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

(3) CHEONNYEONUI BARAM is the most experienced galloper of the field and has started to show some consistency in his racing. He finished second last start behind Geumbit Yeoljeong in a time that was good considering a dry track. (8) NEOSEONG BYOKRYOK has placed at his last two starts over the 1000m. With four weeks between runs he should be freshened up for another good performance over the 1000m. (10) O PI M J has ran some handy races over the 1000m prior to this event. Expect the three-year-old to drop back as he normally does suggesting the wide draw will not be a problem. (9) HYEONGMA PUBU is first up since July last year but had a trial coming into this event. The four-year-old showed some promise in this type of race last year.

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

The second on the card has twelve engaged all looking for their first win. (2) UTGE HAEJULGE gets his best chance to notch his maiden win. The three-year-old has drawn ideally for his style of racing. He should sit right behind the speed and Lim Gi-Won can produce him at the top of the straight. (6) SEOUL MAGIC has shown some form over the 1000m of late. The chestnut has early speed so expect him to be in the first couple in running. (3) ANYANG LEOPARD finished runner up behind Independence last start which a few of these are coming out of that particular race. (8) MOONHAKCHEETAH notched his first place finish last start and can improve today. 

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

The third has a field of twelve engaged where we can make a case for almost half the field. (3) CAMP BADA saluted in good fashion last time out when dropping back to the 1000m. With the similar draw to that of last time she will be in this for a long way down the Seoul straight. (2) MISS GELLA doesn’t like winning but she continues to keep the stakes rolling over for connections. She can jump quickly and sit in the leading division. (5) BAEKSANG showed a clean set of heels last time out when leading from gate to line. Moon Sung-Hyeok retains the ride and gets small weight relief with the rise in class. (4) GABO PULL QUEEN saluted at an each-way price last time out over the 1300m when overcoming barrier eleven. This is tougher but keep her safe.

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

A field of eight maidens take to the track in the fourth where there only appears to be a few chances. The Kim Soon-Keun trained (3) ROYAL GHOST looks hard to beat at her fourth career start. Kim Yong Geun will partner the three-year-old who had a trial earlier this month. Expect her to sit closer in the small field. (7) MIGHTY LUCK was promising on debut last time out when she finished fourth over the 1000m. Expect improvement from the athletic looking chestnut today. (6) COILRO looked green in the run home last time out. She was beaten a big margin, but she did still have fuel in the tank at the post unlike the majority who finished behind her. (4) MACH THUNDER appears the best of the rest in a maiden that lacks form.

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

The engagement of Kim Yong-Geun gives confidence when looking at the chances of (5) CHODONG BOBAE. The filly hit overdrive in the last furlong when winning last time out, but she did look like she would benefit from a senior rider. (11) PRIME QUEEN broke maiden status last time out in good style. She wasn’t given the most economic run by Moon Se-Young but her brute strength won her the race. She is a winning chance and will be ridden by Johan Victoire with Moon Se-Young on forced vacation. Look for improvement from (4) BIG PRO after and encouraging second last start when running through the line strong. (8) MAPAEBONG has finished in the top five on eight occasions from eleven starts and should be considered in your novelties.

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

A small field of eight will line up over the 1300m in the second at Busan. It appears that there will be a short-priced favourite in the form of (3) ULTRA POWER. The three-year-old broke maiden status two starts back in Class 6 company and then backed it up with a respectable fourth last time out when beaten 2.5L by Dodohan who has a significant weight advantage. This looks a weaker task and the colt gets the services of the in-form Seo Seung-Un. (4) CHOEGANG STEALTH starts a new preparation and has the benefit of a trial coming into this assignment. The five-year-old has shown glimpses of ability including a last start second before going to the paddock. Four-year-old (7) WANBONG looks the best of the rest. He failed to muster last time out and was hemmed away on the fence in traffic. His runs prior were respectable and he can be considered a place chance. (8) ROYAL CLUB has been out of form recently but has placed in this company.

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

Three-year-old daughter of Menifee (3) TAP LINE looks hard to beat after a dominant win over 1300m last start. She jumped out of the gates and went straight to the lead only to accelerate in good fashion at the top of the straight. Johan Victoire takes over from the suspended Alan Munro. (5) MALAKAS won in similar company last time out in a blanket finish. She rises 2kg in the weight scale is considered an each-way chance. There are some speedy ones engaged in this event so it won’t surprise if she gets a fair way back. Sharp Humor colt (6) UNDEFEATED has been competitive in this grade. From six goes in Class 4 company the four-year-old has placed on four occasions. (1) MY HAWK was a Class 5 winner last start when sitting on speed throughout. The three-year-old and Tap Line are the likely pacemakers in a speedy affair. 

