The internationals have started to arrive for next week’s Korea Cup & Korea Sprint – check out the imposing Lone Sailor stepping out onto the Seoul sand for the first time on Friday afternoon below. He’ll be in his stable while Saturday racing goes on with 12 races from 14:00 to 21:00. It’s the final Saturday of afternoon and evening racing for this summer. Here are the previews:

Lone Sailor arriving at Seoul on Friday afternoon

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

A filly-only maiden kicks things off. (2) WINNER TEMPLAR was a much-improved 2^nd on her second start at this trip on July 27^th, beating a couple of these in the process. She came from behind the pace with a strong finish and can do the same today. (9) HWANGGEUM STAR was 3^rd that day and can be competitive once more although stronger challenges are expected from (6) VIRTUS, who returned from six months off with a solid 3^rd place in June and comes in fresh again here. (1) CHEONEUN JJANG steps up in trip following back to back 3^rd place finishes while (5) SUPER VICTOR steps back after a decent showing around 1700M last start and should be in the mix as well.

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

Weak maiden here. (2) BAEKSAEK GWANGCHAE only managed 5^th when sent off at short odds over this distance on July 7^th. He’s one of only two in the field to have a runner-up finish to his name though and is probably worth another chance here. The other one is (9) ALL MY QUEEN, who ran 2^nd in what was, for a wet track a low time on July 14^th. She’ll need to improve. That said, so will everything else. (8) BE ZENITH did nothing much wrong on debut at the end of June and the jockey booking will attract plenty. (3) BACK SPIN and (5) CITY SONGAM others with claims to improve.

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens with just three of the twelve having raced before. None of them have performed with much distinction though so it’s the newcomers that we’ll focus on. (5) BLUE KING didn’t catch the eye in his first trial but was much quicker in a second in early July and if he brings that form to the races, has solid claims first up. (1) K TOP KING is out of a mare who, when she arrived in Korea, was the nation’s most expensive ever imported racehorse. She ran well too, and K Top King looked good when winning a July trial. (10) DAEHAENGIDA also won his heat and may be considered while (8) NOLBU CHEONHA also performed well in the morning trials and should be in the hunt.

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

More juvenile maidens, this time with only two having run before. However, this time, one of those has actually shown ability. After winning a trial in June, (10) RAON BEST MAN ran a very solid 3^rd on debut on July 7^th and that should be enough to make him a warm favourite here, likely leading all the way. The main danger is (4) HWANGGEUM HAE, who won a trial in a fast time on a sloppy track at the end of last month and looks to have ability. Others who hinted at some talent in the mornings include (1) PUNCH POWER, who won his trial, while (3) GEOMPO and (8) ARARIYO also looked useful.

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

(7) HWARYONG ran 3^rd in a decent class and distance race on August 10^th, running on well. That was his second try at this level and looked promising. He’ll probably start favourite here. That doesn’t mean he’ll win though. (1) P.K. GUNJU drops back in trip after a good 3^rd over 1300M a month ago and should be dangerous from the inside gate while (6) ROAD WOMAN should also be much better for dropping back in distance today. Both (5) KING OF SUNDAY and (8) HOMECOMING return to action after lengthy spells on the sidelines. Both had previously displayed ability and both trialled up adequately enough leading up to this.

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

(3) REIGN was an also ran in the Korean Oaks before finishing 4^th in the Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup in June. She only managed 3^rd when sent off the odds-on favourite on her return to shallower waters a month ago but really should be returning to the winner’s circle today. (12) WINNER MOUNTAIN is up in class having registered his maiden victory n his first try at this distance on July 28^th. He made all that day and while this is stiffer, he should be very competitive. (4) CHANGSEONG GANGJA demonstrated a sharp uptick in form when beating Reign, among others, at class and distance last time. The form will probably be reversed today but he’ll start much shorter than the 80/1 he (more…)

