Chris Waller had a lean day by his own lofty standards with just one winner at Randwick, but the premier trainer is about to welcome back one of his biggest hitters.
Top sprinter Nature Strip will be the star attraction at Tuesday’s Rosehill barrier trials as he prepares for another Everest assault.
He will represent the slot held by Chris Waller Racing in what will be the speedster’s third Everest appearance after finishing fourth to stablemate Yes Yes Yes two years ago and seventh to Classique Legend last spring.
Nature Strip was back to his brilliant best in the autumn to win the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes and T J Smith Stakes and finishing a nose second to Eduardo at his only other appearance.
Waller says his star sprinter is shaping up well at home and is on track to add to his trophy cabinet.
“He’s come back really well,” Waller said.
“I got glowing reports about his work (Saturday) morning.”
Waller had a quiet day at Randwick on Saturday and had to settle for second with Loveplanet in the SAJC Trophy (1600m) before his outstanding mare Verry Elleegant was pipped by Mo’Unga in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m).
However, he didn’t leave empty-handed with former New Zealander Atishu claiming the final race in an encouraging Australian debut.
Tuesday’s trial session will also feature Coolmore Stud Stakes winner September Run and Il Paradiso, who has not raced since finishing third to Vow And Declare in the 2019 Melbourne Cup.
The six-year-old was trained by Aidan O’Brien for his Cup campaign and is yet to race for Waller after succumbing to an injury on the eve of last year’s Sydney autumn carnival.
