3 minute read
Talented three-year-old Nova Swiss took another step towards the Group 2 Merlion Trophy when proving too strong on Sunday evening.
Now unbeaten in five starts in Singapore, Nova Swiss has continued to raise the bar and while not as dominant, his performance was still very impressive.
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) on Sunday.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.
Sunday’s performance was clearly another test for the three-year-old 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.
Following Sunday's success it is expected that Nova Swiss will now take his place in the Group 2 Merlion Trophy (1200m).The feature sprint race 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 for the three-year-old, on what we have seen to this point he is more than up to the task — he is a star!
Second placegetter Speedy Dragon can also be followed with confidence, following his impressive return.
A winner of six of his 14 starts, Speedy Dragon has also placed a further five occasions and notably returned a new career peak on Sunday.Having dominated his rivals prior to a break (6.5L), Speedy Dragon created plenty of interest fresh, as he appeared the only likely danger to Nova Swiss.
However given he returned to the races 21kg heavier than he was last seen, it was easy to be of the opinion that he would need the run.The fact he was able to perform at such a high standard suggests he is in for a great preparation as he did just peak on his run late.
With sharp improvement expected racing second up he should take a power of beating in placed in similar company.If not already in your blackbook both Nova Swiss and Speedy Dragon are musts.
