The narrow win gave jockey Marc Lerner a cause for a double celebration as the Frenchman brought up his 200th win in Singapore in the best possible way.
Yet, it was all about champion galloper Lim's Kosciuszko, who defied EW Barker Trophy's history to win with a back-breaking load of 59kgs and also gave the previously undefeated Lim's Saltoro eight-and-a-half kilos in the race.
On jumping, Lim's Kosciuszko crossed from barrier eight to race on the pace set by Lim's Saltoro (Bruno Queiroz), who jumped beautifully from barrier six.
While $12 favourite Lim's Kosciuszko worked punching the breeze on his stablemate's flank, jockey Chad Schofield made sure $13 second favourite, Golden Monkey followed his every move.
On turning for home, Lim's Kosciuszko was quick to head Lim's Saltoro and while the likes of Golden Monkey, Street of Dreams (Ronnie Stewart) and Bestseller (Carlos Henrique) were all close enough to have a say, it was a two-horse race a long way from home.
At the 250m, Lim's Saltoro kicked back to throw down a serious challenge to the soon to be two-time Singapore Horse of the Year and from the furlong post, it was a ding-dong battle to the wire.
In the end, Lim's Kosciuszko just pipped Lim's Saltoro by a short head while Golden Monkey ran another two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third. Bestseller ran another nose way in fourth.
For the record, the winning time was 1 min 21.03secs for the 1400m on the Short Course and Lim's Kosciuszko 19th win from 23 starts took his prizemoney to over $2.6 million for the Lim's Stable.
Lerner revealed it was nowhere near smooth sailing throughout, but the six-year-old son of Kermadec was special.
"Everything didn't go to plan," said Lerner, who now boasts six Singapore Group wins.
"We always wanted to get across, but the horse was on the bit the whole way. Then, he came back underneath me and just relaxed.
"At the top of the straight, I didn't want him to go that early but when he felt the horses coming on his outside, he just went for it.
"That made his win even better because if he got the sit and just waited until the 200m and come out, he would have won by a good margin.
"That's a good win but the main one (Group 1 Kranji Mile over 1600m on 18 May) is in four weeks now and it's just exciting for them."
Of the fight to the wire with the previously unbeaten Lim's Saltoro, Lerner was praised both gallopers.
"He (Lim's Kosciuszko) just has this will to win," he explained.
"I think that's his 19th or 20th win here. He knows where the line is.
"But the horse on the inside (Lim's Saltoro) is a super horse and he pushed him the whole way.
"I think he will be very close to (Lim's) Kosciuszko after he puts everything together. I'm very happy both of them ran good and happy that we won."
Of his milestone, Lerner was grateful that the win was on such an auspicious occasion.
"I'm super happy to win my 200th on Lim's Kosciuszko in a Group race," said the hoop, who scored his first win aboard Moritz Eclipse for trainer Steven Burridge in November 2018.
"And it is very special to win for (owner) Mr Lim (Siah Mong) and Daniel.
"I was only supposed to ride here (Singapore) for six months when I first came, so I have to thank all the owners and trainers who have supported me.
"I have ridden for most stables but special mention to Steven, who gave me my first winner and (ex-Kranji trainer) Hideyuki (Takaoka), (trainers) Tim (Fitzsimmons), Stephen (Gray) and now Daniel."
Meagher was again in awe of what his 'little horse' was capable of and was justifiably proud of the runner-up.
"It wasn't far away from his (Lim's Kosciuszko) best win," said Meagher, whose father and ex-Kranji-trainer John won the EW Barker Trophy back-to-back in 2004 and 2005 with Exaggerate and Recast respectively.
"He's the only horse to carry 59kgs and win in the (EW) Barker's history. That's something. He keeps re-writing history.
"I know I got some funny looks when I nominated Lim's Saltoro (x Shamexpress), but I knew how good he was.
"He's still learning and didn't give up today. I said this could make him as a horse and I think it should have done just that today.
"He (Lim's Saltoro) could be heir to the 'Kosi' throne on that effort.
"But credit to the team. Marc rides (Lim's) Saltoro everyday and everyone in the stable did a terrific job. I expected a lot but they (staff) also delivered.
"I'm so proud of everyone and so happy for Mr Lim, who put so much into this game."
