Lim’s Cruiser has kicked-off his latest campaign with a stunning victory in the Group 3 Rocket Man Sprint (1200m) in Singapore.
The Casino Prince gelding unleashed a brilliant finishing burst to lead home a Vinery-sired quinella from Cavallo (Testa Rossa) on Sunday. Jockey Danny Beasley weaved through traffic in the final furlong to score by a head.
Lim’s Cruiser was last seen winning the Group 2 E W Barker Trophy (1400m) in November. “The idea was to ride him quiet and pray for a bit of luck,” trainer Stephen Gray explained. “Danny was patient and got the run through.
“He’s a bit special this horse. He could get a mile so we will set him for Singapore 4YO Challenge.”
The Rocket Man prizemoney sent Lim’s Cruiser’s earnings to the equivalent of AUD 403,000 from 5 wins in 8 starts. Lim Stable manager Mick Dittman purchased him for $100,000 on behalf of owner Lim Siah Mong at the 2015 Magic Millions National Racehorse Sale.
His dam Hope Downs (Good Journey) is an unraced daughter of South African Group 1 winning mare Battle Maiden.
Beasley was aboard for the first time when regular rider Vlad Duric couldn’t get down to 52kg. “I said to Mick that I can’t remember going to the line as fast in the last 100 metres! This will get his fitness level up and he will keep improving.”
Casino Prince sired a double at Kranji on Sunday after Clermont Club scored a front-running victory for Te Akau Racing Stable. His dam Razzle (Zabeel) is a half-sister to Quorum who topped the NZ 1999 Free Hcp before transferring to Singapore where he broke the Kranji 1200m track record.
