Seoul

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 16)

There are a couple of new foreign trainers in town and one of them, Luigo Riccardi, saddles his first runner at Seoul on Saturday afternoon. There are 11 Saturday races in the Korean capital from 10:45 to 18:00.

The 49-year-old Italian trainer Riccardi sends out Choego Money in race 10 and the gelding looks to have an excellent chance under Djordje Perovic. Here are the previews:

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

(8) PRIMO already has a 2nd place to her name and comes in off the back of a reasonable enough 5th place in what looks to have been a tougher contest than this last time and she has as good a chance as any here, likely from the front. (1) NONGBON DAERO has improved across three starts so far and has cope for more today while (6) IRYEO HAYEO, beaten by Primo on debut doesn’t look completely devoid of talent either. There are three debut-makers, two of whom will be backed. Moon Se Young riding means inevitable support for (2) SPEED HWANGNYONG but (9) NEUL SACHAN looks more convincing having comfortably won a trial last month.

Selections (8) Primo (9) Neul Sachan (1) Nongbon Daero (6) Iryeo Hayeo
Next Best 2, 11
Fast Start 4, 5, 7, 8

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

Small field of maiden juveniles here but most have already shown a bit of potential. (3) EAST KINGDOM and (6) THE FINAL both came home in 3rd place on their respective debuts. Neither was well-backed but both showed enough to suggest they can push on here. It’s also fair to say that neither were particular quick so we’re going with (2) FLYING HERA, 5th on debut at this distance on November 4th to score here. She showed a strong finish that day and can come from just behind the early leaders. (7) SOU WARRIOR and (8) CHAPEL ACE not to be discounted either.

Selections (2) Flying Hera (6) The Final (3) East Kingdom (7) Sou Warrior
Next Best 8
Fast Start 7, 8

Race 3: Class 4 (1000M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

Fillies only here and (9) EAST GULCH will be a strong favourite. She’s been 2nd in both her outings to date, beating three of these last time and really should be leading this one gate to wire. (3) CHEON YANG is a capable type who could give the favourite some problems although as a closer, the distance may not be the best. (1) BEST YEJI steps back in trip and can go better today while (10) PERFECT BIC C landed back to back wins over (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Grand Prix Stakes Day Race-By-Race Preview (December 10)

Sunday is Grand Prix Stakes Day! Full preview of the big race is here. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while down at Busan there are 6 races from 12:40 to 17:05. Here’s the full race-by-race preview of the other races on the card:

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

(10) M.J. CAPTAIN beat (11) ARES THUNDER as the pair ran 4th and 5th over the distance on November 11th. The former also has a 2nd place to his name and could make the breakthrough here. For Ares Thunder that was an improvement and he can go well as well. The Yoshida-owned (3) CONKER has shown steady improvement over five races so far and comes into consideration with a likely fast start while (6) RUBY BEOLKIN hasn’t been too far away in recent efforts and can make a bid for the places.

Selections (10) M.J. Captain (3) Conker (11) Ares Thunder (6) Ruby Beolkin
Next Best 12, 5
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 10

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

Five first-timers go here but it’s the ones with experience that are likely to be favoured. (5) CHEONJI BOBAE is the pick. She’s been prominent in both starts so far and managed 2nd over this distance on November 11th. (1) TAMNA YEOSIN was an improved 4th in a decent contest at this distance a on what was her second outing. She led for much of that race and can come on more here. (6) LOVELY NUTE and (7) THUNDER WARRIOR should have learned from their debuts and can improve while of the first-time starters, (2) GOLDEN SKY and (10) GARA GARA GA look the pick.

Selections (5) Cheonji Bobae (1) Tamna Yeosin (7) Thunder Warrior  (10) Gara Gara Ga
Next Best 6, 2, 11
Fast Start 1, 5, 10, 11

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

Fillies only here and plenty in the hunt. (9) ROYAL BOKSUNI is the only one among them to have even a 2nd place finish to her name, which she achieved two starts ago in a very similar race at this distance. She’s drawn in the same gate today and can get on the early speed and go all the way. That day, (10) CHOWON YEOJEONSA was 7th but she showed improvement at 1000M three weeks ago and can be given another chance here. (3) WIND (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 9)

There are 12 races at Seoul on Grand Prix-eve, Saturday with the 1st at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Six first-timers, five who have each run once and one who’s run twice. That one who’s raced twice already could well be favourite as (6) CITY ANGEL was a decent 2nd on November 12th, beating (9) ACE CANT and (1) BEST BULLET in the process. He should be on pace early and can go all the way. Ace Cant can improve too and will be backed as will (3) BOLD SHINING who did nothing wrong on his own debut on October 22nd. (10) HANIL GANGJA and (11) THUNDER MARINE also acquitted themselves well and may be considered. As for the debut-makers, it’s probably a case of “watch the market” to see if anything stands out – (7) SEOUL SOL, could be the one.

