3 minute read

Actor Bill Murray must love Lim’s Kosciuszko.

Not that the award-winning actor is a good judge of horseflesh. But the fact every time the 2022 Singapore Horse of the Year heads to the races, it is just like the film "Groundhog Day" for all concerned.

Once again, the six-year-old son of Kermadec is the unanimous top pick by the broadcast teams to add another Group 1 win – and another Raffles Cup - to his already impressive record.

To be fair to the media teams, you cannot justify picking against the star of the Daniel Meagher's stable. But if Ned Ryerson tipped him at '$6 and $5', you would probably punch him, just like Mr Murray did in Groundhog Day.

But we digress. And the question - again - is who poses the biggest danger or who runs second?

For most on the team, the Tim Fitzsimmons-trained Golden Monkey is the obvious danger after the Singapore Derby (1800m) winner kept Lim's Kosciuszko honest in the Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) at their last meeting on August 27.

"Of course, Lim's Kosciuszko  is the one to beat," said the bilingual Raymond Yong.

"But Golden Monkey is a big strong individual that put up a good fight last start. Stepping up in distance seems to be more suitable."

Popular media pundit Suresh Ragavan agrees with Yong.

"Lim's Kosciuszko is currently without doubt the best horse in Singapore since the great Rocket Man," said the man from across the Causeway.

"He looks the winner in all aspects of the race, apart from the wide barrier (11). If he gets cover, he will win this race.

"The danger is Golden Monkey who was flashing home in the Lion City Cup. The distance is right up his alley and he could be the one to gun down Lim's Kosciuszko".

Pat Comerford – who will call the big race for the English-speaking audience – is also on the 'Kosi/Monkey' forecast but believes the wide gate for Lim's Kosciuszko could be a bonus for those backing the likely odds-on favourite.

"Lim's Kosciuszko for me. But if anything, punters may see the barrier draw as a plus as they will potentially get some more bang for their buck," said Comerford.

"But Golden Monkey will love the return to 1600m. He also gets a gate advantage. But once again, at level weights, only bad luck will see 'Kosi' beaten".

For Scott Bailey, the only monkey on Lim's Kosciuszko back is the wide barrier – and perhaps the weight - with the Ricardo Le Grange-trained Katak the one to watch.

"It is hard not to put the champ(ion) Lim's Kosciuszko on top after his unbeaten season so far," said the astute judge, who will offer parade ring analysis on the day.

"But the more I looked at the race, I found some chinks in his armour, including the fact that last time he drew barrier 11 was the day he finished second to Relentless in the Steward's Cup.

"And he has only carried 58kgs on one other occasion when he won this race back in March. But he is a champion and champions have a way of working around anything.

"In terms of dangers, I like Katak as a threat as he boasts great statistics fresh and wasn't too far from him in this race back in March."

Collin Fan from the Chinese team is with Bailey on Katak being the one to watch with early gate speed the key.

"Lim's Kosciuszko is still the best," said Fan.

"But Katak with early speed and from the next gate (12) to Lim's Kosciuszko will get the chance to follow him to the finish line."

Kew Lee Teng – who will call the race for the Chinese audience – gave punters another option with the Steven Burridge-trained Invincible Tycoon in her thoughts.

"I still believe Lim's Kosciuszko is unbeatable," said Kew.

"For value, I will look at Invincible Tycoon. He won last start over 1600m and will meet Lim's Kosciuszko for the first time".

Me? I love picking odds-on pops and I am on the 'Kosi' train until further notice.

However, I think the work Golden Monkey did late in the Lion City Cup suggests the 2022 Champion Three-Year-Old horse can give this a mighty shake.

The son of Star Turn won the Group 2 Stewards' Cup (1600m) in a canter – arguably his best win - and given that was his only start over the mile, watch out come 5pm on Saturday.