Lim’s Kosciuszko wins second consecutive Kranji Mile

[Wandering Eyes]

Trelawney Stud bred Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) lived up to expectations by successfully scoring back-to-back victories in the S$1 million Kranji Mile (1600m) on Saturday.

The win also gave the 2023 Kranji Mile winner his 20th win from 24 starts in Singapore – over distances ranging from 1200m to 2000m – arguably the best records seen among top gallopers in recent times and has taken his winnings close to S$3.2 million for the Lim’s Stable.

After sitting second in the running Lim’s Kosciuszko was left in front at the 600m when the leader stopped quickly. Jockey Marc Lerner waited patiently until the 300m before setting him alight and quickly putting a three-length gap on the field before winning by a one-and-a-quarter length.

“He’s an amazing horse, isn’t he?” Trainer Daniel Meagher said in an interview after the race.

“He has just done everything we have asked him to and I’m really thankful for all the team; all the people back home in the stable.

“They’ve done an amazing job with him. He’s won 20 races here, so you know he’s just a fantastic horse.

“We kept it simple. He does the same thing everyday. He’s just a freak, isn’t he? I mean, what else can he do? I’m just very proud of him and the whole team.”

When asked of a potential Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) tilt – a race Lim’s Kosciuszko won when carrying 58kgs last year – Meagher did not hesitate.

“Yeah, why not?” said Meagher “We will have to keep him sound and happy. That’s our job and hopefully, we can have that.”

Bred by Brent and Cherry Taylor’s Trelawney Stud, Lim’s Kosciuszko was passed in at the New Zealand Bloodstock Sales and then sold privately after winning his first and only trial in New Zealand when under the care of Clayton Chipperfield.

Earlier on the card Ace Of Diamonds (NZ) (Swiss Ace) was a impressive four length winner of the S$150,000 Singapore Guineas (1600m).

Trained by Ricardo Le Grange, the smart three-year-old was a winner of the Singapore Three-Year-Old Sprint (1200m) on 6 April before finishing third in the Singapore 3yo Classic on 27 April.

“This horse is wonderful and he’s learning. He has a good sprint when he comes from behind,” said jockey Bruno Queiroz.

“The race went perfect for me today. This horse is very well. It’s a very good job by Ricardo and all the people who worked on him.

“He (Ace Of Diamonds) can go over longer no problem.”

Le Grange, who was celebrating his first Singapore Guineas win, was equally satisfied with the win.

“Last start, he (Queiroz) got him on the outside. I was disappointed but I’ve got a lot of faith in this horse,” said the South African handler.

“Today, he gave him a bit of chance, switched off and it was very impressive. The rain helped him, most definitely.

“Massive thanks to (owners) Karen (Leonardo Javier) and Sandy who are on course to see their horse win.

Bred in New Zealand by Gerry Harvey and sold in Australia, Ace Of Diamonds now has five wins and four placings in 11 starts and has amassed over S$300,000 in prizemoney for his owner Leonardo Javier.

Other New Zealand bred winners at Kranji on Saturday were Buuraq Sixty-one (NZ) Sweet Orange), Centurion (NZ) (Zed), Lim’s Saltoro (NZ) (Shamexpress), & Flying Nemo (NZ) (Vespa).

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