Seoul

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 28)

There are 11 Saturday races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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David Breux could be among the winners on Saturday (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

(7) MENI BLADE came up a little short when favourite on debut a month ago, finishing strongly but just running out of track over 1200M. She’s up to 1300M today and will take some beating. (4) SUJEBI was 6th that day and is one who could potentially give Meni Blade a run for her money although the main danger is likely to be (8) SANTOS. True, his only previous start at this distance was his worst performance to date but he ran nicely at 1000M last month, should be on the pace here and can improve. (3) MACH SEUNGNI and (5) MEGA CITY look best of the rest.

Selections (7) Meni Blade (8) Santos (4) Sujebi (5) Mega City
Next Best 3, 6
Fast Start 4, 8

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

Pretty weak maiden this although that does make it quite interesting betting-wise. (3) RAON GANGHO is the pick following and improved 4th at the distance last time out. He was a full seven-lengths behind the winner but all three who beat him that day are better than what he faces here – the 3rd place-getter went on to win last week. (9) KHENDUM POWER beat three of these on his was to 5th place at the distance on April 1st and should beat plenty again. That too was a better race than this and he should improve his finishing position. Luigi Riccardi’s (12) GAJA GAJA started badly and never became involved on her latest effort three weeks ago but showed some ability the time before that and could go close. (2) KAY ONE ahould be on the early speed and looks best of the rest.

Selections (3) Raon Gangho (9) Khendum Power (12) Gaja Gaja (2) Kay One
Next Best 11, 5
Fast Start 2, 9, 12

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

(4) GLOBAL QUEEN won on debut all the way back on Christmas Day 2016. She didn’t race again for fifteen months. However, when she finally came back on March 25th this year, she ran very well, finishing 2nd at class and distance and has a very good chance of winning this all-filly contest from the front. (10) MAGIC ROAD certainly caught the eye when running out a seven-length winner on debut on March 31st. She’s up in class here and should have claims again. (12) MENI SMART won over 1300M on her second career start in January. Lameness forced her to be scratched from a planned outing last month but fit again, she should go close here and can overcome the wide draw to get on speed early. (2) ROYAL BRONZE is more experienced and can be competitive in this company. (9) FOREVER WINNER was an all-the-way winner at 1300M on March 3rd and while she is up in class and back in trip, she too can go close.

Selections (4) Global Queen (10) Magic Road (12) Meni Smart (2) Royal Bronze
Next Best 9, 7
Fast Start 2, 3, 4, 12

Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(3) GULCHARMNAMUSUP beat (12) RAON RRIMER as the pair finished 1st and 2nd on what was both their debut outing at 1000M on January 20th. Since then, Raon Primer secured another 2nd place at that distance which got her promoted to this level and then followed up with a close 3rd at this level over 1300M on March 25th. That was a decent race and her performance that day is enough to give her the slight edge here. For her part, Gulcharmnamusup has run just once since that day in January, finishing a creditable enough 4th again at 1000M on early March. He steps up in trip for the first time and should be in the frame again. Both will face a stern test from (1) GUREUM SONJITHAE. Like Raon Primer, he is yet to get a win but now has three 2nd place finishes including last time out four weeks ago. (2) KKEULEOJUNEUN SON has been a frustrating (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Cheongdam Dokki / Race-By-Race Preview (April 22)

He’s currently the most exciting horse in Korea and on Sunday, Cheongdam Dokki (To Honor And Serve) will line up against seven rivals – six of whom he’s beaten before – in the Herald Business Cup over 2000M at Seoul Racecourse. He faces Clean Up Joy, who won the race last year, as well as Sinjo Daehyeop and Shamrocker. The Herald Business is race 9 on an eleven-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:45 to 18:00. At Busan, there are six races from 12:40 to 17:05.

