Seoul

Lala K is Back. Seoul Saturday Race-By-Race Preview (May 10)

Forty-seven weeks after we last saw him, the viral sensation Lala K is back – and in much more amenable company. There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10.35 to 18.00. Here are the previews:

It’s him. Lala K (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After running a close 2nd in February. (4) DONGJIN THUNDER was sent off as favourite for his latest outing on March 23rd but while he raced handy, could only manage to finish 5th. In this small field he is well worth another chance. (2) ALIFER beat a couple of these on her way to a significantly improved 3rd at start number four on April 12th. From a good draw, she will be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (8) ROYAL SOCKS raced once all the way back last August for a fair 5th. In the intervening forty or so weeks he has been gelded and looked well enough when trialing in April to suggest that he can go well first up again. (6) AWESOME STEP and (7) DIA ROOK others to consider among a small but competitive field.

Selections(4) Dongjin Thunder (2) Alifer (8) Royal Socks (6) Awesome Step
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

More maidens with two of the eight racing for the first time. We’ll start with experience and (6) JEULGEOUN SANGSANG who has four top four finishes from five attempts so far, including her latest at this distance on April 12th. In this small field, she can be on or close to the pace, and she can win. (2) MALSGO has mixed his form across his six starts so far with his best being a 3rd place two outings back at this distance when he led for much of the way. He should lead again from a great draw and can be in this a long way. Among the debut makers, (4) BLACK SATANG looked competent enough across two trials and from a central gate can go well first-up. (7) BILLION BOY and (3) YEOMYEONGUI SUNGAN others with experience who may improve.

Selections(6) Jeulgeoun Sangsang (2) Malsgo (4) Black Satang (7) Billion Boy
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) ECLIPSE LUCKY got his maiden win at start number two in February with a front-running effort at this distance. He led in his first try at this class on March 23rd at 1300M ultimately finishing a fair 4th and with that experience under his belt combined with the slight drop back in trip, he is the one to beat here. (4) SONGAM SKY was a winner at this class two outings back and then ran 3rd on April 19th at 1300M. She is another who likes to be on pace, and if she can get to the lead, she will be a danger again. (5) NAEGILUI YEOJEONG won at class and distance in January before parting company with his rider coming out of the gate in February, earning himself a starting test and barrier trial. He returned to the races with a fair 5th on April 12th and assuming he gets round, will be in the finish. (8) SERGEANT LIGHT and (2) YES ANGEL other place chances.

Selections(1) Eclipse Lucky (4) Songam Sky (5) Naegilui Yeojeong (8) Sergeant Light
Next Best2, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 5

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) UPPERHAND had been working towards a maiden win and it arrived at the sixth time of asking on what was her first try at both this class and this distance on April 13th. She comes up 2kg in weight but given the aptitude she showed for the 1400M, she has to be favoured to prevail again. (4) FREE TIME won on debut and has registered a 6th and a 5th in two tries at this class. She comes into a much better gate this time, the slight step up in trip can suit, and she can be a danger. (3) WONDERFUL SPIRIT was the beaten favourite behind Upperhand in that April 13th race, showing handy, but ultimately finishing 4th. An apprentice claiming 2kg keeps her weight low and she should be there or thereabouts again. (10) EXCELLENT MATTA, 2nd to Upperhand last time out, along with (11) WANGCHOEGO, who has placed at this class and to who Moon Se-young stays loyal, are others to consider.

Selections(5) Upperhand (4) Free Time (3) Wonderful Spirit (10) Excellent Matta
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start4, 5, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(11) SMILING PRINCE took a couple of goes to figure things out, but has run 2nd in both his latest two, most recently at this distance on April 19th. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but the son of Smiling Tiger has shown plenty of speed from the gate and with a long way to the corner, he can get to the front and go one better. (2) BICHUICA is a veteran Korean bred who came from well off the pace to beat a few of these on his way to a smart 2nd at big odds on April 5th. He comes up 1.5kg in weight but draws well and this is the kind of race he can find the money in. (8) TAEKHAN was 4th in that race. His win came over this distance and he can be in the mix again here. (6) HEART K and (5) HIGH RUNNER are the others in the hunt.

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Korean Oaks Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (May 4)

Sunday’s feature is the Korean Oaks (1800M KOR-G2), the 2nd leg of the Triple Tiara series for three-year-old fillies and mares. It’s the final race on a 60race card at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. There are also 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Eclipse Berry won last year’s Oaks (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) DRAGON FANTASY comes in following a best to date 2nd over this distance on April 12th when handy throughout and running on. From a good draw he will be on or close to the pace again and won’t need to improve much on that effort to win. The danger is (4) HAKSAN PRINCE. He is seemingly figuring things out with a 4th and a 3rd from his latest two, both at this distance recording the fastest time among these for the 1300M in the process. He can settle behind the speed and run on. (5) RAON PARANOMA finished off well from a long way back and a wide gate last time out. He can be further forward sooner here and may appreciate the slight step up in trip. (10) HIGH CROWN and (11) ECLIPSE TANGO others who can improve.

