Champion sprinter Nature Strip chasing Winx’s world prizemoney record in The Everest
Nature Strip set to go back-to-back in The Everest
Horse Racing
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Champion sprinter Nature Strip can edge close to former stablemate Winx’s world prizemoney record if he goes back-to-back in the $15m The TAB Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Nature Strip took his career earnings over the $19m barrier when he won The Shorts brilliantly first-up last month.
If the Chris Waller-trained Nature Strip retains his Everest title, it will take his prizemoney to just over $25m and within reach of Winx’s record $26.45m.
Nature Strip, rated the world’s number one sprinter, is a dominant $2 favourite to win The Everest but Waller is taking nothing for granted.
“The pressure generally starts to build with the barrier draw and we will try to do everything we can to ensure Nature Strip is perfect for the race,’’ Waller said.
“There are some new kids on the block, especially with Jacquinot, so it’s an intriguing race, spoken about all year and really ramps up the last three months.
“Then over the last month everyone talks about it, the race is so unique.”
The Everest barrier draw will be shown live on Trek To The Everest on Sky Thoroughbred Central (ch528) from 7.30pm on Tuesday night but Waller is not overly concerned with Nature Strip’s starting position.
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“Honestly Nature Strip doesn’t worry too much for barriers, he has so much speed and gets himself out of trouble,’’ Waller said.
Meanwhile, Waller admitted it was “very, very special” to catch up with mighty mare Winx on Saturday morning, just hours after she gave birth to her filly foal by Coolmore Stud’s sire sensation Pierro.
“Steph and the kids came up with me and it was an amazing experience, quite surreal to see Winx with her foal,’’ Waller said.
“Winx has been through a lot the last two years, it’s been a tough time for her.
“But in true Winx fashion she has come through with a safe birth, she has produced a lovely filly and you wouldn’t expect anything less from her
“She has been a great mum since having her foal naturally, she has been very attentive, doting over the filly.
“But she is healthy, her foal is healthy, it is picture perfect, really.’’
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Waller admitted he was unsure if Winx recognised him when he visited her at the Hunter Valley stud.
“No, I don’t think she does recognise me,’’ Waller said.
“But I know her characteristics, what she does like, what she doesn’t like, so I know where to stand near her, where to pat her, things like that.
“I remember one day we went to see her in the paddock and she almost brushed us but when we were leaving she ran up to us so maybe she does recognise who we are.’’
Winx’s filly foal is estimated to be worth $5m but her owners have no intention of offering her for sale. The long-term plan is for Waller to train the filly when she is ready to race by the spring of 2024.
Originally published as Champion sprinter Nature Strip chasing Winx’s world prizemoney record in The Everest
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