Like a fine wine, Nature Strip is only getting better with age.
The eight-year-old superstar is back on deck in Australia after a successful trip to Royal Ascot, which saw the gelding take out the Group 1 King's Stand Stakes back in June.
Chris Waller will now turn his attention to the upcoming $15 million TAB Everest at Royal Randwick next month, with his No.1 runner looking to defend the title after a dominant 2021 victory.
Nature Strip will again be ridden by James McDonald, with the pair striking up a close bond during its storied career, combining for nine G1 victories.
Speaking at The Everest Carnival launch on Tuesday, McDonald said the talented sprinter has shown no signs of wear and tear after the trip overseas, and believes he is in good order to make it back-to-back titles in the richest race on turf.
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“That’s the coach’s job, I’ll leave that to him," McDonald said.
"Hopefully he has got him ticking along beautifully.
"He has shown no indications of fatigue or travel wear.
"He seems to be getting younger – he is eight years old now, but he seems to be in career-best form, and hopefully he can defend his title.
“It’s going to be fantastic racing in the next eight weeks. We’ve got some really nice horses to come out, kicking off this weekend with a few stars there.
"Hopefully Nature Strip kicks off his campaign in really good style, which we are really looking forward to.
Nature Strip has had a brilliant 12 months, taking out The Everest last October, before romping home to win the TJ Smith Stakes back in autumn.
He will return in The Shorts on Saturday at Randwick, before likely freshening up for a few weeks before the target race on October 15th, where he is currently rated a $2.80 favourite with TAB.
McDonald will have a busy time at the track throughout the spring, with Anamoe another of his best chances for G1 success.
After taking out the Winx Stakes last month, the four-year-old is looking primed for a potential Cox Plate victory.
“The Rolls Royce of racing – he is going really well," he said.
"He is a beautiful big horse who obviously played with his opposition a bit there last start and hopefully he can continue his winning ways.
"He is definitely an exciting horse, especially for this spring."
Anamoe will be in action on Saturday in the G1 George Main Stakes, where he is rated a $1.70 chance with TAB.
