Lim's Kosciuszko warms up for Derby

Luke Middlebrook

Singapore racing continues on Sunday with the running of the Grade 2 Stewards’ Cup over 1600m, the lead up race for next month’s Singapore Derby for the four-year-olds.

That race sees star four-year-old Lim's Kosciuszko primed to claim his first Graded victory for trainer Daniel Meagher. Lim's Kosciuszko has undoubtedly asserted himself as the best four-year-old this season by posting an impressive record of eight wins and one placing from 10 starts.

The only occasion on which he missed the frame was last time in the $1m Grade 1 Kranji Mile. However, his 10th place finish was much better than it reads as he stalked the speed off a frantic tempo and was entitled to weaken in the straight, beaten 4.50 lengths over this distance.

Standing out as the highest-rated horse (101) under the set-weights conditions, it’s Lim's Kosciuszko’s race to lose. His main danger, Tiger Roar, enters this race off a facile first-up win in Class 3 after a lengthy spell, and seemingly still has points in hand off his current mark of 83. Both horses boasting different racing patterns – Lim's Kosciuszko goes forward and Tiger Roar settles back – it ensures a spine-tingling contest as the four-year-olds set sights on next month’s Singapore Derby.

Elsewhere, Stephen Gray has called upon the famous Vlad Duric drive to get five-year-old Commodore across the line for a first career win in the Maiden (1200m) on the Polytrack. Commodore has been placed at all three starts and he put the writing on the wall when first-up three weeks ago when narrowly beaten.

Commodore won't find many better opportunities to shed his maiden tag in, with the majority of his opposition needing big improvement.

Meanwhile, trainer Tim Fitzsimmons (30 wins) boasts a four-win lead over Donna Logan (26 wins). Manoel Nunes (58 wins) is side-lined for a while through injury but boasts a 34-win lead over Oscar Chavez (24 wins) who gets his chance to etch into the absent Nunes’ lead.

BEST BET

Race 10 No 1 Lim's Kosciuszko

VALUE BET

Race 11 No 4 My Dreamliner

JACKPOT

R72

Leg 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Leg 2: 2

Leg 3: 1, 2

Leg 4: 3, 4, 7

SINGAPORE RACE ANALYSIS – 26 June 22

RACE 1

1st Pick: FAST AND FEARLESS (3)

Held on for a minor placing last start after doing plenty wrong in the race including laying out from the 700m. Stable is flying in recent weeks and an improved run looks on the cards.

2nd Pick: GOOD CATCH (8)

Showed plenty of tow to lead up last start and just beaten by the better horse on the day. That winner has since backed up and won again so brings strong form to this field. Watch any market support.

3rd Pick: SAMURAI EXPRESS (7)

Had the run of the race last start from the draw and capitalized with a nice win and well deserved after some solid pre performances. Winning form is good form for this race.

4th Pick: ARION PASSION (2)

Has been disappointing since dropping down to this grade but he is going to win one of these races very soon so keep watching him.

RACE 2

1st Pick: CHARMINTON (1)

Contested at class four level for his debut Singapore run and didn’t disappoint. Came from midfield and hit the line strongly for a strong second placing. The drop back to maiden class company a big plus. Draws the inside barrier.

2nd Pick: TRIDENT (2)

The logan stable has a strong hand in this race and this guy has caught the eye in his trial leading up to this. Ran a time of 62.24 winning by two lengths. Deep Field progeny flying and watch any market support.

3rd Pick: SOUSUI (7)

Rider questioned after his eye catching third on debut. Ran the third fastest sectional time of the race and being by Tavistock he will appreciate more racing and a rise in distance in time. Big player.

4th Pick: DRAGON TYCOON (3)

Has some minor placings to his name and that first career win isn’t too far away. Did catch the eye behind Deception last start running home in a slick 22.39 over the same distance. Don’t dismiss lightly.

RACE 3

1st Pick: CAPTAIN LEGACY (2)

Blinkers on first time for this weekends race. Stable has had a couple winners in the last couple weeks and are really starting to hit their straps, big chance here.

2nd Pick: TESORO PIRATA (4)

Caught the eye at track work during the week. Despite having not won since his maiden win in March, he looks to have found himself a nice race.

3rd Pick: SUN ELIZABETH (11)

Despite getting on now in her career, she always runs an honest enough race. 1200m looks her ideal distance to find some of her best form.

4th Pick: GALAXY STAR (1)

Four kilogram claimer engaged and at the weight alone, must be considered here. Last start second behind Buuraq was a solid run, beaten less than a length.

RACE 4

1st Pick: GLOBAL KID (5)

Rarely puts in a shocker does this former son of Global Hunter. Beaten by a small margin his last two starts despite racing wide for a god chunk of both races. Steps back to a mile but looks the consistent galloper.

2nd Pick: REAL SUCCESS (1)

Has to lug the 59kg and it was evident that he really felt the weight towards the end of last race. It will be a very tactical ride to see him win being at the top of the weight scale, but its certainly possible so he’s a must include.

3rd Pick: MELODY FAIR (7)

Finally broke through for a deserved maiden win las time to the track. Should come on from that win well but obviously, maiden to class 4 is quite class jump.