 
Busan Race 3: Class 4 (1600M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
 

There are plenty of chances engaged in the third which is over a mile. The lightly raced (2) OXALA ran on gamely last time out after sitting in the kickback behind the leading division. The four-year-old ran through the line strongly and gets the polished services of Seo Seung-Un. (9) CURLIN FANTASY comes out of the same event as Oxala where they crossed the line together. The Lim Keum-Man trained galloper has finished in the top three at three of his past five starts. He is looking to break maiden status at start fifteen. (4) TUFELLO handed in a better performance last time out when finishing third over the mile. The five-year-old had his first run in Class 4 company for quite some time and appreciated the weaker company. (6) RAON POWER is one that can improve and fill a place. 

Seoul Race 7: Class 4 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

The seventh on the card looks a competitive affair where there appears to be some value on offer. (4) HENNESSY DANCER has returned to form in her past couple of starts and her last was encouraging when going down less than a length in similar company. The fact that she has put two good runs in successively gives confidence she can run well today and is likely to be an each-way price. (8) RED BLADE is likely to start favourite in the event. The three-year-old blew them away last start in Class 5 company. A similar performance will see him go close. (6) RULE BREAKER was dour to the line last start over 1700m and drops back to 1300m. He has been a model of consistency of late including some good performances over 1300m. (5) GWANGMA HILL looks a place chance on recent runs. 

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

Seo Seung-Un looks to have a very handy bunch of rides today and this is no exception. (3) DOCTOR CHIC looks the one to beat coming off 2nd place performance behind Yeongsong Ace. The three-year-old can ping out of barrier three and sit on speed. He appreciated the drop in distance last start and looks the one to beat. (12) CHEONNYEONUIJILJU has been a model of consistency of late and is suited at 1300m. The three-year-old who is yet to break maiden status has placed at his past five starts and gets in with the lightweight of 52kg. (6) MUJEOK VETERAN was sent out favourite last time out and did the job for punters. The Lim Keum-Man trained galloper drops back to the 1300m but is in form. (7) BOLD RULES should be included in your wider novelties. She is always thereabout and can run a place in this company. 
 

Seoul Race 8: Class Open (1200M) SBS Sports Sprint (KOR G3) Weight for Age / KRW 300 Million

ACE KOREA – Having run 5th in the Korea Sprint last year and then easily won the Kookje Sinmun, there were high hopes of him as he headed to Dubai for the Carnival, but he failed to break from the gate well in both outings at Meydan. That’s the major concern here as well. If he goes in and if he breaks well then, he’ll be on pace and he has every chance. He did it well in a trial last week.

2. KASBAH PRINCE – Registered a couple of good wins at class 2 over 1400Mearlier this year but really struggled on his first go at class 1 in April. Good draw but may not be sharp enough out of the gate to take advantage of it. This looks too tough.

3. FINEST WARRIOR – Only beat one home in the Busan Ilbo but is a proven class 1 winner at this level and is from the nation’s top stable. Struggled in this race last year and is perhaps not quite of the elite level. Has a good draw so can sit handy.

4. WINNER RED – Enters in no form and did well to beat four home in the Busan Ilbo. Just as he was that day, he’s likely be one of the slowest out of the gate and will aim to pass one or two late on.

5. DROP THE BEAT – Solid class 1 campaigner although he does tend to fall short at the very top level. Ran a creditable 6th in the Busan Ilbo, running on well late. Likely to settle in midfield and look to pass horses late on.

6. GASOKBULPAE – It’s been over a year since his last win although he has registered some solid results in good races in including an excellent – if unexpected – 3rd place in the 2000M President’s Cup last November. He’ll aim to be on pace from the start, but this might be a bit too hot.

7. PARANG JUUIBO – The nine-year-old has lost a yard of pace now and while he’s still capable of getting out the gate well from a nice draw, it’s only a matter of time until he’s passed by a field of this quality.

8. DORAONPOGYEONGSEON – Winner of this race in both 2017 and 2018, he also boasts placed finishes in the last two Korea Sprints. An ill-conceived tilt at the KRA Cup Classic over 2000M Never hit top gear on his solitary start so far this year, 5th place in the Busan Ilbo. Loves sprinting at Seoul though and can’t be ruled out. Settles in midfield and finishes srongly.

9. FINAL BOSS – The 2017 Korean Derby winner has been frustrating ever since. He makes his first start since last September’s Korea Cup. He trialled up in ordinary fashion in May. You never really know what you’re going to get with Final Boss, but a win would be a major surprise. He settles in midfield.

10. GLOBAL CAPTAIN – He won his first four in excellent fashion before suffering his first defeat in the TJK Trophy over 1400M last month when he weakened late on. A big potential talent, this may be a little too much too soon in terms of winning but if he runs as he has so far, a place is a real possibility.

