Champion jockey James Mcdonald did not waste any time getting back in the saddle after winning his first Magic Millions 2YO Classic aboard Coolangatta.
Two days after collecting the big prize on the Gold Coast, McDonald was aboard champion sprinter Nature Strip in his first trial after a successful spring campaign at Rosehill on Monday.
Nature Strip was given an easy time in the 900m heat, scoring by just under three-quarters-of-a-length, and the gelding impressed McDonald.
It was the first serious hit-out for Nature Strip since taking out The Everest at Randwick in October followed by the Darley Sprint Classic on the final day of Melbourne Cup week.
It is expected Nature Strip, who has banked more than $16 million in prize money, will start his autumn campaign in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington on February 19.
McDonald hopes to be in Melbourne for the ride and again if Nature Strip heads to the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on March 12.
“He’s come back in really good order,” McDonald told RSN.
“He’s a monster of a horse and he’s carrying a bit of condition, but he looks fantastic in the coat.
“He’s prepping up really well and we’d like to see him bounce out of that trial really nicely. He had a good workout, he enjoyed himself and I’m sure he’ll come through it in flying colours.
“I’m looking forward to the Lightning and the Newmarket, so hopefully he will carry me down there.”
McDonald is also hoping to head abroad in the middle of the year if two of Chris Waller’s charges Home Affairs and Verry Elleegant travel.
A Royal Ascot trip is on the cards for Home Affairs while October’s Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe has been mentioned as a potential race for Verry Elleegant.
“If I got the opportunity to follow those two horses, I’d be jumping at the opportunity, McDonald said.
“It’s been pretty vocal over the years that I love it over there and I love Royal Ascot. It would be a dream come true to win a Group 1 over in that neck of the woods.”
