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Source: Thoroughbred Daily News, by Paul Vettise
.The Chris Waller-trained Nature Strip was in imperious form as he exploded clear under a kind ride from James McDonald to win at the highest level for the sixth time and the 16th victory of his 30-start career.
He had been beaten in his lead-up run in the G2 Challenge S. by Eduardo (Host {Chi}), having previously opened his preparation with success in the G1 Lightning, and was back to his peerless best again on Saturday.
Nature Strip sat in second spot behind leader Eduardo and pounced 300 metres from home and with a minimum of effort exploded clear with McDonald high in the irons at the post.
Waller said the pre-race intention was to avoid getting involved in any speed duels and to allow the chestnut to settle into a good rhythm.
“We knew we couldn’t go head-to-head and expect to win the race. That brought us undone in the spring when we were getting taken on and coming off second best.
“Anything that wants to take him on gets beaten as well, but we’re beyond that and we want to be a bit more mature this preparation.
“Anything that wants to take him (Nature Strip) on gets beaten as well, but we’re beyond that and we want to be a bit more mature this preparation.” – Chris Waller
“He settled off the speed in the Lightning and blew them away and last-start he had a wide draw and had to do quite a bit of work and today it worked out perfectly. All credit to James and my team.”
Nature Strip was unplaced in last season’s The Everest and Waller has unfinished business with that premier sprint.
“He’ll be at The Everest for sure and it will all revolve around that,” he said.
For McDonald, it was another satisfying day out with Nature Strip and his confidence was sky high leading up to the TJ Smith S.
“He’s a special galloper on his day and he couldn’t have worked any better on Tuesday, the team has done an amazing job,” he said.
“He’s (Nature Strip) a special galloper on his day and he couldn’t have worked any better on Tuesday, the team has done an amazing job.” – James McDonald
“When I got off him on Tuesday I was so excited, he’s executing so well and I heard all the talk during the week about how to upset him and all that garbage. They’re not going to upset him anymore.”
Nature Strip’s sublime performance at Randwick has left McDonald no doubt in where he stands in the global rankings.
“He’s pretty push button and you can safely say he’s the best sprinter in the world,” he said.
Nature Strip eased down in the closing stages and had 2l to spare on last-start G1 William Reid S. winner Masked Crusader (Toronado {Ire}), who came from well back in the field.
Eduardo stayed on gamely to take third with Zoutori (Zoustar), whose sister Kiku won the G3 Carbine Club S. earlier in the program, came from last for fourth and Bivouac had every chance before wilting to fifth.