Saturday sees a bumper 13-race card at Seoul runing from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A maiden to kick things off with only two of the twelve having raced more than once. Both will be contenders here as both showed improvement on their respective second appearances. (5) CLAY WINNER ran 2^nd on his second appearance at the end of November, well beaten by a very good winner but nonetheless showing he has plenty of ability himself. The Hansen colt is not a natural front-runner but can find a handy position here and finish sternly. (1) RAON BLOOD was a touch more impressive when 3^rd on her second start just before Christmas. She will be expected to lead here and is the slight pick to hold on all the way. (4) SONGAM TIZ did absolutely nothing on debut back last September. He was put away after that and looked a completely different horse when returning to win a trial just last week. He made all and assuming he didn’t leave his race back in that trial, he’s well drawn to be on speed here and he can have serious claims. (9) MISS ELITE and (12) GWANGYA SIDAE are others who should be going close.

Selections: (1) Raon Blood (4) Songam Tiz (5) Clay Winner (12) Gwangya Sidae

Next Best: 9, 11

Fast Start: 1, 4, 11

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million 

A field of twelve maiden fillies will line up over the short course in the second. (8) HANSEN CHOICE lines up for her third career start coming off some promising performances. At her first start she lined up in a strong two-year-old event, when settling in the leading division and finishing second. She was slightly disappointing at her second start when finishing fourth, she lost considerable ground when taking the turn for home before running on strong once again. (6) CUPID BISANG is considered a winning chance. The Thunder Moccasin filly finished second to K Top King on debut in a two-year-old event, who has since gone on and saluted again. (2) SHINE FIGHTER lines up for her third start coming off some solid performances. The Rock Hard Ten filly has sat on speed in her runs to date and is drawn well to do so once again. (4) BIG RIVER didn’t appear ready for the 1300m at her second start but handed in a good performance on debut when third over the 1000m.

Selections (8) Hansen Choice (6) Cupid Bisang (2) Shine Fighter (4) Big River

Next Best 12, 3

Fast Start 2, 8

 

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

A weak maiden gives a chance to a number who otherwise wouldn’t look likely to get a win. (9) GOLD FIELD is one of those. She’s been hovering on the verge of a place in recent starts, all of which have been in stronger company than this. She is a front-runner and taking the initiative here may be enough to see her home on top today. (8) FLYING THOR and (10) DONGJJOK GLORY will be two others who challenge for the early lead. Both have hinted at ability across their four starts apiece and both have top jockeys engaged today. (12) THE BEAST has a great name and began his career promisingly enough with back to back 4^th place finishes. His latest two at this distance haven’t been great but again, they have been in better races than this and he should improve. (2) A.P. PATEK went back to trial after his last start five weeks ago. He looked much better in his heat and is another who can show more today.

Selections: (9) Gold Field (2) A.P. Patek (12) The Beast (10) Dongjjok Glory

Next Best: 8, 7

Fast Start: 8, 9, 10, 11

 

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

There appears a lack of speed in the fourth event on the card where a field of twelve will line up over the 1300m. (6) SAENAE CHOICE comes out of a set weights two-year-old event where she ran second to Big Plan. Whilst she found one better on the day, she stretched out nicely holding off the remainder of the field. This looks a winnable assignment, with limited speed drawn on the inside off her this will allow Antonio Da Silva to roll forward on the Simon Pure filly. (3) BIANCA has finished in the money at her past few starts and is capable of a forward showing in this event. The Hansen filly is likely to sit just off the speed with a better draw. She was forced to spend too much petrol early on last start. (12) GOSOK PEDAL can improve on his most recent effort. The colt worked forward last start before being run down in the straight. Kim Yong-Geun jumps aboard for the first time, expect a positive ride from an awkward draw. (1) COMPLETE MOTION looks best of the rest and may add some value to your exotics.

Selections (6) Saenae Choice (3) Bianca (12) Gosok Pedal (1) Complete Motion

Next Best 2, 11

Fast Start 3, 6, 12

 

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Wide open handicap here and while (9) MONEY CHAMP remains a maiden, he’s been promoted to this class on the back of consecutive runner-up finishes behind good horses. The times he has run in those defeats are likely to be more than competitive at this level and he could well be the one to beat. (1) WONDERFUL HENNESSY comes in fresh here for her first start since September. She’s proven herself a threat at this level with two 3^rd place finishes and from the inside gate is likely to be on pace from the start with solid claims to go all the way. (4) WIN BLADE was 5^th last start in a better race than this and should go close again while (5) GIVEN RUNNER too has been competing in stiffer company of late and is capable of running the kind of time necessary to win here. (11) CHEONEUN JJANG rounds out the most credible contenders. She led last time over 1300M, weakening late on, and may appreciate the drop back in trip today.

