Seoul

Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (January 6)

Seoul gets its racing season underway on Saturday with a bumper 15-race program and with last week having been dark, there are big fields throughout. The first race is at 10:45am and the last at 6pm. Here are the previews:

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

(2) BIG AURORA underwhelmed when favourite over the distance in November beaten by, amongst others, (7) CHOWON YEOJEONSA, but he’s better than that and gets another chance to score here. (6) FIRE was a much improved 2nd in a similar race to this a month ago and can get close again. (4) JIGONG JILJU has been getting closer in recent starts while (3) TOUGH TROPHY and (5) HIGH STAR both race for the first time since putting in average efforts at the start of November and will be backed to improve.

Selections (2) Big Aurora (4) Jigong Jilju (6) Fire (5) High Star
Next Best 3, 1
Fast Start 1, 3, 8, 11

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

Jockey Ham Wan Sik returns to Seoul after a year at Busan and he could well ride his first winner back in the capital here with (7) GONGJU SARANG set to be a strong favourite in this all-filly race. She’s the most convincing of the seven of these who’ve raced before and despite being a well-beaten 2nd behind a decent type last time, can win here, likely leading all the way. Among the other who have raced before, (11) DAECHEONUI SARANG and (5) SKY MARINE both have 2nd places to their name. The former beat the latter back in November. (6) SEOUL STORY has run better than her 6th and 8th place finishes suggest and she too can improve. Of the first-time starters, (4) JEJUI BARAM and (10) DONGBANG JIJU look the picks.

Selections (7) Gongju Sarang (4) Jejui Baram (11) Daecheonui Sarang (6) Seoul Story
Next Best 10, 5
Fast Start 5, 6, 7, 10

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

Weak fare here but (3) KWAEHAN YEBONGSAN has shown improvement across three starts to date and went ok on one previous try at this distance. If she can get out well and on to the early speed, she has every chance of leading all the way. (7) MIGHTY COOL has been up and down the distances already but looks to have landed in a good spot here and should be competitive with (6) ONLY BARAM and (9) ONE TWO THREE others who have potential to improve.

Selections (3) Kwaehan Yebongsan (7) Mighty Cool (6) Only Baram (9) One Two Three
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 6

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

Fillies only here and it’s about time that (1) O.J.HWAK DAB got her maiden win. She’s run into a couple of decent ones in both her latest starts but has acquitted herself well each time and could well have too much here. (7) BAENONGI stepped up to this distance a month ago and delivered her best result so far with 3rd place and that’s something she can build on today. (8) RUN AWAY was 5th behind O.J.Hwak Dab last time out and should have placing claims. (4) AMARONE has raced creditably in two outings so far and may appreciate the step up in trip today while (10) RAISE ME UP has a 4th place to her name at this distance already and can look to at least match it.

Selections (1) O.J.Hwak Dab (7) Baenongi (10) Raise Me Up (8) Run Away
Next Best 4, 2
Fast Start 2, 3, 8

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

The final maiden of the day is certainly the best with plenty of potential among these three-year-olds. (3) DORAON ACHIM HAE was favourite at this distance at the end of November but only managed 3rd. He’s shown enough over his two starts so far, however, to suggest he has wins in him and he’ll be well backed here. (2) LUCKY CHUNYANG wasn’t especially well fancied on debut a month ago although perhaps should have been having shown some speed in trials. He finished 3rd, less than a length behind the winner and running on very nicely which suggests the step up in trip today can only be (more…)

Seoul & Busan Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 24)

It’s Christmas Eve and it’s Seoul’s final day of racing of 2017 (Busan has cards on December 30th and 31st). 12 races in the capital from 10:45 to 18:00 plus 5 down at Busan from 12:40 to 16:15. Here are the previews but first take a moment to watch French jockey David Breux ride his first Korean winner – it came in race 9 on Saturday on 20/1 chance Daejangbak:

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

Djordje Perovic will be crowned champion jockey today and he can get the last racing day of 2017 at Seoul off to a great start with victory on (12) STIRLING in this juvenile filly race. She was a much-improved 3rd last time at this distance and can go two better today. She’s going to be looking to go around the field to get on the early pace and she’s not alone as both (10) ORANGE SOCKS and (11) AREUMDAUN CHEONSA are likely to have similar plans. Both showed promise last time and can continue to progress here. (8) CLAY WIND and (9) MERRY WHITE will have backers to improve as well while among the three debut-makers, (4) TONGHAP SIDAE perhaps has the best chance of troubling the placings on debut.

Selections (12) Stirling (11) Areumdaun Cheonsa (10) Orange Socks (9) Merry White
Next Best 8, 4
Fast Start 4, 10, 11, 12

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

2nd on debut on November 26th, (3) GALAXY POWER is going to be a warm favourite to win this. He led only to be beaten by one who looks to have a lot potential and should be on the early pace here and go all the way. He’s one of only four of the twelve who have raced before and none of the other three showed an awful lot on their debuts with (7) RAON JEWANG perhaps the only other one who showed promise. That leaves us with the first-timers and (5) BURUI SOKDO and (6) JEWANGUI BYEOL both performed well in trials and have top jockeys on. The latter is favoured. Also showing ability in her trial was (10) BIG THUNDER and she too could go well first-up.