Selections(1) Dragon Fantasy (4) Haksan Prince (5) Raon Paranoma (10) High Crown
Next Best11, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 8, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden and (5) MORNING WONDER shapes a short price favourite. From her four starts so far she has been no worse than 4th, including a close 2nd place in a quick time over 1300M two starts back and in this small field she will be on pace and should win. (6) GEOLJAK CHUJKE hasn’t done much in two starts so far but there was four months between them. She led on her return on April 12th and while she ultimately finished back in the pack, she can strip fitter here and in the absence of much early speed here, she can get an easy lead and may be in it for longer. (9) GLORY DAY was an improved 4th at start number three on April 5th, recording the quickest time among these for the 1200M. That’s enough for her to go in the numbers here. (8) WINNER GLORY and (1) MIRACLE SOCKS others to look out for.

Selections(5) Morning Wonder (6) Geoljak Chukje (9) Glory Day (8) Winner Glory
Next Best1, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) SSOARA STAR got her maiden win on March 1st at this distance before running 3rd from gate ten on his first try at this class on April 6th. He draws better today and is the one to beat. (11) SMART TAKE returned from five months off on March 30th to get her maiden win over this distance. She comes up in class but is down in weight and she may well prove fitter for that run. (8) RAON NOTHERN DANCE will need a line drawn though his latest when he led before weakening late on over 1400M. He can lead again and the cut back in trip can suit. The up in class last start maiden winners (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (3) GEUMGYEPORAN both showed in their wins that they can measure up at this level.

Selections(2) Ssoara Star (11) Smart Take (8) Raon Nothern Dance (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best3, 1
Fast Start2, 7, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(7) CHAMP SONNY has two 3rd places and two 5th places from four appearances so far with the former coming at this distance and a mile. He has run both on pace and from behind and today should be his day over a limited looking set of rivals. (4) DOCTOR SOLAR was an improved 2nd when stepped up to this trip on April 11th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar today and he looks the only credible danger to the favourite. (9) HEUIMANG GUNJU has a 3rd place at 1300M two starts back and that’s enough for him to go in the numbers here. (2) MEANINGFUL TIME and (1) SUN JAE other place chances.

Selections(7) Champ Sonny (4) Doctor Solar (9) Heuimang Gunju (2) Meaningful Time
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(10) SONGDANG HWANGTAEJA may be up in class without a win – or even a 2nd place – but looks rather nicely in here in what isn’t a strong race for the level. He has three 3rd place finishes, most recently at this distance on April 5th, coming from off the pace, and coming down a full 4.5kg, should be right in this. (2) ECO WORLD took a couple of goes to settle at this class but was a close 2nd at this distance on April 22nd, racing close to the pace throughout and a similar effort will see her close here. (3) HIGH FOLLY had a hard time on his first try at this class a month ago but comes back up to the trip at which he won in March and is worth another chance. (9) KYLIE and (5) MINT PLAY other possibles.

Selections(10) Songdang Hwangtaeja (2) Eco World (3) High Folly (9) Kylie
Next Best5, 7
Fast Start2, 3, 5, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) VANGIE got his maiden win at start three over this distance on March 30th, settling midfield and proving too strong. He has made progress across all his starts so far and while he is up in class, he comes down in weight and will be expected to make it two in a row. (5) HANEUL BOSS was an outsider on his latest over this distance on April 6th, but he led for much of the way around, ultimately coming home in 4th. He draws well to lead here and can be in things a long way again. The up in class pair of (2) ROAD TO SPRING and (3) GLOBAL HEROINE both come down in the weights and should be able to measure up at this level. (9) OCEAN ONE TAP another place chance.

Selections(4) Vangie (5) Haneul Boss (2) Road To Spring (3) Global Heroine
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

(9) PALO ALTO had a hard time when sent to Busan for the Luna Stakes, the opening leg of the Triple Tiara, at the end of March. She could have easily got into this afternoon’s Oaks but stays in Seoul to here instead and the drop back in trip as well as a light weight make her the one to beat. (7) GEOMIBULU overcame gate ten to win at class and distance on April 6th. An apprentice claiming 3kg means she comes in at the same weight and she can be close again. (4) SEONGSIL YEONGUNG was a winner at this class over 1700M two starts back and while he had a hard time from a wide draw on his return at the end of March, this should suit, and he can return to form. (6) BEOLGYO CHADOL and (5) CHALLENGE SOCKS others to consider for the minors.

Selections(9) Palo Alto (7) Geomibulu (4) Seongsil Yeongung (6) Beolgyo Chadol
Next Best5, 1
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 11

Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (May 3)

There are 10 races at Seoul on Saturday from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) TEUKGEUP PARTY was a front-running 2nd on debut at the end of last year before running 5th when unable to get on the speed from the widest gate at start number two in February. The draw is scarcely much better today but she comes in fresh after twelve weeks off and in this company has as good a chance as any. (1) DOUBLE NINE enters off an improved 4th at start three over this distance on March 23rd when racing more forward than in his two previous tries. From the inside gate, Jo Sang-beom can put him on the speed here and he can be in this a long way. (5) BROWN SUGAR looks to be heading in the right direction after a pair of 5th places and can aim to better that here. (10) CRAZY APPLE and (3) CHOEGANG SPEED are others to consider.