Selections: (9) Money Champ (1) Wonderful Hennessy (4) Win Blade (11) Cheoneun Jjang

Next Best: 5, 2

Fast Start: 1, 3, 4, 11

 

Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

There appears plenty of early speed engaged in the sixth on the card. (8) GEUMSUNI STAR has been ultra-consistent of late filling a top four position at his past four starts. He drops back to the 1300m for the first time in August. His record over the 1300m has been good in the past. Lee Hyeon-Jong is promising rider who is likely to urge his mount forward in the early stages. (6) TIZ ROSE is one of those early speedsters who looks to map on speed. She has ran promising races at her past two starts finishing third on both occasions behind some progressive types. With the departure of Masa Tanaka Park Byeong-Yun picks up the ride. (2) CHEONHA YEOJE finished second behind East Jet two starts back and can bounce back after a disappointing performance last start. (1) GLORY VERN showed improvement last time out when finishing second in a time considered good for this grade. Johan Victoire is likely to kick up and use gate one to his advantage. (more…)

2020 at Seoul Racecourse gets underway on Saturday with 13 races from 10.45 to 18.00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

The first to kick off Saturday’s proceedings has a field of twelve maidens to face the starter. In a race that appears to have limited chances, (4) DAHAENGIDA gets a good opportunity to break through at his fourth career start. The three-year-old improved last time out when second behind Best Gundan in one of our stronger 2yo events. Johan Victoire was aboard last time out and retains the mount. (3) BARBELL is one that can improve on his debut effort when midfield over the five furlongs. The Old Fashioned gelding dropped the bit in the middle stages of the run but managed to hit the line fairly and pass a few in the run home. (7) WANGINHAENGCHA comes out of a relatively strong 2yo event where the chestnut finished seventh. Whilst beaten a considerable distance this looks a much easier assignment. (12) My Member managed to run into some minor money last time out and can do so again if Park Tae-Jong can negate the wide draw.

Selections: (4) Daehaengida (3) Barbell (7) Wanginhaengcha (12) My Member

Next Best: 8, 2

Fast Start: 6, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

Quite a useful maiden here but we’re likely to have a strong favourite in the shape of (10) LUXURY CAPTAIN. After an ordinary debut, he ran a solid 2^nd on his reappearance in late November at this distance and won’t need to improve by very much in order to win here. (5) ANYANG JAGUAR is much more experienced but also seems to be heading on the right trajectory. All nine of her starts so far have been over the 1000M but she’s run on strongly for good finishes in her latest two and stepping her up in trip today seems the prudent course of action. (7) RUFFIAN PARK has hinted at ability across three outings so far and looks to have more improvement in him. (6) TERRA SPEED and (11) ROYAL CHUKBOK are others in at least the placing hunt.

Selections: (10) Luxury Captain (5) Anyang Jaguar (7) Ruffian Park (11) Royal Chukbok

Next Best: 6, 3

Fast Start: 3, 4, 6, 8

 

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The three-year-olds line up in the third with all of them looking for their first win. (2) BAEKSAN THUNDER finished second last time out over the five furlongs and looks one that will appreciate the step up to the 1300m. She settled in the leading division last start before running through the line well going down less than a length to Lady Kelly. The form line she brings to the race looks superior to her opponents. Johan Victoire looks a strong chance to take up the lead and not be caught in a race that lacks early speed. (11) WILD WOODS has finished close up at his first two career starts. He managed to display a nice turn of foot over the short course and is another that will appreciate the longer distance. In contrast, (5) TOP SEED was debuted over the 1300m where he finished fourth behind Wang Taeng I. He looks one of the backmarkers in this event but can rocket home late to collect a cheque. (6) BRAVO GWACHEON is another that has finished close up at his two starts to date, but his times have been slower than the selections ahead of him. Kim Yong-Geun rides the Peace Rules colt for the first time.

Selections: (2) Baeksan Thunder (11) Wild Woods (5) Top Seed (6) Bravo Gwacheon

Next Best: 1, 3

Fast Start: 1

 

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Fillies and mares only here and plenty of them enter with encouraging recent form. The best-looking form though belongs to (8) VIRTUS. She made all when registering her maiden win at this distance in October before running a close 2^nd in a tougher race than this on her first try at this class six weeks ago. She should be on pace from the start here and she may well take some beating. (1) SINGGEUREOUN TIME was 6^th behind Virtus last time out but such were the tight margins in that race, it meant she was only just over a length in arrears and can be one of the principal dangers today. (9) POWER TOWER steps up in trip for the first time following three very creditable runs over 1000M including her maiden win by a neck in October. She ran on strongly enough last start and the additional furlong and a half should pose few problems. (5) MASYA remains a maiden following nineteen attempts but is more than capable of finding the money in this company. (10) BARAMUI MISO looks best of the rest.

Selections: (8) Virtus (9) Power Tower (1) Singgeureoun Time (5) Masya

Next Best: 10, 6

Fast Start: 4, 8, 9, 12

 

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 25 Million

It’s fair to say no champions will emerge from the fifth event with plenty of these well tried. (11) DAEGIRI is the on top selection with very little confidence. The lightly raced five-year-old managed to finish midfield last time out over the same journey when disappointing. The start prior he finished second and showed he can run out the 1700m in reasonable fashion. Lee Gang-Seo jumps back into the saddle which is a plus as he has been aboard for the galloper’s better performances. (6) FIRST THUNDER is an eighteen-start maiden but managed to show a good turn of foot last time out. The Thunder Moccasin entire is likely to settle midfield in the race and will be pasing a few in the run home. (8) GREEN PARK is another that has had plenty of start yielding little success. The mare ran home well in a similar race last time out to finish third behind Penumbra. (1) CHAMP QUEEN can improve at her second start back from a lengthy spell. She ran into some minor money last time out when fifth behind Sanae Spurt.

