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Broadcasters all on board the ‘Kosi’ train in Lion City Cup

3 minute read

None on the Singapore Turf Club broadcast team tipped against the champion galloper, Lim’s Kosciuszko, as he eyes a third consecutive win in the $300,000 Group 1 Lion City Cup (1200m) on Sunday.

LIM'S KOSCIUSZKO winning the TROPAIOS 2013 STAKES CLASS 1
LIM'S KOSCIUSZKO winning the TROPAIOS 2013 STAKES CLASS 1 Picture: Singapore Turf Club

The 2022 and 2023 Singapore Horse of the Year has been undefeated at three starts this year and looks untouchable at the weight-for-age conditions in the domestic sprint race.

While Sunday's feature race looks like a 'rinse and repeat' of the last two editions of the Lion City Cup, it will, however, hold a special significance for Ethan Mills, who will call his first Group 1 race on Sunday.

"It will be an amazing privilege to be calling a Group 1 (race) in Singapore," said the young Australian race caller.

"To get this incredible opportunity at age 21, I must thank the Singapore Turf Cub and especially Scott Bailey, whom I have worked with closely from the start.

"I think it will be Lim's Kosciuszko who I will be calling first over the line. The champ is undefeated this year and looks like he's going as good as ever.

"He will get a beautiful run from barrier five; slot across and find cover and should make it three straight (wins).

"My roughie is Pacific Vampire . I know he's been disappointing in his last couple of runs but 1200m is his best trip. If he's able to relax early, he could be in front a long way at odds. Could he pinch it?"

The man that has mentored Mills, agreed with both the winner and the danger.

"It's hard to go past Lim's Kosciuszko  in what will hopefully be his third consecutive Lion City Cup (win)," said Bailey, who called the race in 2022.

"He drew perfectly (in barrier five) to get a spot either outside the leader or one pair back with cover. He has an amazing stats too and amongst his others, he's unbeaten in eight starts on the Short Course over 1200m.

"Horses for courses and I just love to see him turn up on race day and do his thing.

 "Hard to really find a roughie on form and ratings I believe but those at the top will figure in the finish. If Pacific Vampire gets a soft lead, I think he will be capable of finishing in the top four.

"I've been in his (Pacific Vampire) corner saying he's more of a Lion City Cup-style runner and so I hope for him to run well. He just needs to settle."

Popular media tipster, Suresh Ragavan, also thought the favourite wins and there will be value for Pacific Vampire.

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

"Back from a short break, he looks set for a first-up sprint win.

"There are plenty of dangers, Golden Monkey, Ghalib and Ace Of Diamonds, but if Pacific Vampire is left alone out front, he will set a strong tempo and could steal this race."

Kew Lee Teng will be calling the action for the Chinese audience and just like the two previous years, she thought she will be calling Lim's Kosciuszko the winner.

"I think we will see Lim's Kosciuszko defend his title," said Kew.

"And make a little bit of history with three consecutive Lion City Cups. Only Rocket Man has won more (four wins from 2009 to 2012).

"Golden Monkey  is the second best horse in the race and should run second again."

Raymond Yong also reckoned the two best horses in the race will fight out the finish.

"Lim's Kosciuszko to win, but you have to respect Golden Monkey," said the bilingual presenter.

"He (Golden Monkey) improves every time we see him in this race and (visiting jockey) Chad Schofield is back to ride him."

Collin Fan stays on the 'Kosi' bandwagon but thought a couple of three-year-olds could provide value in exotics.

"Lim's Kosciuszko will defend his title," said a succinct Fan.

"But I think two three-year-olds in Ace Of Diamonds and Greatham Boy can pressure Lim's Kosciuszko and should run well."

I have stayed with the mighty Lim's Kosciuszko; why jump off now?

But with so much early speed in the race, and assuming the tempo stays strong throughout, Golden Monkey will get his chance.

He ran third in 2022, second in 2023, so expect him to be very strong late in what I think could be a very close finish in the last Lion City Cup.


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