3 minute read

Talented three-year-old Nova Swiss faces his stiffest test this evening, but still appears well placed to take out the Group 2 Merlion Trophy.

Due to contest the ninth event, Nova Swiss is unbeaten in five starts in Singapore and has continued to raise the bar.

Although not as dominant in his return, his performance was still very impressive and he looks to set a decent standard.

Having turned plenty of heads in his Singapore debut (23/10/2016), Nova Swiss has since notched up five straight wins, by a combined margin of 16.3L.

Formerly based in New Zealand the son of Swiss Ace displayed good ability in his five starts and has clearly taken that next step since transferred to Singapore.

Now under the care of Alvin Tan, Nova Swiss is clearly on an upward spiral and easily justified his short quote ($1.40) in his return.

Jumping away fairly well on the inside, Nova Swiss railed up to settle second with the Theo Kieser trained Sebas taking up the running.

Popped off the fence passing the 600m, Nova Swiss began to amble up to the lead before cut loose inside the 300m.

Quickly taking over, Nova Swiss beat off Sebas and drew a length clear.

The David Kok trained Speedy Dragon put up a valiant fight in second, however Nova Swiss was easily holding the latter and was in fact drawing away on the line.

Improving three pounds on his previous best, Nova Swiss has improved with every start and is yet to reach his theoretical ceiling.

His last start performance was clearly another test and while at short-odds, he wasn’t short of opposition, not to mention his rise at the weights.

No question he is a Group class sprinter and if able to continue his progression, Nova Swiss is on track to be labelled one of Singapore's best sprinters by the end of 2017.

On raw times only Spalato went faster over 1000m last year, recording 57.93 seconds back in February (14/02).

To place that into perspective, since 2008 only three horses have been recorded faster than Spalato, which highlights just how impressive Nova Swiss' performance was three back.

No question this has been his sole target for this preparation and all appears in good order for Nova Swiss' first crack at Group company.

The Merlion Trophy is the first Leg of the Singapore Sprint Series and is a race Tan has a good record in, having won it three times in a row between 2013 and 2015 (Speedy Cat and El Padrino twice).

Although clearly another step up, on what we have seen to this point Nova Swiss is more than up to the task and appears capable of overcoming the wide draw.

When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Nova Swiss rates clear off his last start performance and should prove hard to beat with Placais on board for the first time.

The James Peters trained Wimbledon won well last start and while he too has drawn wide, he still looms as a major threat.

Although generally not a pronounced leader in this grade, jockey Vlad Duric had other ideas last start with the five-year-old entire leading throughout.

A winner of seven of his 29 starts, Wimbledon is certainly a talent and while somewhat prone to mixing his form, he began the New Year in fine style.

Successful in recording a new career peak, Wimbledon appears set for a bumper preparation as he generally improves with racing.

Although yet to win in Group company, he has placed previously and may go on to bigger and better things this time in.

Like the way Peters has kept him fresh (44 days) and he is expected to make his presence felt.

The Shane Baertschiger trained Lincoln Road has been solid in both starts to begin this campaign and now appears set to peak racing third up.

The return to the polytrack is sure to aid his chances (won 5/7) and has placed in five of seven attempts over this trip.

From the good draw he should enjoy a lovely run in transit and shapes as one of the hardest to beat with Powell sticking aboard.

Of the rest the Alvin Tan trained Infantry remains a big watch fresh having trialled very well in the lead up.

Certainly a talent on his day and he no doubt has been set for this.

Manoel Nunes continues his association with the four-year-old and he has to be respected from the favourable draw.

Good luck and happy punting.