The Alvin Tan trained Nova Swiss couldn’t have been more impressive in his Singapore debut and appears well placed to go back-to-back in the sixth event at Kranji this evening.
Formerly based in New Zealand the son of Swiss Ace displayed good ability in his prior five starts and while mixing his form at the trials, he proved far too good for his rivals.
Joining the lead passing the 300m, Nova Swiss displayed a very sharp turn of foot to quickly leave his rivals standing still inside the 200m.
Drawing away to score by three-and-a-half lengths, the clock also backed up the strength of his performance.Successful in turning plenty of heads Nova Swiss now steps up in grade but appears more than capable of rising to the occasion.
On career best form he still has a bit up his sleeve and given he is only lightly raced, he looks to set a decent standard for his rivals.
Leading rider Manoel Nunes sticks aboard and is expected to adopt a prominent position from the middle draw.
When assessing Timeform weight adjusted ratings, Nova Swiss sits atop and with a three-and-a-half length winning margin up his sleeve, he certainly appears well placed.
Nova Swiss is unbeaten in his sole attempt racing second up and with 23 days between runs the decision to remain at 1000m should be no concern.
While you always want to see gallopers repeat impressive performances before getting too carried away, the fact he has won three of six starts suggests he is quite the progressive type.
Admittedly this is harder, however judging by his first up win, Nov Swiss appears set for better company and should have few issues working through the grades.
He is the sole last start winner engaged and is expected to do just that – win.
Stablemate Rich Fortune disappointed last start but is clearly better than that and remains under strong notice.
In four attempts over this trip he has placed in three and has placed in six of 12 attempts at this track.
His effort two back behind Ruapehu sees him well placed and a return to that level of form should see him right around the mark.
The Shane Baertschiger trained Warpath hasn’t been far away in recent efforts and has to be respected despite the awkward draw.A winner of eight of his 54 starts he has certainly been around the block but is more than capable when right and while his record at this track is poor (0/10) he still cannot be taken lightly.
Having bumped into the very talented Lim’s Cruiser last start, he wasn’t disgraced when finishing third and although arguably better over further, he comes here fresh (28 days) and should be included.
The Mark Walker trained Champagne Rein has mixed his form this time in but is certainly more than capable and has to be included.
While clearly no match for Mr Luck last start his effort behind Ninetyseven Gold three back sees him right in the mix.
Two of his three career victories have come over this trip and a return to his best form sees him as one of the major players.
Good luck and happy punting.
