After clinching victory in Singapore’s premier sprint race in 2022 and 2023, Lim’s Kosciuszko aims to make history with a third win in the $300,000 Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) on Sunday.

Rocket Man, Singapore's legendary and world-renowned galloper, is the only horse to have won the Lion City Cup four times consecutively from 2009 to 2012. Sadly, this will be the final running of this iconic race, as racing in Singapore is set to end after the Grand Singapore Gold Cup meeting on October 5, preventing Lim’s Kosciuszko from matching Rocket Man's record.

Lim’s Kosciuszko, named Singapore Horse of the Year in both 2022 and 2023, has proven himself as more than just a sprinter, with six additional Group 1 wins at distances from 1600m to 2000m. Now, the six-year-old son of Kermadec can further solidify his legacy as Singapore’s greatest racehorse with a win on Sunday.

His trainer announced that the Lion City Cup is just the beginning of a four-race campaign, culminating in a bid for back-to-back Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup (2000m) victories on October 5.

“We’ve prepared him for this race,” the young Australian trainer stated on Tuesday. “But we have to consider his upcoming run in the (Group 1) Raffles Cup (1600m) in two weeks, so this can’t be too taxing.”

Following the Lion City Cup, Lim’s Kosciuszko will compete in the (Group 1) QEII Cup over 1800m on September 7 before the final race. “He’s fit and ready for this race, and I was pleased with his recent trial (second place in trial no 2 on July 18). It was just a tune-up, and he performed as expected.”

“We have to respect contenders like Golden Monkey and Ace Of Diamonds, but ‘Kosi’ is the standout horse. He’s the favorite, and it’s his race to lose.”

Meagher, reflecting on his recent success with Lim’s Saltoro in the Singapore Derby, is aware of the significance of winning the last Lion City Cup. “Winning on Sunday would be historic. It’s the final running of the race, and like the Singapore Derby, I want to see Marc Lerner’s and Mr. Lim’s names on the trophy. It’s a team effort, and with only a few months left, emotions are high.”

Meagher continued, “It would be special for Lim’s Kosciuszko to win three Lion City Cups. While Rocket Man’s achievements are incredible, it’s also impressive for my horse to win up to 2000m at Group 1 level. I’m honored to be part of Lim’s Kosciuszko’s journey.”

Regarding Lim’s Saltoro’s Singapore Derby win, Meagher reported that the horse recovered well. “He felt the race but will take a few days off before preparing for the Raffles Cup. I had a quiet celebration with Marc and Tyler Schiller and focused on the work ahead.”

“We’re preparing for the Lion City Cup, and I believe Lim’s Bighorn will perform well in the Class 4 race ($50,000 Zac Spirit 2014 Stakes over 1200m). I might have over-prepared him for the Singapore Guineas, but I think he’s a sprinter, and returning to 1200m in Class 4 should bring good results.”

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