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South Korea Analysis - Saturday, 30 November

Today's racing in South Korea
Today's racing in South Korea

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (6f) Special Weight A / $32,000

Juvenile maidens with all but one racing for the first time. We're going to go with that one though and the delightfully named (8) WONDERFUL FAPPY. She didn't run on when debuting over 6 1/2f on October 27th but previously looked very goof when winning a trial. She should have derived benefit from that debut run and with a bit more maturity here, is worth another chance. (4) TAPDINE took a couple of goes to qualify but when he did, he looked very well, leading every step of the way in a trial on November 1st and stopping the clock in a quick time. If he brings that form to the races, he will go close and Moon Se-young aboard means he will probably start as favourite. (2) MUNHAK BELL improved in the second of two trials while (5) SSOARA STAR and (6) NURI EUTTEUM are other first-timers with claims.

Selections   (8) Wonderful Fappy (4) Tapdine (2) Munhak Bell (5) Ssoara Star
Next Best   6, 1
Fast Start   4, 5, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (6 1/2f) Special Weight A / $22,000

Maiden fillies here and (11) CHOWON DOLPUNG will be the warm favourite. She debuted with a 2nd place before taking her chance in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo which was perhaps a bit much a bit soon. She then bounced back with a very close 4th place in a blanket finish in a filly maiden over 5f on October 12th. Despite the wide gate, she should be on pace here and may take some beating. (3) SWITCH POWER has two 4th places among three starts so far most recently at 6f on November 9th. She has finished off her races well and the slight step up in trip can suit. (2) KOTAP raced three times without distinction this Spring. She was then off for five months, returning to action on November 2nd with a solid 3rd. She should strip fitter for that effort and can go close here. (10) RAON THE BELMONT and (4) P N S PA others in the hunt.

Selections   (11) Chowon Dolpung (3) Switch Power (2) Kotap (10) Raon The Belmont
Next Best   4, 8
Fast Start   2, 4, 8, 11
 
Busan Race 1: Class 6 (6 1/2f) Special Weight A / $32,000

(5) YOUNG SKYWALKER was a beaten favourite on debut when 2nd over 6f on October 13th and then a beaten favourite at start two when 3rd over 6 1/2f on November 17th. He has raced on pace both times and in this company, with very little early speed, he can get to the front and the force really should be with him this time. (1) ANN BUNNY was a promising 3rd on debut over this distance on November 1st. She should have derived benefit from that, she draws well, and she can be in the mix here. (6) BREEDO COMET was 3rd behind Young Skywalker when they debuted together on that October 13th race, settling back and running on. He has had seven weeks off since and should have benefited for the run. (3) FLYING THE KHAN and (4) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE are others who can improve. 

Selections   (5) Young Skywalker (1) Ann Bunny (6) Breedo Comet (3) Flying The Khan
Next Best   4, 8
Fast Start   2, 5, 7, 8 

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (7f) Special Weight A / $22,000

Very tricky maiden. We'll go with (3) LUCKY SUNNY who, after an ordinary debut, was an improved 4th at start two over 6 1/2f on November 3rd, racing handy. She draws nicely to sit behind the speed again here and third-up she can be peaking. (2) FLASH GOLD had a poor day at the office when well supported over this distance on October 27th, slowly away and never a factor. Instead, we go on his effort two starts back when on pace and a good 2nd then he is right in this from an in-form stable. (1) NAMCHON TOWN had a hard time in the Listed NACF Chairman's Trophy at start two in October, but he had posted a good time when 5th on debut back in July. That Listed race was his first outing since then and he should have come on for it. Munro is up. (11) JISAN FORCE and (8) TAEGISAN KING are others in the frame.

Selections   (3) Lucky Sunny (2) Flash Gold (1) Namchon Town (11) Jisan Force
Next Best   8, 10
Fast Start   1, 7, 9, 11

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (6f) Special Weight A / $22,000

Competitive maiden. (7) BIG JAWS has shown steady progress across three starts to date, culminating in a 3rd place over 7f on November 1st when he raced close to the pace. Expect similar tactics today and back in trip, he has as good a chance as any. (3) SIX HERO will also be challenging for the lead early. His best finish so far is a 3rd place which came over this distance on October 6th. Franco climbs on and from a good gate he should be right in this. (11) WIND TIME was an improved 3rd at start number two at this distance on October 27th when she briefly led close to home and stopped the clock in a quicker time than any of the others here have achieved. She has the challenge of the widest gate but with a bit of luck at the start can find a good position and can be a danger. The form drops off significantly after those three. (10) HANEUL POKPUNG and debut-maker (4) BARBELL MOMO are perhaps the best of the rest. 

