Winter is here! It’s turned quite chilly across the Korean peninsula this week but it should still be pleasant enough in the daytime sunshine to enjoy some racing. The main action of the weekend is on Sunday when both Seoul and Busan will host big juvenile races but before that, there is a bumper 13-race card at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Well ok. It’s not quite this bad yet.

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

(5) GREEN Y struggled when stepped up to 1300M at the end of last month but prior to that recorded her best finish so far when 2^nd at this trip in September. That wasn’t a strong race, but neither is this and she’s shown more in the way of speed than most here so if she gets off to a good start, she can win. (9) DAEJI GONGJU ran an improved (although admittedly distant) 2^nd last time out and can look to build on it today. She’s not the quickest of starters but can run on well. (6) DOUBLE RAINBOW has two 4^th places to her name and should be beating plenty again. There are two debut-makers and of them (12) LOOKING GOOD looked competent enough in trials and can go well first-up.

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

Juvenile maidens here and six of the twelve have raced before. Of those with prior experience, (5) YAHO THUNDER CAT ran 3^rd behind a couple of useful looking ones (the 2^nd place-getter has since gone on to win too) on October 20^th. He was prominent throughout that day, is well drawn to lead, and could win this. (6) BUCKETFUL GOLD ran very greenly on his own debut back in September to the extent that Stewards placed a warning on him. Nevertheless, he still managed to finish 4^th and comes back in after a couple of months off with scope to improve. The main dangers though are likely to be from the first-timers. (3) CHOIN BOLT and (7) OKAY TAP came home 1^st and 2^nd in an October trail with just half a length between them. They both looked competent and should go well first-up here. As ever, the market may offer some clues.

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

More juvenile maidens here with just four of the twelve having previous racing experience. Only one of those four has experience to boast about and that’s the likely favourite (9) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM. He’s raced twice and improved to 4^th on the most recent of those five weeks ago, coming from well off the pace having shifted inwards and bumped another horse at the start. He ran into trouble in the home straight too so with a clean trip today, he has every chance of winning. There are two standouts among the debut-makers. (1) SUN SPIKE was the fastest in trials putting in two very solid efforts, the most recent of which was just two weeks ago. Expect him to begin well and to be a danger. (3) DORORA won a trial in good fashion at the beginning of this month and can be a threat too. (2) TANTAN WINNER and (8) MY HAWK are other first-timers who can go well.

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

Maiden fillies only here.  Four of them raced each other at this distance on October 28^th and that day (8) BLACK GINGA finished the best of them coming home in 2^nd place. She came from off the pace to record her best finish to date and has to be given a chance here. So too though does that day’s 3^rd place-getter, (4) BANGTANMA, who was just a neck behind. She previously ran 5^th in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup and should be looking to lead all the way here. (3) SUNSHIN MARINE had a poor day at the office on her latest start, beginning slowly and never being involved. She had shown ability prior to that though and can go close here. (7) DAESEONG HANEUL and (10) NEW PARADIGM have both run just the once and both showed some promise that they can build on today.

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

(5) CHANGSEONG ILHO ran solid 2^nd place over 1300M two weeks ago, his best finish in twelve outings to date. He’s raced at this distance in the past and looks ready for another crack at it in what is a really weak looking contest. (7) SAMAE STAR too has run at this distance before and enters in decent form with a 4^th and a 3^rd from her latest two at 1200M and 1300M and she looks to be the main danger. (4) SINBIRYONG’s recent work has all been at 1000M and ran well enough for 4^th last start. (1) LUCKY FACTORY and (3) MAIN EVENT are others who could potentially improve.

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

Class 5 fillies here. (6) GREEN DARC registered a win and a 2^nd place from her first two starts before taking her chance in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup – Seoul’s top juvenile race – at the end of last month. She was found out a little there but didn’t run badly and dropping back to the minimum trip, she will be expected to return to winning ways today. (5) DAMON ANGEL won a weak filly-only race back in July before being a bit (more…)

Saturday racing is in Seoul where there are 12 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Johan Victoire rode 7 winners last weekend – he could get some more this Saturday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

(7) GLOBAL CHEONHA was an improved 4^th on his second career start a month ago. He’s shown the most of these in terms of speed and he can finish on top here. (1) DALLYEORA GWANGSAN led for much of her latest start at 1300M ultimately finishing 3^rd. The step back in trip should suit and she should lead again. (5) VICAR BRACING was 5^th in that same race and also looks to have scope for improvement. (6) NAMJJOK NARA and (9) LEISUER KING are both more experienced and while a win may be unlikely, both are capable of finding the money in this kind of company.