Cheongdam Dokki

See below for Busan Selections:

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

Competitive opener and (5) SONGAM JEUNE beat a couple of these on her way to a solid 2nd place on what was just her second start on March 24th and has every chance of matching or even bettering today. She’ll be on pace early alongside (7) BAEKDUI TAEYANG, himself a good 2nd at the distance last time and likely to be well supported. The one to beat though might well be (1) HAENGBOK STAR. He’s come 4th and 3rd in his two prior outings and the extra half furlong today may be what he needs to get home in front. (9) GANADORA and first-time starter, the modestly named (3) THE KING, are others who can go close.

Selections (5) Songam Jeune (1) Haengbok Star (3) The King (7) Baekdui Taeyang
Next Best 9, 4
Fast Start 5, 7, 9

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

Three-year-old fillies only here and almost any of them could win. Simon Foster’s (3) SURFING POINT ran poorly on debut but improved last time. David Breux returns to the mount today and she has as much of a claim as any of them. (7) BETTINA and (2) MORAN DONGBEAK came home 2nd and 4th respectively when they raced each other at this distance back in January. Bettina races for the first time since then here while Moran Dongbeak has gone on to put in another couple of promising performances and both may be considered here. (6) STAR LIST did little on debut but could improve today while (8) ENJOY MY SHOW has a 2nd place to her name and could repeat in what is a very modest contest.

Selections (3) Surfing Point (7) Bettina (2) Moran Dongbeak (6) Star List
Next Best 8, 4, 12
Fast Start 4, 5, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-olds only and it’s another rather weak maiden. There is, however, an interesting debut-maker in the shape of (3) PRINCE OF SUN. He’s a half-brother to US based Dubai Golden Shaheen winner Mind Your Biscuits and has trialled up impressively. His Korea-based half-brother Baeksan Yeowang hasn’t exactly pulled up trees so far but Prince Of Sun could well have enough to win this. (6) GANGSANUI ACHIM and (11) STRONG LIGHT both come in off 3rd place finishes last time in very similar strength races to this, so both should be looking to at least repeat. (10) RAON OPTIMUS races for the first time since running reasonably well over 1700M in January and can be considered for improvement. (12) RUSSEL showed his first signs of potential ability when running 5th of 12 in an admittedly slow race at this distance a month ago and is another one to take into consideration.

Selections (3) Prince Of Sun (6) Gangsanui Achim (10) Raon Optimus (11) Strong Light
Next Best 12, 5
Fast Start 5, 7, 8, 11

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

Decent race with plenty entering having shown very solid recent form. The pick of them though is (3) WOOSEORA ICHEON who just came up short when favourite at class and distance on March 24th, his second consecutive runner-up finish. He is well drawn once more to get on pace early and can complete the job this time. (4) JEONGSANG DOLPUNG and (11) BOLD SHINING also come in having performed strongly at this class in their latest efforts and they should be close. Jeongsang Dolpung’s most recent was 2nd at 1000M and he looks ready to take on a longer trip today. Three of the field are up in class following maiden wins last time although for (5) RULE OF SUM, that was a full fourteen months ago. The pick of the up and comers is (10) FRENCH STAR, who also tries further than the minimum distance for the first time.

Selections (3) Wooseora Icheon (4) Jeongsang Dolpung (11) Bold Shining (10) French Star
Next Best 6, 12, 5
Fast Start 2, 4, 10

Race 5: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A couple of standouts here although both will need to bounce back from slightly below-par showings last start. (6) YAHO SMART CAT won his first two races but could only manage 4th on his first try at both this class and at further than the minimum distance on March 24th. Hopefully he can have come on for that and can return to top form today. (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 21)

While it’s expected to rain on Sunday, Saturday should be bright and sunny and there is an eleven-race card to get stuck into at Seoul Racecourse from 10:45 to 18:00:

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

Maiden for three-year-olds only to begin with and it involves three debut-makers along with nine with some experience. Among the experienced ones, both (3) MAY PRINCE and (4) GEOBOOGI MANSE improved to 2nd in their latest starts and while neither were in particularly impressive races, they should both be looking to at least repeat here. May Prince is a better starter and cold possibly start favourite. (5) CHEONGANG SEONG managed 3rd place on debut all the way back last July. He finally made his second start a month ago and while he weakened late on, he could go better here. (6) DAECHEON HERO too has shown some glimpses of ability. The main danger looks to be one of the first-timers though. (1) VICAR BRACING looked competent running on well in a trial two weeks ago and should be involved.

