Lim’s Kosciuszko runs them ragged first-up

Lim's Kosciuszko (Danny Beasley) makes winning look easy first-up.

By Michael Lee, Singapore Turf Club

It’s been 175 days since Lim’s Kosciuszko brought up his three-from-three, but the long interruption has not in any way slowed down the winning rampage as evidenced by his smashing comeback in the $50,000 Mr Clint 2019 Stakes Class 4 race over 1200m on Sunday.

The exciting prospect named after Australia’s highest point was stunningly pulled out of last June’s Group 3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) a few days before his first real big test, albeit against his own age group.

No physical issues were detected, but trainer Daniel Meagher just had a gut feel the son of Kermadec was at that tipping point he could turn sour.

With Mr Lim Siah Mong’s blessing, a break was called, one which has probably surprised a few with its lengthiness – six months, but Meagher was fully vindicated for his decision on Sunday.

Three barrier trials and a well-planned long-haul prep to bring him back to mint condition for his comeback had punters hammering him in at unbackable odds – and he sure raced like a $6 pop.

Taken straight to the top of the queue by regular partner Danny Beasley from his handy barrier, Lim’s Kosciuszko looked like he never came out of second gear as he kept striding to the line unopposed – to deliver the message we actually all knew before it was scripted: He belongs to another class.

As the only impudent chaser from the remaining 13, From The Navy (Mohd Zaki) has to be lauded for his runner-up endeavours three-and-a-half length astern.

Heavenly Dancer (Marc Lerner) was another gap of two and a half lengths away in third place. The winning time was 1min 9.76secs for the 1200m on the Short Course.

Meagher was of course delighted with the manner of the win, especially as Lim’s Kosciuszko was shouldering the steadier of 59kgs first-up. Plus, there is always that nagging doubt that comes with a nice horse finding his way back to the track after so long.

“He won good, he was the best horse in the race and he showed that,” said the Australian handler who has an even bigger fish to fry later when he saddles Lim’s Lightning in the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup (2000m).

“It was a very good effort with 59kgs on his back, he showed a very good turn of foot. When a horse spreads a field out like he does, it’s usually a good sign.

“But he’s still not there yet. He’s a funny horse and there’s still some improvement left in him.

“He’s a plain worker and a plain trialler, and leaves it for raceday. He’s a serious horse on raceday, he’s just a nice horse going forward.”

Meagher has no doubt the bold decision to back him off was the right one.

“There is a reason why the Lim’s Stable has been champion owner for many years. They understand racing and trust their trainer,” he said.

“There was no second-guessing me when I decided to stop the horse and give him a break as I felt it would hurt him mentally then.

“They’re the reason why you have that confidence to do these things, and to have Danny Beasley as part of the team also gives you great confidence.

“It’s important to have everybody on the same page.”

The next pow-wow on Lim’s Kosciuszko’s future path at Kranji is not quite in the pipeline yet, though.

“We’ll get him ready for the New Year, we haven’t really set any targets at this stage,” said Meagher.

In four starts, Lim’s Kosciuszko remains unbeaten for prizemoney having hit around the $130,000 mark for the Lim’s Stable.

iRace
Author: iRace