The current equal-best racehorse in the world, Nature Strip, has been confirmed for this year's Everest.
Nature Strip recently claimed a third straight TJ Smith Stakes to cement his claim as Australia's and possibly the world's best sprinter.
The Chris Waller-trained gelding is also the reigning Everest winner, having claimed the 2021 edition of the richest turf race on the planet.
Waller confirmed on Thursday his star pupil would run in the 2022 Everest in the slot held by Chris Waller Racing.
"The CWR Partnership slot are excited to announce that star sprinter Nature Strip has been secured to race on behalf of the CWR Partnership slot for the 2022 running of The Everest," a statement read.
Following Nature Strip's latest victory in the 2022 TJ Smith Stakes, connections confirmed they intend to take the horse to the UK to race in the Royal Ascot carnival in June.
Nature Strip is reportedly being primed for the five-furlong Group 1 King's Stand Stakes on June 14, though that is yet to be confirmed as the target race.
Waller added, "Following his dominant victory in the TJ Smith Stakes, I felt it was an opportune time to be putting a deal forward to secure him again for 2022.
"Whilst we very much look forward to his immediate Royal Ascot campaign, I am also equally as excited that we have clarity around the Spring and Nature Strip will be able to return to defend his title in the 2022 Tab Everest."
** 2022 @tabcomau Everest! ** pic.twitter.com/RDowZVx9sU
— Chris Waller Racing (@cwallerracing) April 28, 2022
While Nature Strip will be heading to Europe, the travel plans of stablemate Verry Elleegant remain up in the air.
Waller provided an update on the Melbourne Cup winner on Wednesday, ruling the star mare out of the 2022 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but leaving the door open for a trip the UK later in the spring.
