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| Sumita Pawar |
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Trainer Chris Waller is optimistic that ageing superstar sprinter Nature Strip can still compete at the elite level and make a record fifth successive appearance in The TAB Everest this spring.
After a brief two-start campaign in the autumn, Nature Strip has enjoyed the longest spell he has had in nearly four years.
Nature Strip is an 8-year-old gelding bred in Australia. Chris Waller started training the horse in 2019. He has participated in 25 races till date, winning 16 of them, including the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes and the Group 1 Moir Stakes.
Nature Strip's Fifth Shot At The Everest
Nature Strip has contested The Everest in four successive years and finished fourth to Giga Kick in last year's race.
Nature Strip, the Australian thoroughbred racehorse, has made two attempts at winning the Everest, the world's richest turf race held annually in Sydney. Trained by Chris Waller, Nature Strip finished fourth in 2019 and second in 2020, narrowly missing out on the $15 million prize money. However, with the prize pool for the 2021 Everest increasing to $15.5 million, Nature Strip is expected to make another strong attempt at winning the prestigious race.
Trainer Chris Waller's Optimism For Nature Strip
Waller believes that the extended break has done wonders for the horse and that he will jump out of the ground when he returns to training.
Although Nature Strip looks a bit woolly in the coat, Waller said the gelding has been enjoying his time off. Waller plans to take it one race at a time with Nature Strip and has a gradual build-up to his spring campaign.
Waller is also chasing the 150th Group One win of his career with Super Chilled in the A$700,000 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
With the withdrawal of early favourite Fireburn on veterinary advice, Super Chilled's chances have received an unexpected boost.