Nature Strip to continue his campaign in The Everest after passing vet examination
Nature Strip has passed a crucial vet examination just over a week from The Everest following his flop in the Premiere Stakes last weekend.
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One-time favourite Nature Strip remains on target for next week’s $15 million TAB The Everest (1200m) at Randwick.
The recently crowned Australian racehorse of the year, Nature Strip disappointed last Saturday when weakening badly late to finish fourth in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Post-race trainer Chris Waller suggested he felt Nature Strip went too fast early and likened the defeat to the sprinter’s unplaced Lightning Stakes run earlier this year.
The stewards report also revealed that Nature Strip underwent an endoscopic examination after the race and was found to have a “degree of mucopus in his trachea”.
Nature Strip was placed on a course of antibiotics to treat the respiratory condition and underwent a second endoscopic examination after trackwork on Thursday in the presence of Racing NSW chief veterinary officer Dr Toby Koenig.
“Dr Koenig has reported that the endoscope confirmed that Nature Strip has responded well to a combination of antibiotic and bronchodilator therapy and in his current condition the gelding is suitable to race,” a stewards’ report read.
“Mr Waller has confirmed that the gelding will undergo a precautionary endoscope next week, the results of which shall be provided to the Racing NSW stewards and Veterinary Department.”
Nature Strip runs for the race sponsor’s slot in the race and has drifted from $3.50 out to $6 since his shock performance last Saturday.
The race favourite is now Classique Legend at $4.50 despite him also being beaten in the Premiere Stakes while Gytrash is on the second line at $5.
Premiere Stakes winner Libertini is a $7 chance with TAB.com.au.
Originally published as Nature Strip to continue his campaign in The Everest after passing vet examination