French jockey Olivier Placais admits to feeling a little bit of pressure as he takes over the reins of the undefeated Nova Swiss at his sixth start, which will incidentally be his first Group assignment on Sunday.
The Swiss Ace three-year-old has won all his five races at Kranji when partnered by Manoel Nunes throughout.
But this Sunday, the Brazilian three-time Singapore champion jockey makes way for Placais, a former six-time Swiss champion jockey, for the ride on Nova Swiss in the $350,000 Group 2 Merlion Trophy (1200m), the first Leg of the Singapore Sprint Series.
Such riding musical chairs are not uncommon in racing, maybe a bit more offbeat for a horse who has yet to taste defeat, but Placais is the one who is now sitting in the driving seat, and to him, he just wants to be focused on the job at hand.
But Placais did not land the plum job overnight, and it has nothing to do with him being the former ace in the land of yodelling. He has been riding a few horses in the red and white star silks this year, including winning aboard Shadow Of War at the Frenchman’s first 2017 win, but maybe more so in the last two to three weeks, including Nova Missile last Friday, albeit they did not win.
“I was approached to ride some of the Nova Racing Stable horses and Nova Swiss is one of them,” said Placais.
“Nova Swiss is the more high profile of their horses and I’d be lying if I don’t feel a bit of pressure ahead of my first ride on him as he’s still unbeaten in five runs.
“But I will just take it as any ride, and hopefully he keeps the good run going. He is drawn in 12 which is not a major concern; if I can get a good position early, I think he will be okay.
“The one thing I’m more concerned about is the stronger horses he’s meeting this time. I would say he didn’t beat much before and this is a different kettle of fish.
“I’ve watched all his races and he’s a horse who runs best handy and can still quicken off his last sectionals no matter what the tempo is.”
Placais said the other source of anxiety could have been his lacklustre trackwork in the morning, but those who know him better have allayed those fears.
“I’ve been working him for a while now. He doesn’t show much in his work,” he said.
“I gave the feedback to Alwin Tan and his assistant-trainer Joe D.zulkifliy but they said he’s always been like that and he brings his best form to the races.
“I hope they’re right, but fitness-wise I cannot fault the horse. He looks fit and ready.”
Besides Nova Swiss, Placais will also get the chance to steer another handy Nova Racing Stable-owned galloper in Nova Strike, who runs against the awesome Debt Collector in the $125,000 Open Stakes (1600m) on Friday night.
“Nova Strike is very well. I’ve galloped him a few times, including Tuesday and I was very happy with his work,” said Placais.
“He trialled last Thursday and they tried pacifiers back on him then. He travelled really well.
“The only major problem in his way of course is Debt Collector. I was on Rafaello when he ran second to him the last time and he is just at another level.
“I won’t say we’re running for prizemoney, but if he can run in the top three, I’ll be happy.”
A four-year-old by Red Giant, Nova Strike was perhaps one of the most consistent performers trained by Tan last year, picking up 14 placings from 24 starts, with four of these minor spots coming in in feature races.
