At first glance, the SG$50,000 Class 4 race over 2000m at Kranji on Sunday looks inauspicious at best.
But with three of the seven runners, Pacific Bao Bei, City Gold Farewell, and Lim’s Smythe, among the early nominations for the Gr1 Grand Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) on 5 October, the race will be a must watch for connections and punters alike.
An all too familiar trio in the winner’s enclosure – (from left) owner Mr Lim Siah Mong, jockey Marc Lerner and trainer Daniel Meagher (Pic – STC)
On ratings, the trio would all have to win a race or two to even be considered in the final field, but trainer Daniel Meagher will be hoping one of his two potential Singapore Gold Cup runners in Pacific Bao Bei (rated at 62) and Lim’s Smythe (rated at 53) can start their journeys this weekend.
This would be a big ask but adding another runner or two to a Singapore Gold Cup arsenal that includes last year’s winner and two-time Singapore Horse of the Year, Lim’s Kosciuszko and freshly-crowned Gr1 Raffles Cup winner, Lim’s Saltoro, is like a free throw at the stumps for the Australian handler.
“It’s a handicap race, so why not sneak a couple in at the minimum if we can?” said Meagher, who has won two Singapore Gold Cups with Lim’s Lightning in 2021 and Lim’s Kosciusko in 2023.
“But it will be tough as both will have to find winning form to get up at the ratings.
“In saying that, Pacific Bao Bei (x Sea The Stars) is on the cusp. He’s probably two wins away from being in the mix for a start if a few (nominated Gold Cup contenders) drop off.
“He has been plain lately but 2000m is his best trip, or maybe longer, and he would be competitive in a race like the Gold Cup with 50kgs.
“Lim’s Smythe (x Saxon Warrior) has some work to do to get a start, but he has plenty of upsides given his profile.
“He’s only just turned four and placed in the Gr2 Singapore Guineas (over 1600m on 18 May) so he certainly has some ability.
“I was disappointed he didn’t win at his last start (finished second to Great Warrior in a Class 4 race over 1800m on 21 July) and to be honest, he probably should have won more than he has (two wins from 12 starts).
“And I know it’s a cliché, but he’s probably six months away from being at his maximum strength and maturity.
“But we haven’t got six months and I know he’s good enough to win races like this. If he gets on a roll, he could go through the grades easily and sneak into the Gold Cup.
“We have taken blinkers off for this race, not sure if they made a difference really, and jockey CC Wong Chin Chuen usually brings us some luck in the Lim’s Stable’s colours.
“Lim’s Puncak Jaya (the third of Meagher’s runners in the race) should provide some pace and hopefully Lim’s Smythe can run home strongly and show what we know he is capable of.”
And while they will not get a chance in the Singapore Gold Cup glory, Meagher also hoped two potential stayers in Lim’s Sarbach (x Saxon Warrior) and Lim’s Shavano (x So You Think) can get their respective careers on track in the SG$20,000 Open Maiden race (1200m).
“Both wants further but they are first-up after long breaks,” he explained.
“Especially Lim’s Shavano. He needs a mile or further but he’s a nice horse and worth following.
“Lim’s Sarbach is from the same sire as Lim’s Smythe, so he will get over more ground too.
“They won’t get to show their best in Singapore given the time left but should win a race or two before October.”
Meagher was also happy to report that Lim’s Saltoro and Lim’s Kosciuszko have pulled up well after their thrilling one-two finish in the Raffles Cup, with his two stars on track for a rematch in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (1800m) on 7 September.
“They both pulled up terrific and worked yesterday and today,” he said.
“To be honest, I’m still a little shocked Lim’s Saltoro beat him (Lim’s Kosciuszko) at level weights but he (Lim’s Saltoro) just kept rising to the bar.
“In saying that, ‘Kosi’ didn’t sprint as well as he can. At this stage of his career, he probably needed longer than the two weeks between the Gr1 Lion City Cup (1200m on 28 July) and the Raffles Cup (on 11 August), so he should be at his very best in the QEII with four weeks between races.
“It will be game on in the QEII as Lim’s Saltoro doesn’t give up easily, does he? And it’s a credit to the system that he (Lim’s Saltoro) has come so far so quickly.
“I’m really looking forward to see what happens next and it’s just a privilege to train them both.”
Kranji first is due off at 06h30 on Sunday.
