There are 12 Saturday races at Seoul from 10:4 to 18:00 and one of the stars of this year’s Triple Crown trail, Mask, 2nd in the Korean Derby, returns to action in the afternoon’s feature. Here are the previews:

Mask beat Gaon Champ in the Sports Seoul Cup back in April before running 2nd in the Derby (Pic: KRA)

Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Juvenile maiden to begin with and precisely half of the twelve-strong field have raced before. (1) GEUMA KINGDOM is just a place-finish away from being promoted to class 5 with a 2^nd and a 3^rd from two outings so far, most recently at this distance. The Animal Kingdom colt is can settle just off the early lead here and should be too strong. Among the others who have raced before, (12) WONDERFUL DIXIE was a useful 3^rd on debut in September while (5) RULES ICHEON and (9) WONDERFUL HENNESSY can both improve. Of the first-timers (2) GEOM HONG looks the clear pick having run away with a September trial. She’s half-sister to a couple of reasonable animals (Young Storm and Red Young Myeongun) and could have a few wins in her.

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

(3) I.B.S QUEEN ran out a four-length winner over 1000M in a fast time on September 2^nd on what was her second career start. She’s up in both class and distance here but is well-drawn to get to the front early again and potentially lead all the way. The main danger is (5) SPEED HWANGNYONG, a class and distance winner on September 15^th when he came from off the pace to record his second consecutive victory. He carries more weight today but will be a big threat. (4) GRAND DOLPUNG is up in class after a good win at this distance a month ago and must be taken seriously. (9) GLORY VERN ran a creditable 5^th in a stiff race on his first try at this class last time out and can build on it today, while (6) DUSON WANGJA is another who could improve here

 Race 3: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(8) FANTASTIC QUEEN enters with the most convincing recent form with a win and a 4^th place, both at this distance and this class in her latest two. She wasn’t far away last time in a similar strength race and from a similar draw and she could win here. (9) JI SEONI drops back in trip today to the distance at which she landed her solitary win. It coincides with her having shown some signs of getting back into some kind of form last start and while she’s not always the best of starters, she has claims here. (4) THE PRIMA was last seen winning at this distance back in January. She’s had setbacks since and while she wasn’t hugely convincing in trials, she certainly has ability and could go well first-up. (2) BERNARDI SHOW and (6) DOUBLE A are others in the hunt.

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

(7) ALL THAT CHASE got his maiden win last time out at the tenth time of asking. It had been coming as well and he beat a couple of the others who return here. He’s not the quickest of starters but he can sit behind the early lead here and he could well repeat. (10) MANHATTAN MUSIC remains a maiden after eleven attempts but the Gio Ponti filly drops back in rip after a good effort at 1700M a month ago and looks firmly in contention here. (4) NASCAUI BYEOL came home 3^rd at class and distance last time out and while this is a slightly better race, he can aim for a repeat. (8) MEGALIOS and (9) EOUL DEOUL are others who look nicely in to compete for at least a place.

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

This race is for juveniles only (and two southern-hemisphere three-year-olds). Five of the ten have raced before and one of them, (1) GAON QUEEN was an impressive winner. She scored by three-lengths having made all at this distance on September 9^th and it’s very hard to find a reason to oppose here. (9) GOLD HAMMER was 3^rd in that race and did (more…)

It’s been a filthy Friday and it’s set to be a soaking Saturday as rain clouds have stalled over the Korean peninsula. Racing is set to on though with 12 races in the capital from 10:45 to 18:00.

Sadly the weather isn’t going to look like this on Saturday (Pic: KRA)

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

(3) EUNICE enters having run 2^nd in a similarly weak maiden over the distance on September 1^st. She was just beaten half a length that day and given the strength (or lack thereof) of today’s opposition, she can win this. In fact, it’s so weak that twenty-one race maiden (8) GOLD SEUTAK has her best chance to date of registering a win of her own. She has two 3^rd places from her latest three and should really improve on that this time. (1) SONGAM BARBIE has trialled again since debuting six weeks ago and may improve. (6) GANGSANUI ACHIM and (9) JEONGSANG GOLD are others who may trouble the place judges.

