Nature Strip looks to close in on Winx prize-money record in $15m The Everest

Chris Waller says the world's best sprinter Nature Strip is ready to turn it on again as he sets out after Winx's prize-money record on Saturday.

The eight-year-old gelding is favourite for the $15 million The Everest at Randwick and Waller says he has last year's winner in good order leading into the 6f sprint.

"He's ticking along nicely," Waller told Racing NSW. "We gave him a jump out at home last Tuesday and he's been going along nicely since."

Victory in the world's richest sprint race would catapult Nature Strip's racetrack earnings by $6.2m to about $25.26m, which would bring him within sight of Winx's record $26.45m (£14.56m).

A win in The Everest would bring up the mouthwatering possibility that Nature Strip could overtake Winx's prize-money if he were to defend his Champions Sprint title at Flemington on November 5, when the winner would earn a further $1.8m.

Waller said he planned to enjoy his week leading into the rich sprint.

"The pressure just generally builds with the barrier draw and the spruiking [talking up] of the other runners," Waller said.

Chris Waller: “He’s ticking along nicely”Credit: Edward Whitaker

"You take notice of it but try not to get too caught up with it. Keep the horse relaxed and keep the trainer relaxed.

"It's an intriguing race. It's so unique and fantastic and seems to bring about a pretty good field."

Ingratiating is the final horse to come into The Everest field after Godolphin nominated the four-year-old for the race on Monday morning.

Ingratiating finished second to fellow Godolphin runner Paulele in the Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday.

Ingratiating's ability to handle wet tracks was likely to have played a part in his selection. He won on heavy ground at Caulfield last month and as a juvenile he was third in the Golden Slipper Stakes on a heavy surface.

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