Lim's Kosciuszko Prevails in EW Barker Thriller

Singapore’s champion racehorse Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) turned back a fierce challenge from rising star Lim’s Saltoro (NZ) (Shamexpress) to add another feature prize to his collection in Sunday’s S$150,000 EW Barker Trophy (1400m) at Kranji.

It was the eighth stakes win and 19th victory overall in a 25-start career for Lim’s Kosciuszko, who has earned more than S$2.6m in prize-money. He was passed in with a $75,000 reserve at Karaka 2019 and with a $60,000 reserve at the 2019 Ready to Run Sale. He was offered on both occasions by breeders Trelawney Stud.

The young challenger Lim’s Saltoro brought a perfect five-from-five record into Sunday’s big race, and he set the pace as Lim’s Kosciuszko and jockey Marc Lerner took up a position in second on his outside.

Soon after rounding the home turn, Lim’s Kosciuszko cruised up alongside the leader and threw down the gauntlet. Lim’s Saltoro rose to meet the challenge and fought back for all he was worth, but Lim’s Kosciuszko’s champion qualities shone through and he gradually edged ahead.

At the end of an epic duel down the home straight, Lim’s Kosciuszko defeated Lim’s Saltoro by a short head. The third placegetter, top-class galloper Golden Monkey (Star Turn), finished more than two lengths behind the first pair.

Lim’s Kosciuszko’s earnings are more than 34 times his reserve at Karaka 2019, and more than 43 times his reserve at the Ready to Run Sale.