Selections (11) Thunder Marine (6) City Angel (9) Ace Cant (3) Bold Shining
Next Best 10, 7, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Two standouts here, both of whom come in having finished in 3rd place in their respective latest outings. Both were at this distance and both in similar times against similar opposition so there isn’t much to choose between (3) DUAL CHOEGANG and (7) YEONGLAK TAEWANG. They’re both three-year-olds by Duality and are both still maidens. Perhaps the one difference between them is Yeonglak Taewang is more likely to be on the early speed. This is not a strong race so we’re looking for something to step up. Jockey bookings point to (4) MAJJABEUN SON but (9) BLUE ROCK has shown some glimpses of ability and his last start, back following six months out, can go better. (10) YONGUI JUDO improved on her second start last month and could also be in the frame.

Selections (7) Yeonglak Taeyang (3) Dual Choegang (4) Majjabeun Son (10) Yongui Judo
Next Best 9
Fast Start 6, 7, 9

Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million

Much better race here with plenty of potentially decent juveniles bidding for a maiden win. (6) BACK TO BACK looked good on debut and while he only managed 3rd as favourite following a swift trial, he showed enough to suggest he has wins in him. (1) EMERALD KING has back to back 3rd places both at this distance and while he’s not shown much in the way of speed so far, also looks capable of going better. (9) JEJUI HEUKSEON debuted over 1300M and while she was ten-lengths behind a good winner, was still a solid 2nd ad can be considered while (7) DOUBLE GOLD couple benefit from the additional furlong today. He’s been 4th and 3rd in two outings at 1000M, running on nicely both times. (2) MONEY ZIF and (11) BISUL GONGJU are others to consider.

Selections (1) Emerald King (6) Back To Back (9) Jejui Heukseon (7) Double Gold
Next Best 11, 2
Fast Start 3, 7, 10, 11

Race 4: Class 4 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

(3) ROAD WINNER was a good three-length winner at this class over 1300M on November 5th and while he carries a couple of extra kilos today, can win once more, probably looking to set the pace in this small field. (4) MYEONGGA JEWANG was an all the way winner, but over 1000M on November 11th and looks to have scope for development. (5) POSEIDON MARINE debuted soundly in 3rd at this distance and also looks to have a solid (more…)

Breeders’ Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (December 3)

Korea’s top juveniles clash on Sunday afternoon with a big Prize and Champion 2-year-old status on the line in the Breeders’ Cup at Seoul Racecourse. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05.

Choinma Gyeonggi

Choinma has won both his lead-up races for this but faces a tough challenge from Busan’s World Sun in Sunday’s Breeders’ Cup (Pic: KRA)

Both World Sun and Choinma enter having won both of their home track’s two lead-up races for the Breeders’ Cup and the pair are likely to be 1st and 2nd favourite but as ever, it looks a competitive race. Both 2015 winner Power Blade and 2016 winner Final Boss, went on to win the Korean Derby as three-year-olds. Here are the previews:

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

It’s hard to oppose (1) NAM SON. He’s been 2nd and 3rd in his two outings to date and drops back to the minimum distance at which he showed good speed on debut in October. He won’t necessarily lead from the gate but he really should be leading when they hit the wire. Filly (12) SEONGBUL CHAMP has shown a bit of promise too, improving across her two starts to date and narrowly missing out on 2nd last time. She should at least achieve that today. (4) SEOUL STORY was behind Seongbul Champ on debut and can improve here while (11) PALDO GANGTA and (5) GLOBAL NEWS, the latter being quick in his trial, are others to look out for.

Selections (1) Nam Son (12) Seongbul Champ (4) Seoul Story (5) Global News
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 4, 5, 8, 12

Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

The 5th that (7) RAON ACE managed last start was less than half a length away from being a 2nd and a similar performance today should see him home on top. (12) MACHA BUCHA had a hard day at the office in one of the stiffest class 5’s we’ve had at Seoul in a long time three weeks ago but can be given another chance today. (2) SPECIAL LIGHT is up in class following a win over 1300M on November 5th and can be competitive. (3) RAON ROCKY returns from almost five months off and trialled well while (6) CHODONG RACE steps back in trip following a couple of unsuccessful attempts at 1700M and can be better today.