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

Juvenile maidens here with only three of the twelve having raced before. We’re going to value that experience though and put two of those three on top. (7) KING OF SUNDAY and (12) FULL MOON SKY came home 5^th and 4^th in their respective first outings in October. King Of Sunday posted the faster time and with a more favourable draw to get the lead, is the slight top pick here with Full Moon Sky a clear second choice. The first-timers don’t really set the pulse racing although (2) PRIMA NIKE looked useful in his trial and may well go to the lead here. (3) RECOVERY TAP and (4) SUN OF THUNDER are the others who look to have the most potential to go well first up.

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

More juvenile maidens although this time eight of the twelve have prior racing experience. A few of them have gone well too with both (2) THANK YOU MOTHER and (11) HOMECOMING having run 2^nd on their respective debuts. Thank You Mother was perhaps the slightly more impressive and is likely to be favourite hee. (4) CHODONG BOBAE and (9) BIG PRO also showed ability in their first starts and both have claims to improve here. (12) GAL IP made her solitary start all the way back in July. It didn’t go terribly well but she’s subsequently been through a number of trials and can improve here. Of the first-timers here, a watching brief is probably the most prudent course of action with (3) YAHO WHITE CAT being the best looking at this stage.

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

Yet more juvenile maidens but this time it’s fillies only with four racing for the very first time. (5) MISS GELLA has raced twice and on the second of those showed some ability, only beaten half a length into 2^nd place over this distance on October 14^th. She led for much of that race, will be on pace again and can win this time. (7) WONDERFUL PANGPANG was 3^rd that day a full four-lengths behind Miss Gella but showing enough improvement from her debut to suggest she has more to offer. (9) MONEY POCKET was a promising 3^rd on debut despite racing greenly and can build on it here while (2) GOLD PARTY got bumped about a bit at the start of her latest outing and ultimately weakened having previously raced well on debut. OF the first timers, (4) SYDNEY MONEY looks the pick.

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

(6) BLUE FIRE was sent off as favourite for his latest outing on October 27^th but having led from the gate, weakened in the home straight. He may not have to work very hard here though to get the lead again and is worth another chance. (1) K ZONE secured his best finish in thirteen starts last time when running (a distant) 2^nd at this distance. He has been getting steadily closer and shouldn’t be far away today. (3) GEUMBIT (more…)

It’s the eve of the President’s Cup where on Sunday Triple Nine will look to secure his historic 4th straight victory. Before that, there is a 12-race card at Seoul on Saturday from 1:45 to 18:00:

Mighty Ssing will be heard to beat in race 11 at Seoul on Saturday

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

A rather weak maiden to kick things off and (6) ANGELA, one of only two in the race to have a 2^nd place finish to her name, could be the one to take the opportunity to get her maiden win. That 2^nd came behind Surfing Point, who has since won again at a higher level and she can win here. The other one with a runner-up finish in their record is (5) SCARLET PERFECT. She’s been a bit ordinary in three subsequent starts but should have enough about her to be competitive today. (4) PARRHESIA got badly bumped about at the start last time but recovered well to run and encouraging 4^th and he can improve today. (1) SINUI CHUKBOK and (3) I’M HAPPY are others who may improve.

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

Five of these raced each other over the distance on October 7^th filling out 2^nd to 5^th. (9) BINNANEUN RUBY came out the best of them that finishing a couple of lengths ahead of (5) GEOTAP. Both those tow look nicely in here and it’s Geotap who perhaps has the potential to improve. (1) PUNGMUNEURO ran a solid enough 4^th last time out on October 6^th, his best finish to date and she looks as though she could get even closer today. (7) REAL GANGJA was a much improved 3^rd over 1200M at the end of July. He comes in after fourteen weeks off and up to 1300M for the first time, which may suit. (12) WHITE FLOWER looks best of the rest.

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

Maiden juveniles only here with five of the eleven racing for the very first time. Starting with the experienced ones though, (4) GAON FORCE ran 2^nd over 1000M on October 6^th on what was his second career start. He tackles further than the minimum distance for the first time here and is probably the one to beat. (1) SSOARAUTS came 3^rd in that same race, a full five-lengths back on what was her racecourse debut. It was promising enough and the way she ran on suggests the enhanced trip will suit. (10) DANGDAE ROYAL debuted at this distance in September, running 3^rd and should be a factor too as should his stablemate (6) RULES ICHEON, who has done nothing wrong across two outings to date. Only one of the debut-makers really catches the eye. That’s (7) LUMINESCE, who impressed in a trial a month ago and if he brings that kind of showing to the races, will go very close.