Selections: (11) Daegiri (6) First Thunder (8) Green Park (1) Champ Queen

Next Best: 5, 2

Fast Start: 11

 

Race 6: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) GEUMA SUPREME’s solitary victory to date came at this distance way back in April last year and she returned to the 1700M, as well as to form, when running 2^nd on November 24^th. That was a very similar strength race to this one and while is the slight top weight, there’s a reason for that and he can come from just off the pace to win here. The main danger is (4) TAP MUSIC. He too is a winner at the distance and is also coming back into form with a 2^nd place last time out. He’ll come from a little further back but should run on well and has a winning chance. (1) SINGSING JANGSU is a touch inconsistent but while a previous crack at this distance didn’t go especially well, he has (more…)

The final race day of the year at Seoul (Busan races next weekend) takes place on Sunday with a bumper 15-race card from 10:45 to 18:00. Features will be the Cargill Agri Purina Trophy (race 9) and the Trainers’ Cup (race 12):

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Twelve maiden juveniles go round here with three of them racing for the very first time. (9) HIGH WONDERFUL has the best finish to his name, having run 2^nd to Global Thunder on debut A month ago. He’ll be on pace here and has winning claims. (1) NUMBER ONE TARGET actually ran a faster time when 5^th on her own debut on November 16^th. The Hansen filly beat High Wonderful in an October trial and has every chance of besting him again. (8) NEVER WALK ALONE was a close 6^th behind Number One Target in that race last month and is another who can improve here. As for the first-timers., it’s taken (12) ALCHAN NURI four trials to make it to the races – he actually did on one occasion but threw his jockey off during the post parade and was a late scratching – but he certainly looked ready based on the latest of those, just last week, when he two of the others who go here. He can go well first-up.

Selections: (1) Number One Target (9) High Wonderful (12) Alchan Nuri (8) Never Walk Alone

Next Best: 11, 5

Fast Start: 10, 11

 

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens going round here, once more with three of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. The only one who has raced twice so far is (4) MONEY SILK and he will be a leading fancy here. After finishing 4^th on debut in October, he improved to 2^nd on his reappearance, beating a number of his rivals here in the process. They were all debuting so have scope for improvement here too, but the extra distance should suit, and he can win. Both (7) ALPHA DOK and (10) JOY BROTHER posted faster times than Money Silk when running 5^th and 4^th on their respective debuts. They too should appreciate the extra 300M that they have to play with here and are likely to go close. (1) GREEN MOUNTAIN and (8) HWA SSI BYEOK are two others who showed promise first-up and can come into the reckoning here.

Selections: (4) Money Silk (10) Joy Brother (1) Green Mountain (8) Hwa Ssi Byeok

Next Best:7, 11

Fast Start: 1, 4, 8, 9

 

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Maidens once more although this time it isn’t restricted to the juveniles. (5) WONDER K is the pick having returned six months after his debut to run a solid 2^nd at this distance on November 11^th. He was a front-runner that day and will aim to do the same here and should have the beating of this limited set of opponents. There are one or two other promising ones though. (12) EAST ONE looks the clear second-best with a 4^th and a 2^nd in two tries, both over 1000M. He needs to overcome the wide draw here but should get close. (10) SIN ROK was a somewhat unexpected improver last time out, leading for much of the race on a muddy track over 1300M before eventually dropping to 3^rd. He warrants being sent off considerably shorter than the 190/1 he was that day. (4) KING KANMOREU is another who looks to be going the right way development-wise and can build on the 5^th he secured last start on his first try at this distance. (11) SUPER ECTON is perhaps best of the rest

Selections: (5) Wonder K (12) East One (4) King Kanmoreu (10) Sin Rok

Next Best: 11, 3

Fast Start: 2, 3, 6

 

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A filly only maiden here and of the twelve, the one who looks readiest to win is (3) WONDERFUL PLEASURE. She’s shown steady progress across four prior starts culminating in 2^nd place last start behind Virtus. That was in late October so she’s had a bit of time off and from gate 3 can sit near the pace and launch a strong challenge late on. (6) MAD DIVA similarly starts for the fifth time today and has been showing decent consistency. She went well at this distance last time out and should be in the hunt for some money today. So should (5) GIANT GIRL, who tackles the distance for the first time following a solid 4^th over 1000M a month ago when she ran through the line pleasingly enough. (1) HAWK ARIRANG is the most experienced in the race and while that’s not a good thing in a maiden affair, she showed a bog uptick in form when 2^nd on November 23^rd and can maintain her momentum here. (7) DIECO hasn’t done much wrong in her latest two and is another with potential to challenge for at least a place.

Selections: (3) Wonderful Pleasure (6) Mad Diva (5) Giant Girl (1) Hawk Arirang

Next Best: 7, 8

Fast Start: 3, 7, 8

 

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

One of the firmest favourites on the card goes around in race 5. (2) JOEUN GAMUN got promoted to this level with an easy win two starts back at this distance before running 2^nd on three weeks ago. He raced a little ungenerously that day but with slightly better manners here, he will surely take some beating and jockey Masa Tanaka can ride a final- day winner for his second stint in Korea. (6) MENI STAND had a bit of a shocker when sent out as favourite two weeks ago, scarcely being involved and finishing well back in the pack. He’s better than that though and can be given another chance to find the places here. (8) HALLA BLOSSOM remains a maiden but finds himself up in class following back to back runner-up finishes. She looks to have improvement in here and can be competitive at this level. (3) HIGH BEAT also enters of two 2^nd place finishes in his latest two outings, in his case both at this class. He should be on the early pace and while he will need to improve if he is to challenge the favourite, can certainly aim for at least a place. A couple of others have minor money chances with (9) GREY KINGDOM perhaps the most credible.