There are 11 races in Seoul on Saturday from 14:00 to 21:00. Quite a few of the year’s top three-year-olds will be in action including Minister’s Cup runner-up Myeongpum Chukje and Gyeonggi Governor’s Cup winner Clear Geom. It’s the penultimate Saturday of night racing for this summer. Here are the previews:

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

(5) CAPTAIN BEST has shown improvement across three starts so far, coming home in 4^th place over 1200M last start. He drops back to the minimum trip today and looks to have strong claims to make the breakthrough here. (3) DASHING CANOE and (7) CLEAR STORY finished 2^nd and 3^rd respectively when they raced each other over 1300M on July 21^st. For Dashing Canoe, it was a big uptick in form whereas for Clear Story it was just her second career start. Both can go close today, but Clear Story is the more likely to improve. (6) HANSEN BLADE and (8) SPECTOR QUEEN are others with placing claims.

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

(3) RED SUN is the one to beat here. Simon Foster’s gelding only managed 3^rd when favourite on a wet track a month ago but showed enough to suggest a win isn’t too far away and it should arrive here. (1) FASTEST has been anything but across eight efforts to date but ran a solid 3^rd last time under Alan Munro and the pair can place again today. (8) CARROT SEEKER hasn’t shown much in terms of speed but has a handful of minor money finishes to his name and he can get another one here. (5) CHEONSE MANSE, lame last start, and (6) FIRST THUNDER best of the rest.

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

(4) PEACE OF RULES has shown improvement across three starts to date, culminating with 2^nd place last time. She’s well drawn to get on pace from the start and she’ll be very hard to beat here. (2) FEDERAL QUEEN looks the main danger. She jumped awkwardly and lost ground last time out but still rallied for an improved 4^th and she can build on that today. (5) TRUE RUBY and (6) KOOKA CAT have both hinted at some ability and both should be looking for the respective best starts to date here. (8) BAEKDU GEOPO another one in the frame.

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

Juvenile maidens here with all but two of them having raced before. (6) STRETTO looks the one to beat having run 2^nd on a sloppy track over 1200M last time. The additional half furlong today may be just what he needs to get in front. Both (7) LUCKY BEOPJEON’s two starts so far have been at 1000M but he’s run through the line well both times and is another who may appreciate the step up in trip. (1) FEDERAL KING too showed improvement on his second start on July 20^th and will be interesting to see over further today. (3) DAEHYEONG HOJAE and (5) MEOTJIN GEUMSEONG both did nothing wrong on debut and can improve here.

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

(1) JEONGJOUI KKUM got his maiden win at the fourth attempt in fine fashion on July 14^th. He’s up in class here but looks to have little to fear and from the inside gate should be close form the start and potentially lead all the way. He’ll be a warm favourite. (6) AUSPICE beat a couple of these on his way to 4^th place on his first try at this level over 1200M last month. He weakened a touch late on and should be better back at the minimum today. Also dropping back in distance is (8) NEUL PUREUN CAT, in his case after a solid 2^nd place over 1200M and he too should be a danger. (3) QUEEN FORCE ONE and (7) KAHINAH are others in the frame.

Race 6: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Tricky race this comprising unraced imports, maidens locally bred runner with two wins for twenty-six starts. We’re going to go out on a limb and pick a first-time starter. (2) HWANGGEUM LUCKY, a colt by Constitution looked extremely competent when winning a trial at the end of last month. Moon Se Young is booked to ride, and he has every chance of seeing off modest opposition. (1) MUNHAK BOSS ran well for 5^th on debut and can build on that today while (12) DOLGYEOK APEURO drops back significantly in trip (more…)

There are 11 Saturday races at Seoul from 14:00 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

It’s an afternoon and evening card at Seoul on Saturday

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(11) CHEONHA YEOJE was a beaten favourite last start but gets another chance here. Despite the wide draw she’ll be expected to be on pace from the start and she can lead all the way. (5) SMART GUNHWANG has run 3^rd in both his two stats so far, both of them at this distance and looks set to be the main danger. Those two look head and shoulders above the rest although (1) HAWK ARIRANG has shown glimpses of ability and may go close while (7) TOUGH GREAT and (9) CHOEGANG SINGI are others with potential to improve.

