Singapore Champion Lim's Cruiser Breaks Three Year Drought

Mark Smith - Friday January 7

A 1-2-3-4 finish for leading trainer Scot Brunton in the Listed Tasmanian Stakes (1600m) at Hobart on Friday, but it was the outsider of the quartet Lim's Cruiser who returned to the winner's circle for the first time in 163 weeks.

The 9yo son of Casino Prince was a star performer in Singapore, where he won the 2019 Lion City Cup and Kranji Stakes.

He was campaigned in Europe, finishing seventh behind Blue Point in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot before bowing a tendon when sixth behind Ten Sovereigns in the Group 1 Darley July Cup.

Advertisement
After one and half years of rest, Lim's Cruiser was sent to Brunton, where he had his 8th start.

With Brendon McCoull in the saddle, Lim's Cruiser defeated the odd=on favourite The Inevitable by a neck. The son of Dundeel made a long run from the tail of the field and may have peaked in the final 100m.

It was three-quarters of a length back to Mandela Effect (Turffontein) with Brinktop Lad (Wordsmith in fourth).

Part owner Yasmin Maskiell recounted how the former world traveller ended up in Tasmania.

"There are a lot of people to thank why this horse is here, Maskiell said.

"First and foremost Mick Dittman, a long time friend, who is the manager for Mr Lim, the largest owner in Singapore.

The horse is a multiple Group 1 winner and Singapore Horse Of The Year. He raced in Hong Kong and England, where he, unfortunately, bowed a tendon.

"They tried to rehab him back in Singapore and couldn't get him back to the races.

"Great friends Steve and Bridget Grey they trained him, and they will be absolutely ecstatic watching from New Zealand. They helped us a lot with him. So, between Mick, Mr Lim and Steve and Bridget, we got the opportunity to come here in the beach environment, and there is nothing better for horses to rejuvenate.

"We owe a tremendous thanks to Scott Brunton, Tegan and the team at the beach because they have gone above and beyond to get this result."

Bred by Patinack Farm, Lim's Cruiser was a $17,000 Magic Millions Yearling that was purchased by Mick Dittman for $100,000 from the Heinrich Bloodstock Dispersal at the 2015 Gold Coast National Racehorse Sale.

The son of Casino Prince is the second of three foals left by the unraced Good Journey mare Hope Downs a daughter of the South African champion Battle Maiden (Goldkeeper).

Lim's Cruiser is one of 22 black-type winners for the veteran Casino Prince. The son of Flying Spur continues to provide yeoman service, covering 68 mares at his 14th season at Vinery Stud last spring at a fee of $5,500.  

Casino Prince

 

 

Advertisment

Race Result - Kevin Sharkie Tasmanian Stakes LR 1600m

Hobart Track: Good(4) Time: 1:38.03
1
Lim's Cruiser
- 9g Casino Prince (AUS) x Hope Downs (AUS) (Good Journey (USA))
Tnr: Scott Brunton Rdr: B Mc Coull 59
Casino Prince
2
0.2
The Inevitable
- 6g Dundeel (NZ) x Gift Bouquet (AUS) (King's High (AUS))
Tnr: Scott Brunton Rdr: Sigrid Carr 59
3
1.0
Mandela Effect
- 7g Turffontein (AUS) x Morell (AUS) (West Quest (CAN))
Tnr: Scott Brunton Rdr: B Mc Dougall 59
4
2.2
Brinktop Lad
- 5g Wordsmith (AUS) x Brinktop (AUS) (Savoire Vivre (GB))
Tnr: Scott Brunton Rdr: D Pires 59
5
2.9
Dark Wanderer
- 6g Arlington (AUS) x Royal Poser (AUS) (Benicio (AUS))
Tnr: Sarah Cotton Rdr: B Muhcu 59
6
3.3
Blaze Forth
- 9g Court Command (AUS) x Certain Blaze (AUS) (Blazing Saddles (AUS))
Tnr: J K Blacker Rdr: Codi Jordan 59
7
3.8
Captain Cook
- 9g Dubawi (IRE) x Canda (USA) (Storm Cat (USA))
Tnr: C N Goggin & Luella Meaburn Rdr: A Darmanin 59
8
4.6
Amaword
- 8g Wordsmith (AUS) x Amarlia (AUS) (Jeune (GB))
Tnr: Tegan Keys Rdr: Georgie Catania 59
9
6.6
Videmanette
- 5m Al Maher (AUS) x Perfect Finish (AUS) (Strategic (AUS))
Tnr: Scott Brunton Rdr: Simon Miller 57
More Reading...
Winning Double for Kiltannon Stables
Elson Boy continued his stunning run of form at the weekend to set up a winning offshore double for Kiltannon Stables.
Star Ambition Rounds Out a Successful Weekend for Star Turn's Babies
Star Ambition is a clone of his sire Star Turn and looked more like a stallion letting down for the season than a 2-year-old making his career debut over 1000m at the Sunshine Coast.
G1 2YOs What Do We Make of Them?
The running of the Group I BRC JJ Atkins at Eagle Farm on Saturday brought to an end G1 juvenile racing in Australia for this season, but the Group I designator only tells part of the story for two year-old racing in this country which has become ever more lucrative if you have the right horse that can jump and run.
French Oaks Winner for Kingman
The Group I Prix de Diane (2100m) was run at Chantilly overnight and a blanket finish saw Kingman filly Sparkling Plenty snatch victory on the line and she is entered for the Goffs London Sale this week.
Blueblood Filly Bolts In for Emirates Park
A $1.7million Inglis Easter purchase for Emirates Park, Snitzel filly Estijaab won the 2018 Golden Slipper for Emirates Park before embarking on a stud career in the Northern Hemisphere and her first born Frankel filly Ejaabiyah is making good progress in the UK and scored an impressive win overnight at Salisbury.
Newgate Sires Fire Up at Sha Tin
A favourite with Hong Kong trainers, Capitalist posted a winning double at Sha Tin on Saturday and not to be outdone Russian Revolution also featured with a smart winner of his own.
One to Watch – Moe
The Inglis Great Southern Sale is done and dusted for this year, but a weanling filly that was bought from the sale in 2022 for $100,000 caught our eye on Sunday for both her pedigree and her talent.
Sires With Winners - Sunday June 16
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Casino Prince's Lim's Cruiser Triumphs in an Epic Mowbray Stakes
The well-travelled Lim's Cruiser stuck his nose out where it mattered most in a thrilling finish to Wednesday’s Listed Steve's Liquor Mowbray Stakes (1600m) at Launceston.
Smart Debut Winner for Exceedance
Vinery Stud sires have been on fire over the last few days with young gun Exceedance producing Sydney metro winner on Saturday in Swift Falcon and on Monday he produced a stylish debut winner at Muswellbrook in the shape of Etude.