Selections: (2) Joeun Gamun (6) Meni Stand (3) High Beat (8) Halla Blossom

Next Best: 9, 12

Fast Start: 2, 3, 6, 8

 

Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) HWANGGEUM HAE has a win and two runner-up finishes from three starts so far and having run 2^nd to the useful looking Legend Storm in the latest of those, surely comes in as favourite for this. He can set up camp close to the pace and should be too strong in the closing stages. (1) PSYCHIC BOSS had a nightmare from start to finish when favourite at class and distance, jumping out awkwardly, failing to get his preferred forward position, and then weakening badly in the home straight. We’ll draw a line through that and from the inside gate, he has a better chance of getting to the front and if he can do that, he surely goes much better. (3) GAROSUGIL was a nice winner on debut at this distance three weeks ago and while this is a significantly stiffer assignment, he can improve himself and be in at least the placing frame here. (4) JEONGSEONG HOLIDAY is also up in class following a maiden score of his own and looks well equipped to be competitive at this level. (5) ROYAL BOKSUNI has plenty of experience at this level and is another in with a shot of the minors.

Selections: (6) Hwanggeum Hae (1) Psychic Boss (3) Garosugil (4) Jeongseong Holiday

Next Best: 5, 10

Fast Start: 1, 3, 4, 6

 

Race 7: Class 5 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three of these are up in class following last start maiden wins and of them (10) SAENAE SPURT looks well placed to repeat. His win had been coming and he arrived from off the pace to win comfortably over this distance. This is tougher but he can come through it. It looks a more difficult ask for the other two up in class, (1) JEJUI YOJEONG and (11) GOLD PARK, so we will look elsewhere for our principal dangers. (4) BARAMUI MISO and (5) LUCKY MIDAS are the prime candidates with both entering having run 4^th in similar strength races to this in their respective last starts. Baramui Miso remains a maiden but is rarely far away and drops back in trip following a decent effort over 1700M three weeks ago. Lucky Midas is another consistent type who we can expect to see on the speed from the start. (9) TANK SOCKS is still lightly raced and after a somewhat surprising maiden win in September has held her own in two efforts at this level. She steps up in trip for the first time today and could make for an interesting outsider.

Selections: (10) Saenae Spurt (4) Baramui Miso (5) Lucky Midas (9) Tank Socks

Next Best: 1, 11

Fast Start: 5, 6, 8, 9

 

Race 8: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

The favourites have drawn wide here but they can overcome in what is a nice looking handicap over the minimum distance. (11) EAST JET won his first two starts in blistering fashion before tackling the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup over 1200M on November 23^rd. He was sent off as second favourite but while he did show briefly at the right end of the race, he ultimately weakened for 6^th. He drops back in trip today and looks hard to beat. (10) RAON TAP MAN has a win and two runner-up finishes from his three starts so far. (more…)

There is a full card of 13 races at Seoul on Saturday running from 10:45 to 18:00:

Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Twelve maidens go around in the opener with three of them racing for the first time. (6) OUR SIMON beat three of these when improving the 2^nd place on what was his fourth start on November 16^th. He led from the start, ultimately going down late on to the favourite in a fast time, and a similar run today should see him home on top. (5) HWANSANG TOUCH was 5^th in that race, an improvement on her prior outings and she can aim to go better here although she probably has too much to make up on the top choice. (3) LAST MAGIC ran 6^th on what was her debut and likewise can build on that here. Of the three first-timers, (7) UNBREAKABLE participated in a fast trial and with little to fear here, looks nicely in for a good debut.

Selections	(6) Our Simon (7) Unbreakable (5) Hwansang Touch (3) Last Magic
Next Best	9, 11
Fast Start	5

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here and this time four of the twelve are making their racecourse debuts. A couple of very promising types are engaged too. (5) SIMPLE STYLE ran 2^nd to a good winner on a dry track on what was his second start a month ago. He was sent off favourite that day and he and the winner were well clear of 3^rd place. He’s worth another chance here. The main danger is (8) MIRACLE ICHEON. The colt ran 3rdover this distance on debut at the end of October, showing enough in the process to suggest he has plenty of potential. (7) K N WONDERFUL is heading in the right direction with a 5^th and a 3^rd from two outings to date, running on nicely last start. (4) GOSOK PEDAL was some way back behind Simple Style last start but has the potential to improve. OF the four first-timers. (3) UARYUNG looked the best in trials.

