Singapore champion Lim’s Kosciuszko will remain in Melbourne this weekend, skipping the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) due to the high cost and difficulty of flying solo to Brisbane.

Trainer Dan Meagher had hoped to showcase the star gelding at Eagle Farm, but instead he’ll contest the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1400m) at Sandown on Saturday.

“He needed that race to stimulate him,” Meagher said of his third-place finish in the Listed Straight Six (1200m) last month.

“He hadn’t done anything for seven months… since then he has been outstanding.”

Lim’s Kosciuszko will carry 63kg with 2kg claiming apprentice Ryan Houston aboard, after Tom Prebble was unavailable.

Saturday’s race is part of the VRC-CRV Winter Championship Series, with Meagher targeting the July 5 final at Flemington.

Stablemate Lim’s Ida also lines up, looking to bounce back from a last-place finish at Caulfield.

“I want him to get back into a little bit of form,” Meagher said.