every chance here. (12) JEMA FORTUNE actually beat Midnight Queen two starts back and for that fact alone, has to come into the equation today. (3) JANGSAN PRIDE and (9) OX BOY are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections	(8) The Win (10) Midnight Queen (9) Ox Boy (3) Jangsan Pride
Next Best	12, 13
Fast Start	4, 10, 11, 12

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

It’s time that (7) GLOBAL YEONGUNG won a race. The Take Charge Indy colt comes in off the back of near-misses in each of his latest three outings at 1200M and 1400M. He can sit handy here from a good draw and should be too strong in the latter stages. If he does come up short again then another Take Charge Indy, (9) NONSTOP GISANG, may take advantage. He too has started to figure things out in his latest two and can continue his development here. (5) JOEUN SAI ran a useful time when 4^th at this distance last start and warrants attention as place hope while (3) ONE JI too come sin off his best finish to date last start and can maintain some momentum here. The wildcard is (2) WONDERFUL K. He ran 2^nd and 5^th in his first two starts before parting company with his jockey leaving the gate on what was to be his third attempt last month, completing the course himself. He has drawn well here and does seem to have ability.

Selections	(7) Global Yeongung (2) Wonderful K (9) Nonstop Gisang (3) One Ji
Next Best	5, 1
Fast Start	3, 4, 5, 12

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 28 Million

(12) RAON THE POWER won his first two in fine style before running 2^nd to Top Of Korea on his first try at this class on March 20^th. He has drawn wide here but so too have his main rivals – and he is favoured to get back to winning ways today. (11) ACE DAY is half-brother to the excellent Today. He won on debut at this distance and comes in after a strong 2^nd place over 1400M to Baby Line when he had to overcome the widest draw to get to the lead. He should be the primary danger. (13) WONDERFUL KING remains a maiden after seven attempts but he has four to-three finishes and beat no fewer than four of his rivals here on his way to 2^nd place at class and distance last start. He looks good for at least another place finish today. (5) FINAL PARTY and (4) CHOEGANG CUPID are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections	(12) Raon The Power (11) Ace Day (13) Wonderful King (4) Choegang Cupid
Next Best	5, 3
Fast Start	4, 5, 6, 12

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

(3) BEOLMAL DAEJANG is the one to beat here. He’s got progressively closer across his three starts to date, culminating in a runner-up finish last start over 1300M. He ran on strong with an extra half-furlong to play with today, can make his breakthrough. (1) SAEMYEONG HAETSAL and (5) WONDERFUL JOY have already found their way into the winner’s circle, both of them in their respective latest starts. The latter’s came at this distance and both can go close again today. (10) CUPID KOREA comes in off a career-best 2^nd place last start. He should be on pace here and has claims on a place again. (4) LAST BOSS ran 4^th last tine at this distance and comes down 3.5kg in the weights today with an apprentice on board, which should put him into at least the minor money reckoning.

Selections	(3) Beolmal Daejang (1) Saemyeong Haetsal (5) Wonderful Joy (4) Last Boss
Next Best	10, 9
Fast Start	1, 6, 10, 14

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 35 Million

Two winning streaks are on the line here. (7) MACH TITAN will be the favourite to keep his intact. He has made all the running in his last three starts, winning all of them well, most recently at class and distance. He gets the better of the draw here and could well lead all the way again. (11) GODDESS MOON has won four in a row. She steps up to the mile for the first time but she is a two-time winner at 1400M, both times leading all the way. She has a 4kg weight advantage over her rival here and can make it count but she will be up against it in terms of their respective draws. As good as the favourites are, it’s not a two-horse race. (1) COPY THAT has only been outside the top-two on one occasion in eight starts so far. He’s won at this level over 1400M and while he started slowly from a wide draw last time out, still rallied for 2^nd. He’ll go close again. (2) LEGACY beat plenty of these when 3^rd behind the very good pair of Choegang Ssonsal and Jera a month ago and has minor money claims again. (10) TOP FIRE has a fast time at this distance to his name and can’t be ruled out either.

Selections	(7) Mach Titan (11) Goddess Moon (2) Legacy (1) Copy That
Next Best	10, 5
Fast Start	1, 7, 11, 12

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

(11) YAHO GOLDEN CAT enters off a good 2^nd place on March 14^th at class and distance. That continued a run of consistent form and he looks well-positioned here to return to the winner’s circle, likely looking to lead. Another very consistent type is (3) MYEONGJIN DAY. He is yet to finish any worse than 4^th in four attempts and steps back in trip after a solid 4^th place over 1700M just two weeks ago. That was a good race and he also has a swift 2^nd at this distance to his name. (4) ALCHAN NURI was 7^th behind Yaho Golden Cat last start but the time before ran 3^rd at class and distance in a good time. He can be considered a place chance here. (5) WANY K and (9) GOLDILOCKS are among several others in the hunt for the minor money in what looks a competitive affair.

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