Selections(9) Teukgeup Party (1) Double Nine (5) Brown Sugar (10) Crazy Apple
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only. (5) GINA SONG was a winner at start two in March before running 4th on her first try at this class on April 5th, settling just behind the speed and running on. She is fairly weighted, she draws well, and she can win. It’s competitive though. (4) HIT FLY returned from four months out to run 4th at this distance in February. She has had a further ten weeks off since then but looks nicely in here and from a good gate can be on pace and is a chance. (9) JOSE is yet to win in eight attempts but enters off back-to-back runner-up finishes, most recently at this class and distance on April 6th and a similar effort here will put right in the finish. (6) I AM GO and (1) WONPYEONG NURI are others in the frame.

Selections(5) Gina Song (4) Hit Fly (9) Jose (6) I Am Go
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) JILJUUI YEOWANG was a winner on debut over April 5th in a filly maiden over 1200M settling handy and running on well. She comes up in class and slightly in trip but on that evidence, neither should be a problem and she can win again. (5) GRIFFON is still a maiden but ran well enough for 3rd place on his first try at this class on April 5th. He has a decent finish on him and can be in the mix late here. (8) WONDERFUL FAPPY took a couple of goes to get to grips with this class following his maiden win but he was a strong 2nd at 1400M last time out having led for much of the way and the slight drop back in trip can be in his favour. (11) J ONE POWER and (6) SEGWANG JILJU are others to consider.

Selections(2) Jiljuui Yeowang (5) Griffon (8) Wonderful Fappy (11) J One Power
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 7, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) YEONGWON GIANT is yet to win in thirteen attempts but stepped up to two turns for the first time on March 29th and was a front-running 2nd over 1800M. He should have derived benefit from that experience and can go one better this time. The main danger is (1) GOOGOO. She enters in consistent form having got her maiden win in February over 1300M before running 3rd on both her first two tries at this class, most recently at this distance on April 20th. She makes a quick return here and should be close. (9) BEOLGYO D Y is another maiden but steps up to two turns for the first time and it can suit. (8) DANGCHAN NANGBO and (7) EUMSEONG POWER are the other place chances.

Selections(5) Yeongwon Giant (1) Googoo (9) Beolgyo D Y (8) Dangchan Nangbo
Next Best7, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 5, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Ttukseom Cup Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 27)

Sunday sees the 2nd leg of the Queens’ Tour Spring/Summer when sixteen fillies and mares will line up for the Ttukseom Cup (1400M KOR-G2) at Seoul. The big race is number eight on the 11-race card that runs from 10:35 to 18:00, while at Busan there are 6 races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Juelgeounyeojeong returns to the Ttukseom Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After two ordinary outings, (10) NURI JILJU led at start number three on March 22nd, ultimately finishing 2nd. Despite the wide draw, she will almost certainly lead again here, and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, to beat this limited set of opponents and her odds will reflect that. (3) HYEWONYONGMA is the only other one to have placed. She mixes her form but the 2nd and 3rd on her record, combined with a draw that should see her on the early speed, will be enough to make her the clear second pick. (8) SAINT WINNER may be on the right trajectory with a 4th place at start number three on March 29th and she should be aiming to better that here. Debut-maker (1) SLING STAR along with (9) SSAK DANAEUN, who has been back to trial since a poor debut, are others in the minor money hunt.

Selections(10) Nuri Jilju (3) Hyewonyongma (8) Saint Winner (1) Sling Star
Next Best9, 4
Fast Start1, 3, 8, 10

Seoul Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(5) GIANT BOSS enters looking to complete a hat-trick of wins having scored twice at 1300M, most recently at this class on March 23rd when racing handy throughout. He comes up 3kg in weight but got his maiden win carrying just 1kg less and he can score again here. (8) GEUMA FOREMOST is yet to win in seven attempts but has never finished outside the top five. He has a 2nd and a 3rd from his two tries at this distance, the latter at this class last time out, and he should be there or thereabouts again, coming from off the pace. (11) NURI CHEONWANG was a winner at this class over 1300M at big odds two starts back before running 4th on his latest. He does his best work late so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and he can be a danger. (7) TURBO CHARGE and (2) CANVASEN GO others to consider.

Selections(5) Giant Boss (8) Geuma Foremost (11) Nuri Cheonwang (7) Turbo Charge
Next Best2, 3
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 12

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(8) GEUMSEONG BOSS stepped up to this trip for the first time on March 30th and beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to 4th place, coming from off the pace. He can have come on for that experience and has every chance of winning here. (6) HEEMANGBAND enters off three consecutive 4th place finishes. She has never finished any better than that, but she steps up to two turns for the first time and the way she has finished off her races suggest that the increased trip can suit. (10) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL has similarly finished no better than 4th. He enters having been 5th behind Geumseong Boss on March 30th and while he doesn’t get an apprentice claim this time, he does get Moon Se-young and he can be a danger. (4) X FACTOR and (9) BEST SHARK the other chances.

Selections(8) Geumseong Boss (6) Heemangband (10) Gwanaksan Global (4) X Factor
Next Best9, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 10

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Two standouts here and they have drawn the inside two gates. (1) STARTMAN has a 3rd and a 4th from his two starts so far, showing close to the pace both times. From the inside he will be on pace and can go all the way. The danger is (2) TIP TAP. After an inauspicious debut last summer, he didn’t appear again until March 23rd, but he ran well, settling midfield and finishing off in 4th place over this distance. He can strip fitter for that run and can go closer today. (8) SKY BOY too should be fitter for his debut on March 7th when he was a fair 4th over 1200M. He was doing his best work late, and the slight step up in trip can suit. (9) HIGH LEVEL and (10) WONDERFUL TEAM, the latter racing for the first time since last August but who looked well enough in a trial, are other placing hopes.

