Saturday’s racing is at Seoul and the capital hosts a bumper 13-race program from 10:45 to 18:00:

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

Maiden fillies to kick things up with five debut-makers and the other seven having raced once apiece. Of the experienced ones, only (1) NONSTOP FLYING emerged from her debut with much credit, leading before ultimately finishing 5^th of 12 over this distance on December 15^th. She should go all the way this time.  There’s not much to say about the others who have raced except that (6) ALL MY QUEEN probably has the best chance of improving at this stage. The first-timers are likely to provide the most credible challenges. (5) QUEEN STREET went through two trials and improved in the latter though it was in November. Jockey booking is encouraging. (3) BEST BUDDY and (11) JAENEUNG CHUNGMAN didn’t exactly pull up trees but looked to have some potential ability.

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

Three-year-old maiden fillies here. (11) M.J. TOWN has been getting closer and was less than a length away when 2^nd in a good race at this distance on December 15^th. She comes from behind anyway so the wide draw shouldn’t be an issue and she can go one better this time. (12) GEOM HONG was 3^rd in that same race, just half a length further in-arrears. She’s finished no worse than 4^th in three efforts to date and should continue that record today. (2) GAL IP also comes in off the back of two consecutive 3^rd place finishes and will be a threat here while (7) DIA STORM ran a useful 3^rd herself on debut over 1000M a month ago and can benefit from the additional trip. (8) HAMYANG SANSAM another promising one in a decent looking race.

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

Weak stuff here to the extent that while (2) K ZONE didn’t go especially well last time finishing 6^th in a race that was marginally stronger than this one, but he showed enough in his prior two outings to suggest he has a win in him. He can settle just behind the early lead and today could be his day. That pace is likely to be set by (6) BLACK POKKYEOKGI, a much improved 4^th last time out – and very close to 2^nd – and who steps up in trip for the first time with claims to go even better. (7) EVERYTHING WIN has done almost everything except win in twelve attempts so far. He probably won’t win this either, but he can go close. (4) SUPER CREED and (12) KAIZEN SILVER are others in the hunt.

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

(10) LUMINESCE has finished 3^rd in both his races so far, both at this distance. He’s a front-runner and if he can overcome the wide draw, he can make it third time lucky and win today. (2) MUDO was 5^th in that race on what was his second outing. He ran extremely greenly though and if he can fix his manners today, he should be closer. (5) COLORFUL JOY started dreadfully before making up a lot of ground in the closing stages on debut last month. Over 1000M, he simply ran out of track and should appreciate the step up in trip today. (6) YAHO M J CAT ran 2^nd last time at 1000M and should join Luminesce on pace early as should (7) WONDERFUL BRUSH, who has hinted at ability across three attempts so far.

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

(3) MUNHAK ARIARI comes in off the back of two 3^rd place finishes and a 2^nd from his latest three and while it’s true he’s been a fair way behind the winner each time – and that he has been the favourite each time – he is probably worth one more go today. From gate 3, he should get to the early lead and this can finally be his day. (4) PHOENIX WOLF has a similar record and can continue her run of placing finishes. She’ll challenge Munhak Ariari for the early lead as will (6) DAEGUNUI CHANG, who led for much of the way over 1300M last time out only to ultimately finish 2^nd. Back in trip, he can be dangerous. (2) AMAZING SOCKS was a class and distance winner last start and while he carries an additional 4kg today, must be respected. (5) THE SPIKER ran a creditable 2^nd on debut and is another in contention.

Race 6: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 60 Million

A five-length maiden winner over this distance in a fast time in November, (9) DADDY GLORY followed up by running 2^nd in a strong race at this class just before Christmas. She is likely to be ridden on or very close to the pace today and should have too much. (5) SMILE GIRL is up in class and distance having won well on debut at 1000M. She has a…  Read more of this post