One of the best horses of the modern era has begun preparations for an Everest tilt, with star sprinter Nature Strip returning to the track for two trials in August.
The nine-year-old gelding had a rare winless campaign in autumn, failing to place in either the Group 1 Lightning Stakes and Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes, but is back for potentially his final prep this spring.
Chris Waller provided a positive update on the nine-time Group 1 winner via social media following his trial on August 11th, where he finished second to Queen of the Ball over 900m at Rosehill Gardens, before winning a fortnight later.
"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 on Twitter.
"His body language tells me he is a very happy horse in a great place."
"Queen Of The Ball trialling really well here."
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) August 10, 2023
The @MFreedmanRacing mare holds off champion sprinter Nature Strip to win a Rosehill trial on Friday with a gap to Sunshine In Paris in third. Then came Espiona, Militarize and New Mandate. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/mqCRgaai29
When will Nature Strip race next?
After a lengthy spell, Nature Strip's first-up run is expected to come in the $1 million Group 3 Concorde Stakes at Randwick on September 2nd over 1000 metres following his two impressive trials.
Waller is expected to give Nature Strip one other run prior to The Everest on October 14th, with the likely events being The Shorts (G2) on September 16th or Premiere Stakes (G2) on September 30th.
Will Nature Strip run in The Everest?
Nature Strip is not officially confirmed for this year's $20 million Everest, but is expected to gain entry through Chris Waller's slot in the field.
At this stage, only four runners have been confirmed for the race - Mazu, I Wish I Win, Giga Kick and Think About It.
Nature Strip career record
| Starts | Win | Place | |
| Group 1 | 16 | 9 | 3 |
| The Everest | 4 | 1 | - |
| Group 2 | 9 | 4 | 3 |
| Group 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Listed | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 43 | 22 | 9 |
Nature Strip career prize money
Throughout his illustrious career at the track, Nature Strip has brought home $20.75 million for his connections, including massive wins in The Everest and Royal Ascot King's Stand Stakes.
The Everest 2023 betting odds
The final field is yet to be set, but punters can still bet via the All-In Market.
Giga Kick is the early favourite, while I Wish I Win and Think About It are also at single-figure odds.
Odds courtesy of Dabble, correct as of August 28th.
| Runner | Odds |
| Giga Kick | $3.50 |
| I Wish I Win | $4.80 |
| Think About It | $7.00 |
| In Secret | $11 |
| Imperartiz | $13 |
| Amelias Jewel | $13 |
| Shinzo | $13 |
| Imperatriz | $13 |
| Mazu | $13 |
| Nature Strip | $15 |
| What You Need | $15 |
| Private Eye | $15 |
| Overpass | $19 |
| Other runners | $21+ |