Selections(1) Startman (2) Tip Tap (8) Sky Boy (9) High Level
Next Best10, 12
Fast Start1, 5, 6, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) CHOEGANG GOLD was a very rare debut maker over 1700M on March 30th, but the plan came together when he led all the way to win. He comes up in class here and slightly in trip, but neither should be a problem and down in weight and well-drawn, he can lead all the way again. (8) FASHION STAR is up in class following two 3rd places and a 2nd at class 6 level. She hasn’t tackled further than 1300M, but she has been finishing off her races very well so the step up in trip can be exactly what she needs and under a light weight she can be competitive. (5) MIGHTY BOM has a 2nd and a 3rd in two tries at this class and distance, most recently beating three of these on March 29th. He comes in under the same weight and can beat plenty again. (1) TAEPYEONGMU and (6) PLAN B others in the frame.

Selections(2) Choegang Gold (8) Fashion Star (5) Mighty Bom (1) Tapyeongmu
Next Best6, 4
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 8

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) B.K DANCING GIRL got her maiden win at this distance in January and then, following a challenging introduction to this class in February when weakening over 1400M, she returned to this trip on March 23rd and finished a close 4th having led for much of the way. Franco climbs on for the first time, she should lead again, and she can go all the way. (8) ROAD TO ACE led all the way at start two to get his maiden win and then ran a decent 4th when coming from midfield at this class over 1300M) on February 7th. He comes in fresh after eleven weeks off and back at 1200M, he can be a danger. (11) GRAND DREAM enters off a 3rd place at this class and distance on April 4th. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but a similar effort should see him close. (1) DONGBANG JEONSA and the up in class (4) GREAT MARU are others to consider for the minors.

Selections(9) B.K Dancing Girl (8) Road To Ace (11) Grand Dream (1) Dongbang Jeonsa
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. (11) PURGE STEP got her maiden win on debut over 1300M in January and has since run 4th and 2nd in two efforts at this class and distance, most recently on March 29th. The wide draw shouldn’t matter as she can settle behind the pace and run on and she looks the one to beat. (9) RED DRAGON had an abysmal performance all around when favourite at class and distance on March 16th, parting company with her jockey in the parade ring and then being restive at the start before proceeding to run very badly. She had looked very good in her two prior efforts though with a win and a 2nd so she gets another chance here. (8) KARA K is yet to win but is up in class following a few near misses and she can be competitive under a light weight. Up in class last start winners (7) SUHYANG MIIN and (4) ALL NUT others to consider.

Selections(11) Purge Step (9) Red Dragon (8) Kara K (7) Suhyang Miin
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 4, 7

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 26)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) ROAD TO A SPUR has made progress across his three starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on February 16th when leading until the final furling. He comes in fresh after ten weeks off and from a good draw can be on pace again and can go one better. (9) MUNHAK BELL has a 2nd and a 3rd from her latest two, both at this distance. She has the challenge of a slightly wide gate but is the main danger here. (11) NO PROBLEM debuted somewhat inauspiciously in December but looked much better when trialing again at the start of this month, running 2nd in a fair time. If he brings that form to the races, he should be a different prospect this time around. First time starter (4) THE SUN MONSTER, along with (6) SOON LIKE are others who may play a part.

Selections(3) Road To Spur (9) Munhak Bell (11) No Problem (4) The Sun Monster
Next Best6, 1
Fast Start3, 4, 5, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) YONGAM SARANG enters off a close 2nd place at 1200M on April 6th when she led for much of the way. In this company and very nicely drawn she can get an easy lead, and she can go all the way. (5) GIDAEHARA has made steady progress across three starts so far, most recently when 4th at this distance on March 30th. Moon Se-young gets on for the first time and she will be ridden forward and can be a danger. (6) UNJU TIME has a 3rd and a couple of 4th place finishes from her three appearances to date, settling back and running on each time and she can be there or thereabouts again today. (1) CUPID WORLD and (9) GLORY QUEEN are other place chances.

Selections(4) Yongam Sarang (5) Gidaehara (6) Unju Time (1) Cupid World
Next Best9, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) GWANAKSAN CHECK IN enters having beaten three of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place at this distance on March 27th when ridden on pace for the first time. From a good draw, expect similar tactics today, and he will be a short price favourite to go one better. (8) SEOUL NONGBU has a 5th and a 4th in two starts so far at 1200M and 1400M. Neither have been quick but in this company that’s enough for her to be considered the danger. (6) BLACK RUSSIAN was 5th behind Gwanaksan Check In in that March 27th race, settling midfield and running on. She will probably be ridden to the speed here and can be in this a long way. (7) THUNDER MARVEL and (10) TEN KOREA others who may improve.

Selections(2) Gwanaksan Check In (8) Seoul Nongbu (6) Black Russian (7) Thunder Marvel
Next Best10, 3
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 8

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) ARCH DAY scored her maiden win on her first try at this class and distance on March 29th, settling midfield before being quickly ridden up to lead. That win had been coming and while she does come up 2kg in weight, she can win again. (8) MAX PARTY also comes in having won at this class and distance last time out, in his case on March 30th when racing in midfield and finishing off smartly. He is up 3.5kg in weight but in the absence of much early speed, he can be on pace here and in the finish again. (5) VINCERO KING was 2nd at class and distance on March 1st, settling right back before running on. He remains under a light weight and is a place chance again. (2) SEONGSIL YEOGEOL and the returning (6) ENTROPY, the latter racing for the first time in a year but who looked well in a trial, are others to consider.

