Lim’s Kosciuszko chases overdue Australian victory in the Standish Handicap | Just horse racing

Dan Meagher-trained Lim’s Kosciuszko gets the chance to add a very satisfying victory to his CV when he takes on ten rivals in the Group 3 Standish Handicap over 1200 meters at Flemington on Saturday.

The former all-time star of Singapore racing moved to Australia with his trainer when racing in that racing area was halted… and the multiple Group 1 winner has been on a mission ever since to add that Australian win to his record.

The now eight-year-old son of Kermadec has raced five times since moving and settling into his Pakenham training base… with a third place in the Listed Straight Six at Flemington, just half a length behind the winner Title Fighter, and a fourth place in the Listed Doveton Stakes, then again less than half a length behind the winner Avitress, which are Lim’s Kosciuszko’s best results to date.

But the best benchmark on which to weigh his chances on Saturday was undoubtedly an unplaced run… namely in his last start, the $1 million Supernova over 1400 meters at Pakenham, where he clashed with horses of the caliber of Warnie and Private Eye, real quality performers in their own right who filled the first two places.

Lim’s Kosciuszko finished seventh there, but was only 2.81 lengths away from the result.

It was a solid run.

In the Standish, Lim’s Kosciuszko significantly meets Doveton winner Aviatress, who is 3kg better off in the weights. Avitress is the second favorite for the Standish at $4.20, behind Hedged, which has the top price of $3.50.

Lim’s Kosciuszko… well, if he gets his first win in Australia here, he’ll do so with good odds.

He currently has a $12 chance.

*Existing customers only. 2nd race bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Responsible gambling.