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| Sumita Pawar |
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Despite being beaten in his Rosehill trial on Friday morning, Nature Strip's performance left Chris Waller feeling "delighted." The renowned sprinter, who has been crowned the Australian Horse of the Year twice, displayed a strong start in the 900-meter workout.
Throughout the trial, he maintained a steady pace in third position and never required any urging from jockey James McDonald. Nature Strip ultimately finished second, narrowly beaten by Queen Of The Ball. However, this outcome only confirmed Waller's belief that the 9YO horse was thoroughly enjoying his training sessions.
"Delighted with the way Nature Strip has come back as are all the staff behind the scenes including vets, farriers, physios and strappers," Waller said. "His body language tells me he is a very happy horse in a great place."
Waller's Nature Strip Shines In Morning Trial
The son of Nicconi underwent his lengthiest break in two years, spending a couple of months in the paddock after securing a fourth place in the esteemed T J Smith Stakes at Randwick on April 1. Trainer Chris Waller eagerly anticipates observing his progress during the preparation period before finalizing a schedule for the talented thoroughbred's participation in the upcoming spring races.
In the morning's third trial, Nature Strip, a Group One winner, was not the sole triumph for Waller as Espiona also partook in the trial. Espiona had a relaxed trial, finishing fourth, five lengths behind the leader, just ahead of stablemates Militarize (NZ) and New Mandate (Ire).
During an earlier trial, Waller's Golden Slipper winner Shinzo displayed promising signs of a successful spring campaign. Following a gentle workout at Canterbury on August 1, the progeny of Snitzel boldly traveled just behind the leading horses before skillfully accelerating through a narrow gap, securing a narrow yet impressive victory over Zaaki (GB).
Waller's imported horse Going Global (Ire) finished in third place, 1-1/4 lengths behind Shinzo, while the Queensland Derby victor Kovalica (NZ) and the Group 2-winning American mare Princess Grace (USA) claimed fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
Furthermore, Waller's recent addition to the stable, Montefilia, achieved a commendable second place behind Alligator Blood in the first trial. Additionally, Kandinsky Abstract, the $3 million yearling and sibling of Sunlight, triumphed in one of the later trials.