Selections(11) Arch Day (8) Max Party (5) Vincero King (2) Seongsil Yeogeol
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 8, 10, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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YTN Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 20)

It’s the biggest day of the season so far as Japan’s Yumeno Honoo takes on Global Hit, Success Baekpa and the rest of the top two-turn horses in the country in the YTN Cup (2000M KOR-G3). It’s race 7 of an 11-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00. At Busan there are 6-races from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews with full form comments for the YTN to follow:

Success Baekpa won the 1st leg of the Stayer Series but will face a bigger challenge in the 2nd (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After thirteen starts, (4) DAEWONYONGMA looks to have finally figured it out and comes in off his best finish to date when 2nd over this distance on March 16th when he led almost the entire way. He draws nicely to lead again and today should finally be the day. (8) JISAN FRIEND was an improved 4th at start number two on March 22nd over this distance, settling just behind the speed and finishing well. It was a slow race, but he finished ahead of a couple of today’s rivals, and he can continue to make progress here. (11) CHEONGRYONG GIUN was a fair 5th of eight on debut a month ago. He should have come on for that run and go closer. (5) SEMYEONG GHOST and (9) FLYING CONCORD, the latter looking well in a March trial, are others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Daewonyongma (8) Jisan Friend (11) Cheongryong Giun (5) Semyeong Ghost
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (4) AWESOME QUEEN ran 2nd on debut in January before following up with 4th at this distance on March 15th. She has been doing her best work late so can sit behind the leaders here and she will be a short-price favourite to be too good. (3) BULGUKSIDAE enters off an improved 4th place at this distance on March 23rd. Well drawn in this company she should be among the pacesetters and can be in this a long way. (9) GEOLJAK HAPPY has a 3rd place on her record and against limited opposition, that’s enough to put her in with a chance of a place. (7) KIA ORA and first-time starter (1) CHARMING QUEEN are others to consider, the latter having hinted at ability in a decent trial earlier this month.

Selections(4) Awesome Queen (3) Bulguksidae (9) Geoljak Happy (7) Kia Ora
Next Best1, 6
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) QUANTUM K ran a fair 5th on debut and followed up with an improved 2nd place at 1300M on March 15th. He has run through the line well suggesting that the slight step up in trip can be in his favour and he will be odds-on to go one better. (6) MASTER KWAIGON similarly made progress at start number two on March 15th when 2nd at 1300M, coming from well off the pace. He too should go well at the 1400M and shapes as the main danger. The form falls off rapidly after that pair but (1) BLACK SMILE has been knocking on the door of the places in her latest few and can so similar here. (3) PURGE RUBY and (7) NAEGILUIYEONGGWANG are others who can challenge for the minors.

Selections(5) Quantum K (6) Master Kwaigon (1) Black Smile (3) Purge Ruby
Next Best7, 4
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) CHOEGANG TRIPLE has made steady progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place over this distance on March 2nd when close to the pace throughout and posting a time half a second faster than any of these have managed over 1200M. He has the challenge of a wider than ideal gate, but he won’t need much improvement to win this. Second-favourite will be (2) LION MAGIC. After running-on too late on debut he was ridden much closer at start two on March 21st, ultimately running 2nd, well beaten by a good winner. Expect similar tactics today and he shouldn’t be far away. (1) DIA KNIGHT ran twice without distinction last year, most recently in October. He looked well in a March trial and can make a fresh start here (although do note he trialed well last year too. Debut-makers (3) GREAT UP and (8) WIND ROSE showed well in their respective trials and can be considered on a place line first up.

Selections(11) Choegang Triple (2) Lion Magic (1) Dia Knight (3) Great Up
Next Best8, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(9) USEUNG JINLI was a winner at start two last autumn before straining a ligament on his first try at this class in early December. He returned to action on March 9th at this class and distance and led a long way and ultimately ran 2nd. He comes up 2.5kg in weight but should have come on for that run and he can win here. (5) HAKSAN CAIRO remains a maiden after eight attempts but he has been ultra consistent with seven top five finishes. That includes his latest when 2nd over 1300M on March 29th and while he may once again find one too quick, he can be a danger late on for his first try at 1400M. (8) TAEGISAN KING comes up in class having scored over 1300M on March 8th, coming from midfield. He is down slightly in weight, and he can measure up. (1) ECLIPSE EDGE and (10) BULGEUN POKPUNG other place chances.

Selections(9) Useung Jinli (5) Haksan Cairo (8) Taegisan King (1) Eclipse Edge
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 19)

It’s back to a day schedule at Seoul this Saturday when there are 10 races from 10:35 to 18:00. The forecast is for rain. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 5 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) AFLEET RUN has made progress across four starts so far, culminating in 2nd place at this distance on March 9th when handy throughout and well beaten by a good winner. This is weaker and if he can get to the lead again, he should go all the way. (3) DIXIE MAN has two 3rd places among five starts so far. His latest couple have been disappointing, but they have been at further and nicely drawn and with Moon Se-young staying on, he can be closer today. Among the debut-makers (1) UEOKSURO looks best having led a February trial before ultimately finishing 4th in a fair time. He can be on pace again and should be in the mix first up. (7) COSMO MING and (8) BULGEUNTAEYANG also hinted at ability in trials and couldn’t have picked a softer race to debut in.