Selections (7) Raon Ace (12) Macha Bucha (3) Raon Rocky (2) Special Light
Next Best 6, 10
Fast Start 6, 9, 12

Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million 

Up in class having won his latest two (albeit one in the stewards’ room), (6) MAGIC TEN is the one to beat once more. He has an enforced jockey change today but can still win, likely coming from just off the early pace. (2) SUPER PUNCH was a winner at class and distance last start and while he carries an extra 3kg today should be firmly in the frame once more. (1) BULHUUI SEUNGJA went poorly from a wide gate last time but is worthy (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 2)

Winter has  arrived in force this past week in Seoul but racing is on! 12 Saturday races in Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00:

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

We’ve got some really competitive contests today and we start off with one such event. Granted that’s because nothing in this maiden has shown an awful lot in the way of ability so far but something has to win. (3) CUPID GANGJA gets dropped back in trip today and if he can get away to a fast start, he could well find the breakthrough here. (6) UN SEO and (10) MAX THUNDER have both shown glimpses of potential and have claims here too while (11) HURACAN was ok if nothing special on debut and gets a chance to improve. (5) DAE CAIN actually ran in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup at the end of October. He didn’t run very well but this is a big step back in quality.

Selections (3) Cupid Gangja (6) Un Seo (5) Dae Cain (10) Max Thunder
Next Best 11, 9
Fast Start 3, 4, 10, 11, 12

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

(6) DAECHEONUI SARANG was 2nd on debut a month ago, admittedly a full seven-lengths behind a good winner and she is favoured to take home this big juvenile prize. (4) SHARK DAEJANGGEUN put in a similar effort on what was his second; well beaten by a good winner but good enough to beat the rest. That was all the way back in August but this looks a nice race to return in. Also racing for the first time since August is (8) CYBER. He was, frankly, bad on debut and got sent back to trial. He put in a really strong looking performance in said trial on November 17th, winning it in what would have been a competitive time in an actual race and he can go right into consideration for at least the minor money here. (3) GANADORA and (12) ALI BAEKJAK are others to consider for improvement.

Selections (6) Daecheonui Sarang (4) Shark Daejanggeun (8) Cyber (3) Ganadora
Next Best 12, 11
Fast Start 4, 5, 6, 8

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

A few with potential in this juvenile contest. (11) THE JIJON may appreciate the slight step up in distance today. Moon Se Young takes over in the saddle and the colt can be expected to defy a wide draw to get on the early speed. (8) SPEED IS KHAN looks to be on the improve and will come from off the pace – he went well on his first try at this distance last time. Similarly showing improvement on their second starts were (1) (more…)

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 26)

After Saturday’s storms, it’s set to be a calmer day in Korea. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 while at Busan there 6 races from 12:40 to 17:05. Only Seoul is being simulcasted overseas today:

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

Twelve maiden fillies kick things off for us today and (12) FOREVER WINNER debuted creditably in a decent race six weeks ago, should have come on for the experience and can overcome the outside gate here to breakthrough. Her main rival is also drawn wide. That’s (11) SIMPLE RULES, who’s come home in 3rd place in both of his two outings so far and will look to get right on the early speed from the start So will (6) SAE DIXIE, an improved 2nd at the end of October albeit in possibly slightly weaker company. (5) RAISE ME UP and (7) FIRST QUEEN are two others who have shown some ability so far and can be considered.

Selections (12) Forever Winner (11) Simple Rules (6) Sae Dixie (5) Raise Me Up
Next Best 7, 1
Fast Start 6, 8, 11

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

(3) MUSA didn’t exactly pull up any trees on debut back in September – in fact he was so naughty, he was handed a two-month ban for his racing manners and forced to trial up twice. He blitzed through those trials on consecutive October Fridays in such a manner that he’s going to be favourite to win on his return today. Only four of the other have raced before with (1) KING POSE looking the best of them although improvement will be expected today from (2) RAON DOLPUNG. That leaves us with seven first-time starts among whom (4) POP STREET and (8) LIVINGSTONE caught the eye in trials.

