Nova Strike (NZ) Dominates Colonial Chief Stakes

Well-performed Karaka graduate Nova Strike (NZ) (Red Giant) overpowered his opposition in a runaway victory in Sunday’s S$175,000 Listed Colonial Chief Stakes (1700m) on Kranji’s PolyTrack surface.

Although more than a year had passed since his last victory, Nova Strike had been a consistent performer against strong opposition. He had run a number of big-race placings including a close third in the S$1.15 million Singapore Derby (2000m) won by fellow Karaka graduate Infantry (NZ) (Tavistock).

Sunday was Nova Strike’s day. Ridden by Manoel Nunes for trainer Alvin Tan and owners the Nova Racing Stable, the chestnut sat in second place before taking control in the home straight. He drew clear in the closing stages to win by four and a half lengths.

Bought at the 2014 Ready to Run Sale for $60,000, Nova Strike has now won eight of his 35 starts for prizemoney earnings in excess of $860,000 – 14 times his purchase price.