Champion sprinter Nature Strip is as good as Chris Waller can have him as he faces arguably the most important race of his celebrated career at Randwick on Saturday.
Trainer Chris Waller (Pic: Bradley Photos)
Everything from locking him in for a fifth shot at the $20 million TAB Everest to contemplating retirement is on the cards depending on what unfolds in the Group 3 $1 million Concorde Stakes (1000m).
Waller recognises what’s at stake and said he won’t be pushing Nature Strip to race on if his form doesn’t warrant it but stresses he’s not seeing any sign of that.
“I’m not saying he’s going to be retired if he doesn’t win but he needs to run well to continue,’’ Waller said.
“We’re not here just to make up numbers, we’re here to make sure he’s back. He doesn’t deserve to be going around if he’s not.
“He’s come back well, he’s trialled well, everybody has seen how he’s come back.
“From where he’s at from my side of the fence I couldn’t have him any better. Everyone in my team is happy and confident he’ll run well.”
Now a nine-year-old, Saturday will be Nature Strip’s fourth attempt at the Concorde and he has a mixed record in the race that begins the pathway to the TAB Everest.
He won it in 2021, easily accounting for Wild Ruler, but he was ambushed by Gytrash in 2020 and he missed a place behind Redzel in the 2019 edition.
On Saturday he’ll face off against his old rival Eduardo, now a 10-year-old, for the 13th time and interestingly he’s never beaten Joe Pride’s sprinter over the Randwick 1000m.
Last year Waller waited until The Shorts to commence his Everest bid, having returned from his famous Royal Ascot win, and he said Nature Strip has responded to being given plenty of time in the paddock since he last raced in the TJ Smith.
“He was just up so long for the last 18 months, 10 day breaks here and there,’’ Waller said.
“He won first-up when he got back from Ascot, his run in the Everest was outstanding but it just didn’t work out. Twelve months on I’m not seeing a lot of different things.
“Both his trials have been brilliant. We’ve just got positive comments every time.
“At 1000m they’ll go quick. That’s my only concern, just the distance.”
It’s hard to believe Nature Strip is a $15 chance in TAB’s all-in Everest market given his standing in Australian sprinting. He shared favouritism for the Concorde at $2.80 with class Godolphin mare In Secret, considered top seed for Godolphin’s slot, prior to acceptances.
Chris Waller Racing of course has a slot in the TAB Everest and Nature Strip has run in it for the past two years, winning in 2021 and his fourth placing last year.
Six weeks out from the Everest there are only four confirmed runners – reigning champ Giga Kick (James Harron Bloodstock), emerging star Think About It (Newgate/GPI), TJ Smith winner I Wish I Win (Trackside Media) and the ultra-consistent Mazu (The Star & Arrowfield).
The premier trainer said if we see the Nature Strip of old in the Concorde there’s every chance his slot will make a play for the gelding.
“Our slot will want the best horse they can get,’’ he said.
“I think it’s an advantage to be able to train your slot because you know exactly where they are at.
“If he runs well our slot will be trying to lock him in but it will be stiff competition.”
– Racing NSW