11. GAON CHAMP – Won the Busan Ilbo Cup last month with an emphatic all-the-way win. Making just his twelfth start today, he still has the potential for improvement. He’s drawn wide today but was even wider (gate 13) in the Busan Ilbo so it’s not a major downside. He’s the one to beat.

12. ROAN PORTEOUS – Takes his chance here having won his latest two at 1200M and 1400M respectively. The latest was only at class 2, however, and he’s yet to run the kind of times that would put him in contention here. A learning experience.

13. CHOEGANGJA – Returns to action for the first time since sustaining a serious injury last March. He won a trial in April and was a very good sprinter as a four-year-old. This is a really tough ask first-up though.

14. MORNING DAERO – A reliable Class 1 sprinter, yet another who is perhaps not quite among the elite. 12th in the Korea Sprint last autumn and 7th in the Busan Ilbo in April. He’ll be towards the back of midfield early and will attempt to pass a few late on.

15. GOOD CASTING – Hasn’t finished outside the top-four in over a year. He ran a huge ran in 2nd to Gaon Champ in the Busan Ilbo last month and enters here in excellent shape. Franco Da Silva knows him inside-out and he’s a real chance despite the wide draw. That is going to impact his tactics somewhat, but he doesn’t need to lead, and he will finish strongly.

16. PHOENIX SUN – Outstanding last start winner at this distance on April 28th. It was a fast time, but it was a wet track and was at class 2. This is some orders of magnitude trickier and the draw has done hm no favours. One for the future and intriguing to see how he goes in this company.

Verdict: Great looking race. (11) GAON CHAMP was a sensational winner of the Busan Ilbo and will be a deserved favourite here. It won’t necessarily be easy though. If (1) ACE KOREA can overcome his starting woes, then he is at least Gaon Champ’s equal and if he can get on pace from the inside gate, he will be very difficult to get past. It could be all or nothing with him. (8) DORAONPOGYEONGSEON may have been out of sorts in his most recent outings but a sprint at Seoul could be just what he needs to return to form and a third consecutive win isn’t impossible. (15) GOOD CASTING enters in great form and can go close while (10) GLOBAL CAPTAIN and (16) PHOENIX SUN are the up and comers.

Busan Race 5: Class 1 (2000M) Handicap / KRW 110 Million

The fifth on the card has points up for grabs in the Road to G1 series. There are several chances engaged with a strong group on stayers lining up over the 2000m. (1) ADELEUI CHUKJE has ran solid races at his past couple of starts and gets in well at the weight scale with just 52kg. Expect him to site behind the speed and run through the line strong. (6) CAPTAIN FORCE steps up to the 2000m for the first time this year. The four-year-old brings strong form lines into the race with a third behind Jumbo Blade last time out who has subsequently placed in the YTN Cup. (9) CHAMP LINE oozes class but the weight is a concern. He did win with 58kg two starts back and will have to carry the 58.5kg in this assignment with an outside gate. Veteran galloper (2) DORAON HYEONPYO is another ultra-consistent type who can dill a place from barrier two.

Seoul Race 9: Class Open (1400M) Ttukseom Cup (KOR G2) Allowance / KRW 400 Million

1. SEOURI BYEOL – Good filly who ran 3rd to Silver Wolf in the Donga Ilbo over 1800M in February. Last start 6th over this distance. Probably best at further but capable of beating plenty of these. Goes way back at the start.

2. SILVER WOLF – One of the best racemares ever in Korea, she won all three races in this series two years ago. Won her latest two at 1800M and 1200M and back against other mares and fillies she should be way too good again. Likely to come from off the pace.

3. DAMYANG HWANHO – First start since February and form prior to the layoff wasn’t strong. Won a trial in good fashion in April and big race jockey on board. Can sit handy from gate 3 but others favoured.

4. CHERRY VANQUISH – Third start this preparation and comes in off a win over this distance at class 3. She led from the start that day and may look to do the same here. Perhaps a bit much a bit soon but she has potential.

5. YEONGHUI SIDAE – Thomas Gillespie’s filly returned from five months off to win over 1200M at class 2 in April. She’s won at that level at this distance as well. She’ll look to come from just off the pace and could run into some prize money.

6. CORE BLADE – A class 2 winner at this distance at Busan in February and then ran an excellent 3rd to Good Casting at class 1 in March. Trialled well in April and arrives here in fine fashion. Tactically versatile she can finish strongly and if Silver Wolf slips up at all, she is one who is capable of taking advantage.

7. ICE MARINE – Beaten by plenty of these last year, she’s only raced once in 2019, running 2nd over this distance at class 2 level in Busan. Nice filly with a strong late run although she tends to leave herself a little too much today. Placing chances if she can find a clear run

8. HI SEXY – Takes her chance after winning at 1200M at class 1 in April and she’s won at up to a mile before. From Busan’s top stable and one of the very few in the race who is an established class 1 performer. Should be firmly in the hunt for at least a place.