4th Pick: LAKSANA (10)

Last couple starts have been won down in class 5. Steps up into class 4 with no weight on it’s back and good winning form so a solid run wouldn’t surprise. Place hope.

RACE 5

1st Pick: COMMODORE (1)

Impressive return after a lengthy break between runs. He copped a hard bump out of the barriers and lost a shoe in the run. Should improve sharply second up and looks the one.

2nd Pick: FIGHTING HERO (4)

Dropping back to maiden class after an honest third at class 5 level. Should be nice and handy in the run and is knocking on the door to win one very soon.

3rd Pick: RAHOTU (2)

Speedy galloper who has shown plenty of ability in his trials but hasn’t had a lot go right in races in recent runs. Keeping him safe as a big performance wouldn’t be a shock.

4th Pick: IBEX (3)

Two starts ago ran a strong second in Open Maiden grade. Comes into this first up and gets gun jockey Pinheiro in the saddle. Watch any market support.

RACE 6

1st Pick: FATE TO WIN (6)

Trackwork has been solid for this horse leading up to this weekends race. Stable going well, expecting a forward performance.

2nd Pick: LEMON SQUASH (3)

Looks the likely leader in this field. Stuck on well getting a suitable tempo and an easy lead last start. Look for him to be the one they are chasing again at the turn.

3rd Pick: FOOTSTEPSONTHECAR (7)

Yet to win over the 2000m trip but has run a drum on two of the three attempts. Happy to respect as a top three chance.

4th Pick: DIAMOND MINE (2)

Drawn wide this weekend. Usually contends for the lead, but wouldn’t be surprised to see him ridden cold this weekend and saved for one final effort.

RACE 7

1st Pick: ATLANTEAN (4)

Bounced back to winning form last start with an impressive win in this grade. Can surprise from time to time and a repeat performance in this moderate field sees him as a big danger.

2nd Pick: EASTIGER (2)

Consistent at his last few starts. Gets his chance to get another career win in this field. All three of his wins have come over this course and distance so conditions suit today.

3rd Pick: EUNOS AVE THREE (1)

Only a one-time winner in his career and tops the ratings of this second division. With a nice run-in transit, he could be a top three contender on his best form.

4th Pick: MY BOSS (5)

Last start he finished just under three lengths behind Atlantean and copped some interference mid race. With a smoother run in the race, he can be hitting the line strongly.

RACE 8

1st Pick: STENMARK (4)

Winner of his last two and looks to have turned the corner in regard to his race day manners. Hopefully can continue putting his best foot forward.

2nd Pick: SATURNO SPRING (8)

Few quiet trials in preparation for his first up return to the races. Running home behind some smart ones towards the end of last year, keep very safe.

3rd Pick: SO HI CLASS (2)

Early bumping knocked this son of Dark Angel out of contention last start. Recent runs have shown he is still very competitive at this grade and must be considered for exotic plays.

4th Pick: IRONCHAMP (6)

From a speed map perspective, he looks the likely leader in the race. With the three kg claimer engaged, they could roll along and skip away at the turn and run a solid race so just beware.

RACE 9

1st Pick: MAGNIFIQUE (4)

Since he made his class five debut, he has been catching the eye and at decent odds too. Should show plenty of speed and his best career stats have come at this distance. Big watch.

2nd Pick: FLAK JACKET (3)

Veteran galloper who has missed the kick at his last couple of starts. Has been costly in doing so as he has been flying home and missing out. A smooth break away sees him right in this.

3rd Pick: OUR SECRET WEAPON (5)

He was knocking on the door to win one before his last start after having plenty of bad luck in previous runs. Back-to-back wins wouldn’t be a shock but this a slightly tougher field.

4th Pick: BIZAR WINS (1)

Drops back to class five where his last victory came back in February. Bayliss takes the ride and should suit his style. Will be up there early in the race.

RACE 10

1st Pick: TIGER ROAR (2)

Kicked off 2022 campaign in style with an impressive win over 1200m. Steps up to the mile here second up and not only does he look the likely favorite, but he also looks very hard to beat as well.

2nd Pick: LIM'S KOSCIUSZKO (1)

Recent trial suggests he’s come through the Kranji Mile well. Should find spot just off the leader (possibly Red Ocean) and be chiming in at the right time.

3rd Pick: RELENTLESS (4)

Far from disgraced behind Circuit Mission beaten a length. Former champion jockey Vlad Duric booked to ride; the market should tell us a lot about his chances so watch late moves.

4th Pick: SUPER IMPACT (10)

Needed the run last start but seems to have finally started turning the corner in his trackwork. Expecting a much better performance from him this weekend with the race day experience under his belt.

RACE 11

1st Pick: WIN WIN (3)

Solid winner las time to the race and has trailed solidly in between. Trainer/Jockey combination and connections are flying at the moment and must be respected whenever they step out.

2nd Pick: FIRST BOWL (5)

Drawn out wide for this weekend but has been racing well and gets out over a bit more ground again. 1000m may have been a little too sharp for him last start, respect.

3rd Pick: ROYAL COMMANDER (10)

Last start was wide without cover and beaten only two lengths when formerly known at as Universal Empire. Watch for market support late in betting.

4th Pick: SURFIE BOY (7)

Headhunter form line looks strong here for this weekend’s race. Made good ground off a hot tempo and should get plenty of speed here once again, a must include.