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

(2) POP STREET got his maiden win on his second career start in January but then didn’t reappear until last month. He ran very promisingly on his return, finishing 3^rd at this distance behind a couple of useful looking types. He is well drawn to get the lead here and can go all the way. (4) RAON SIRIUS drops back in trip having run 3^rd at 1300M on October 7^th. He finished in the same position on his last try at this distance too in a fast time back in August and he looks to be the main threat. (1) SUJEBII held his own on his first try at this level, running 5^th of 11 on a wet track and can go well here too. (6) LUCKY BONGHWA remains a maiden but returned from five months off with an encouraging performance at the end of September and is another who should be in the hunt.

Race 5: Class 4 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

Imported juveniles going here with four of the ten racing for the first time. Among the other six though, we have an already proven winner in the shape of (6) ULTRA PUNCH, who achieved one of the fastest times of the year so far in scoring over this distance on October 6^th. The time was no doubt assisted but the wet track but nevertheless, it’s enough to afford him favourite status here. Four-lengths adrift in 2^nd that day was (3) EAST KWAENAM, who was making his debut. That was encouraging and followed a trial win in September. He’s favoured to get closest once more. (1) PHOENIX WOLF raced very greenly on her debut three weeks ago to the extent a warning was placed against her. She previously won a trial in quick time so evidently has some ability and if she fixes her manners, we may see a big improvement. (5) WUJEONGUI HYANGGI didn’t get the best of trips in her debut the same day and is another who could show more. Of the debut-makers, (10) M J POWER, a trial winner at the end of September, looks the most promising.

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

(11) HAEDEULMOE got his maiden win over this distance in early September, scoring by six-lengths. He ran 2^nd on his first try at this level four weeks ago, beaten by Baeksan Meniqueen, who has plenty of potential herself, and he can overcome the wide draw to get on pace and win here. (1) RAON JAMES is up in class following his own maiden win in September. It was even more eye-catching as he prevailed by a full eight-lengths and (more…)

There is a bumper 13-race program at Seoul on Saturday which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. It’s set to be a beautiful autumn day – here are the previews:

US import Spring Back has been exceptional in two starts to date. He runs again in race 12 on Staurday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

Pretty moderate maiden to begin with. (11) USEUNG MACHA comes in having shown the best recent form with a 3^rd place last time out although that was arguably in even weaker company than this. She looks to be improving though and has as much chance as any. (9) SEOKGWA BULSIK raced very greenly on what was just his second start in September. He still finished off nicely enough and looked good when sent back to trial a couple of weeks ago. Look for plenty of improvement today. (8) LUCKY MURYA overcame a stumble at the start on her latest outing but finished off nicely and she’s another who can get closer here. (3) UDDUGI and (7) ROAD WOMAN other possibles to get better.

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

Juvenile maidens only with five of the twelve racing for the very first time. A couple of the experienced ones have shown some ability though and we’ll side with them. (8) CHOEGANG STAR has a 5^th and a 3^rd from two efforts to date and while the Midshipman colt was the beaten favourite on his latest, he’s certainly worth another chance here. He should be on pace straight away and can lead all the way. (12) STORM FORCE showed positively on debut at the beginning of September running 4^th at this distance. She’ll have to overcome the widest gate but looks the biggest danger. (3) CHAMP K had a hard time running in a straight line on his first start but will hopefully have come on for the run and can improve. Among the first-timers, (10) NEW PARADIGM and (11) THANK YOU MOTHER were the best looking in trials with (1) GEUMA UPTOWN GIRL also doing nothing wrong and capable of going well first up.

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

More juvenile maidens although this time seven of the twelve making their racecourse debuts. Once more we’ll side with experience though and both (10) BAKCHAOREUM and (11) GYORYONG UNU come in with 2^nd places to their name. That doesn’t tell the whole story with Gyoryong Unu. Having looked very good in a trial, he was sent off hot favourite on debut in August but having looked in command at the top of the stretch, he lost all momentum and ended up 2^nd. Then in the Munhwa Ilbo Cup at the end of September, he was on the receiving end of some bumping at the start and unseated his rider. Surely, his luck changes today. If it doesn’t, then Bakchaoreum could take advantage. Her 2^nd place was a little more straightforward and showed plenty of promise. (7) NAREUDUSI was 4^th in the same race and can improve too. Among the debut-makers, (4) CHODONG BOBAE and (9) MEDICI POWER look to have the best chance of making an immediate impact.

