Kosciuszko's Australian Debut

Meagher says two-time Singapore Horse of the Year is ready for restart, but is also older

- Michael Lee

Seven months after bidding farewell to Singapore, Lim's Kosciuszko is finally making his much-awaited Australian debut.

The undisputed King of Kranji in the last three seasons will contest the A$175,000 (S$147,000) Listed Straight Six (1,200m) at Flemington on May 17 at 12.50pm Singapore time.

On his glowing resume of 22 wins, including 10 at Group 1 level, the Kermadec seven-year-old is by far the most credentialled runner in the 16-horse field.

None of his rivals are Melbourne A-listers, although five boast six Group 3 and five Listed wins among them.

The Hayes' Crosshaven is probably the better horse with three Group 3 wins to his name and even a fourth to Ole Kirk in the 2020 Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.

But this is anything but easy kill for Singapore's most famous horse since Rocket Man.

A switch in jurisdiction does not equate to a simple lateral transfer of formline. Simply put, he is now a big fish in a small pond.

A first indicator is the Australian handicappers' downgrade of his lofty Singapore rating from 122 down to 108.

With not that many horses having raced in both countries, it is more of a guestimate hinged around both arbitrary and justified factors.