McDonald and Kah booked for sprint stars while Eduardo put his hand up

Trainer Joe Pride has Eduardo primed to claim another Group 1 with the giant-killer set to strike in Lightning Stakes.

Eduardo (right) will renew his rivalry with Nature Strip (left) in the Lightning Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Getty Images

James McDonald stays on Home Affairs, Jamie Kah is reunited with Nature Strip and Eduardo gave a gentle “don’t forget about me” reminder ahead of next week’s Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington.

There was plenty happening on and off the track on Monday starting with Eduardo’s typically efficient barrier trial win at Royal Randwick.

Eduardo, who defeated Nature Strip twice over 1000m at weight-for-age last year, showed he is right in the Lightning Stakes mix with a powerful trial win under regular jockey Nash Rawiller.

James McDonald will ride Home Affairs (left) when he resumes in the Lightning Stakes. Picture: Getty Images

Trainer Joe Pride said rising nine-year-old Eduardo is going as well as ever and is primed for his Lightning comeback.

Eduardo’s opposition at Flemington will include The Everest winner Nature Strip and brilliant three-year-old Home Affairs.

Chris Waller trains Nature Strip and Home Affairs and took to social media to confirm his riders for their Lightning Stakes showdown.

“It is disappointing we have to run two horses like this together, but it is also a privilege to have both horses in our care,” Waller said.

“James McDonald feels the same way and unfortunately can’t ride both horses.

“It is likely that James will ride Home Affairs and, without going into the reasons why, it is certainly no reflection on how either horse is going.

“In fact, Nature Strip is clearly the best of the two and Home Affairs needs to continue to improve to get up to Nature Strip’s level.

Nature Strip and Jamie Kah will look to make it back-to-back wins in the Lightning. Picture: Getty Images)

“I am sure with time he will and whether that be first-up or later in the preparation, only time will tell.”

Waller said it was logical Kah would ride Nature Strip after partnering the world’s best sprinter to win the Lightning Stakes last year.

“I am hoping both riders will be available on Friday morning to join the horses in their workout up the straight at Flemington which will be their final piece of fast work ahead of the Lightning Stakes,” Waller said.

Meanwhile, trainer Annabel Neasham will give her autumn carnival big guns, Group 1 winners Zaaki and Mo’Unga, and boom European imports Laws Of Indices and Top Ranked exhibition gallops between races at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

Originally published as McDonald and Kah booked for sprint stars while Eduardo put his hand up