Nature Strip to take familiar path defending Everest crown
Look out, Everest competitors – Nature Strip is well and truly on track to defend his crown.
That was Chris Waller’s ominous message after the champion sprinter returned to his stable in fine condition on Wednesday.
The seven-year-old is back from a few days of well-earned rest after his typically classy victory in the Shorts at Randwick on Saturday.
The world’s best sprinter is the $2.20 favourite with Ladbrokes to win the $15 million Everest at Randwick on October 15.
And rightfully so.
He was simply too good late on the straight to go on and win the Shorts by 1 ½ lengths.
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And a few days of rest after his brilliant display have had the desired effect.
“He’s come through the race well. Sunday morning we sent him out to the farm just for some R and R,” Waller told Sky Racing.
“It’s a similar pattern we’re following with him. Four weeks until The Everest.”
Nature Strip, with a superb gleaming coat, had the racing world talking after his very impressive trial at Canterbury on September 1.
After his stunning 4 ½ length King’s Stand Stakes win at Royal Ascot on June 14, the superstar sprinter’s runner-up to Overpass set him up perfectly for Saturday’s triumph.
His many fans can rest assured he will produce another fine trial performance to have him in peak condition so he can defend his Everest crown.
“We’ll just tick along and keep him happy, and make sure he’s doing enough work,” Waller said.
“In a week or so we’ll look for a jump-out or trial.”
Meanwhile, Waller also sees the Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill as a launching pad for bigger and better things for his runners, Political Debate and Basquiat.
“Basquiat has been running good races, without winning,” he said.
“I’d like him to be ridden a little bit quieter and just see him attack the line.
“Both horses are probably looking for a mile. So it’s a stepping stone towards the Caulfield Guineas, in particular for Political Debate.”
Waller is anticipating a lot of improvement from Espiona, who will start in the Group 2 Golden Pendant (1400m) on Saturday.
The four-year-old mare was a disappointing sixth first-up in the Sheraco Stakes over 1200m on September 10.
“A touch disappointing first-up. Nothing really came out of the run,” Waller said.
“I expect a big improvement; 1400m I’d say would be a positive as well.
“We haven’t really identified a distance for her, but I’m leaning towards 1400 might be better than 1200.
“We expected more, but Saturday will tell us the real story.”
Waller also sees upside in Atishu and BigBoyRoy, who will run in the Group 2 Shannon Stakes over 1500m.
Five-year-old mare Atishu was seventh first-up in the Theo Marks Stakes on September 10, finishing just ahead of Shannon Stakes favourite Ellsberg.
Six-year-old gelding BigBoyRoy was 10th in the same race, also first-up.
“Atishu was really good. She didn’t really have a lot of room in my opinion, first-up,” Waller said.
“So 1500m will suit her.
“BigBoyRoy is probably below the really good horses. But if we can find the right race for him this prep he’ll win another one.
“Whether it’s Saturday I don’t know. But 1500 will suit him better, as will a better track.”
And six-year-old gelding Mohican Heights will start in the Group 3 Stephen Quality over 2400m.
He finished second in The Sally Chirnside (2500m) last start at Flemington on September 10.
“Mohican Hearts comes up from Melbourne. He’s running really good races,” Waller said.