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| Staff Writer |
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Nature Strip is set to return for another spring campaign this Saturday in the A$1m, Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick. Trained by Chris Waller, the 9YO Nicconi gelding won the same race last year and is now on trial to see if he can repeat his victory in the invitation race, The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 14th.
Last year, Nature Strip finished fourth in The Everest to Giga Kick and then fourth again in the Gr.1 TJ Smith Stakes over 1200m to I Wish I Win (NZ) and Giga Kick in April. However, he recently won a trial race under James McDonald over 900m at Rosehill on August 22nd, indicating that he is in good form for the upcoming race.
Last year's Concorde Stakes winner, Eduardo, is also back for another start. The Joe Pride trained 10YO Host gelding finished 11th in The Everest and the Concorde was the last race he won. Eduardo won his trial race over 807m at Warwick Farm on August 18th, showing he is in good form as well.
Group One Placed Zapateo Nominated
Godolphin has nominated both duel Group One winner In Secret and Group One placed Zapateo. In Secret, a 4YO I Am Invincible mare, won the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes in October and the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap, both at Flemington last season. She finished seventh in the TJ Smith Stakes and had a gallop between races at Rosehill last Saturday in preparation for her season debut.
In total, there were nine nominations received for the Concorde Stakes.
Meanwhile, the A$300,000, Gr.2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) received 18 nominations, including the 2022 winner Knights Order and 2021 winner Think It Over. Kerry Parker’s Think It Over returned after a long injury spell to finish sixth in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes over 1400m at Randwick on August 19th, 1 1/2L from the winner Fangirl.
The program also includes three other black type races: the $300,000, Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) with 26 nominations; $300,000, Gr.2 Darley Furious Stakes (1200m) with 16 nominations, including Autumn Ballet, the winner of the Gr.2 Silver Shadow Stakes over 1200m on the 19th; and the $200,000, Listed City Tattersalls Club Cup (2400m) with 14 nominations.