Selections (3) May Prince (1) Vicar Bracing (4) Geoboogi Manse (5) Cheongang Seong
Next Best 6, 2
Fast Start 3, 5, 6

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

Regular maiden here and quite a competitive one. (3) BEST VICTORY and (2) BLUE ANNA came home in 3rd and 4th place respectively when they raced each other over this distance on March 17th. For Best Victory that was a big improvement but for Blue Anna, it was her first start in eight months and she looked good. She has the fastest time of any of these over the distance and could well get home on top today. An unfashionable jockey on may provide some value too. (10) CUPID GANGJA drops all the way back in trip to the minimum after 2nd place in a weak race at 1700M last month and should be in the frame here. (4) SPEED YEOWANG and (5) ARGO GALLOPER both come in off the back of positive performances and can be involved again. (8) BAEKDUUI JEONGSANG has also shown some ability and could get in the placing frame.

Selections (2) Blue Anna (3) Best Victory (4) Speed Yeowang (10) Cupid Gangja
Next Best 5, 8
Fast Start 2, 4, 7, 11

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

(7) GANGTOMA was first across the line on what was his third start on March 11th but ended up being disqualified for shifting outwards on the turn, an action that saw a rider of another horse unseated (Moon Se Young, who is still side-lined with the resulting injury). Aside from that he ran impressively as he has in his two results so far that do stand, and he should be first back again today. (1) THE JIJON has a 5th and a 4th in two starts at this level so far, both at 1000M but he has proven himself capable at this distance in the past and he can be a threat. He will likely be on the early speed along with (3) FLYING JOY, who is up in class after going close too many times at class 6. The competition here isn’t significantly stronger and he has the services once more of the in-form David Breux. (6) HAPPY MAUNTAIN and (10) MALAKAS others who should be in the hunt.

Selections (7) Gangtoma (3) Flying Joy (1) The Jijon (10) Malakas
Next Best 6, 11
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 10

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

(7) HURACAN ran so badly in January that he was suspended for two months and forced to take two trials before being allowed to race again. He completed that process and returned in good fashion at this distance on March 17th, showing at the front and running on for a good 2nd place and he should be firmly in the frame here. That was a decent race with less than three lengths separating 1st and 6th. (1) GOLD SEVEN came home in 3rd that day with (8) GLOBAL NEWS, who was favourite, 6th and both of those can be considered dangers here. (4) YAHO STRONG CAT ran a good 2nd at the distance on March 4th and can look for at least the places again while (3) BACK TO BACK hasn’t been too far away in three outings at this class to date and should go close once more.

Selections (7) Huracan (4) Yaho Strong Cat (8) Global News (1) Gold Seven
Next Best 3, 12, 10
Fast Start 4, 6, 7, 8

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

Fillies & mares only here and (3) DANCING BLADE steps up in class having secured her maiden win at this distance on her second start on March 18th. It wasn’t a strong race, even for class 6, but she won well enough and could repeat. She’s not a fast starter so she (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 15)

Sunday sees an 11-race card at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and a 6-race card at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05:

 

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Antonio Da Silva (centre) was among the winners on a good day at Seoul for foreign jockeys on Saturday. Can he get more on Sunday? (Pic: Ross Holburt)

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

Three debut-makers among the ten who go here and one of them stands-out. That’s (2) NAE GIRUI BIT, a Raconteur gelding, who went through a couple of trials in March, making all in the latest of them. That was impressive enough to suggest that if he runs anything like it in this modest contest, he could win. Fellow first-timer (6) RISING SOCKS trialled well too and should be in the hunt although the biggest danger is likely to be (3) TIAGO TOUCH. While indifferent on debut over 1200M in December, he returned at the end of February to run a much improved 2nd at this trip and must be taken seriously here. He’s certainly the best of those with prior race experience although (1) SEUNGNI LIKE and (8) DAEJI GONGJU may improve.