Selections   (7) Big Jaws (3) Six Hero (11) Wind Time (10) Haneul Pokpung
Next Best   4, 2
Fast Start   3, 7, 9, 11

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1 1/8M) Handicap / $32,000

Another competitive race. (7) TAENGGEURI enters off a desperately close 2nd place at this class over 1 1/16M on October 26th. He is still a maiden after eighteen attempts, but he has no fewer than eleven top five finishes and today looks like his best chance of breaking through on what is his first try at this distance. (1) TONNERRE does have a win on his record, and he has been working back into form in his latest couple, most recently leading most of the way around this class and distance on September 28th, ultimately finishing in 4th. From the inside gate he should get an easy run to the front and will be in this a long way. (4) TUAREG NINE was a 46/1 winner at this class over 7f on November 2nd. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights and also up to this distance for the first time but can be competitive again (5) SEUNGNI GONGJU and (10) GOLDEN BALL others who should be in the finish.

Selections   (7) Taenggeuri (1) Tonnerre (4) Tuareg Nine (5) Seungni Gongju
Next Best   10, 2
Fast Start   1, 4, 5, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (6f) Handicap / $32,000

(11) ALL TIME LEGEND has led both of his starts to date, getting taken down in the final furlong in both, but nevertheless, showing plenty of ability in finishing 2nd. That brings him up in class today, but it is hardly an intimidating set of opponents, and while drawn wide, he should be able to find a forward position and can go one better. (5) ASTRO KING won his sole outing all the way back in November of last year before suffering a series of setbacks. He returns fifty-four weeks later but trialed nicely in September and while he needs to be taken on trust, this is a great race to return in. (8) GANGSEO BULPAE is yet to win but has six finishes between 2nd and 4th to her name from nine starts. She needs a line drawn through her latest but warrants another chance. (1) MOST RAPID and (6) SEONGSIL CHEONHA are others in the frame.

Selections   (11) All Time Legend (5) Astro King (8) Gangseo Bulpae (1) Most Rapid
Next Best   6, 2
Fast Start   5, 8, 9, 11

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (7f) Handicap / $32,000

After running 4th on debut, (2) USEUNG JINLI got his maiden win at start number two over 7f on October 27th, when he sat handy and ran on to score over 7f, bounding away to win by seven-lengths. He comes up in class but his time for the distance was faster than any of the others here have registered and the manner of that victory makes him hard to oppose here. (8) ONE PUNCH DRAGON has very similar form, having finished 3rd on debut over 6f and then winning over 6 1/2f at start two when racing on pace and crossing the line a full eight-lengths to the good. He too can more than measure up at this level. (5) ARCH RUNNER enters off back-to-back 3rd place finishes at this class at 6f and 6 1/2f and should be there or thereabouts again. (6) HANURI and (7) TAEPYEONGMU others to consider.

Selections   (2) Useung Jinli (8) One Punch Dragon (5) Arch Runner (6) Hanuri
Next Best   7, 9
Fast Start   2, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 4 (7f) Handicap / $43,000

(2) OPEN SKY won his first two races in June and August to get rapidly promoted to this level before running 4th on his class 4 bow over a mile on October 20th when he led until the final furlong. He comes down in trip today and comes into a much better gate and he can return to winning ways. (10) BEAT DRAGON returns to action for the first time since winning over a mile in a quick time in August. He has six top four finishes from eight starts and while he is up in class and coming back off a sixteen-week layoff, he looked very well in a trial last week and is not to be dismissed. (1) CHEONHAN GEONGANG has won her latest two to move rapidly up to this level, most recently at this distance on October 25th when leading all the way. She comes down in the weights, draws well to lead again, and she will surely be in this a long way. (6) FANTASTIC DREAM and the unbeaten (5) WIND BULLET are others firmly in the hunt.