9. COVERGIRL JUSTICE – Only five races under her belt with two wins, the most recent of which was at class 3 over 1700M. Stablemate of Silver Wolf and very much the second-string but she will be expected to be on pace right from the start.

10. CHOCO CANDY – A winner of three from seven to date, she was a brisk winner over 1300M last start on April 6th. Likely to aim to lead from the start, she has the ability to hold on for some minor prize money.

11. SINUI MYEONGRYEONG – Ran 2nd to Mask in the Segye Ilbo Cup in January but was well back behind Silver Wolf in the Owner’s Cup in March. She’s established at class 1 so can have the beating of plenty of these but will need to improve to compete with the top contenders.

12. KKEUTPAN AERO – Good winner over 1200M at class 2 in March but has struggled in two subsequent starts, being slow away both times. If she can get a good start, then she’ll be competitive. Stablemate of Cherry Vanquish.

13. LEAD MONEY – Won a couple of decent races last season but has gone cold in three starts so far this term. Beaten by four of these in the Segye Ilbo Cup in February and struggled twice since making her an outsider.

14. SKY BAY – Won the final leg of this series last year over 2000M in Busan but only managed 4th on a wet track in February’s Donga Ilbo. First start since March, she won a trial last weekend. Evident ability, if she’s right, she goes close.

15. MUNHAK PRINCESS – Showed great promise last summer but has lost her way slightly since then. Hasn’t raced since January, she did though win a trial in fast fashion in May. Will try to get on pace from the outside but up against it.

16. SOJUNGHAN SOMANG – Ran 5th behind Silver Wolf in the Donga Ilbo in February and then took her chance in the Busan Ilbo in April where she was overmatched. The company is more amenable today, but others are favoured.

Verdict: (2) SILVER WOLF at level weights against other fillies and mares should be simply too good and so long as she is anywhere near her best and gets a clear run, she should win comfortably. Of course, she has fifteen rivals to potentially get in her way and should anything happen, (6) CORE BLADE looks most likely to take advantage. (14) SKY BAY may not have kicked on from that big win at the end of last year, but she still has plenty of ability and should be beating most of these. (1) SEOURI BYEOL and (8) HI SEXY are others in contention.

 
Busan Race 6: Class 3 (1400M) Allowance / KRW 75 Million

The last on the card has the progressive (8) WORLD POWER who looks hard to beat as he lines up for just his sixth start. The son of Super Saver overcame the outside gate last time out to sit near the speed and go down a length behind Cherry Vanquish. The formidable team of Kim Young Kwan and Seo Seung-Un combine with the three-year-old. Chestnut (3) RED CLOUD saluted in similar company last time out and as a result will carry 56kg. He should be aple to position on speed from barrier three and run on strong. Ioannis Polluis gets a good opportunity on the four-year-old with several Busan based jockeys in Seoul for feature racing. (10) FINAL ENERGY resumes for a new preparation and trialed well coming into this assignment. He is one to keep safe in your selections being fresh. Look for improvement from (11) HENNESSY PRIME as he was disappointing last time out when having every opportunity. This assignment is only start four and the Japan bred galloper is still learning. 

Seoul Race 10: Class 4 (1700M) Allowance / KRW 60 Million
 

The progressive Korean-bred (3) FAST FASHION lines up over the 1700m looking to make it successive victories. He got well back in a small field last time out but knuckled down to the task when gunning down Mighty Wing in the shadows of the post. He goes up 3kg on that run but looks one of a few chances. (9) GONG SAN has been getting well back in her runs but possesses one of the better turn of foots in this race. She drops in weight for her assignment and the talented Kim Yong Geun will jump aboard. (2) LITTLE BOY FLASH appears a place chance on his recent form. The American import is yet to break maiden status but has finished second at three of his past five starts in similar company. (10) BLUE SPIDER is being stretched out to a longer journey after failing to figure in his first seven starts. He finished off fairly last time out and is a place chance at best. 

 
Seoul Race 11: Class 3 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 75 Million

(5) THUNDER MARK bungled the start badly last start but managed to go down only a length when finishing third. If she had have got away with the remainder of the field, she would have won. The three-year-old filly has drawn ideal and should be hard to beat with a manageable 54.5kg. (6) TAP FASHIONED produced his good turn of foot last start when running into third when the race was all but over. Expect Lee Dong-Ha to park the four-year-old just behind the speed and let him unwind at the top of the straight. (1) INCHEON CHIEF comes out of the same race as Tap Fashioned where they crossed the line together. It was just the three-year-old’s sixth start and first attempt in Class 3 company. Expect further improvement from the Jung Ho-ik trained galloper. (8) KILIUI JEWANG looked to struggle in the final stages last time out but the drop back to the 1200m may assist.