The application of blinkers is set to spark the return to the winner's stall for the Alvin Tan trained Nova Strike at Singapore this evening.
A winner of three of his seven career starts, the son of Red Giant has displayed above average ability during his short career and appears well placed in the sixth event.
Having previously worn pacifiers, the three-year-old will now sport blinkers for the first time, a recent gear change which already netted good results in a recent barrier trial.Ridden by Manoel Nunes, Nova Strike settle just off the speed in third and when produced to make his run in the straight he lengthened nicely.
Given a slight push inside the 200m, Nova Strike quickly hit the front and drew clear over the concluding stages for an impressive three length win.While somewhat disappointing last start he had legitimate excuses and rates well on his performance two back behind Speedy Dragon.
The latter while beaten on protest has since confirmed that winning figure and it appears a decent piece of form moving forward.In six attempts on the polytrack, Nova Strike has won three and is yet to miss the money.
His record over this trip also bodes well for his chances, placing in all four attempts.Leading rider Manoel Nunes continues his association with the promising sprinter placing in both attempts.
Overall Nunes is striking at just shy of 20 per cent with the Tan stable and Nova Strike has notably drawn to receive all the favours on the inside.Having bundled the start at his latest effort, Nova Strike is expected to settle closer to the speed if able to get a clean get away.
His last victory (three back) came when settling third and he is proven to race at his best when ridden closer to the speed.While never threatening Secret Mission last start, Nova Strike's closing sectionals were very impressive and more notably he worked home strongly over the top of Poseidon - a dominant winner last weekend.
Using Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Nova Strike is well placed on best form and given he remains open to further improvement he should prove very hard to beat.The Desmond Koh trained Reach For The Sun returned in good order behind The General last start and looms as a major threat.
While only saluting the judge at three of his 16 starts, he has placed on a further 11 occasions and rates well on best form.From the inside draw he appears to get an ideal run in transit and given he is yet to miss the money racing second up he has to be respected.
All three of his career wins have come at this track and if able to perform up to his best, he looms as a major threat.The Stephen Gray trained Strubeli is another galloper who returned in good order when finishing second behind the handy Mycaptainoblivious.
Marked just shy of his career peak, he is expected to show good improvement racing second up (won two of three) and he notably possesses a great record at this course and distance.The awkward draw is a bit of a hindrance, however if the speed is on up front he should prove hard to hold out late.
The Patrick Shaw trained The General chases the hat-trick in this event and while rising at the weights, he is progressive and appears the next best.A winner of three of his 10 starts, he too is a noted flier at this course and distance and also has drawn to get the gun run on the inside.
The in-form Barend Vorster sticks aboard (placed six of eight) and he shapes as one of the leading contenders.Good luck and happy punting.
