The new star of Singapore racing, Lim’s Saltoro, impressed his connections and supporters by winning the $400,000 Group 1 Singapore Derby (1800m) on Sunday.

This victory marked a historic moment for the renowned Lim’s Stable, known for their blue and yellow star silks that have dominated Group races in Singapore in recent years. Trainer Daniel Meagher and jockey Marc Lerner were also part of this achievement.

Lim’s Saltoro, a son of Shamexpress, completed a clean sweep of the three Group races for four-year-olds at Kranji. He previously won the Group 3 Silver Bowl (1400m) on June 9 and the Group 2 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on June 30.

Starting as the $10 favorite despite a wide barrier draw of 11, Lim’s Saltoro quickly took the lead under Lerner's guidance. Galaxy Bar (Tyler Schiller) and Aniki (Ruan Maia) followed, with Hole In One (Bernardo Pinheiro) joining the lead pack at the 900m mark after a wide start from barrier nine.

Bestseller (Vlad Duric) had a favorable position with cover, while jockey Manoel Nunes utilized gate one to settle Makin in midfield. The $24 second favorite, Lightning Strike (Hugh Bowman), was positioned at the rear.

As the race heated up turning for home, Lim’s Saltoro pulled ahead, holding off early challengers. Makin made a strong run on the rails at the 300m mark, but Lim’s Saltoro, urged on by Lerner, held firm to win by a head. Hole In One finished third, three-and-a-quarter lengths behind, with Bestseller a neck back in fourth.

Lim’s Saltoro completed the 1800m race in 1 minute 47.36 seconds. This Group 1 win, along with his eight other victories in 10 starts, brought his earnings close to $570,000 for his connections.

For Meagher, the win was especially significant as it was the final Singapore Derby. "I don’t think this win has sunk in yet," he said. Meagher had a successful day with three other wins: Sweet and Sour in the Golden Monkey 2023 Stakes, Always Together in the Hard Too Think 2021 Stakes, and Pacific Beauty in the Jupiter Gold 2018 Stakes.

“It was always going to be special to win the last Singapore Derby and be part of Singapore history," Meagher added. "But winning it for Mr. Lim is an honor. He’s won it three times before, but it meant a lot to him today, and that meant a lot to me."

Meagher praised Lerner for his strategic ride, saying, "Marc took the initiative from the wide gate, and it was a winning move early. When he found the fence, I knew we would be hard to beat."

Lerner, quick to commend Lim’s Saltoro and Meagher, said, "Lim’s Saltoro means a lot to me as I’ve ridden him from the beginning, and he’s not the easiest horse to deal with. To come this far in less than 12 months, credit goes to Daniel and his team."

Lerner added, "I rode the race to suit our horse and controlled it from the front. I knew Lim’s Saltoro is a fighter, and in the final 200m, he proved it by lifting and winning."

Extracted from STC

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