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

Juvenile maidens here with only two of the eight having raced before. And those two will be at the head of the betting market and expected to dispute the honours. (3) MENI HERO beat (1) MENI CHAMP when they debuted together on July 14^th over this distance. Meni Hero was a good 3^rd clear of Meni Champ’s 5^th and they should finish in the same order here, only filling out the top two spots this time. Among the debut-makers, (5) SEN KING and (6) LUCKY SANGUN were the quickest in trials and can go well first-up. (2) HEUNGHAENG JILJU also performed creditably in his heat and looks next best.

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

The second lot of juvenile maidens once more features just two who have prior racing experience. This time, however, while (1) P.K. DOLPUNG and (6) WONDERFUL HEART will certainly be expected to improve on their respective first starts, it’s the debut-makers who will be favoured. (8) BAEKJEUI KKUM won his trial and with Alan Munro getting the ride, he looks to have an excellent chance of making a winning start. (2) LUCKY MYEONGHO may be the main danger. He didn’t win his trial, but ran 2^nd to a seasoned class 1 horse (Cheonjiga) and while that may have made the time quicker than usual, he didn’t look out of place. Also quick in trials, albeit on a wet track, was (3) SAMJEONG TAPAS and he too is likely to be well-supported here.

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

Eleven imported juveniles get the chance to race for a big prize here with only two having raced before. Of those two, (4) KENTUCKY MANGCHI perhaps has the better chance of improving from an underwhelming debut. The winner though is likely to come from the first-timers and (5) D K PURMIR looks set to be favourite having recorded the fastest trial time. He led for much of that het and is nicely drawn to get on pace here. (6) BLACK PUNCH won his trial and the Palace Malice gelding will also be looking to get to the front early and should go well first-up here. (2) SLEEP WELL is another trial winner who may be considered while (3) CHUKBOKUI YAKSOK looks best of the rest. As ever with this type of race, watch the local market for additional clues.

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

More maidens although this time it’s not restricted to juveniles. (3) KKOKKOMA LADY comes in off the back of consecutive 4^th place finishes, both at this distance. Both those races were slow, and she may not have enough improvement in her to win this, but she can place. (1) SUNSHINE TEUKGEUP ran 5^th behind Kkokkoma Lady last start. That was her first try at the distance and she looks to have scope for more development. She’s the slight pick. (6) SUPER VICTOR ran a creditable 5^th place on her first try at the distance last month and can build on it today while (2) DAEGIRI and (5) RECOVERY TAP are others in at least the placing hunt.

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

(7) P.K. JEONSA steps up in class having got his maiden win at the eighth attempt over 1200M a month ago. This is a step up in quality, but he should be competitive and can win again. (5) WONDERFUL MARIA is better than her two latest outings suggest, and she should be improving here, having previously won at this distance. (4) MIRACLE HOPE (more…)

Sunday sees a bumper 15-race daytime card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

(9) AN MOK HANG was beaten when favourite on her latest start four weeks ago. That was against considerably better opposition than she faces today though and her previous runs suggest she has every chance here. (8) CHEONEUN JJANG comes in after a useful 3^rd place last time out and looks to be one of the main dangers although (1) SEUNGNI JEONSEOL has also proven capable of running competitive times – she was found to have been slightly lame after her latest run and has had seven weeks off. If (10) SEOUL MAGIC can get a good start from the wide draw, he has placing claims too. There are two debut makers and of them, (4) JEONGMUN LASER put in a handy performance in his trial.

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

(7) MENI STAND returned from seven months out to run 3^rd at thus distance on July 20^th. She shifted in at the start that day and lost quite a bit of ground, only really making it up in the final furlong. If she gets a better start and gives herself more of a chance here, then she can win. (5) RAON JOY enters off the back of a pair of 3^rd place finishes and can aim to match or even better those today while (1) NONGBUI SUCHEAHWA is another who had a hard time coming out of the gate on what was her debut six weeks ago but then ran on well. She should have come on for that and can improve here. (4) STORM FORCE and (12) FAMILY PARK are others in the frame.

