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.

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.

Advertisement

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...
Kiwi stayer Mark Twain on Comeback Trail
One-time Melbourne Cup fancy Mark Twain will make his first public appearance for more than 12 months when the Roger James and Robert Wellwood-trained gelding has an exhibition gallop at Te Rapa on Saturday.
Inglis Digital Now Online - G1 Winner Velocious the Star
The G1-winning Champion 2YO Velocious (Written Tycoon) has been joined by a host of outstanding racing and breeding prospects in a tantalising Inglis Digital July (Late) Online Sale catalogue.
Breeding To Win – Crystal Ball – New Season 3YOs to Follow
Who are we highlighting this week? - Analysis of the G1 winning 3YO’s for this season has made us realise how many horses on this list took giant strides from two to three, so we are looking into the crystal ball to find some juveniles we believe could end next season as G1 performers if not G1 winners.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Spring was in the air at the Warwick Farm trials with some of the big banger older stars in action and some exciting rising three year-olds that include a filly that has potential superstar written all over her.
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.
Lookalike Star Turn Colt Franks Hot Form Race
When Angel Ladder won the first race at Geelong coming out of the VRC Next Gen Series Sprinters Final won by Jimmy Recard, you would think punters would have looked closely at Redders in the following event coming out of the same race, but he slipped under their guard.
Hello Youmzain Filly Chasing Another Stakes Win
The Lisa Latta-trained pair of Platinum Diamond and Brutiful Lass will bid to end their juvenile season in perfect fashion at Otaki on Saturday when they tackle the Listed Phils Electrical & Gipsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m).
Sires With Winners - Friday July 25
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
St Mark’s Basilica Filly Impressive at Ascot
Due back at Coolmore Australia this spring, St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) had an impressive new winner overnight at Ascot in the UK where Princess Petrol stormed to victory.
Expensive North Pacific Salutes at Geelong
The highest priced yearling for first season sire North Pacific, promising two year-old filly Angel Ladder opened her account with a tenacious win at Geelong on Friday.