A sharp drop back in grade leaves three-year-old Nova Strike well placed to return to the winner's stall at Kranji this evening.
Due to contest the third event, Nova Strike remains at the mile following his fifth placing in the Group 1 Singapore Guineas [1600m] last start.
Although safely held in that event he didn't have a lot of luck after being caught wide throughout from the outside stall.Pushed one of the widest runners on straightening he worked to the line soundly and hard to fault the form behind Debt Collector — he appears top shelf.
Prior to his performance in the Singapore Guineas, Nova Strike finished second behind Debt Collector in the Group 2 Singapore 3YO Classic.On that occasion he enjoyed a more economical run and as a result finished off strongly to finish one-and-a-half lengths away.
A winner of four of his 13 starts, Nova Strike has displayed plenty of ability and should appreciate the return to the polytrack.In seven attempts at this track he has never missed the money and all of four his career wins have come on this surface.
While failing to feature in his only attempt at the mile [Singapore Guineas], happy to put a line through that run as judging by his effort two back Nova Strike should have no concerns with the journey.Leading rider Manoel Nunes continues his association with the three-year-old having placed in four of seven attempts.
When combined with the Alvin Tan stable, Nunes is striking at 25 per cent and boasts a place strike rate of 63%.In the small field Nova Strike shouldn't get too far back and should enjoy a lovely run in transit from the inside draw.
The James Peters trained Shanghai Bund appears the likely leader with the Stephen Burridge trained High Blade also expected to press forward.When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings Nova Strike holds a slight class edge and a return to his best form should see him set a decent standard.
A distinct model of consistency Nova Strike is sure to make his presence felt.The James Peters trained Shanghai Bund hasn't done a lot of winning (3/16) but has placed at 11 of his last 12 starts.
Only narrowly beaten at his past two outings the son of Denman continues to race in great heart and looks to find the front fairly comfortably.The added aid of the Wong's claim sees him well placed and if able to pinch a few cheap sectionals early, Shanghai Bund will no doubt give them all something to catch.
Whether he can run a strong mile remains to be seen however given the favourable pace angle he is sure to be given every chance to do so.Stablemate Brahma Circus has also been a model of consistency (placed 17/22) and comes into this off the back of a last start win.
Whether he will see out the mile remains the biggest query however he is more than capable on best form and has to be respected.Of the rest the Stephen Burridge trained Felarof also has to be included.
A solid second placing behind Well Done last start leaves him right around the mark and he has to be kept safe with Glen Boss in the saddle.Good luck and happy punting.