Selections (3) Musa (1) King Pose (4) Pop Street (8) Livingstone
Next Best 2, 9
Fast Start 2, 3, 8, 10

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

(1) JUNGDONG JIJON beat (2) WILD DRAGON as the pair finished 3rd and 4th over this distance on October 26th. The margin between them was a length and both look to be on an upward trajectory. Wild Dragon will be on the early speed here while Jungdong Jijon will likely truck in just behind. (12) JUMEOK DOKKI was a slightly disappointing 4th on his first try at this distance three weeks ago but should get another chance here. Likewise (11) JIGONG JEIL returns after eight weeks out and the extra half furlong today may well suit. He was beaten last time by (7) STRONG CAPTAIN and while that one went on to race poorly behind Jumeok Dokki earlier this month, a challenge for the minor money can’t be ruled out.

Selections (2) Wild Dragon (12) Jumeok Dokki (1) Jungdong Jijon (11) Jigong Jeil
Next Best 7, 5, 8
Fast Start 2, 7, 9

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

(3) FIRE WIND enters having finished a really good 5th in the Gwacheon Mayor’s Cup at the end of October and despite coming up against older fillies here, has to be the pick. She’ll be on pace early and can go all the way. Back in September, Fire Wind beat (12) SEUNGJAUI MISO, the latter finishing 4th that day on what was her debut.  She returned a good winner at 1000M last month, is up in class here and is in the frame. Also up in class, though still a maiden, is (1) ALL OF ME. She’s been 2nd to good winners in both starts so far and gets the services of the champion jockey today. Those are the three juveniles in the field but a couple of the older ones are dangers too. (8) DURGA is a (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 25)

12 Saturday races at Seoul with the first at 10:45 and the last at 18:00:

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

There were three months between (10) J.S STORM’s first and second starts but he showed enough in 5th on his October return to suggest that he has solid claims here. He led that day before weakening but he may be ridden bit more patiently from a wider gate today and could have too much. (2) I B S MAN demonstrated some progress last time and can keep that going today while (4) WHITE ERICA managed an unexpected 3rd place on what was her fourth start three weeks ago and can build on that today. (5) SARYEONI THUNDER and (8) ROYAL ACE are others in the frame.

Selections (10) J.S. Storm (2) I B S Man (4) White Erica (5) Saryeoni Thunder
Next Best 8, 7
Fast Start 2, 4, 5, 8

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

Only four of these gave raced before and while none of them caught the eye, both (5) GONGJU SARANG and (7) PANGPANG GARI will be expected to improve here. The former showed close to the front on debut before weakening a little but showed some sign of talent. Among the debut-makers, (9) MERRY WHITE trialled up nicely and looks worth a chance first-up as do (8) THE PRIMA and (10) JEONGSANG MUJEOK.

Selections (9) Merry White (5) Gongju Sarang (7) Pangpang Gari (8) The Prima
Next Best 10, 3
Fast Start 3, 5, 7, 8

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

Five of the twelve have raced before and we’ll go with (7) DORAON ACHIM HAE to score ahead of a distinctly moderate looking bunch. He started slowly but finished off well for 4th on debut and should appreciate the further trip today. None of the others who’ve raced before showed much although (5) CHOM NIA is another who looked to need further, so we’ll turn to the newcomers to find dangers. (12) COMPLETE SWEEP was fast in his trial and could go well from the outside. (8) RAON SIRIUS and (10) CHAPEL ACE are others who trialled well and can be given a chance here.

Selections (7) Doraon Achim Hae (12) Complete Sweep (8) Raon Sirius (5) Chom Nia
Next Best 10, 2
Fast Start 1, 6

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

(2) CLEAN UP SECRET has shown enough in three outings to date to suggest he has wins in him and while he was a beaten favourite last time, he’s going to be strongly favoured to score this time, possibly leading gate to wire on his first try around two turns. (1) NANGMAN STAR took to the distance well last time out and can go well again as did (3) ONE TWO THREE and they should both get close. The main danger though could well be another who tries the distance for the first time. That’s (4) BULSA BULPAE, who has (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 19)

A couple of big Juvenile races highlight the Sunday programs at both Seoul and Busan. Six unbeaten ones headline the Nonghyup Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul while at Busan, Bart Rice, Peter Wolsley and Thomas Gillespie all saddle fancied ones in the Gyeongnam DoMin Ilbo. Seoul has 11 Sunday races from 10:45 to 18:00 while Busan has 6 from 12:40 to 17:05.