Selections(9) Afleet Run (3) Dixie Man (1) Ueoksuro (7) Cosmo Ming
Next Best8, 5
Fast Start1, 4, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) JOY CHEONHA enters off 3rd place at this distance on March 15th when handy throughout and running on. That continued a pattern of progress across his five starts so far and nicely drawn today, he can sit just behind the speed and be too strong late on. (5) EAST SKY came from midfield to run a solid 2nd place at this distance on February 22nd. He draws a much better gate this time, so can be closer to the pace early and can be in the mix again. (2) CHOCO BEAUTY has six top five finishes from thirteen starts as well as the fastest time among these for the distance. She draws well and may make for some each-way appeal. (6) THUNDER LUCKY and (10) BISANG BELL are others to consider.

Selections(3) Joy Cheonha (5) East Sky (2) Choco Beauty (6) Thunder Lucky
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

A winner on debut and then 2nd on his first try at this class, (10) WESTERN GUN weakened after leading when sent up to 1700M, before firing a blank in Seoul’s Classic Trial in February. He returns to more amenable company today and accordingly can return to winning ways. (2) JECHUK LOG IN was 2nd on debut in January and followed up with a maiden win at start two on February 8th when slowly away but running on to score over 1300M. He’s had ten weeks off since then and is up in class, but he is down in weight and the additional half furlong can suit. (9) RAON NIZHINSKII didn’t seem to appreciate 1700M last time even though his previous running style had indicated that he might. He comes back to one turn today and with CC climbing on, should be a danger. (3) GOLDEN BALL and (4) HYEUKMUSANG other place chances.

Selections(10) Western Gun (2) Jechuk Log In (9) Raon Nizhinskii (3) Golden Ball
Next Best4, 1
Fast Start1, 4, 8, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (7) GREEN CONCORD got her maiden win last time out at start number eleven leading all the way in a similar filly only race at this class and distance. She comes up 3.5kg in weight but she can lead again, and she can win again. (6) BEOLGYO LAVA got her maiden win two starts back before running 3rd on her first try at this class on March 16th. She remains under a light weight and with the fastest final furling average time in the field, she can challenge here. (1) SONGAM SKY beat a couple of these when winning at this class over 1200M on March 22nd. She comes up 2.5kg in weight but that’s balanced by a nice draw, and she can be in this again. (8) KHAN NUT and (9) MENI SHARK others to look out for.

Selections(7) Green Concord (6) Beolgyo Lava (1) Songam Sky (8) Khan Nut
Next Best9, 10
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Sprint Series & Trophy Exchange Sunday Seoul & Busan: Race-By-Race Preview (April 13)

It’s a big day of racing on Sunday with the 2nd leg of the Sprint Series at Seoul as well as six International Trophy exchange races across the two tracks, each with a big prize on offer. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 12:05 to 16:30. Here are the previews:

Vincero Cavallo won the first leg of the Sprint Series (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(2) RACE ROSE took a couple of goes to figure things out, but she has a 4th and two 3rd places from her latest three, most recently at this distance on March 15th racing handy throughout. Moon Se-young stays on, she draws well and today should be her day. (4) TIGER K was a much-improved 2nd at start number three over this distance on March 8th when being ridden further forward than in his first two appearances. Expect similar tactics today, and he can be a danger. (5) DIA ROOK has the fastest time among these for the distance and from a better gate can go much better than last time. (9) CHEONGHAE STAR and (7) DUSON EUTTEUM others in the frame.

Selections(2) Race Rose (4) Tiger K (5) Dia Rook (9) Cheonghae Star
Next Best7, 11
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 11

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

After an inauspicious debut, (9) POWER BAND has run 3rd in both subsequent outings, both at 1200M and most recently on March 16th when close to the speed throughout. The wide draw shouldn’t stop her getting a forward position, and she can win here. (4) ALPHA FEMALE led for much of the way around over this distance on March 2nd before ultimately having to settle for 5th. She’ll be on pace again and can be in this a long way. (2) BEST KINGDOM has two 3rd places from his latest three. An apprentice keeps his weight nice and low, and he can be doing his best work late on. (5) NONSTOP SERVE and (6) LASER RUN are perhaps the best of a somewhat limited looking rest.

Selections(9) Power Band (4) Alpha Female (2) Best Kingdom (5) Nonstop Serve
Next Best6, 3
Fast Start4, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies and mares only here. It’s been twelve runs at this class for (5) WONDERFUL SPIRIT since getting her maiden win, but she has been working her way back into contention in her latest few, most recently when 3rd at class and distance on March 9th sitting behind the speed and running on. The same apprentice keeps her weight from coming up too much and she has as good a chance as any. (8) EXCELLENT MATTA is yet to win in seventeen, but recent efforts are a cause for optimism, and she beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd in a similar race to this at 1300M on March 8th. In this company she should be on pace and she could break through. (7) UPPERHAND is up in class following back-to-back runner-up finishes in filly maidens. Both times she was beaten by decent winners and there isn’t much to fear here. (9) GOOD FIGHTER and (4) WONPYEONG GWANGYA others to consider.