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here with only four of the twelve having raced before. One of those is set to be favourite though. (4) STRONG QUEEN was very slow to begin on debut from a wide draw but ran on very nicely to claim 5^th. She’s much better drawn today and looks the one to beat. (2) WONDER PLACE debuted in the same race and while she came home 9^th, Moon Se Young being aboard today will interest some. As for the other chances, it’s likely to be the first-timer starters. (8) DANGCHAN BARAM looks the best of them, having won her trial in a good time, beating a couple of these along the way. (7) RAON TOUGH MAN was also a trial winner and while his time was a little slower, can be considered first up too. (9) QUIET ADELE, 3^rd in a trial behind Dangchan Baram, looks best of the rest.

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

After an inauspicious debut in February, (7) KINGS CARRIAGE has put in two consecutive 3^rd place finishes. He should be on the early speed today and has an excellent chance of improving further and making the breakthrough. (9) DIAVOLA finished behind King’s Carriage back in June but has since picked up a 3^rd place of her own over 1200M four weeks ago. She can be a big danger here. Those two look head and shoulders above the rest although (4) CHEONNYEONUI GODO has hinted at ability and may compete for a place along with (6) WONDERFUL HEELS and (12) CHOEGANG CAMP, the latter making just her second start having looked useful in recent trials.

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

(2) GABO PULL QUEEN missed the break by a length or so when favourite over 1200M on July 13^th and while without that she may still not have won, it certainly didn’t help her as she ended up running out 4^th. She has a 2^nd place to her name at class and distance though and she can be expected to go much closer today. Moon Se Young rides her for the second time, with the first having been her solitary victory. (1) CAMP BADA and (5) GEUM ROYAL came home 4^th and 5^th behind Gabo Pull Queen back in June and both have proven competitive at this level, as has (6) PRIME QUEEN. The three of those look likely to pose the biggest potential threats to the favourite although (3) NONSTOP FLYING is another who can go close.

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

(4) FLYING BULLET comes in here seeking her third consecutive victory having made all in her latest two, both over this distance and the latter at this class. She does carry 4kg more than last time but has potential for another win here. (5) FEDERAL CAT and (6) BAEKSANG came home 3^rd and 4^th respectively with just a length between them when they raced each other over class and distance on July 13^th and both should be in at least the placing hunt once again. (2) DAEHAN ILPUM was just beaten a neck mat class and distance last start and can be respected here. (1) BULUI QUEEN remains a maiden after six attempts but is rarely too far away and drops back in trip following a creditable 5^th over 1700M last time.

Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(8) DAEGUNUI GEOM returned from three months off to just get pipped by a nose in a good race at class and distance on June 15^th. He had two of these behind him that day and following another eight weeks off, he looks ready to win. (5) LIL’ PATRON was one of those he beat that day and he looks to have potential for further development. He also runs for the first time since. (1) ENDURANCE was an also-ran in the Korean Derby this year and has finished 2^nd in both subsequent starts. He’s up in class today but should be on pace and is likely to aim to be on pace. (4) BULGULUI RUNNER was an improved 3^rd on what was just his second start in July and he can maintain his progress here. (6) CLEAN UP HERO returned to some kind of form with a 3^rd place last time and can aim for the minor money again.

Race 8: Class 5 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

After a strong of near-misses, it’s about time (2) HOPE KINGDOM made the breakthrough and actually won a race. In two goes at this trip, he’s been beaten a nose the first time and then by three-quarters of a length the second. He can sit behind the early speed here and finish strongly. (11) ROYAL SMARTY is another who has taken to this distance well having run 2rd in his first try at it on July 14^th. He’ll be a danger as will (4) TO THE VICTORY, who attempts two turns for the first time but could well get a soft early lead here and if he sees out the trip, could pull off a surprise. (7) INDIAN BOSS and (9) SUN QUEEN are others in the placing frame.