Selections	(5) Simple Style (8) Miracle Icheon (7) K N Wonderful (4) Gosok Pedal
Next Best	3, 2
Fast Start	5, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Fillies only for this maiden. (11) BAEK HAK may have been beaten by a couple of these two starts back but recovered to run well for 2^nd over this distance on November 10^th. She was well-beaten by a good winner but ran on pleasingly enough to suggest that there is more to come from her and she is the pick here. (12) BIANCA looks like she’s figuring things out and has recorded a 3^rd and a 2^nd from her latest two. She too has drawn wide here but should be able to overcome that and go close. The interesting entry is (2) RAIN K. She’s only raced once, all the way back in July when she finished 2^nd, five lengths behind K N Road, who went on to acquit himself well in some of the bigger juvenile races this autumn. She looked useful when trialing up last week – but likewise didn’t exert herself too much – and she can go nicely first up here. (1) CLEAR STORY and (8) HWANGGEUM STAR are others in contention for at least a place.

Selections	(11) Baek Hak (2) Rain K (12) Bianca (8) Hwanggeum Star
Next Best	1, 9
Fast Start	4, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Bog standard maiden here but a few come in looking as though they are ready to step up and go close. (6) JEONGSEONG STAR is the pick. She has two 3^rd place finishes from four outings to date and ran well in what was arguably a tougher assignment than this last time. From the middle gate she should be on pace from the start and today can be her day. (7) EAST CHAMP and (8) STRONG RED both step up in trip for the first time. Both ran on well in their respective latest outings and both can be involved here with East Champ the more favoured of the pair right now. (10) YEOLRIN MUN got to within a length of the winner last start at this distance a month ago and should be challenging again. Along with (11) DALRINEUN BITKKAL, he’ll be needing to overcome a wide draw to get on speed but shouldn’t be too far away.

Selections	(6) Jeongsang Star (7) East Champ (8) Strong Red (10) Yeolrin Mun
Next Best	11, 3
Fast Start	6, 10, 11

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) BLUE BAND has started improve in his recent starts, culminating in a runner-up finish in what was his first try at this distance on November 9^th. He came from off the pace that day, running on well and he is the slight pick to prevail here. (12) HOSUA was 4^th in that race, just over two-lengths in arrears and he can be a threat today but the main danger is (6) FIRST THUNDER. He beat a couple of these on his way to a good 2^nd over 1300M last

(more…)

After Friday’s sad news from Busan with the passing of jockey Mun Jung-won, racing restarts on Saturday with a 13-race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00:

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

Twelve juvenile maidens go round in the opener with four of them racing for the very first time. We’re going to side with experience though. (4) CHOEGANGMA ran 4^th on debut in a solid time at the end of September. She was a touch one-paced but should have come on for the run and is a live contender here. (5) CUPID BISANG ran 2^nd on her first attempt, sent off at three-figure odds with no disgrace in being a full ten-lengths behind the excellent winner K Top King. That was at the end of August so she has had three months off. That’s true too for (1) ARARIYO, who made his debut in a different race that same day and ran 3^rd. From the inside, he should be on pace early and can be in the mix here. (6) ROYAL CHUKBOK was found to be lame after his latest effort and may improve here. Of the first-timers. (8) HWA SSI BYEOK was perhaps the best looking in trials.

Selections	(4) Choegangma (5) Cupid Bisang (1) Arariyo (8) Hwa Ssi Byeok
Next Best	6, 2
Fast Start	1, 4, 9, 12

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(3) BEST LUCKY has improved across three starts so far and having led for much of the way on his first try at this distance on October 27^th, ultimately finished a creditable 3^rd. He’ll be sent to the front again and won’t need to improve on that performance too much in order to strike here. (2) SMART HANSEN recovered from a bad start to run a good 2^nd on his latest at the beginning of this month. It looks like he’s figuring things out after nine attempts and should be a danger here. (6) WONDERFUL CAT stepped up to this distance last time and recorded her best finish so far, running a close 3^rd and can build on that here. (7) WONDERFUL ORANGE and (9) CLEAN HEART are others who have shown some promise and can improve today.

Selections	(3) Best Lucky (2) Smart Hansen (6) Wonderful Cat (7) Wonderful Orange
Next Best	9, 1
Fast Start	3, 4, 7

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(8) GONGJAK WANG was 4^th on what was his second start and first at this distance on November 3^rd. He ran on well and showed enough to suggest that he’ll be the one to beat in this less than intimidating field. (7) GOOD WONDER has run creditably in both starts so far, running an improved 5^th on her latest appearance at the end of last month. She’ll likely be ridden on the pace today and can continue her development here. (5) TA MINA ran 2^nd in a similar strength race to this back in August and while she was only 6^th on her reappearance in October, should fare better in this company today while (12) CHEONJI KKOT BARAM has held her own in two outings so far and can contest the money today. There is one solitary debut-maker. It’s taken (2) GAROSUGIL an age to get to the races but he looked handy enough in a trial earlier this month and couldn’t ask for a softer introduction to racing.

Selections	(8) Gongjak Wang (7) Good Wonder (2) Garosugil (5) Ta Mina
Next Best	12, 6
Fast Start	4, 7, 9, 12

Race 4: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Two standouts as these maidens go around two-turns. (6) PUNCH POWER gets the verdict. He finished off nicely for 3^rd over 1300M in better company than this three weeks ago and should have the beating of these. The only logical danger is (4) NOLBU CHEONHA and he’s not to be taken lightly. He’s run in a 3^rd and a 5^th from his latest two, both at 1300M and just like punch Power, there seems little to suggest that he won’t stay a further trip. Both favourites will be ridden patiently and should be too strong late on. (8) ALL MY QUEEN has some promising results to her name and finally steps up to two-turns after eleven outings at shorter. She looks clear best of the rest. (3) KING OF THE FIELD and (7) GOK MA DAN are others who can compete for the minor places.