Selections(5) Wonderful Spirit (8) Excellent Matta (7) Upperhand (9) Good Fighter
Next Best4, 6
Fast Start3, 4, 8, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (6) HANNAM QUEEN enters in the best form with a 3rd and a 4th from her latest two, both at 1200M and both times close to the speed. In this company she should be among the early pacesetters again, and she won’t need to improve much to win this. (12) SEOGWI CHOWON beat a few of these on her way to 3rd place over 1200M on March 14th. That was by far her best effort so far and she can build on it here. (3) AREUMDAUNNALDEUL was a fair 6th of nine on debut at the end of February. She should have come on for that run, Seo Seung-un climbs on, and she can improve here. (1) SPEED MORE and (5) HOLIDAY QUEEN are others to consider for the places.

Selections(6) Hannam Queen (12) Seogwi Chowon (3) Areumdaunnaldeul (1) Speed More
Next Best5, 11
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 12

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

After winning a trial, (2) WHITE CARLA led every step of the way to win on debut over this distance on March 15th. He comes up in class here but is down in weight, draws well, and he can maintain his 100% record here. (11) LEGEND WOW won on debut and following an undistinguished first try at this class, ran 3rd at this distance on March 2nd. CC climbs on and while he has the challenge of the widest gate, he can be a danger. (8) HAKSAN DARK HORSE has been working towards a second win, most recently running 3rd at class and distance on March 23rd when coming from well back. He can leave himself a bit much to do but should be dangerous late on. (3) SEOUL BINGO and (9) RYAN HEAT, the latter up in class following a last start maiden win, are others to consider.

Selections(2) White Carla (11) Legend Wow (8) Haksan Dark Horse (3) Seoul Bingo
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start2, 3, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(8) RAON THE MASKE was a winner on debut over 1200M in February before running 3rd on his first try at this class and distance on March 7th racing handy throughout. He only comes up 1kg in weight, he should be on speed, and he will be a short price favourite to win this. (9) BEOLGYO WANGCHO is the danger. His maiden win had been coming, and it arrived at start four in January when leading all the way at 1200M. He was on pace on his first try at this class on February 28th, ultimately finishing in 2nd in what was his first try at this distance. He should have come on for that run and while up in weight and drawn a touch wider than ideal, he can go close. (4) BEST BOY is yet to finish in the top two and was 7th behind Beolgyo Wangcho last time out. He has eight finishes between 3rd and 5th though and from a good gate may make for some each way appeal. (12) ASTRE and (10) GWANGYAEUIHAMSUNG others in the placing frame.

Selections(8) Raon The Maske (9) Beolgyo Wangcho (4) Best Boy (12) Astre
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 4 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (April 12)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with an afternoon and evening card of 10-races from 13:25 to 20:00. Here are the previews:

Moon Se-young will be conducting a fan meeting a 4:55pm at the Seoul Races on Saturday

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. We’ll side with a first timer and (8) LUCKY A ONE who took three trials to get it right but finally did so with aplomb on March 13th when leading all the way. She can be on the speed here too and if she brings that form to the races, she can win. (9) CRAZY MARI needs a line drawn through her latest when she got a long way back. Instead we’ll go on her effort two outings back when 4th at this distance and if she can get off to a good start here, she can be a danger. (2) LUCKY DAY looks to be on the right trajectory with an improved 5th place at start number three and from a good draw can be in the mix. (5) GEOLJAK CHUKJE and (3) WONDERFUL CATHY others in the frame.

Selections(8) Lucky A One (9) Crazy Mari (2) Lucky Day (5) Geoljak Chukje
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(6) VINCERO CUE has made solid progress across three starts so far culminating in a 2nd place at 1300M on in February 8th when leading until the closing stages. He draws well to lead again and in this company he will be a hot favourite to go one better. (5) AWESOME STEP was ordinary on debut but was a much-improved 2nd at start number two on March 1st when settling midfield and running on. Third-up she can be peaking fitness wise and can be close again. (10) SECRET WOLF has hinted at ability with a 4th and a 5th from two starts so far. She has demonstrated she has a strong finish so the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem, and she can challenge late. (11) SAENAE PARK and (3) DRAGON FANTASY are others who can go close.

Selections(6) Vincero Cue (5) Awesome Step (10) Secret Wolf (11) Saenae Park
Next Best3, 7
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(9) ECO FORE enters off his best finish so far when stepped up to this distance for the first time on March 16th and beating plenty of today’s rivals on his way to 2nd place having settled handy to the pace. The same apprentice keeps his weight low, the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem in this small field, and he can go one better today. (5) CHAMPIONS FIELD was 3rd in that March 16th race, settling midfield and running on. That followed a 4th place at the start before and he can continue to get closer here. (2) SANBANG BOMNAL was 4th, adding to a 2nd and a 3rd from his previous two tries at 1700M and he should be there or thereabouts again. (6) HERO CHOICE and (4) MARUBYEOL are others who can compete for the minors.