Selections   (2) Open Sky (10) Beat Dragon (1) Cheonha Geongang (6) Fantastic Dream
Next Best   5, 12
Fast Start   1, 2, 5, 9

Seoul Race 6: Class 4 (7f) Handicap / $43,000

(10) WONDERFUL JET won back-to-back races over 6f in June and July to get rapidly promoted to this level before running a close 2nd over the same distance on his first try at this class on September 1st. He comes in fresh after thirteen weeks off and while he is up 2kg in the weights, Moon Se-young stays on, and he can win. (1) STING JET ran 4th on debut in July before striking in two consecutive races at 6f and 6 1/2f in September and October which brings him equally quickly up in class and Wonderful Jet. He carries a light weight, draws well to get on pace, and should measure up in this company. (3) DAEHEUNG CLASS and (4) MISS WIN STAR both come in off 2nd place finishes in their respective latest outings, both at this class and distance, and both have at least placing hopes here. (9) EINSPANNER mixes form but could be worth some interest at an each-way price, 

Selections   (10) Wonderful Jet (1) Sting Jet (3) Daeheung Class (4) Miss Win Star
Next Best   9, 6
Fast Start   1, 5, 8, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 4 (1 1/8M) Handicap / $43,000

It's been a while since (10) UNJU WINNER got the latest of his two wins but based on his latest start at this class and distance on November 1st when he led for part of the race before ultimately finishing 2nd to Bang Bang Bang. He was beaten by a couple of these when he had an off day two starts back but with Franco up, today can be his day. (8) JANGSAN LEMON beat a couple of these on his way to victory at class and distance on November 1st, racing handy throughout. He comes up 3.5kg in the weights but can go close again. (11) STELL LUNA was sent off as favourite for that November 1st race and led for much of the way around before being passed by Jangsan Lemon on the final furlong. She has the challenge of a wide draw today but should have enough about her to get to the speed and shouldn't be dismissed. (12) KOHINOOR and (5) ROCK AND ROLL among other placing chances.

Selections   (10) Unju Winner (8) Jangsan Lemon (11) Stell Luna (12) Kohinoor
Next Best   5, 4
Fast Start   3, 5, 10, 11

Seoul Race 7: Class Open (1 7/16M) Weight for Age / Grand Prix (KOR G1) / $716,000

The final G1 of the year and the one that every local connection wants to win. (4) GLOBAL HIT will be the overwhelming favourite. Beaten just a nose by the now retired Winner's Man in last year's race, he has lost only twice in 2024 and one of those was when his 3rd place prevented the Japanese contingent from sweeping the places at the International Korea Cup in September. His best – or even close to it – will be too good for his rivals. (2) NAOL SNIPER is steadily making his way into the elite. After running 3rd to Global Hit in the KRA Cup Classic in August, he then ran 2nd to him in the President's Cup, getting to within five-lengths of him. This is his first try at 1 7/16M and it could well suit him. The wildcard is (7) AMERICA GOLD. He only has seven starts behind him, but he has four wins up to 1 1/4M, and while he was beaten when favourite at this distance at class 1 level in October, he used up a lot of energy early and things can be different here. Aside from Crown Pride and Wilson Tesoro in the Korea Cup, (11) TUHONUI BANSEOK is the only horse to beat Global Hit this year, which he did in a photo finish to the Busan Mayor's Cup in May. He races for the first time since his 2nd in the KRA Cup Classic in August but looked well in a November trial and his ability isn't in doubt. (8) SPEED YOUNG is also to be taken seriously.

Selections   (4) Global Hit (2) Naol Sniper (7) America Gold (11) Tuhonui Banseok
Next Best   8, 10
Fast Start   2, 4, 7, 8, 11

Busan Race 6: Class 1 (1 1/4M) Handicap / $78,000

Class 1 but with a rating cap of 100. (7) MIRACLE MARINE was a class 2 winner over 1 1/8M on November 3rd, leading all the way around and winning by plenty of daylight. That took him to four wins and eight top two finishes from ten starts and while he is up to 1 1/4M for the first time, he can repeat. (6) CAPTAIN YANKEE enters off a 3rd place over 1 3/8M on October 27th. He might have been a contender for some minor money in the Grand Prix at Seoul today, but he goes here instead and while he hasn't won over this distance since his three-year-old campaign, he should be a danger. (9) GRAND SUN ran midfield in the G1 President's Cup last time out and coming back into much more amenable company, can threaten. (8) FANTASTIC MAN and (4) ARCTURUS among plenty of others with a chance in a competitive race.

