By Michael Lee, Singapore Turf Club
Trainer Daniel Meagher has done some tinkering to his plans for his unbeaten rising star Lim’s Kosciuszko.
The original path that was mooted in the aftermath of his latest victory (seven from seven) in a Class 2 race over 1200m on February 19 was the Class 1 race over 1200m on March 19 as his next assignment in the lead-up to the Kranji Mile.
The time between races also seemed ideal, but on second thoughts, the Australian handler has shifted his goal sticks towards the Class 2 race over the mile one week later, on March 26.
The Kermadec four-year-old boasts only one win beyond his pet trip of six furlongs – at his second-last start when he beat a Class 1 field over 1400m on February 2, and has yet to venture beyond that distance.
The $1 million Group 1 Kranji Mile (1600m) on May 21 has been pencilled in as his short-term goal, but at the same time, Meagher is concerned that taking a first 1600m test in such a high-pressure race itself would be like throwing him in at the deep end.
“I’ve thought about it and decided he can’t run in the Kranji Mile first-up. I will instead test him over 1600m for the first time in a Class 2 race on March 26,” said Meagher.
“That’s why we trialled him today as he’s pulled up so good after his last win that we had to keep him ticking over. He will have another trial in two weeks.
“It’s the right thing to do if we are to try him over a mile, give him a different option. That mile race fits in perfectly towards the Kranji Mile.
“Today’s trial was pretty quiet, it was just to maintain his form. Danny was also happy with it.”
Despite being one of the quickest away from the outermost alley, Lim’s Kosciuszko was immediately eased off at the rear by Beasley before proceeding to plot the widest path in the seven-horse field.
Under a good hold, the athletic bay just coasted to the wire in fifth place, more than six lengths off the winner Lucky Jinsha (Manoel Nunes), without being pressed to do more.
Beasley, who has been Lim’s Kosciuszko’s winning partner at five of the seven wins, jumped off with a big thumbs-up that spoke volumes about his appraisal of what he had underneath him.
“I’m very happy with his trial today. Today was all about maintenance and keeping him ticking over good,” said the Australian hoop.
“He has thrived since his last run, and as there is a good space between his next run, 3 ½ weeks, we gave him a trial today.
“He’s done what we wanted him to achieve. His action was good, and his fitness is second to none.
“Dan has switched to that Class 2 race over the mile and I feel it’s good we keep him in the right class. If we keep stepping him up in class, we’ll crucify him and that’s no good.
“The whole idea is to keep him well placed in his races. We have to do the right thing by the horse.”