Selections	(6) Punch Power (4) Nolbu Cheonha (8) All My Queen (7) Gok Ma Dan
Next Best	3
Fast Start	1, 7

Race 5: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) WHITE COMET scored his maiden win with an all the way performance over this distance in September. He followed it up by running 2^nd to Jeongmun Summit when favourite on his first try at this class on October 26^th. He didn’t manage to get to the front that day but that’s what jockey Park Tae Jong will be aiming for straight from the gate here, and if he achieves it, he will take some beating. If he does come up short, then (1) LUCKY MYEONGHO is the most likely to take advantage. He’s up in class after a very good maiden win on his third start on November 2^nd. It was slightly unexpected but it was a fast time and from the inside, he can challenge the favourite right from the start. (3) MACH THUNDER’s disappointment last start can be explained by the fact he came back slightly lame. It was just two weeks ago but he has looked back to fitness in work and should be better here. (4) ACE WIN and (8) DALLINEUN ACE are others in the hunt for minor money.

Selections	(6) White Comet (1) Lucky Myeongho (4) Ace Win (8) Dallineun Ace
Next Best	3, 9
Fast Start	1, 6

Race 6: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Ultra-competitive five-furlong dash here with any number in with a chance. (6) JOEUN GAMUN has steadily improved over three starts so far, culminating in a maiden win over this distance on November 2^nd. This is a markedly stiffer test but he has scope for more (more…)

It’s become quite chilly in Seoul the past few days and some Friday downpours have left the track in a wet condition. Bear that in mind when handicapping the 12 Saturday races which run from 10.45 to 18.00. Here are the previews:

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

Good looking juvenile maiden with six first-timers joining four with prior racing experience. Of those who have raced before, (7) WILD WOODS and (5) LUCKY SANGUN are the most convincing having both registered decent performances at this distance and both will be well supported here. We will side with one of the debut-makers though. (4) ALPHA DOK impressed in a trial two weeks ago, running 3^rd in a fast time in a competitive heat and won’t need to improve too much on that to be right in the mix here. (1) GWANGYA SIDAE and (2) BALBATU are others who caught the eye in trials, the former winning hers, and both also have claims to go well first-up.

Selections	(4) Alpha Dok (7) Wild Woods (1) Gwangya Sidae (5) Lucky Sangun
Next Best	2, 8
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 8

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

The second division of the juvenile maiden doesn’t look quite as strong. Six of the eleven have raced before with the most convincing of them being (8) BEST GUNDAN. He’s appeared twice, improving to 4^th in the most recent of them over this distance. He was well beaten by a good winner, but his time was considerably superior to anything the others here have achieved. (9) DAHAENGIDA was 7^th in that race and has potential to improve while (1) WONDERFUL AGAIN has struggled with poor manners in two starts to date and may be better dropped in trip today. Of the debut-makers, (4) JILJUUI KKUM and (10) SPRING COME look the most likely to make an impact.

Selections	(8) Best Gundan (9) Dahaengida (4) Jiljuui Kkum (10) Spring Come
Next Best	1, 11
Fast Start	1, 3, 6, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The final lot of juvenile maidens although this time over 1300M. (2) FIGHTING NOW ran a close 2^nd on debut on October 20^th, beaten just half a length. He ran on well and the additional distance today should suit. (5) CHODONG ROCKET was a bit further back on his debut, running 3^rd also over 1000M. He too ran on gamely and is likely to join Fighting Now in contesting the early speed. (3) YEOLRIN MUN and (9) QUIET ADELE are the only two in the race to have appeared on more than one occasion already. Both have shown promise with Quiet Adele perhaps the most progressive at this point. As for the rest, (4) JEONGMUN BOLT overcame poor manners to run 5^th on debut behind Fighting Now and if he fixes them, can get closer today.

Selections	(2) Fighting Now (5) Chodong Rocket (9) Quiet Adele (3) Yeolrin Mun
Next Best	4
Fast Start	2, 3, 5

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

More maidens although this time it’s not restricted to juveniles. With a 2^nd and a 3^rd among her four starts so far, (6) MASEONG TUHON needs only a top three finish to find herself up in class next time. She should really be bowing out of the bottom tier of racing with a win over this lot and should be on pace from the start. There are a couple of other promising ones too here. (1) OUR SIMON raced a couple of times around the turn of the year without making an impression but returned in September to run a good 3^rd over 1300M. A top jockey is on and if she is right, she should go close. (8) BODY STAR was an improved 4^th in a decent time on his latest a month ago and can build on that today while (7) EAST CHAMP and (10) FLYING THOR are others in the hunt.

Selections	(6) Maseong Tuhon (1) Our Simon (8) Body Star (7) East Champ
Next Best	10, 2
Fast Start	1, 2, 6, 8

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) CUPID MISSION was a winner on debut at class and distance on October 12^th, making all in a fast time as the odds-on favourite. The Mission Impazible colt will be odds-on again today and should be repeating. (5) ULTRA CHAMPION returned from eight months out to run a good 3^rd over the distance a month ago and can build on that today while (1) MOONHAK CHAMPION, well back behind Cupid Mission on debut, looks to have potential to improve. The biggest danger, however, may come from one of the two debut-makers. (6) CAPTAIN BULLET was a solid trial winner and should go well first up.

