A year ago, Lim’s Kosciuszko was the unanimous choice by the Singapore Turf Club’s Chinese and English broadcast crews to win the 2022 Group 1 Kranji Mile (1600m), but he only managed 10th in a race won by his stablemate, Lim’s Lightning.
Not to be deterred – and definitely ignoring the ‘once bitten twice shy’ mantra from some punters – the eclectic bunch of race callers and media guests have again picked Lim’s Kosciuszko as the only horse to beat in the 2023 version of the $1 million feature.
And why not?
Since last year’s Kranji Mile, the five-year-old son of Kermadec has only been beaten once domestically (second to Relentless over 1400m in the Group 2 Stewards’ Cup on June 26) and added no less than four Group wins to his growing CV – three of them at Group 1 level.
His most recent win in the Group 1 Raffles Cup (1600m) on March 25 – when he beat Kranji Mile rival Katak, eased down by two-and-a-half lengths – was as dominant a victory at weight-for-age level as you would want to see.
Kew Lee Teng – who will call the Kranji Mile for the Chinese audience – heads the Lim’s Kosciuszko fan club and expects herself to be calling the famous blue and yellow star silks of the Lim’s Stable when it counts on Saturday.
“I don’t think any horse can challenge him,” said a succinct Kew of the Daniel Meagher-trained champion.
“He’s the highest-rated horse in the race and is in peak condition.
“The danger would be Street Of Dreams who is the emerging star. I don’t think they have got to the bottom with him yet and his meeting with Lim’s Kosciuszko for the first time is much anticipated.
“Keep Sacred Croix safe for value. He’s maintaining his form consistently and can pose a threat.”
Her colleague, Raymond Yong, agrees.
“Lim’s Kosciuszko clean-swept the last two Group races (the Group 1 Raffles Cup and the Group 3 Merlion Trophy) in such an easy fashion, which shows he is a class above the rest,” said the bilingual presenter.
“I think the value pick would be Hongkong Great as he spent too much energy early last start and a change of rider might do him some good.
“Street Of Dreams hasn’t met Lim’s Kosciuszko before, but has won six races straight and he may be able to surprise.”
Collin Fan is on the “Kosi train” but also thinks that the Ricardo Le Grange-trained Katak is a worthy challenger to the reigning Horse of the Year.
“I have Lim’s Kosciuszko on top but Ricardo has three horses that can challenge and Katak gives me the most confidence with his recent excellent preparations,” said Fan.
“The only four-year-old in the field is Street Of Dreams. While that’s his first Group race, it still is what dreams are made of. Sacred Croix should get a good return on investment as usual.”
Scott Bailey – who will be up close and personal with the 13 runners in his roving parade ring role on Saturday – thinks that while is it is a great field, there is only one horse to pick.
“It’s a quality line-up but Lim’s Kosciuszko looks the standout for me,” said Bailey.
“His demolition job in the Raffles Cup proved he is the one to beat in one of our biggest races. He is a class galloper who is good for Singapore racing.
“I don’t think anyone can beat the champ, but Sacred Croix is one of those horses who continues to run well, but finds one better. With (jockey) Mark Zahra in the saddle, I would be going the place on him all day long.”
Pat Comerford – who will call the Group 1 feature race for the English audience – thinks Lim’s Kosciuszko is the obvious pick.
“Going off with what we have seen this year – especially the Raffles Cup given the Kranji Mile is at a similar weight scenario – he automatically picks himself,” he said.
“This is his grand final, so potentially he may even improve on his easy win in the Raffles Cup and if that’s the case, he should win by panels here.
“As for dangers at the set weights, Katak looks the next best. His trials have been classy and he looks in a good head space. I think he is ready for his career’s best run.”
Popular media tipster – Suresh Ragavan – was not as bullish as the others, but still had the ‘little horse’ on top.
“It was extremely difficult for me to split the new kid on the block – Street Of Dreams – and the mighty Lim’s Kosciuszko,” said the man from across the causeway.
“But given the exposure at the top level, I am leaning towards Lim’s Kosciuszko.
“Katak is there to pounce if my top two picks aren’t on their game on Saturday and Mr Black Back, Cyclone and Hongkong Great all have played the bridesmaid to Lim’s Kosciuszko or Street Of Dreams at some point in time, so they should be value picks.”
As for me, I have a soft spot for Street Of Dreams – and he will win a Group 1 race sooner than later – but I do not have the kahunas to put him on top in the Kranji Mile.
I am hoping though, that when ‘Kosi’ puts on the afterburners at the 300m, Street Of Dreams goes with him, and it could be a cracking final furlong.
You can look at the race once, twice or as many times as you like, and Lim’s Kosciuszko comes out on top every time.
Cyclone would be the smoky at odds, as jockey Manoel Nunes will have him flying late in a race that could suit swoopers.