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

This race is restricted to juvenile maidens and five of the twelve have raced before. Among those, (2) RAON SERENA, with two 3^rd place finishes, both at this distance, has been the standout and she should be at least matching those finishes today and has every chance of going even better. Of the others who have raced before, (12) MISTER HERO did nothing wrong and can build on his 7^th of 11 he achieved on debut. However, the favourite is likely to be first-time starter (6) WONDERFUL TRUTH. He blitzed a trial three weeks ago and if he brings that form to the races, should have far too much. Among the others appearing for the first time, (8) DOKDO YA and (10) MAMA ROMA also won their trials and may be considered first-up.

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

More juvenile maidens here although this time we’ll side with the ones with previous experience. There are six of those in total and while (11) CHEON GI has the best finish position among them, running in 3^rd on debut in mid-August, both (5) GAON FORCE and (6) WINNER BROWN ran faster times on their respective racecourse bows. Winner Brown previously made all in a trial and is well drawn today to get to the front and potentially lead all the way. Gaon Force was slowly away and with a better start, can get much closer. Among the six first-timers, (1) WHITE COMET was the most eye-catching in trials – he finished ten lengths behind Wonderful Truth from race 2 but nevertheless, looked competent. (7) GEUMSEONGHWANGJE too put in a promising trial effort and could go well. As ever with the first-time starters, watch the market for additional clues.

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

Across three starts so far, (4) TOHAMSAN POWER has finished no worse than 5^th and while he only managed 4^th of 8 on his latest effort at this distance the margins weren’t big, and he overcame some bumping at the start to still run well. He’s very much the one they need to beat here. His two main rivals here, (1) HARD PRINCESS and (2) HWANSANGUI BIT both endured difficult starts in their respective latest outings too, but both ran well to record what was for both a first runner-up finish. They seem to have a bit more to find than Tohamsan Power, but both should be aiming to at least place. (3) MAX THUNDER steps back up in trip after some encouraging showings at 1000M while (7) SAMAE STAR looks to be on the improve too and shouldn’t be too far away.

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

(4) ROMAN BLADE has already come up short when favourite a couple of times but ran well enough when 3^rd behind a couple of useful horses at class and distance on September 1^st. He was drawn in the widest gate that day and breaking from a more favourable position this time can get on pace early and potentially lead all the way. (10) SHANGHAI JORDAN was a winner on debut and has held his own in two starts since. He lost ground at the start in his latest effort on September 8^th but rallied well for 5^th and looks to be the main danger here. (7) INDIAN ECO too put in a decent performance in 3^rd at class and distance last time and can build on that here. (5) SUJEBI is up in class having (more…)

Seoul is back! There is a bumper 13-race card in the capital on Saturday with the 1st at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

A maiden to begin with that is perhaps best described as “weak”, even for this this level. Jockey Bang Choon-sik has had something of a renaissance recently and he can pick up from where he left off before the break by winning here on (6) BLESSING ROAD. The filly has seemingly started to figure things out in her latest two and has as much chance as any of making the breakthrough here. She’ll be off to a fast start along with (7) LEADER’S CAMP who weakened last start at 1300M but should be better back at the minimum today. (1) BEST LEVEL ha put in some encouraging performances over 1200M and is another who should have a say in things. (10) GREEN TEA and (11) LUCKY RACE others who can be considered.

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

Another modest affair and (4) BEST HUNTER, 4^th last time out at the distance and with a 3^rd place to his name as well, may just about have enough to come home on top here. The five-year-old has only raced four times is never going to a star but is well drawn to lead here and can win. (12) SAEROUN CAPTAIN has raced creditably in two outings since returning from eight months off and while he must overcome the widest gate, looks a threat. (1) YONGUI JUDO and (6) GWANGPOK JUHAENG have hinted at ability and both should be in at least the placing frame while (3) BLACK GINGA is another with potential to improve.

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

A third maiden but it looks slightly stronger than the previous two. (1) TAEWANG SINHWA enters with a 3^rd and a 4^th from his latest two starts, both at this distance and he’ll be among favourites to get the win here. From the inside gate he can sit just off the early lead and finish strongly. (2) RAON GANGHO actually beat Taewang Sinhwa when the two of them finished 3^rd and 4^th at the distance back in June. He’s followed that up with three solid if unspectacular efforts since and is one of the primary dangers. (10) WONDERFUL EVIL beaten five-lengths by a good winner at 1000M three weeks ago. He races at further than the minimum trip for the first time and can be a factor. (7) WHITE FLOWER and (8) RAON STELLA are others who should be in the hunt.

Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies only here. (5) LOVELY NUTE has a 3^rd and a 2^nd in two tries at this class since landing her maiden win in July. Last time out was her first try at this distance and while she was a beaten favourite, she can go one better today. (4) HEUNG OREUM was a good winner at this distance on August 19^th on what was her third career start. She’s up in class today but can be a threat. She made all that day and will look to do the same here. (10) FLYING HERA was 2^nd in that race, three-lengths back and comes up in class too While she obviously has a bit to find on the one that beat her, she should be competitive. (9) CLEAN FLOWER steps back up in trip after good recent work at 1000M including her maiden win in early July. (1) GREEN DARC was a surprisingly comfortable winner on debut on August 25^th and while she’s up in both class and trip today, can be respected.

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

(5) MIREU STORM got his maiden win on his second start on August 19^th, leading all the way at this distance. He’s up in class today but is nicely drawn to get on pace early again and can repeat. (1) ROYAL PRINCE was scarcely involved over 1300M on his latest outing at the end of August but dropped back in trip today should be much more dangerous. Simon Foster’s tiny filly (4) SKY JUMP has held her own in two efforts at this class so far and with a good start today has claims too. (3) NAEGA KKEUTPANWANG and (10) LUCKY (more…)

There are 12 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00:

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

(1) RAON JAMES has improved across three starts so far and ran a strong 2^nd over this distance on August 19^th. From gate 1, he can get off to a quick start and should have too much for this field. (8) MERRY WHITE comes in having recorded her first 2^nd place finish four weeks ago and can aim to at least match that today. (4) GEUP HAENG MA was 6^th behind Raon James on debut in that August 19^th race and can build on it here. (6) SEOKGWA BULSIK struggled on debut over 1200M last month but the minimum distance today could suit more. The wildcard is (11) TONGHAP SIDAE. She hasn’t been seen since her debut last Christmas Eve when she beat Merry White on her way to 3^rd place at this distance. She trialed encouragingly last month.

Race 2: Class 5 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

Fillies only here (along with one mare) and (7) RAON WILLIAMS ran out a six-length winner over this distance on August 12^th to get promoted to this level. She made all that day and while the competition is undoubtedly stiffer today, she can get on pace again and win again. She’s joined up in class by (2) LUCAS and (11) BARAMUI SORI, both of whom got their maiden victories last start, the latter on debut and both can be competitive even if they have a little more to find than Raon Williams at this stage. (10) FANTASTIC QUEEN was a shock class and distance winner on August 18^th, beating (6) STRONG LIGHT by a head. A repeat isn’t impossible although Strong Light will be favoured to overturn that form.

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

There are twelve juvenile fillies here, all of whom are racing for the very first time. Two of them come in having won their trials with (3) NAREUDUSI having been slightly more impressive than (11) HEUNG BUJA. The presence of Manoel Nunes aboard the former is probably enough to ensure she begins as favourite. (1) HEUNG KKAEBI also went well in her trial. She’s a half-sister to the very good Sotong Sidae (as well as a few average ones) and should join Naareudusi on the early speed. (5) BAKCHAOREOM and (12) YAHO M J CAT are others who caught the eye in their respective heats and can go well first-up. As ever in races such as this, do watch the market for any clues.

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

(1) DAE UNHA has been close in recent starts and emerging from the inside gate today, the Hansen colt has a good chance of getting away well and potentially getting his maiden win. (2) ISCRA, who starts beside him, looks to be the main danger. He ran a good 2^nd over 1200M on August 18^th, with four of his rivals here back down the track. He too will be on pace and can go close. (6) K ZONE comes in with recent form reading well and should be in the placing hunt while (10) MEGA CITY and (11) MIDAS CHIEF have both proven competitive and can also aim for career-best finishes today.

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

Wide open race with most having at least some claim. (4) UNDEFEATED won on debut and hasn’t been too far away from adding to his tally in each of his four subsequent tries. He’s come up short but not by much and looks worthy of another chance here. (6) RAON SIRIUS returned from almost five months off to run 3^rd over 1000M three weeks ago. His solitary win came at this distance and he looks a big danger. (5) MONEY ZIF was unexpectedly beaten by (8) J BAEK last time as the pair came home 2^nd and 3^rd over 1200M. He should at least overturn the form on that one today and can be in the hunt. (1) SPEED HWANGNYONG steps up in class following a maiden win and while he will need to improve, he’s not without a chance. (3) SKY MARINE and (12) EAST KINGDOM both come on having placed in their latest outings and may also be considered.