Race 9: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

(9) ALIBABA MARINE was just beaten a nose over 1200M on June 23^rd, having run 3^rd the time before that. He steps up to two-turns for the first time today and it could be exactly what he needs to make the breakthrough. (1) DAE BYEONHWA has plenty of experience at this distance including a very good 2^nd place last time. From the inside gate, he’ll be on pace from the start and should be a danger at the business end. (2) MAENGJU has been inconsistent over eight outings so far but has ability at this distance and can be in line for a place. (5) DONGBANG JIJON and (11) SPEED YEONGUNG are others who can be taken (more…)

After a week off, racing returns to the capital on Saturday with 11-races from 14:25 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

A maiden to kick things off and a few of them come in off the back of promising performances. (2) SINGSING JANGSU has a 2^nd and a 3^rd from two starts to date over 1000M and 1200M and the slight step up in trip today may be what he needs to make the breakthrough. He ran through the line well last start and can come from off the pace here. (3) MACH THUNDER was a much improved 2^nd last time out on July 13^th, beating (7) EAGLE EYE into 3^rd. Both of those have claims here. (10) CHEONJI AEGA also took to this distance well on her second career start last month – this is a tougher race, but she should be a factor. (11) PUNGMUNEURO has been plodding around at this level for a long time now but can pick some minor money in this company.

Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

A last start class and distance winner, (11) SUHO carries an extra 3kg today but still looks nicely enough in to follow-up. He’ll have to overcome the widest draw but that’s exactly what he did last time and he can repeat. (10) CHEONJI POKPUNG is up in class having registered his maiden win by a cool five-lengths at this distance a month ago. Today’s company is stiffer but he should be competitive. (4) WIND RIVER had an erratic trip on his first try at this level last month and can improve today while (9) EX BLADE was found to have been lame after his latest disappointing outing back in May. He’s had eleven weeks off since and should go better here. (3) MISSILE CANDY looks best of the rest.

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maidens here with only five of the twelve having raced before. Of those, (5) COMPLETE KINGDOM was by some margin the most impressive, running 2^nd at this distance on July 7^th, beating two of these in the process. He should be on pace from the start and can lead all the way. (8) MONEY CHAMP was 4^th in that race, a full eleven-lengths in arrears but looks to have scope for improvement here. (2) MASEONG TUHON was also 4^th on her debut back in June and looks to have some potential too. Among the first time starters, (7) GEUMA FLAWLESS was the most eye-catching in trials and should go well first up. (3) WINNER BLUE also put in a tidy qualification run.

Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(2) WINNER CROWN led almost from gate to wire, ultimately getting nudged into 2^nd in a similarly good race on June 22^nd. He’s well drawn to get on pace again and this time can lead all the way. He’ll be joined on pace early by main danger (7) JEONGSANG STAR, who is up in class following a five-length maiden score over this distance four weeks ago and looks to have scope for more development. (1) HWARYONG was slow to begin and then raced very ungenerously on his latest appearance behind Winner Crown in June. He got sent back to trial, ultimately having to go through three of them before being cleared for racing again. He won all three of those trials though and if he behaves himself, should go well here. (5) ROYAL SHALOM and (6) MACH TANSAENG are others in the hunt.

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

(2) SAGWARANG returns to action for the first time in just under a year. She was developing into a classy filly before her layoff with two wins from four and looked in good touch when trialing this June. This isn’t the easiest race but she can make a winning comeback today. (7) D K NARIN came close to making all over this distance a month ago, ultimately ending in 2^nd and a win looks to be in his near future. (8) CUPID GUY already has a victory to his name and while he was a little bit ordinary on his latest start, can come into consideration. (4) GULCHARMNAMUSUP and (5) PHOENIX WOLF are others who can go close.

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

(1) NALARA HLL’s maiden win had been coming and she secured it with a six-length victory over this distance on July 7^th. She is accordingly up in class today but if she gets to the front early, should have too much. (5) HUIMANG STAR is a twenty-race maiden but has been no worse than 4^th in each of her latest five outings and should go close again. (6) TAEPUNG EYES and (7) CHEON GOE SEONG similarly come in with recent form reading well and have placing claims while (2) GLORY VERN looks best of the rest.

