Goodwood aspirations for Singapore stars

Trainer Dan Meagher is eyeing a high-stakes Australian debut for his Singapore champions Lim’s Kosciuszko and Lim’s Saltoro.

The decorated duo—who share 12 Group 1 titles between them—have recently relocated to Meagher’s base at Pakenham.

Their first test on Australian soil will be a trial at Caulfield this Thursday, which will help determine if they line up for next month’s $1 million Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville.

Despite their success, both horses will be treated as Listed-level runners under Australian racing classifications, likely carrying between 55kg and 56kg.

Meagher acknowledges the uncertainty ahead but sees a silver lining in the weight scale.

“I spoke to the handicapper and it was quite interesting – I know it’s Singapore form but Lim’s Kosciuszko did race internationally and he had an international rating but it looks like he’ll carry around 55.5kg, which isn’t too bad for a horse that’s won $4 million,” he told Racing.com.

“He’s won 10 Group 1 races in Singapore but they are classed as Listed races here, so I think he gets in really well.

“Lim’s Saltoro is a multiple Group 1 winner in Singapore as well but again, they are classed differently here so I think he gets in with about 55kg.”

Lim’s Kosciuszko, a seasoned seven-year-old with 10 Group 1 wins from 1200m to 2000m, faces natural questions of age.

Meanwhile, five-year-old Lim’s Saltoro is still on the rise and seen as a promising force for the future.