Selections (3) Galaxy Power (6) Jewangui Byeol (7) Raon Jewang (5) Burui Sokdo
Next Best 10, 2
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 6

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

(10) JUNGDONG JIJON has been getting closer and closer and following a 3rd and a 2nd in his latest two, will surely get it right today. He’ll be a hot favourite. (7) MAJJABEUN SON was a much improved 3rd last start and can maintain that momentum today while (1) KAY ONE and (12) MACH SEUNGNI also look to be getting better and can be involved. Other than that we’re looking for something to demonstrate something that they haven’t previously and (3) RAON DOLPUNG, who has finished off both previous races over 1000M well may benefit from the extra distance here.

Selections (10) Jungdong Jijon (7) Majjabeun Son (12) Mach Sungni (1) Kay One
Next Best 3, 9
Fast Start 1, 3, 8, 11

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

Wide open here but the Perovic-factor may see (12) SEUNGRI SIDAE home. He just missed out on 2nd place over class and distance on November 19th and looks nicely entered here. (10) SPEED CHEONGNYONG weakened late having led over 1700M last time and should be more comfortable back at 1300M today while (3) GEUMSUN YOU is up in class following a maiden win at the distance a month ago and should be (more…)

Seoul Sunday: Race-By-Race Preview (December 17)

Busan takes a weekend off so there’s a bumper 15-race Sunday card at Seoul Racecourse. The first race is at 10:45 and the last is at 18:00. Here are the previews: 

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

(4) CUPID DOCTOR has been getting closer and closer across three starts so far and managed a good 2nd place over this distance on November 12th. She should get a fast start in this all-filly race and lead all the way. Probably the banker favourite all day. (1) POX RANGER and (5) KYU JEU came home 3rd and 4th at the distance on November 18th. It was a big improvement for Pox Ranger although Kyu Jeu had already shown some ability and both look in with a shout here. The time before that, Kyu Jeu beat (9) RAON MIRACLE but she too showed improvement next start, landing a good – albeit not very fast – 3rd place at this distance.

Selections (4) Cupid Doctor (5) Kyu Jeu (9) Raon Miracle (1) Pox Ranger
Next Best 6, 2
Fast Start 4, 3, 5, 9

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

Small field of juveniles here but it contains a few who have shown promise already. (2) LEONNING STROM is top pick having been a good 2nd on debut at 1000M last month. He ran on nicely and should do well over the increased trip today. (5) VICTORY STAR looked good in two outings in September and October. She trialled up in good shape too in November and can go well. As can (7) LET’S YEONGCHEON, a creditable 3rd on debut four weeks ago. The modestly named (3) BRILLIANT and the more complex-named (6) NAEGA KKEUTPANWANG also have potential to improve.

Selections (2) Leonning Strom (5) Victory Star (7) Let’s Yeongcheon (3) Brilliant
Next Best 6
Fast Start 2, 6

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

Ten juveniles here with four of them racing for the first time. (3) CHEON MONG only managed to finish in 6th place on debut on November 19th but it was in a well-run race in a strong time and he just about gets the nod to win here. Fellow experienced ones (5) DALLYEORA RAON and (7) INDIAN ECO may also improve on their debuts but it is to the debut-makers that we turn to find the bigger dangers. (9) LUCKY ROOKIE won his trial last month and gets a top jockey on here so will be backed while Hansen filly (2) SILVER DESIGN also held her own in her trial and can go well in what is a nice race to debut in.

Selections (3) Cheon Mong (9) Lucky Rookie (5) Dallyeora Raon (2) Silver Design
Next Best 7
Fast Start 3, 6, 9

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

Three of these juveniles come in having come close to getting their maiden wins last time out and all three will be supported to achieve it today. The one with the best chance is (9) FLYING BOSS, who while well beaten by a good winner last time, has shown plenty of potential. He drops to the minimum distance for the first time today and can go very well. (2) RICHARDOFNEWSTEAD has led both his races so far, only to get taken down in the closing stages. He’ll surely be on the early pace again and could well hang on this time. (4) PARK SOCKS was 2nd on debut at this distance and will have plenty of backers too. He was beaten that day by (5) SUN LIGHTING, who went on to have a hard time in a valuable race over 1200M a month ago, weakening late on. Back in trip and in more amenable company today, he’ll be a big threat.

Selections (9) Flying Boss (5) Sun Lighting (2) Richardofnewstead (4) Park Socks
Next Best 1, 11
Fast Start 2, 3, 5, 6, 9

Race 5: Class 6 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 22 Million

Small field and it’s hard to look much further than (1) ROYAL TANK, who showed improvement when put up to this distance three weeks ago running 2nd in what was admittedly not a strong race. Neither is this though and a similar run today should see him home on top. The rest of them will need to find plenty with (8) UPDATE probably best placed to step up. He ran ok on his previous try at the distance and while he is (more…)

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…)