Group One racing returns to Singapore racing this Sunday (27 August) with the running of the Lion City Cup (1200m).
Reigning champion LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO appears poised to secure his fifth Group 1 win this Sunday when he lines up in to defend his crown in the feature event.
LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO has remained unbeaten from three starts this year since his failure in the International Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin in December. Despite meeting top-class fields at the highest level in his last two starts, it appears that no local horses can currently challenge the Daniel Meagher-trained champion, when he toyed with his rivals and won easily.
LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO appears perfectly placed under the Weight For Age conditions on Sunday, as he resumes from a 99-day break and looked as good as ever in his most recent trial. If there has to be a main rival for him, this year’s Derby winner GOLDEN MONKEY could be one to test his mettle, while SUPER SALUTE piques plenty of interest as blinkers are applied for the first time.
Keep an eye on promising three-year-old ARTILLERY in the Novice race over 1400m. ARTILLERY’S chances in the G3 Golden Horseshoe (1200m) were dashed due to being drawn out wide in barrier 12. Ridden for luck out the back, while the winner endured a perfect run close to the speed, he was the best of the rest coming home the quickest to pick up third prize.
In the lower division races, LIGHTNING STRIKE makes his Class 5 debut after three starts in Restricted Maiden company, where he has shown ability competing against some above average young horses.
Two starts ago, he finished a luckless fourth when being held up from the 400m to the 100m, before finishing fourth again behind impressive debut winner ROMAN CHIEF last time out.
He has tuned in an eye-catching recent trial, in which he attacked the line strongly late, so a much-improved performance won’t come as a surprise this week.