Selections	(3) Cupid Mission (6) Captain Bullet (5) Ultra Champion (1) Moonhak Champion
Next Best	7, 9
Fast Start	3, 5, 6

Race 6: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(2) FIGHTING LANGFUHR has raced six times and while yet to win, has picked up three runner-up finishes including last start over 1200M. From gate 2m he can sit handy behind the speed and finish strongly here. (4) DORAON POPEYE picked up a warning for hanging outwards in the home straight on his debut on October 13^th but still managed to finish in 3^rd place, just a nose out of 2^nd. If he fixes those manners today, then he has every chance. (8) MY ROMEO did nothing wrong on his own debut a month ago and can build on the 4^th he achieved that day. Almost a year separated the first and second appearances of (6) GLOBAL BOSS but he looked well on his return when 3^rd at the end of September. (5) DRAGON BOAT, up in class here, looks best of the rest.

Selections	(2) Fighting Langfuhr (4) Doraon Popeye (8) My Romeo (6) Global Boss
Next Best	5, 10
Fast Start	1, 3, 5, 7

Race 7: Class 2 (1600M) Handicap / KRW 90 Million

Really good race. (8) RAYMOND is finally living up to his potential having won four of his latest five. The most recent was his first tilt around this trip and while up in class today, he’s nicely in and is favoured to win again. Also up in class after a strong of good results is (5) ACTIMON. He ran a strong 2^nd over 1800M last start and looks nicely in here to go strongly. It’s quite possible that neither of those will be favourite though. (6) MUNHAK TSUNAMI has run 2^nd and 3^rd in two starts at class 2 so far. He is versatile and ran on really well over 1400M last time. This will be the furthest distance he’s tried, and it may well suit. (3) URI disappointed over 1900M last time out but has talent and is worth another chance. (1) MUNHAK TIGER and (10) TAP FASHIONED others who can go close.

Selections	(8) Raymond (6) Munhak Tsunami (5) Actimon (3) Uri
Next Best	1, 10
Fast Start	1, 2, 3, 6

Race 8: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(5) TANK SOCKS was a winner on debut back in September, narrowly scoring over this distance. He’s had eight weeks off since then and returns here up in class, with claims once more. 3^rd that day was (2) WORLD BEYOND. He came back out in October and registered a win of his own and he too comes up in class here. He made all that day despite racing rather ungenerously at times and while today’s is a stiffer assignment, he is the slight choice to overturn the form on Tank Socks. (10) KING OF SUNDAY has a 3^rd and a 2^nd since returning from nine months off and can place again here while (6) FEDERAL CAT remains a maiden but has already proven himself competitive in this kind of company and looks in amongst it here. (1) WONDERFUL PANGPANG best of the rest.

Selections	(2) World Beyond (5) Tank Socks (10) King Of Sunday (6) Federal Cat
Next Best	1, 7
Fast Start	2, 5, 8, 10

Race 9: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(1) SOLGAEBARAM may have only managed 6^th place in each of her latest two starts but both have been better races than this and the margins have not been big. She’s drawn inside today, should be on speed from the start, and can win. (10) MACH THUNDER is up in class having come from off the pace to win well over this distance on October 19^th. His manners weren’t the best, but he’s got a nice turn of foot and should be dangerous here. Outgoing trainer Simon Foster saddles (2) KOOKA CAT, a good maiden winner last start and who can be competitive here while (5) ECHO FIRST ON and (11) CHEONSE MANSE are others in the hunt.

Selections	(1) Solgaebaram (10) Mach Thunder (2) Kooka Cat (5) Echo First On
Next Best	11, 4
Fast Start	1, 2, 12

Race 10: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(1) GEUM ROYAL steps up in class off the back of a nice win over this distance on October 19^th. This is a good race for class 5 level but everything about him suggests he can be competitive at this level and from gate 1 he can sit nice and handy behind the early speed and launch a strong challenge late on. (3) LUMINESCE has consistently run good times at this distance and seems to have landed in a nice spot here. He’s also drawn well to get on the early speed. (11) JEJUI HEUKSEON showed a big uptick in form when 2^nd last start and can build on that today while (2) SPEED BELLE is better than recent results suggest and can get closer here. (8) P.K. JEONSA best of the rest.

Selections	(1) Geum Royal (3) Lumincesce (11) Jejui Heukseon (2) Speed Belle
Next Best	8, 6
Fast Start	2, 3, 8, 12

Race 11: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(3) MAMMA ROMA was 5^th in the Korean Oaks before wilting a little over 2000M in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup. She dropped back to 1300M to run 2^nd at the end of August and has since been off twelve weeks. She returns here looking nicely in and is the favourite to score here. (7) HANYANG GONGJU ran 5^th in a tight race at class and distance last start and looks set to get much closer today while (2) GEOM HYANG may be better for being given a bit of extra distance to play with this time. (5) TAURUS and (6) DONG JAK have placing claims.