Selections (2) Nae Girui Bit (3) Tiago Touch (6) Rising Socks (1) Seungni Like
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 2, 3, 4, 10

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

(6) NAEGA KKEUTPANWANG has been close in each of his latest four with two 3rds and two 4ths, all of them at this distance. He’s drawn well to get on speed early here and can win. Luigi Riccardi’s (9) DUAL CHOEGANG enters in promising form too. He beat a couple of these on his way to a useful 4th last time out and can get closer here. One of those two in that race three weeks ago was (1) CHOWON YEOJEONSA back in 5th. Just like Dual Choegang, she remains a maiden after thirteen attempts but has enough about her to beat plenty here. She’s not a fast starter but can pick off horses late on. (2) RAON PRO SENSE and (7) WHITE PUNCH are others to take into account.

Selections (6) Naega Kkeutpanwang (9) Dual Choegang (1) Chowon Yeojeonsa (7) White Punch
Next Best 3, 10
Fast Start 2, 6, 10, 122

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

(1) BEST CHAPEL secured her maiden win at the third time of asking with a front-running performance at this distance on March 3rd. She’s up in class today but has little to fear and can make it two in a row in this all filly/mare contest. (6) SEOUL STORY and (9) NEUNGRYEOK SIDAE join her up in class following maiden wins of their own and while the pair of them perhaps have a little more to find, both can be competitive. Of those with prior experience at this level, (4) KWAEHAN YEBONGSAN is the biggest danger. She was a decent 5th last time at this distance and is likely to join Best Chapel in competing for the early lead. She has every chance. (10) LEAD UP also comes in with encouraging recent form and is another one with good gate speed.

Selections (1) Best Chapel (4) Kwaehan Yebongsan (6) Seoul Story (9) Neungryeok Sidae
Next Best 10, 5
Fast Start 1, 4, 6, 10

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

(10) SUPER FLY returned from a nine-month layoff to run a good 3rd over class and distance on March 10th, beating a couple of these in the process. He should have come on for that run and if he has, he’s take some beating. (9) THE FINAL finds herself up in class after beginning her career with three consecutive 3rd place finishes. While the level may be different, the strength of the opposition is nothing to fear and she can be competitive. (5) SPECIAL LIGHT ran 5th behind Super Fly last time and while he has plenty to make up on the favourite, he should be beating plenty of the others. (11) HAETSAL WANGJA and (12) JAJINMORI both enter off encouraging latest runs and can come into consideration.

Selections (10) Super Fly (5) Special Light (9) The Final (11) Haetsal Wangja
Next Best 12, 1
Fast Start 8, 10, 12

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

Jimmy Creed colt (4) SPEED JOY was a very encouraging 2nd on debut at 1000M back in January running on nicely. He’s had plenty of time off since and should appreciate the additional distance that he has to play with here. (9) GEUMA FALCON gave out similarly positive signs on his first start last month and looks to have an excellent chance of (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 14)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

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

Small field of three-year-old maidens but several have chances. (1) HALLA DAERO has shown progress in two starts so far. He led until the just over a furlong out last time before weakening and could well get a very soft lead once more today. (5) L CAR will be expected to do much better today than on his debut five weeks ago. That day he began badly and raced ungenerously to the extent he was ordered back to trial. He performed very well in that subsequent trial, putting in a fast time. (9) SO ARA DAEWANG wan a creditable enough 6th of 12 on debut a month ago and can build on it here. (4) GANGHO GAECHEOK similarly showed enough on his first try to suggest he has some ability.

Selections (1) Halla Daero (5) L Car (9) So Ara Daewang (4) Gangho Gaecheok
Next Best 7, 2
Fast Start 1

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

Maiden fillies only and it’s fair to say none of the eight will be expected in the Korean Oaks later this year. We’ll go with (7) HYEONGMA PUBU on the simple grounds that having run just the once, she’s done the least amount wrong. She actually ran reasonably well in a respectable time over the distance on March 11th and if she has come on at all, should beat most of these (3) YONGUI JUDO steps back in trip following some reasonable efforts at 1300M and should get close. (8) CHEONGDAM QUEENS was an encouraging 5th on debut all the way back last September and while she hasn’t come close to matching it in just three starts since, she does have the advantage of being quick out of the gates and should get the lead here. She’ll be challenged early by (5) SEOUL STAR who looks best of the rest along with (6) CHUKJE MAKIT.