Selections(9) Eco Fore (5) Champions Field (2) Sanbang Bomnal (6) Hero Choice
Next Best4, 8
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) ROPPONGI DRAGON has been a beaten favourite on both his latest two starts, most recently his first try at this class and distance on March 15rg when he settled back and ran on for 3rd place in a slow race. He should have benefited from the experience and from a good gate and still under a light weight, he is worth another chance here. The danger is (5) TONNERRE. He enters in good form with a 2nd and a 3rd from his latest two at 1800M and 1700M, both times leading for much of the way around. He will probably lead here too and may take some catching. (3) WORLD JOY is up in class having got his maiden win at 1300M on March 16th. He is up in trip too, but his running style suggests it may suit and he can measure up. (2) STUNNING MONEY tends to get a bit far back but can run into some money. (8) QUEEN ABIGAIL a minor money chance.

Selections(1) Roppongi Dragon (5) Tonnerre (3) World Joy (2) Stunning Money
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start5, 6, 8, 9

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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KRA Cup Mile Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (April 6)

The 2025 Korean Triple Crown gets underway on Sunday with the KRA Cup Mile (1600M KOR-G2) at Busan. It is the last race on a 6-race card on the south coast that runs from 12:05 to 16:30. Up at Seoul there are 11-races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Succes Baekpa won the race a year ago (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) STUNNING WORLD has a 2nd place to her name, recorded on her final run as a juvenile over this distance at the end of December. She has raced just the once since when slow away from a wide draw and running on for 5th. She comes into a much better gate today and won’t need to improve much to win this modest maiden. (10) CHOEGANG SPEED was a fiar 5th in debut over this distance on March 1st, settling back and finishing off well enough. He should have come on for that run and can be closer here. Debut maker (3) RAON THE BIG RED tried and failed to qualify a couple of times last summer. He was then gelded and put away until this March when he was a good 3rd in a trial. If he brings that form to the races he has every chance. (5) BREEDO TROPHY and (8) DREAM LYZE others who can improve.

Selections(1) Stunning World (10) Choegang Speed (3) Raon The Big Red (5) Breedo Trophy
Next Best8, 4
Fast Start2., 3, 4, 6

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) HIGH CROWN is the one to beat here. He has a 2nd on his record and enters off a solid enough 4th place at 1300M on March 15th when settling just behind the speed and running through the line. In this company he should be on or close to the speed and he can goa ll the way. (5) GWACHEON QUEEN got a long way back when well supported over this distance on February 9th. At the start before she was a good 3rd, running on, and coming in fresh after eight weeks off and with conditions now different, she can be given another chance. (10) LOVE SCARLET was an improved 4th at start number two on March 9th. The wide draw shouldn’t be a problem and 3rd up she can be peaking. (9) ECLIPSE TANGO and (6) SEMYEONG STRONG are others in the placing hunt.

Selections(4) High Crown (5) Gwacheon Queen (10) Love Scarlet (9) Eclipse Tango
Next Best6, 8
Fast Start4, 6, 7, 8

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) KING WARRIOR has hinted at ability across six starts so far with his best being a 3rd and his most recent a solid 4th over 1300M on March 2nd when on pace throughout and briefly leading. Ruan Maia rode him that day and stays on and he has as much chance as any. (3) MALSGO was a significantly improved 3rd when beating a couple of these at this distance on March 8th. He was ridden forward for the first time that day and from a good draw, expect similar tactics with the chance of going all the way. (2) HAKSAN PRINCE and (8) ISEUL CHEOREOM were 4th and 5th respectively in that March 8th race and both should be able to have a say here. (6) LALA GIRL also picked up when 2nd on her latest and can build on that here.

Selections(5) King Warrior (3) Malsgo (2) Haksan Prince (8) Iseul Cheoreom
Next Best6, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 1: Class 4 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

It’s not often we start a card at 1800M but here we are, and it is very competitive with just fillies and mares. (5) BROWN FALCON was the longest but one shot on the board at a mile on March 14th, but she made a mockery of that by coming from well back to run 2nd, beating a couple of these in the process. She remains lightly weighted and from a better gate she can go one better. (1) SEONGSIL SIHWA was one of those beaten in that race but she has a class and distance 4th on a tougher race than this as recently as January and with Franco climbing on for the first time, she can get closer. (3) ARION QUEEN mixes her form but was 3rd at this class and distance two starts back and should be there or thereabouts again. (9) JILJU YEOLJEONG and (4) LASER GRIT others to consider.

Selections(5) Brown Falcon (1) Seongsil Sihwa (3) Arion Queen (9) Jilju Yeoljeong
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start1, 4, 7, 9

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(1) TAPDINE was 3rd in both his first two starts before breaking through at start three over this distance on February 23rd when leading from gate to wire. He comes up in class today and while he doesn’t get much of a weight break, he draws very well to lead again, and he can repeat. (2) WONDERFUL FAPPY has been a touch disappointing in two tries at this class since getting his maiden win in December. In this company and drawn well he can be challenging Tapdine for the early lead and is worth another chance. (8) BEOLGYO D Y is yet to win in eight attempts but has three 2nd places including last time out over 1300M at this class. He can settle behind the speed and run on here and he should be close. The up in class pair of (9) UMA DACHI and (7) YES ANGEL others to consider.

Selections(1) Tapdine (2) Wonderful Fappy (8) Beolgyo D Y (9) Uma Dachi
Next Best7, 5
Fast Start1, 2, 3, 7

Busan Race 2: Clas 6 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 30 Million

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