Selections	(3) Mamma Roma (7) Hanyang Gongju (2) Geom Hyang (6) Dong Jak
Next Best	5
Fast Start	4, 6

Race 12: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(7) BEST STAR won four from four between January and May progressing rapidly through the classes before suffering a bad injury that has kept him out since. He showed no ill-effects when blitzing a trial earlier this month and can return victorious today. Should he be rusty then (10) GAENARI SONG could be one to take advantage. He only managed 6^th when favourite last start a month ago but he was slowly away, and the margins weren’t big. Expect him to do better today. (3) MACHA BUCHA and (8) NIMUI HYANGGI ran home 2^nd and 3^rd respectively when they raced each other at class and distance on October 6^th and both should be in the placing hunt again. (9) GEUMSEONGHWANGJE is another to consider for the minor money.

Selections	(7) Best Star (10) Gaenari Song (8) Nimui Hyanggi (3) Macha Bucha
Next Best	9, 5
Fast Start	2, 6, 7, 11, 12

There are 12 Saturday races in Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Juvenile filly maidens to begin with and five of the twelve have raced before. Among those five is the hot favourite, (2) NUNBUSIN HANSEN. She ran 2^nd on debut in a decent time on September 29^th and a similar performance should see her home on top today. Of the others with previous racing experience, (11) COMPLETE MAGIC ran an improved 5^th on her second start in October and can continue to make progress here. Among the first-timers, (4) MONEY SIJANG was a useful trial winner two weeks ago and looks to be the pick. (10) THUNDER SONIA ran 2^nd in the same heat and also looks to have some ability. (3) ONE AND ONLY the pick of the rest.

Selections	(2) Nunbusin Hansen (4) Money Sijang (3) One And Only (10) Thunder Sonia
Next Best	11, 5
Fast Start	2, 4, 5, 9

Race 2: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with four of them having raced before. (8) CHUNSAN was only beaten a nose into 2^nd in a tight three-way finish on debut on October 6^th. It was a fast time and she showed enough to warrant being favourite here. (2) CHEONSA PARK was 6^th in the same race, an improvement from his first effort and can go better again today. (10) AMIGO RARO missed the kick slightly on his latest appearance three weeks ago but ran on pleasingly enough and can continue his development here while (3) POWER YACHT did nothing wrong on debut and is another who can aim for a place. Of the first timers, (4) CLEAN UP BELLA is the clear pick having run 3^rd in a fast trial all the way back in August. It’s taken him a while to get to the track but should go well first-up.

Selections	(8) Chunsan (4) Clean Up Bella (10) Amigo Raro (2) Cheonsa Park
Next Best	3, 7
Fast Start	1, 2, 8, 10

Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

Only nine runners but a wide-open race. It’s tempting to give (2) PUNCH POWER another chance. Having put in encouraging runs on his first two starts, he never really got going over 1000M last time out two weeks ago and finished back in the pack. Back up in trip today, he may be better. Since returning from seven months off in September, (1) HIT THE PACE has run 4^th and 3^rd, the latest of which was at this trip. This is a tougher assignment, but he may be considered. (3) GOLD FIELD too swims in slightly choppier waters here but also looks to be on the improve. (7) WIN BLADE came close to making all at length odds last start, only to be caught late on. That was his first try at this distance and a big improvement, so he has to be respected here. (8) RESKA the best of the rest.

Selections	(2) Punch Power (7) Win Blade (1) Hit The Pace (3) Gold Field
Next Best	8, 6
Fast Start	1, 3, 7

Race 4: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Valuable juvenile maiden for imported horses with only two of the eleven having raced before. One of those two is (10) BLUE MACARON, who ran 4^th on debut on October 6^th, just under three-lengths behind the winner. He should have come on for that run and is among the leading contenders here. Both (6) MARK STORY and (7) MOONHAK MISCHIEF won their respective trials last month and both come straight into contention. The latter probably looks best place to make an immediate impact. Quicker than both of those in his trial was (1) FULL BOOSTER, who finished ahead of three of his rivals here – including Blue Macaron – in his heat back in September, and he too is likely to be well backed first up. (4) NANEUN STAR is another who posted a fast qualifying time – be sure to watch the market for additional clues.

Selections	(10) Blue Macaron (7) Moonhak Mischief (1) Full Booster (6) Mark Story
Next Best	4, 2
Fast Start	2, 7, 8, 10

Race 5: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Back to juvenile maidens here and (10) SIMPLE STYLE ran 6^th on debut in a decent time behind some promising looking horses. His manners weren’t great but if he sorts those, he won’t need to have come on too much to be right in this. (4) HEUNGHAENG JILJU ran 3^rd on debut over 1000M last month, running through the line well and should appreciate the step up in trip today. (9) GOSOK PEDAL was a decent 4^th on debut at long odds on October 5^th, also at 1000M. He too steps up in trip with claims to go better. (5) SHINY QUEEN and solitary debut-maker (1) GO UP look best of the rest.

Selections	(10) Simple Style (4) Heunghaeng Jilju (9) Gosok Pedal (1) Go Up
Next Best	5, 6
Fast Start	2, 8, 10

Race 6: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(2) DAE YONGWANG has been knocking at the door for some time and almost made his breakthrough last start, his first at this distance when he was only beaten a nose. In this small field he should be prominent from the start and can win. Also only beaten a nose on his first try at 1700M was (1) ACE SHINE. That was just two weeks ago and was his first start for trainer Tony Castenheira. He can go close again. (8) ANY SEON is another

(more…)