Nature Strip’s bid for the $15 million The Everest remains on track after he passed an important veterinary examination.
The Chris Waller-trained sprinter was given an endoscopic test after trackwork on Thursday under the watchful eye of Racing NSW’s chief veterinary officer Dr Toby Koenig.
“Dr Koenig has reported that the endoscope confirmed that Nature Strip has responded well to a combination of antibiotic and bronchodilator therapy and in his current condition the gelding is suitable to race,” Racing NSW stewards said in a statement.
Nature Strip performed below expectations when he led and finished fourth to Libertini in the Premiere Stakes at Randwick last Saturday.
He was subsequently found to have mucus in his trachea and was treated.
Waller has told stewards the speedster will undergo a further precautionary endoscope next week to confirm his place in the Randwick sprint.
Tulloch Lodge colt Farnan has also been under a fitness cloud after requiring treatment for a bruised foot.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott reported the issue to stewards this week and did not pay up for the three-year-old in Saturday’s Roman Consul Stakes.
Farnan will need to undergo a fitness test before he is cleared to run in The Everest on Saturday week.
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