Third time proves the charm for Nature Strip with deserved Everest victory

It was third time lucky for Nature Strip as the seven-year-old won Australia's richest race on turf at Randwick on Saturday to give trainer Chris Waller his second Everest winner.

Nature Strip and Eduardo were heavily supported in the betting to win the A$15 million sprint and both market leaders were sent forward in search of the lead, with Home Affairs holding the rail through the first half of the race.

James McDonald controlled the pace aboard Nature Strip, racing at the girth of stablemate Home Affairs before moving into the lead upon straightening, opening a two-length break on Eduardo with a furlong remaining.

Masked Crusader, who was the slowest to leave the barriers, weaved a passage through from last under Tommy Berry to give Nature Strip a late fright but fell short of victory by a head.

"He's got the highest rating as a sprinter for a reason, that gave me some confidence and he's justified it today," Waller said.

"When he crossed the line it certainly hit home that it's a big race that is taking over Australia."

Waller said Nature Strip, pending a positive recovery from The Everest, will have his next start in the A$2m Group 1 VRC Sprint Classic at Flemington on November 6.

Unplaced in his two previous Everest starts, Nature Strip provided Waller with his second win after Yes Yes Yes succeeded in record time two years ago, while McDonald joins Kerrin McEvoy (three wins) and Glen Boss on the Everest honour roll as winning riders.

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