Im Your Father Triple Nine

I’m Your Father (right) won the Do-Min Ilbo in 2016 and went on to beat Triple Nine in the Mayor’s Cup this year (Pic: KRA) 

Only Seoul is available on overseas simulcast so previews on Seoul races are below. For Busan selections, scroll to the bottom:

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

(8) AMAZING PEACE beat (9) BROWN BOMBER when the pair ran 3rd and 4th in a similar race over the same distance on October 21st. There was only a nose between them, however, and both look firmly in the frame here. Neither have been the fastest of starters so far and nor has the other main fancy, Midshipman gelding (6) HESEDEU, second when favourite last start, but they will all be looking to get away quickly here and whichever one manages it best, may well win. The others all need to find improvement with (4) SKY DOLPUNG and (10) CREMOA POWER perhaps most likely while (3) POWER KOREA has demonstrated already that he can start well and could be an interesting outsider.

Selections (8) Amazing Peace (9) Brown Bomber (6) Hesedeu (3) Power Korea
Next Best 4, 10
Fast Start 3, 4, 6, 8

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

Juveniles only here and it sees seven fillies up against two colts. (5) MYEONGPUM BOBAE was an encouraging 2nd on debut on October 14th, running on nicely in a quick contest and could well make the breakthrough here. She’ll be on pace early alongside the other two top picks, (7) GEUMA THUNDER and (3) HANSEN GLORY. The pair finished 3rd and 4th when they raced each other in a different race the same day, beaten only by a couple of useful looking types. (1) PRIMO also debuted well a week later, briefly leading close to home before having to settle for 2nd. There are three debut-makers and among them, (8) LAST CONCERT looked the most capable in trials.

Selections (5) Myeongpum Bobae (7) Geuma Thunder (3) Hansen Glory (1) Primo
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 7

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

More juveniles here and a slightly weaker looking contest with a slightly stronger favourite. (3) GEOSEN MAPUNG was 3rd on debut on October 22nd, having been prominent throughout and a similar performance today should see her home on top. (1) IRYEO HAYEO and (5) SEUNGRI PLUS also showed some promise on their respective debuts and can be considered as did, to a lesser extent, (2) DUSON WANGJA. However, the main danger may come from one of the four first-time starters. That’s (8) LET’S YEONGCHEON who trialled up nicely for an in-form stable and has the champion jockey on board.

Selections (3) Geosen Mapung (8) Let’s Yeongcheon (5) Seungri Plus (2) Duson Wangja
Next Best 1, 6
Fast Start 3, 5, 9

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

Fillies (and two mares) only here and a tricky puzzle it is too with roughly half the field looking to have claims. We’re going to go with the two who come in having won their latest starts, beginning with (2) CHEONGUN ILHO. She’s up in class after a comfortable maiden victory last time over this distance five weeks ago. That win had been coming and she should cope with the step up in competition. The other is (4) BAEKSAN YEOWANG. She was also winning for the first time but in her case, it was at this class and with another of today’s contenders, (3) PYEWOL SUHWA back in 3rd. Baeksan Yeowang (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (November 18)

We’re expecting sub-zero temperatures across the peninsula on Saturday but racing goes on! There are 12 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

He didn’t do much in his first couple of outings but (2) CAPTAIN POWER has come on nicely in two since, landing back to back 3rd place finishes, first at this distance and then at 1300M and he looks ready to get his first win today. (10) BIG AURORA was a much improved 2nd a month ago and looks to be a danger while (5) DUSON EYE’s latest two also give cause for optimism. (3) HWANGGEUM JUMEONI did nothing on debut but Kim Yong Geun staying on will lend him some supporters. (7) STORMY PASSION is the most experienced in the race – not necessarily a good thing at class 6 – and should be beating plenty.

Selections (2) Captain Power (10) Big Aurora (5) Duson Eye (7) Stormy Passion
Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 1, 2, 5, 11

Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

(1) ROYAL BOKSUNI and (7) KYU JEU ran 2nd and 3rd behind a very good winner at this distance on October 22nd. Three of the others who go here were well back behind them that day and while both are favoured here in this all-filly contest, it is Royal Boksuni who will be strong favourite to get her maiden win. Along with Kyu Jeu, (10) BAEKDU MIR looks most likely to challenge the favourite following a solid 2nd place last time out. (4) MINDEULRE CHUKJE and (5) DONGSEO GADEUK others in the placing hunt. 