Race 7: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Four of these raced each other over class and distance on July 7^th with (5) POP STREET coming out the best of them in 2^nd place. He’s nicely drawn to get on pace today and should go close again. The worst of the four that day was pre-race favourite (2) SWEETLY HUMOR. He pulled hard in the middle part of the race before offering little at the business end, finishing well back in 6^th, however, his previous form makes him worthy of another chance here. (1) SKY STORM was a little bit cold in spring but returned to form with a good 2^nd at class and distance on June 2^nd. (6) GAL IP and (10) UDAERYUNG are others in with a chance of at least a place.

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

A good winner on debut in May, (4) MYEONGWANG ran 2^nd on his first try at this class at the very end of June. He did though suffer quite a heavy bump at the start which cost him momentum and if he gets away cleanly this time, could quite easily lead all the way. (5) VALLEY QUEEN was an impressive maiden winner last start and while up in class today, looks to be the main danger. (10) HAE WANG beat three of these on his way to 3^rd place at class and distance a month ago. He remains a maiden but looks to have placing chances again here. (1) HIGH BEAT and (6) GEUMBIT YEOLJEONG are others in the hunt.

Race 9: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

After running 4^th in her first two outings last autumn, (11) CHODONG BOBAE returned to action in April and has subsequently won three in a row. Her latest victory saw her defeat the talented Dokdo Ya at this class over 1300M a month ago. She carries a little bit more weight today but looks like she has plenty more wins in her. (9) MY SISTER NINA has proved versatile if inconsistent over five outings so far but her good performances have been very good. She just missed out by a nose over 1000M last start and can be a real danger here. (4) MUNHAKUI JEONSA has been solid across four starts to date and should be on pace early with a view to hanging on for a place. (6) AMERICAN FORCE ONE and (12) MANHATTAN MUSIC can also be taken into consideration.

Race 10: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(4) MUNHAK TIGER maybe be developing a liking for finishing 2^nd, with three runner-up finishes to a solitary win, but it’s the latter column that should be boosted here. From gate 4, he’ll be making the early pace and could be hard to beat. If he does fall short, (7) SOL PARANG could be one to take advantage. He beat a couple of these on his way to 3^rd at class and distance last start and can finish well from off the pace here. (6) WILD FIGHT also enters in solid form with a good 3^rd over 1400M last time and should be in at least the placing frame again. (1) MONTEVIDEO and (3) FLYING BOSS are not without claims either.

Race 11: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(1) MUNHAK ARIARI came up slightly short when favourite for a similar class and distance affair last month, ultimately finishing 4^th. It wasn’t a bad run though and having drawn the inside gate today, looks set to be a justifiable favourite once more. (8) EMPIRE KINGDOM should benefit from the drop back in trip today and should be one of the main dangers while (5) KWAEHAN YEBONGSAN was a little bit ordinary in good company last start but is a class and distance winner already and must be respected. (7) UP LIGHT, up in class and back in trip, and (9) EAGLES GRIFTER are others to take into account.

Saturday’s afternoon and evening card at Seoul is about to get underway with 10 races from 14:55 to 21:00. Here are the previews:

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

A tough race to kick the day off with as we assess eleven maidens with some rather average form lines. Most of the chances were beaten by big margins last time out but they still ran superior times to their counterparts engaged. (3) GOLD FIELD will line up once again over the 1000m after finishing third last time out. She was beaten eight lengths but ran a time of 1.02.9 on a dry track which reads well for this assignment. Antonio Da Silva will be legged aboard who had just the one ride last weekend for one win. (5) GREEN CINDY ran a similar time last time out. She let a couple pass her in the straight,  but she has the ability to jump well and hold on for a cheque. (4) PARK BLADE drops back to the 1000m after finishing midfield over the 1300m four weeks back. Top rider Kim Yong-Geun will partner the filly once again who handed in a fair performance two starts back over the five furlongs. (2) LADY DIA was beaten ten lengths last time out when third over the 1300m. She looks the best of the rest.

