When fields for the Hong Kong International Races were released on Wednesday there were few connections more overjoyed than those of Singapore’s in-form Hong Kong Sprint hope Lim’s Kosciuszko, but that doesn’t mean they are just there to make up the numbers. 

Jockey Danny Beasley is bullish of a strong showing on Singapore’s sole runner at the meeting, although he warned that the sprinter’s size – or lack thereof – might surprise observers when he walks into the Sha Tin parade ring. 

“He is only little, people will look at him and give him no hope,” Beasley told Asian Racing Report. “When people first lay eyes on him they will be saying “wait, this is Singapore’s best sprinter?” He is a plain bay and tiny, but he does pump himself up under the saddle. He probably thinks he is bigger than he is though. Maybe it is because he gets some special treatment around the stable, he has started to think he is special; he has become a bit of a Mighty Mouse.” 

Beasley is a racing fanatic who keeps a close eye on Hong Kong form, and noted what does look a subpar-strength Sprint field, especially with last year’s winner Wellington under an injury cloud. 

“Wellington has an international rating of 120, but if he isn’t there the next highest rated runner is 116 (Sky Field),” Beasley said. “We are rated 112, so we are not far away.”

Lim’s Kosciuszko was an impressive Class 1 winner last weekend to extend his record to 11 wins from 14 starts and force his way into the field for the HK$24 million feature. 

The International meeting holds special significance for Beasley in more ways than one . The 47-year-old rides at his final Kranji meeting this weekend before returning to Australia to finish his career, making his Sha Tin stopover something of a farewell to Asian racing. 

There is also a certain synchronicity to Beasley’s Sha Tin swansong; in 1996 trainer Graeme Begg gave the then-apprentice a chance to ride Monopolize in trackwork before the horse won a second straight Hong Kong Bowl, the 1400m race that was the precursor to the Hong Kong Mile. 

“That was a big thrill for a kid from the country,” Beasley said. “The main thing I remember is just being star struck at all of the international jockeys that were there. Frankie Dettori was my idol at that time and that was the first time I saw him live. It was an unbelievable experience.” 

Then there is the fact Lim’s Kosciuszko is trained by his good friend Daniel Meagher and owned by key supporter Lim Siah-Mong, with whom the pair have won numerous feature races. 

“Win, lose or draw, this will be one of the biggest highlights of my career and something I won’t forget,” Beasley said. “Just being part of that story, and being so close with Daniel and the support of Mr Lim. To be able to travel with this horse, and do what both of them have done over the last two years, we want to repay that faith he has shown in us.”