LIM’S KOSCIUSZKO IS BACK, NO SWEAT ON POLY TRACK

After dismal HK outing, Meagher’s star romps home in Group 3 Merlion Trophy

Any queries about Lim’s Kosciuszko’s ability to score first-up in the 110,000 Group 3 Merlion Trophy 1,200m) were answered in no uncertain terms by yet another pulsating win on Saturday.

The smart sprinter-miler’s disappointing turn in Hong Kong in December brought back that sinking feeling our best horses may reign supreme at home but cannot hold a candle to their overseas counterparts, with Rocket Man the only exception to the rule.

Even trainer Daniel Meagher echoed that hard truth when he summed up the failure by declaring his charge was not good enough on the world stage”.

Lim’s Kosciuszko’s quarantine glitches on the return leg rubbed more salt into the wound.

Opinions were divided on whether a crushing defeat in alien territory would leave scars or the swagger would return on home soil.

But when Meagher chose a Polytrack feature as his first-up race, experts could add another chink in the armour to the narrative.

At his previous 14 starts, the son of Kermadec raced only on turf for a stellar record of wins, including two at Group 1 level.

However, the doubters were silenced pretty much from barrier rise.