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

(7) WINNER SPIRIT was an eye-catching eight-length winner over 1300M on August 19^th. He’s up in class today but the manner of his win – his second in four starts so far – suggests there is plenty more to come. (1) CHEON MONG too is up in class having got his own second career win by a similarly wide margin a month ago. He too will challenge for the early speed and has claims. (5) WINNING WIN is already a proven winner at this class having prevailed over 1200M in July. He comes in having run 3^rd in a very competitive contest four weeks ago and is another to be strongly considered. (8) PALDO DAEJANG has won two of her last three to be rapidly promoted to this level and is (more…)

The first day of September brings with it the last of the afternoon/evening cards of the year as from next week we move to purely daytime racing. There are 12 races at Seoul from 14:00 to 21:00.

It’s Saturday. It’s Seoul!

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

Small field of fillies to begin with and (7) RUBY FALLS can build on the 2nd and 3rd she’s achieved in her latest two outings and make the breakthrough here. She’ll look to get on speed from the gate and should be the one to beat. (5) WHITE FLOWER has shown promise across two starts so far and was close to making the placings at this distance last start. She’s had eight weeks off since and can continue her improvement today. (4) NAMJJOK NARA enters off the back of her best finish so far, a 3rd place at 1000M three weeks ago. She tries further than the minimum distance for the first time and it may suit. (1) SOKBO WANGWI and (3) STEEL RUN are others who can challenge for the places.

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

This is a weak contest and accordingly, (10) BLESSING ROAD may have enough to land a maiden win at what will be the eight time of asking. She’ll have to overcome the widest gate to get on speed but if she can do that, she can win. (1) EUNICE was just half a length behind Blessing Road as the pair came home 3rd and 4th over this distance on July 29th. It was her first finish of any note and she can build on it here. (5) FOR J.K. and (6) SUJEBI both have placing finishes to their names already and both can play a role here. The latter will likely challenge Blessing Road for the early speed. (8) ADELE JEONGSANG has done nothing wrong across four efforts so far and is another who could get better.

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

(4) CHEONSANG GIUN has gone close across each of his three latest outings, culminating in 2nd place at the distance three weeks ago. He was on pace throughout, ultimately going down by two lengths to the favourite, and he can go one better today. (6) VICTORIA SAMBA came home in 4th place in that same race and while she has five lengths to find, looks to be one of the principal dangers here. (2) GOLD STREET is consistently close although Cheonsang Giun has beaten her before and can do so again. (3) OFFICER WOMAN and (5) SEUNGRI PLUS are others who will need to find a little more but can be in the hunt for the placings.

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

A juvenile maiden with a big prize here and all eight entrants have raced at least once before although none of them have raced at this distance. (8) GEUMA KINGDOM came desperately close on debut, just being bested a head on the line over 1200M. It was an encouraging performance and the Animal Kingdom colt has a chance of going one better today. He’ll settle just behind the early lead so won’t be concerned about the wide draw. (7) TOHAMSAN POWER turned the tables on (2) GOD OF SOCKS, who had beaten him on both their debuts. The pair finished 2nd and 4th at 1200M on July 28th and both will be dangers here with Tohamsan Power the more favoured. (4) HANEULEUL DALRIDA was much improved on his second start and resumes following eight weeks off which a chance to build on it. (6) JEONGMUN SARANG was a useful 4th on debut and is another who can’t be ruled out.

Race 5: Class 3 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(1) WONDERFUL JACKPOT has taken well to racing around two turns with a 2nd place followed by back to back victories since trying this distance for the first time in April. He’s up in class here and this is undoubtedly a stiff test but he could well secure his hat-trick here under what is likely to be a patient ride by Antonio Da Silva. (2) YONGCHONG beat two of these on his way to 3rd place at the distance on August 11th and he’ll be one of the main dangers here and will probably be setting the early pace with (4) MAGIC TEN, a filly who hasn’t quite delivered on her early potential yet and races for the first (more…)