Selections (7) Hyeongma Pubu (8) Cheongdam Queens (3) Yongui Judo (5) Seoul Star
Next Best 6, 4
Fast Start 5, 8

Race 3: Class 6 (1000M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The second division of the maiden fillies and it’s not much stronger than the first. It does involve one or two who have experience of finishing in the money though. Top choice is (1) SOKBO ONGJU, 3rd over 1300M on March 18th having led for part of race. Back in distance today, she’ll look to lead early again and won’t need to hold on for so long this time. (3) STAR SOCKS also has a 3rd to her name, achieved on debut on Christmas Eve. She followed it up with a 4th and while she was pretty poor last time, well back behind (8) CHAPEL QUEEN, she’s worth another chance today. Chapel Queen has actually raced once since then, just two weeks ago, but it was at 1200M and she never got involved. She too can get another chance back in trip here. (5) MJ JILJU improved slightly on her second career start last month and she can continue her upward trajectory today, likely looking to challenge Sokbo Ongju and Star Socks on the early speed.  (7) KAILLUM YEOJE is the sole debut-maker. She did nothing wrong in a March trial and has a top jockey on so watch the market with her.

Selections (1) Sokbo Ongju (5) MJ Jilju (7) Kaillum Yeoje (3) Star Socks
Next Best 8, 9
Fast Start 1, 3, 5, 6

Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

The maidens keep coming thick and fast (although speed is perhaps something not in plentiful supply). (2) CHOIN DAEBO will be favourite and should win having run a good 3rd on debut despite not starting especially well. He’ll be close to the early pace here and the extra furlong should suit. The main dangers look like being a pair of first-time starters. Both (4) PALPAL VICTORY and (8) BURUI GORI trialled up nicely in March, (more…)

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 8)

It’s KRA Cup Mile Day! However, there is also the matter of an eleven-race card at Seoul to get stuck into. The first race is at 10:45 and the last at 18:00. Cup Mile Preview will be in a separate post above:

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

(8) DORAON ACHIM HAE was 2nd to a good winner last start on March 11th and should have too much for this field of three-year-old maidens. He should get to the lead early and will be hard to beat. (5) ROYAL PRINCE was 4th in that same race and probably has the best chance of getting close to the favourite along with two others who come in off the back of 4th place finishes last time, (6) DAE UNHA and (7) FINE HEART, both of whom were racing for just the second time. (1) JUMBO CAPTAIN also ran in that March 11th race and didn’t go well but he has shown ability before, landing a 2nd place finish at the distance in February and could improve today.

Selections (8) Doraon Achim Hae (5) Royal Prince (6) Dae Unha (7) Fine Heart
Next Best 1, 3
Fast Start 1, 8

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

(8) MIR PARK has shown improvement across three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at the distance on March 3rd. She came from well back that day and if given a slightly better chance this time, she can win this all-filly maiden. Also improving is (11) VALLEY MOON. She is still yet to win after fifteen starts but has been getting closer and comes in following a career-best 2nd at the distance on March 10th, beating a couple of these in the process and she can get close again. (1) GOLDEN WEDDING and (3) ARGO UNIQUE also enter in reasonably promising form although the latter was some way back behind Mir Park last time, while (4) SPECIAL GOLD steps up in trip for the first time following a good 4th at 1000M last time.

Selections (8) Mir Park (11) Valley Moon (1) Golden Wedding (4) Special Gold
Next Best 3, 5
Fast Start 3, 8, 10, 12

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

(7) KING EXPLOIT may still be a maiden, but he was only narrowly beaten in a fast race at class and distance on March 10th and with a similar performance could take some beating this time. He’ll sit close to the early lead and should be too strong late on. Plenty of others in the hunt though. (6) CALLING KING and (3) SEUNGRI NARAE came home 2nd and 3rd respectively when they raced each other at class and distance last month and both can get close again. (2) BULSA BULPAE interestingly steps back in trip following some good efforts at 1700M, including her maiden win, and she shouldn’t be far away. (4) ARES THUNDER is up in class as a result of an all the way win at this trip last time. He’ll likely try to lead again and should be a factor.

