Lim's Kosciuszko a brave third in Aussie debut

New Paper

17-05-2025

Kranji superstar Lim's Kosciuszko did not win at his first Australian outing, but would have still done his legion of Singapore fans proud with his third place at Flemington on May 17.
He jumped on terms with noted speedsters in the A$175,000 (S$134,000) Listed Straight Six (1,200m), taking the back of Marble Nine (Jye McNeil), one of the fancies in the 15-horse field.
While daylight never really materialised for the Singapore 22-time winner inside the last furlong, the Kermadec seven-year-old still plugged away in a three-way go to finish a ½-length off the winner, $407 outsider Title Fighter.
Trainers are not in the business for minor placings, but one could be forgiven to believe trainer Daniel Meagher had just won.
The Australian, whose breakout seasons in his nine years at Kranji came in the last four when he notched his 16 Group 1 wins, 10 from Lim's Kosciuszko, was "rapt" with the result, but his voice did betray some mixed feelings, too.
"I'm rapt with that first run. He had not raced for seven months, was first-up in a new country, was racing on a straight course for the first time," said Meagher, who is now based in Pakenham.
"It was also on a heavy track, and he had 60½ kg on his back, giving 6kg to the next horse.
"Let's not forget it was a Listed race, there were some good horses in it. It's a different ball game to run in the city, but he went terrific.
"He got in behind horses and was given a kind ride by Ben Melham. There was full of pressure in the race, but Ben's a Group 1 jockey.
"I felt Kosi was unlucky late, when he didn't get the split. Ben said he was a still a good horse and he was surprised by the good feeling he got.
"I'm so happy with the run. He just keeps turning up and keeps putting our names out there.
"I rang (owner) Mr Lim (Siah Mong). He's also very happy."
While the Brisbane riches, including the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1,400m) on June 14, had been mentioned as Lim's Kosciuszko's next targets, Meagher said nothing has been cast in stone.
"Let's see how he pulls up first. Yes, I have Brisbane in mind, but I don't want to overtax him," he said.
"I wanted him to win at home first. I wished he won today, especially for Mr Lim.
"The Spring races are only a few months away. Every second or third week, there are plenty of good races here, worth around A$175,000 to A$200,000.
"I don't want to rush him."
The winner Title Fighter is prepared by trainer Clayton Douglas and was ridden by Tom Prebble, who, ironically, gave Meagher the first of his two Australian winners, Cardone at Pakenham on March 5.
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