Selections (1) Royal Boksuni (10) Baekdu Mir (7) Kyu Jeu (4) Mindeulre Chukje
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 1, 9, 11

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

(3) LUCKY BONGHWA was beaten a good ten-lengths into 2nd by the promising Mask a month ago but has shown enough to suggest he should have too much for this field here. He’s got one place better in each of his four starts today and can complete the final step into the winner’s circle here. (4) KHENDUM POWER has also been getting closer to a win, leading until close to home last time before having to settle for 2nd and can do similar today. (6) FIRST RUNNER and (7) UPDATE likewise haven’t been too far away in recent efforts and can get close. (10) MORE RICH was beaten by First Runner on his latest start two months ago but isn’t totally without a chance of overturning that form here.

Selections (3) Lucky Bonghwa (4) Khendum Power (6) First Runner (10) More Rich
Next Best 7, 5
Fast Start 2, 3, 4

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

Juveniles only here with two first-timers joining seven who have raced before. (9) GRAY GALAXY beat (6) GEUMSUN YOU on what was the latter’s debut on October 21st. Both are in the frame here as is (4) WOOSEORA ICHEON, who race for the first time since beating Gray Galaxy when running 2nd on debut on September 2nd. (2) ORANGE SOCKS and (5) (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday – Queens’ Tour Finale: Race-By-Race Preview (November 12)

Silver Wolf on Sunday gets the chance to make a clean sweep of the 2017 Queens’ Tour when she lines up at Busan Racecourse for the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup. The Aussie-bred 5-year-old by Oratorio  narrowly won the Ttukseom Cup at Seoul in June but then romped away with the KNN Cup over a mile month later. She returns to Busan as favourite but having to go 2000M in a race in which she was 8th last year.

Silver Wolf

Along with winning the Ttukseom, KNN & Munhwa Ilbo Cups this year, Silver Wolf also found time to run 5th in the Korea Sprint (Pic: Ross Holburt)

The Cup is the highlight of a 6-race program at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05 while up at Seoul there are 11 races from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Small field of fillies to begin with and the champion jockey should get off to a winning start on (3) SAUVIGNON. She’s been getting closer over three starts to date and should have too much for these. (2) CUPID DOCTOR has also made a positive start to her career although Sauvignon’s experience over this distance is what gives her the edge. (4) RUBY BEOLKIN is two starts into a comeback following a layoff and was only narrowly beaten by Sauvignon last time so does have claims too but it’s slim pickings among the rest with possible (5) BABY STAR most likely to improve.

Selections (3) Sauvignon (2) Cupid Doctor (4) Ruby Beolkin (5) Baby Star
Next Best 1, 6
Fast Start 2, 3, 4

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

Two standouts here who both look close to their maiden wins. (8) WONDERFUL CHAMPION was a close 3rd over 1200M last time out and comes in fresh following eight weeks off. He’s not a fast starter but should be able to sit handy from gate 8 and finish strongly. The other likely one is (5) GIDONG DAEJANG. Much improved on first try at this distance last time out, he narrowly missed out on 2nd place and should make the running here. (9) STORMY also showed improvement when finishing 4th last time out while (1) JEGUKUI HUYE and (11) NEULPUREUN CHEONHA are also capable of finding the money.

Selections (8) Wonderful Champion (5) Gidong Daejang (9) Stormy (1) Jegukui Huye
Next Best 11, 10
Fast Start 5, 6, 7, 12

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

Three of these have raced before, five haven’t and of those with experience, both (2) CITY ANGEL and (3) HIGH BEAT ran 5th. Neither were particularly impressive although probably did enough to be reasonably well fancied here but we should give a chance to some of the debut-makers. (5) BACK TO BACK looks the pick of them following a swift showing in a trial at the end of October while both (1) ACE CANT and (4) HWANSANGUI BIT also showed they know what they are supposed to do and have every chance of going well first up.

Selections (5) Back To Back (2) City Angel (1) Ace Cant (3) High Beat
Next Best 4, 7
Fast Start 2, 4

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1000M) Allowance / 40 Million

(7) LUCKY MISS was a three-length winner on debut over this distance on October 14th and while she steps up in class today, she is favourite to strike again. There will be plenty looking to get on the early speed and (1) REBECCA and (3) NAMWON QUEEN are contenders to do just that and stay on for the business part of the race. The latter was 5th behind (11) PARTY POWER last start but is better drawn to overturn that form today. (12) (more…)