Selections (7) King Exploit (3) Seungri Narae (2) Bulsa Bulpae (4) Ares Thunder
Next Best 6, 1
Fast Start 3, 6, 7, 4

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

(2) OK DEURIM was a surprise winner at this distance last time and is accordingly up in class today. There really isn’t much to fear here, however, and she has every chance of making it two in a row. (6) JEJUI BARAM hasn’t found things easy in two starts at this level since her maiden win in January but could be worth another chance today with the services of David Breux for the first time. It’s slim pickings among the rest so we really are looking for something to improve. (1) LUCKY MISS hasn’t gone well in two starts at this level but comes in off two months off and could be capable of reproducing the form she showed on debut last October. (3) NEW WORLD STAR and (5) DAESEONG RUBY are other possibles.

Selections (2) Ok Deurim (6) Jejui Baram (1) Lucky Miss (5) Daeseong Ruby
Next Best 3, 10, 7
Fast Start 1, 2, 6

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

(1) SUPER SOCKS made all to win at the distance on debut in January before trying to repeat the trick when stepped up to 1300M for his first reappearance a month ago. He (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 7)

Cup Mile Eve sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00.  And the start of the Seoul Racecourse Cherry Blossom Festival! Here are the previews:

cherry blossom

It’s cherry blossom season in Seoul…

 

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

We’ll go with experience here and (4) BODEURAM has the most of it. A much-improved 2nd on what was her fourth start on March 10th was good enough to suggest that she has a win in her sooner or later and it could well come here. (8) CHILJONG CHILGEUM similarly improved last time, also coming home 2nd at this distance and he looks to be the main threat although (3) ROMAN BLADE can improve on a decent enough 6th on debut when she just weakened a little late on. (7) CHEONGDAM JEPAE has also shown glimpses of ability across two efforts so far while (5) ARGO ROCKET looks pick of the debut-makers.

Selections (4) Bodeuram (8) Chiljong Chilgeum (3) Roman Blade (5) Argo Rocket
Next Best 7
Fast Start 3, 7

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

Another set of three-year-old maidens although this is the weaker of the two divisions. (2) NAMYEOGUI HANEUL may only have finished 7th of 12 on debut a month ago but showed a decent turn of foot and can have come on for it. We’ll make her the marginal pick here. (7) ULTRA MISSILE showed improvement on his second start at the end of February and can continue to make progress today. Of the others who have race before, (1) GWACHEON HERO and (5) UDDUGI perhaps have the best chance of improving while among the two first-timers, (8) SOL PARANG is the pick.

Selections (2) Namyeogui Haneul (8) Sol Parang (7) Ultra Missile (1) Gwacheon Hero
Next Best 5, 3
Fast Start 7

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

Another maiden but this time it’s age open. (9) BEST BULLET was a decent enough 3rd in a slightly stronger contest than this four weeks ago at the distance and is favoured to make the breakthrough here. He’ll be on the early speed along with (6) SEUNGNI PLUS, who hasn’t been too far away in his latest appearances and can be involved in the business end of the race. (3) BAEKDU POWER beat a couple of these home when finishing 2nd in an admittedly weak contest over 1700M last month and should beat plenty again. (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 1)

Sunday sees 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 races at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05. Here are the previews (Busan selections at bottom):

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

(3) RAON SIRIUS looked to be making all over 1200M on February 25th, only to be comfortably overhauled by a good favourite and ending up in 2nd. Johan Victoire rode the winner that day and this time he can guide Raon Sirius to the front once more and potentially all the way. (6) GONG SAN was a promising enough 6th of 11 over this distance on debut a month ago and can come on for that here. Antonio Da Silva had a good March and he can get April off to a positive start on (2) KHENDUM POWER, who drops back in trip following a couple of decent efforts around 1700M while (9) BIG AURORA, who tries this trip for the first time, and (12) MIDAS CHIEF, who is one start into a comeback following nine months out, are others to consider.