Selections   (7) Miracle Marine (6) Captain Yankee (9) Grand Sun (8) Fantastic Man
Next Best   4, 3
Fast Start   1, 2, 4, 7

Seoul Race 8: Class 4 (6f) Handicap / $54,000

Fillies only here. (1) HAEK DIA has raced just twice but has shown promise with a 3rd and a 4th, both at this distance. She draws nicely, carries a light weight, and the Caravaggio filly can make it third time lucky. The danger is (4) BARO DANAEUN. She has two wins, and two runner-up finishes from four starts so far and comes up in class after scoring over 6 1/2f on October 19th when on pace throughout, as she has been in each of her outings so far. She draws very well to lead here and has every chance of going all the way. (9) MOOONHAK HOLIDAY is yet to win in eleven but comes in off a decent 2nd place at this class and distance and while up in the weights and draw wide, she can be in contention. (3) EXCELLENT QUEEN and (8) DREAM SKY others in the hunt.

Selections   (1) Heuk Dia (4) Baro Danaeun (9) Moonhak Holiday (3) Excellent Queen
Next Best   8, 7
Fast Start   3, 4, 8, 9

Seoul Race 9: Class 3 (6f) Handicap / $54,000

(10) BLACK MOTION will be a warm favourite here. Since returning in October, he has a 5th and a 3rd from two starts, the latter in a quick race at this distance on November 2nd. He has since won a trial and third-up this preparation, he can be peaking fitness-wise and can return to winning ways. (1) FARCIARZ races for the first time since March. Before the layoff, he had eight top three finishes from fourteen starts with two of his wins coming over this distance. He won a trial early in November, and he can go well first-up here. (8) NINE EAGLE enters off a 2nd place at this class and distance on October 27th when he beat several of today's rivals. With an apprentice claim, he comes down in the weights today and can be in the mix again. (4) BLACK CHOCOLATE and (5) J S ROAD are others in the mix.

Selections   (10) Black Motion (1) Farciarz (8) Nine Eagle (4) Black Chocolate
Next Best   5, 2
Fast Start   2, 5, 6, 8
 
Seoul Race 10: Class 3 (1M) Handicap / $54,000

Competitive race, but (3) JEONGWOO FOREVER gets the nod. He has a win, and three runner-up finishes from five tries at this distance, including his last start 2nd on October 13th when coming from off the pace. He can race forward too and from a good draw, Johan Victoire can pick his spot, and he can win this. (9) SMART CAT is the biggest threat. His recent form is excellent with a win and three 2nd place finishes from his latest four, with two of these runner-up finishes being over this distance. He is another one who likes to settle back and run on, and he has a strong finish on him. (7) NAEGILUI QUEEN is up in class having led all the way to win over 1 1/16M at the end of August. She comes in fresh after thirteen weeks off and down in the weights, she can measure up. (6) VICTORY HIT and (1) COWBOY TANGO are the other main contenders.

Selections   (3) Jeongwoo Forever (9) Smart Cat (7) Naegilui Queen (6) Victory Hit
Next Best   1, 5
Fast Start    1, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 11: Class 2 (1 1/4M) Handicap / $65,000

(2) MEGA DRAGON will be one of the banker favourites of the day. He enters having won over 1 1/8M at this class on November 2nd when handy throughout and scoring comfortably. He comes up 3kg in the weights and also tackles 1 1/4M for the first time, but neither should be a problem, and he can win here. (8) CHEONGSAN YEONGUNG doesn't win out of turn, but he loves coming 2nd, something he has done on no fewer than nine occasions. He comes in having finished (where else?) runner-up at 1 1/8M on October 20th and while up in class here, he is significantly down in weight, and he can be competitive. (1) TEUKGEUP DAERO was 4th behind Mega Dragon in that November 2nd race and in this company can aim to get closer. (5) GRAY CAT and (6) QUICKLY RUN others in contention for the minors.

Selections   (2) Mega Dragon (8) Cheongsan Yeongung (1) Teukgeup Daero (5) Gray Cat
Next Best   6, 7
Fast Start   1, 2, 6, 7


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