It does not make for great reading or debate, but once again, the reigning Singapore Horse of the Year – Lim’s Kosciuszko – was the unanimous top pick by the broadcast teams to add another Group 1 win to his impressive records.
This time, it will be in the SG$300,000 Gr1 Lion City Cup over 1200m on Sunday.
There were no fence sitters either. All seven of the regular media pundits were extremely bullish of their support for the Daniel Meagher-trained superstar.
Likely favourite Lim’s Kosciuszko (Wong Chin Chuen) is the top pick among the tipsters.
But it could never be that easy, isn’t it?
Lim’s Kosciuszko looks the right one
He won this race last year on a four-week back-up after he took out the Gr1 Singapore Derby over 1800m and he has not been beaten domestically since Relentless – who goes around earlier in the day in the SG$70,000 Zac Spirit 2016 Stakes, a Class 3 race over 1600m – lowered his colours in the Group 2 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) last year.
Lim’s Kosciuszko also looked awesome at the track and his recent winning trial on August 17 in the time of 1 min 0.22secs was nothing short of sensational.
So yes! It could just be that easy. With Lim’s Kosciuszko most likely to start at “six and five”, it would be negligent to tip against him.
English race caller Scott Bailey led the “Kosi” charge and thought the 2023 Singapore Derby winner Golden Monkey was the obvious danger.
“I saw Lim’s Kosciuszko on Tuesday morning up close and in the flesh. He looked to be in tip-top condition,” said Bailey, who will call his first Group 1 race on Sunday.
“From barrier four, he should just lob on the fence and say ‘see ya later, boys’.
“Golden Monkey has the wow factor. He will be dropping back from 1800m but I believe he is a better sprinter than a middle-distance horse. He’s the danger.”
“’Kosi’ is all class, has drawn well again and his recent trial showed that Daniel timed his run to perfection,” said the Australian who will miss Sunday’s races after sustaining a leg injury playing Australian rules football last week.
“If there’s anyone that can beat him, it’s Golden Monkey. Lim’s Kosciuszko did the ‘Derby-Lion City Cup’ double last year and Golden Monkey could repeat that feat.
“His last two runs had been all class and race fitness will take him a long way in this.”
Bilingual presenter – Raymond Yong – also banked on the popular forecast and threw in a value pick for good measure.
“Lim’s Kosciuszko to win, but you’d have to respect Golden Monkey,” said Yong.
“He (Golden Monkey) improves every time and (jockey) Hugh Bowman is back to ride him.
“Throw in City Gold Star at long odds for exotics. He is unknown in this company but won his last two in Class 4 (races), so he might be able to surprise.”
Collin Fan from the Chinese team thought blinkers will help his forecast pick – Super Salute – but could not see anyone beating the champion.
“Blinkers on for the first time should enhance Super Salute’s early speed,” said Fan.
“But Lim’s Kosciuszko will easily defend his Lion City Cup title. Golden Monkey with Bowman and Mr Malek at weight-for-age (level) should figure in the minor placings.”
Kew Lee Teng – who will call the race for the Chinese audience – was with Fan on the forecast but was in Lim’s Kosciuszko’s camp for the win.
“Lim’s Kosciuszko is my one and only (pick) in this race. Nothing to add,” quipped Lee Teng.
“But I do have Super Salute and Golden Monkey in my top three selections.”
Suresh Ragavan went as far as suggesting Lim’s Kosciuszko need not be at his peak fitness to win the Lion City Cup, but hoped that a rejuvenated Mr Malek can keep him honest.
“An 80% fit Lim’s Kosciuszko can win this race,” said the pundit from across the Causeway.
The danger would be Mr Malek who has struck a purple patch of form in sprint races. I will throw General Command, The August and Golden Monkey into the exotic mix.”
As for me, Golden Monkey is the horse to watch.
Bowman is a world-class jockey, trainer Tim Fitzsimmons knows his onions and it would be hard to argue with Group 1-winning form.
But, anyone that tipped you anything bar “the champion is Lim’s Kosciuszko” would either be kidding themselves or drunk.