Selections (3) Raon Sirius (6) Gong San (2) Khendum Power (12) Midas Chief
Next Best 10, 9
Fast Start 3, 7, 7

Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

After exceeding expectations with 3rd place on debut, (4) HANYANG GONGJU came up short when favourite on reappearance at 1300M on March 3rd. However, her 2nd place that day warrants another chance and she really should be getting it right this time. She’ll be strong favourite ahead of (5) O.K. DAY and (6) GARA GARA GA, both of whom have shown promise across two start each so far with the latter slightly favoured at this point. (3) LEADER’S CAMP didn’t disgrace herself when finishing 6th of 12 on debut at the end of February and may benefit from an additional furlong today while (11) GOLD STREET was an improved 4th when tried at further than the minimum for the first time on March 4th and can match or better that here.

Selections (4) Hanyang Gongju (3) Leader’s Camp (6) Gara Gara Ga (5) O.K. Day
Next Best 11, 7
Fast Start 3, 5, 7

Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 40 Million

(6) HAMBAK MISO was sent off as the odds-on favourite on debut on March 3rd and duly obliged, winning comfortably over 1000M. He is up in class and distance today and should be competitive. He won’t be favourite, however, because (5) DOKDO JIGI returns for the first time since Christmas Eve. Dokdo Jigi was a fast winner on debut over 1000M before running 2nd to the very good Gaon Champ on reappearance in November. He was 5th of 8 in a very strong juvenile race on Christmas Eve before being diagnosed with a fetlock joint disease. Back now, if he is anything like he was before, he should win. (3) ROYAL BOKSUNI enters having run 3rd and 4th in her latest two and can be close again. (4) MONEY ZIF is up in class following a good win over 1300M a month ago and should figure at some point while (9) STRONG MAN has also shown ability at this class and should get close.

Selections (5) Dokdo Jigi (6) Hambak Miso (9) Strong Man (3) Royal Boksuni
Next Best 4, 2, 1
Fast Start 3, 5

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

(2) THE QUEEN GRACE was a touch disappointing running 6th of 12 when second-favourite over the distance on February 25th. That wasn’t a bad race though and she already has a 2d place to her name at class and distance and can go one better here. Speaking of 2nd place finishes, that’s fast becoming (3) CHEONJI BOBAE’s specialty, (more…)

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (March 31)

There are 11 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:45 to 18:00:

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

Maiden race in which four of the twelve are racing for the very first time and among them, there are a couple with the potential to win first-up. Both (2) MAGIC ROAD and (12) MYEONGJIN MAN looked very competent in trials. Magic Road is out of a dam who won seven of her fourteen races in Korea while Myeongjin Man is a Drosselmeyer colt who was imported in-utero. We are, however, going to come down on the side of racecourse experience and (11) HIN BYEOL ran on very nicely for 3rd on debut at the end of February and can come out on top today. The debut-makers look to be the main danger while (3) BROWN ROSE debuted in a stiffer contest than this and should improve for it. (9) SURFING POINT was bad on debut three weeks ago but trialled up well before that and can improve today.

Selections (11) Hin Byeol (12) Myeongjin Man (2) Magic Road (9) Surfing Point
Next Best 3, 4
Fast Start 1, 3, 4, 8

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

Hansen filly (11) GEOSEN MAPUNG got promoted to this level without a win but acquitted herself very nicely when finishing 3rd on February 25th at this distance with (5) GUREUM SONJITHAE some way back in 7th. She overcame gate 12 that day and can do similar again today. (4) CREMOA POWER is up in class following victory over 1300M all the way back in January. He’s had twelve weeks off since then and drops back to in trip but should be a threat. (7) DALDARI enters following 2nd and 3rd places in her two starts so far this year and may be considered while (12) HANIL MAGIC steps back in trip following two reasonably encouraging efforts at 1300M and can be in the placing frame.