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

(2) HANEUL ACE beat three of these on her way to 2^nd place in a similar all-filly race at this distance on September 9^th. That came off the back of a 3^rd place the time before and she can come home on top today. (6) SUN QUEEN was slowly away last time but ran on well, something she has done twice now. She steps up in trip for the first time and the extra distance could well suit. Nine months separated (3) TONGHAP SIDAE’s first and second starts but she ran well in both of them and can be a danger here. (4) CHEONNYEON HAPPY had some bad luck in running last start a month ago but still came home a not too far away 5^th, beating a couple of these. (5) GYEONGGUKJIMA ran a very good 3^rd on debut back in June but struggled on reappearance a month later. She comes in fresh after thirteen weeks off and is worth another chance here.

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

(1) BEST MAID was just beaten half a length into 2^nd place over class and distance on September 15^th, beating a couple of these along the way. It continued a run of near-misses for her and she is very much he one to beat today. (8) STRONG LIGHT was one of those behind Best Maid that day and it was actually reversal of form as Strong Light has twice recently finished ahead of her. She can get close again although stronger challenges may come from (2) DAESEONG RUBY and (4) BIG AURORA. The latter drops back in trip for the first time since January and while he remains a maiden, he led in his last two outings and surely goes close here. (5) SURFING POINT is up in class having got her maiden win at the seventh time of asking last start and while she probably has a bit to find, she’s well drawn to get on the lead and could go well again.

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

Another set of juvenile maidens. (9) BEST LINE ran 2^nd on debut on September 8^th and while he was soundly beaten by a good winner, showed enough to suggest he has a bit of talent. He started very slowly and only really started to race in the last couple of furlongs. The wider draw may help him today and he’s clear favourite. (11) GLOBAL (more…)

There is a big Sunday of racing at both Seoul (11 races from 10:45 to 18:00) and Busan (6 races from 12:40 to 17:05). Here are the Seoul Previews:

JRA Trophy victor Road Winner is the one to beat in Sunday’s Seoul feature (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

(7) EIFFEL was 3^rd on debut four weeks ago and showed enough to suggest that with a little improvement he’ll be winning sooner rather than later. He’s well drawn to be on the early pace here and today can be his day. (3) SOKBO ONGJU was a slightly below par 6^th in the same race but has a recent 2^nd place to her name and can get closer today. (9) GOD OF SOCKS steps back to the minimum distance for the first time since running 2^nd on debut in July and should be a danger, also from the front. (8) ANGELA was an improved 2^nd last time albeit in weaker company than this while (2) CHEONGDAM QUEENS returns from six months out and trialed up positively at the end of September.

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

It’s maiden juvenile fillies here with four of the ten runners racing for the first time. The only one in the field to have raced twice is set to be favourite though. (8) BLACK ZAPPER was an improved 2^nd when stepped up to this distance for the first time on September 1^st and should have too much for this lot today. (6) HEUNG BUJA had excuses for her 9^th place on debut last month but she previously won a trial and the distance today should be a better fit so improvement is expected. (1) DADDY GLORY too raced quite greenly on her debut back in August but seemed to be going in the right direction in a subsequent trial. (7) YAHO M J CAT is another of the experienced ones who can be a danger. OF the first-time starters, (3) WONDERFUL MARIA looks the pick.

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

This isn’t a particularly strong maiden but plenty come in with recent form reading well. (2) SUNSHIN MARINE hasn’t done much wrong in three efforts to date and was a useful 4^th in a better race than this – albeit nine-lengths behind the winner – last time. She looks to have solid claims today. (3) DAEMYEONG SOLAR raced rather ungenerously in the home straight last start nut still managed to finish 3^rd at the distance in a similar strength race to this and must be taken seriously while (9) CHEONGDAM JEPAE returned from five months off to run 2^nd on September 16^th. She’s the likely pace-setter here and can go one better. (5) STRIDE UP ran well enough for 4^th on debut at 1000M and with some improvement in terms of manners, can get closer. (7) MIRACLE GOLD was a much improved 2^nd last time out and can build on it today.

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

(6) TRI THUNDER ran out a five-length winner on debut at the distance on September 8^th. The Stay Thirsty gelding is up in class here but is well drawn to lead again and could make all once more. The main danger is (4) HANIL DALBIT. While his solitary win came at 1200M and he hasn’t raced at the minimum since his debut back in January, his recent form has been very solid and he’s a very interesting entry here. He could even start as favourite. (8) DIA PUNCH is up in class after scoring at the third time of asking last month. (9) POP STREET is too although he hasn’t raced since January. He did, however, trial up in good fashion last month. Of the pair, Dia Punch is more favoured at this time. (2) BLUE ANNA and (7) MONKEY SOCKS are others in at least the placing hunt.

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

(5) BURUI GORI has come close but over five starts to date has somehow managed to (more…)