Cover image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
Connections of star sprinter Nature Strip (Nicconi) will be hoping for a case of third time lucky in the $15,000,000 The TAB Everest following confirmation he will be given another crack at the feature sprint.
Chris Waller has announced his multiple Group 1-winning performer will fill his slot in this year’s edition of the world’s richest race on turf.
An agreement has been reached between Waller and the owners for the 6-year-old to take his place in The Everest at Randwick on October 16.
“Following his scintillating victory in the G1 TJ Smith S. I felt it was an opportune time to be putting a deal forward to secure him for 2021,” Waller said.
"Following his (Nature Strip) scintillating victory in the G1 TJ Smith S. I felt it was an opportune time to be putting a deal forward to secure him for 2021." - Chris Waller
“He has showed me that he has gone to another level this autumn with a victory in the G1 Lightning S., going down by a nostril in the G2 Challenge S. in track record time and then blowing away his rivals last start in the TJ Smith.”
Nature Strip finished fourth in The Everest in 2019 behind his former stablemate and now Coolmore resident Yes Yes Yes and was seventh last year behind Classique Legend (Not A Single Doubt).
Classique Legend after winning the 2020 The TAB Everest | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“We are ecstatic Chris’ slot has selected Nature Strip for the 2021 edition of The Everest,” managing part-owner, Rod Lyons, said.
“We take an abundance of joy out of racing Nature Strip and being a part of Chris’ team. It was an apt decision to align with his slot for 2021.
“Nature Strip has again showed us his capabilities as Australia’s best sprinter this autumn and we eagerly await The Everest in October.”
Nature Strip is scheduled to make his next appearance in the G1 Doomben 10,000 on May 8.