Selections (11) Geosen Mapung (7) Daldari (4) Cremoa Power (12) Hanil Magic
Next Best 5, 3
Fast Start 1, 5, 6, 11

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

Last weekend was a good one for David Breux and the French jockey can keep his winning form going here by riding (3) FLYING JOY to victory. The colt has been 3rd in each of his latest two and should be on the early speed here. (9) HADALRAE was an encouraging 4th on debut on March 3rd, making up a lot of ground in the closing stages. That was at 1000M and the step up in trip today should suit. (5) MORAN DONGBEAK has (more…)

Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (March 25)

Silver Wolf headlines Seoul’s feature while Today, Doraonpogyeongseon and Perdido Pomeroy face off at Busan on a big Sunday of racing in Korea. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:45 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:40 to 17:05.

Silver Wolf Donga

Last year’ Champion Filly/Mare Silver Wolf won February’s Donga Ilbo Cup (Pic: KRA)

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

(2) JUNGLE BEAT ran very nicely for 2nd place on debut three weeks ago and Simon Foster’s filly looks hard to beat in this maiden for three-year-olds. She can set up camp just behind the early lead and if she runs like she did first-up, should be too strong late on. (9) HANSEN VOLT has shown some ability across two starts so far and should be looking to at least match the 3rd place he scored on his second outing a month ago. He’s another who perhaps won’t be the quickest out of the gate but can finish well. (12) FRENCH STAR looked competent enough on debut running 6th of 12 behind Hansen Volt and can improve today. (10) SANTOS and the solitary first-timer, (11) STAR LIST look to be others to follow.

Selections (2) Jungle Beat (9) Hansen Volt (12) French Star (10) Santos
Next Best 11, 4, 5
Fast Start 1, 4, 11, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Allowance / KRW 40 Million

Three-year-old maidens again, this time with two debut-makers and both look to be in with a decent chance first-up. (7) MENI BLADE won a trial back in January ahead of (9) TAEWANG SINHWA, who went on to race encouragingly first-up. She should be on the early speed here and should be a threat. The other first-timer is (10) SMARTY BLUE, who showed at the front in his trial and ran on well enough to suggest he has a chance too. If racecourse experience is preferred, then (6) HAENGBOK STAR looks to be the pick. He was 4th on debut at 1000M a month ago but the margins were not huge, and he ran on nicely suggesting that the extra furlong today will be in his favour. (2) MERLIN and (8) ADELE JEONGSANG are others who may improve.

Selections (6) Haengbok Star (7) Meni Blade (10) Smarty Blue (8) Adele Jeongsang
Next Best 2, 11
Fast Start 3, 7, 8, 10

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

It’s about time (8) MIGHTY COOL won a race. She’s zero for thirteen but recent performances suggest she has one in her and it could well be today. She was a decent 3rd last time in what was by no means a good race, but it was stronger than this and so long as she doesn’t leave herself too much to do, she can finally get off the mark. (5) RUN AWAY was behind Mighty Cool that day and she too remains a maiden. She is inconsistent but, in this company, should be looking to at least place. (9) GANADORA looks the greater threat though. She’s only raced four times so far and has shown promise with a 2nd and 3rd place at 1300M and 1700M respectively in her latest two. She’s likely to be on the early speed here and can go very close. (7) SEOUL STAR and (11) MAJJABEUN SON are others in at least the hunt for places.

Selections (8) Mighty Cool (9) Ganadora (5) Run Away (11) Majjabeun Son
Next Best 7, 4
Fast Start 7, 9, 12

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

(2) WONDERFUL JACKPOT was 3rd in both the Gyeonggi Govenor’s and Gwacheon Mayor’s Cups last autumn, Seoul’s top two juvenile races, before trying his luck in the Breeders’ Cup, the nation’s biggest race for two-year-olds, in December. That latter effort didn’t go well, and he’s not raced since but returns here with an excellent chance of making his way back to the winner’s circle. This is the distance at which he got his only win to date and he can settle behind the early speed and come through in the latter part (more…)