There is no such thing as a ‘good thing’ in racing. But according to the Singapore Turf Club’s English and Chinese broadcast teams, the mighty Lim’s Kosciuszko might be just that in Saturday’s SG$1 million Group 1 Kranji Mile.
Punters are likely to agree the reigning Singapore Horse of the Year will most probably be sent out as the red-hot favourite in the 10-horse field.
Lim’s Kosciuszko (Marc Lerner) is tipped as the champion in the Group 1 Kranji Mile by all the racing professionals (Pic – STC)
Scott Bailey, who will call the feature race for the English-speaking viewers, even posed the question: “how can one tip outside of the champion, Lim’s Kosciuszko”?
“He’s a star. It’s that simple,” continued the ex-jockey-turned-race caller.
“If any others were to beat him, it would have been at his last start, in the Gr2 EW Barker Trophy over 1400m on 21 April. He defied statistics, history and basic racing logic by giving away a lot on that weight (59kgs).
“It’s a pleasure to call him and he will add an eighth Gr1 win to his tally on Saturday afternoon.”
However, Bailey is tipping an upset can happen in the SG$150,000 Gr2 Singapore Guineas, and with good reason.
“It’s an open edition of the Guineas,” he explained.
“While Lim’s Bighorn and Bakeel looked to be the popular picks on their impressive performances in the Gr3 Singapore 3yo Classic (over 1400m on 27 April), I think Lim’s Smythe can win.
“He got too far back last start and ran into a wall of fading horses. His sectionals were strong and he is getting visiting jockey Chad Schofield aboard.
“Lim’s Smythe is my value play in a race with plenty of chances.”
Ethan Mills, who shares calling duties with Bailey, also believed Lim’s Kosciuszko is the only horse to tip and reckoned Bakeel will get the job done in the Singapore Guineas.
“Lim’s Kosciuszko is always the horse to beat,” said the young Australian.
“He ran his highest Timeform rating in the EW Barker Trophy, so he will be unstoppable at set-weights (conditions).
“And Bakeel for me in the Guineas. He has been waiting to step up to 1600m. I was surprised how competitive he was over the shorter trips and that gave me confidence.”
Kew Lee Teng, who will call the Kranji Mile for the Chinese audience, was succinct as always when it came to the champion, Lim’s Kosciuszko.
“No reason needed. Lim’s Kosciuszko is the only choice,” she said.
“I think the Lim’s Stable have two chances in the Guineas. Lim’s Bighorn improved significantly at his last start when he won the Singapore 3yo Classic and Lim’s Smythe is quite dangerous stepping up to the mile.”
Raymond Yong – who both English and Chinese viewers are familiar with – agreed with Kew.
“Lim’s Kosciuszko is the undisputed champion,” he said.
“Lim’s Bighorn is a very speedy type and his last win was easy as it can be. I think 1600m won’t be a problem for him.”
Collin Fan makes it a hat-trick from the Chinese team as he too believed in a Lim’s Stable double.
“Lim’s Kosciuszko is the best,” said Fan.
“Lim’s Bighorn is in winning form and can win his fifth straight race in the Guineas.”
Suresh Ragavan – the man from across the Causeway – thought Bakeel can win the Singapore Guineas but was firmly in the Lim’s camp in the Kranji Mile.
“Bakeel has drawn well (7) and will appreciate a good pace from the Lim’s Bighorn and Boardroom,” said the popular media tipster.
“He should be towering home with jockey Manoel Nunes aboard while October would add some value to the exotics as the distance should suit.
“Lim’s Kosciuszko will have no problem in the Kranji Mile. He’s the undisputed champion.”
As for me, ‘Kosi’ is the good thing in the Kranji Mile but the Singapore Guineas will be a wide-open race.
A quick glance at the Singapore 3yo Classic race suggested the Ricardo Le Grange-trained Strike Gold had no luck and hit the line as well as any when he ran fourth, so he should be on nice odds too. Why not?
Kranji’s first is due off at 06h30 on Saturday.