Selections (3) Gold Field (5) Green Cindy (4) Park Blade (2) Lady Dia

Next Best 6, 9

Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 9

Race 2: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 24 Million

The second on the card sees another field of maidens line up over the short course. (6) CHEONGSU BIG EAR ran through the line strongly last start when second. The Peace Rules filly ran a handy time for this class, it is expected that Manuel Porcu will once again work forward on her with a lack of speed engaged. The other potential pacemaker is the debutant (8) CHODONG ROSE who ran a handy trial when qualifying. The chestnut seemed to respond to Song Jae Chul when he asked for an effort in the straight and there looked to be some gas left in the tank. (10) GOLDEN JAY finishing fourth behind the exciting Running Box last time out. Whilst beaten 12L, she only finished 3.5L behind the second horse and the winner looks something special. (2) JANGSAN EX has shown enough to finish in the money and gets a handy draw.

Selections (6) Cheongsu Big Ear (8) Chodong Rose (10) Golden Jay (2) Jangsan Ex

Next Best 4, 11

Fast Start 6, 9, 11

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance 2yo / KRW 60 Million

Nine two-year-olds will take to the track in the third with only one of them having a race start. (2) TK DAY looked impressive trialing on what looked a particularly heavy track for the field to get through. Jo Jae-Ro gave the Musket Man filly a slap with the stick and she responded well coasting through the line for an easy victory in reasonable time. (3) LUCKY BEOPJEON finished fourth behind a handy quinella in his race including Roller Blade who is two from two, and Taktuein who blew them away last time out. There is every chance he will start favourite with the form lines and should be dealt with as a winning chance albeit being beaten 9L on debut. (4) KOREA GIJEOK was nursed in his trial when finishing second running 1.04.4 on a dry track. Whilst hard to gauge it will be interesting to see him fully extended as he lines up for his debuy. (7) BISANGDEUNG ran on fairly in a slow trial. He was nursed by Lim Gi Won who will partner the filly once again.

Selections (2) TK Day (3) Lucky Beopjeon (4) Korea Gijeok (7) Bisangdeung

Next Best 5, 1

Fast Start 2, 3, 4

Race 4: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance 2yo / KRW 60 Million

Good to see another 2yo event on the card with the new crop filtering into the racing system. There looks an exciting type engaged in this race in the form of (3) ELITE LADY. She won her barrier trial in brilliant fashion when leading before extending away nicely. She is a well-developed two-year-old but most impressively was the way she did everything right in her trial. Song Jae Chul struck her once with the stick and she hit another gear. She looks the one to beat. (8) TANGO TIME was good in his trial. He coasted through the line running 1.03.6 on a wet track under Yoo Seung-Wan who partners the Hansen colt once again. (6) SAENAE CHOICE ran a handy time in her trial on a good rated track. Seoul’s leading rider will ride the Simon Pure filly who was somewhat green in her trial but looks to have some ability. (4) DALRINEUN BITKKAL finished sixth on debut behind Choin Gangja and looks a place chance.

Selections (3) Elite Lady (8) Tango Time (6) Saenae Choice (4) Dalrineun Bitkkal

Next Best 2, 9

Fast Start 3, 5, 6

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

There are plenty of in-form gallopers engaged in the fifth on the card where a field of eleven will line-up. (2) RAON PRO SENSE has been consistent for quite some time over this level and the Menifee colt has ran handy races both times when going over the 1700M. He’s somewhat of a non-winner but finds a field with no standout and with the draw should be right in this at an each-way price. (7) MENI SPEED has finished 3^rd at his past five starts including three of them over 1700M. Masa Tanaka will be taking over on the three-year-old and is likely to settle him midfield before allowing him to be saved up for a quick sectional. (8) BARAM KING win in similar class three starts back and (more…)