Champion sprinter Nature Strip’s pursuit of a fourth straight victory in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) intensified on Wednesday with an impressive solo gallop at Randwick. The nine-time G1 winner, trained by Chris Waller, covered 1000m on the Kensington course under James McDonald, clocking his final 600m in 33.84 seconds.
The eight-year-old, who faltered as the favorite in the Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) at Flemington, silenced talk of retirement as Waller and managing owner Rod Lyons agreed to let the Nicconi progeny contend for the $3 million TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick’s The Championships.
Currently, Nature Strip is the $5.50 betr third pick for the T.J. Smith Stakes, trailing Everest winner Giga Kick ($4) and Newmarket victor In Secret ($4.60).
