Photo: STC
Lim’s Kosciuszko brought resumed with a smashing comeback in the S$50,000 Mr Clint 2019 Stakes (1200m) in Singapore on Sunday.
The Trelawney Stud graduate was unexpectedly pulled out of the Gr.3 Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) in June a few days before his first real big test.
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.
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.
Meagher was of course delighted with the manner of the win, especially as Lim’s Kosciuszko was shouldering the steadier of 59kgs first-up.
“He won good, he was the best horse in the race and he showed that,” Meagher said.
“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.”
Meagher is yet to confirm the next target for Lim’s Kosciuszko but said he would return in 2022.
“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 S$130,000 mark for the Lim’s Stable.
Bred by Trelawney Stud, Lim's Kosciuszko was passed in as a two-year-old at the Ready To Run Sales and then sold privately after winning his first and only trial in New Zealand when under the care of Clayton Chipperfield.
Lim's Kosciuszko is the first foal out of Keeper mare Jacquetta, winner of the Listed Welcome Stakes, as well as a Group Two placegetter. Her two-year-old filly by Almanzor, now named The Iberian, was sold for $60,000 as a yearling at the New Zealand Bloodstock Sales to Stephen Marsh and Denis Foster.
Jacquetta currently has a Almanzor yearling filly and has an Ocean Park colt at foot. -STC, Trelawney Stud