Nicconi’s Superstar Nature Strip Back to Best

Glamour sprinter Nature Strip made it back to back wins in the Group I ATC TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday on his way to racking up $8million in earnings.

A six year-old gelding by Nicconi, the Chris Waller trained sprinter can be a little enigmatic, but there’s no doubting when he’s good, he’s very good and today was one of those days.

Ridden perfectly by regular partner James McDonald, Nature Strip sat off perennial rival Eduardo and dropped him cold over the final furlongs.

Up and coming sprinter Masked Crusader charged home for second some two lengths back with Eduardo a brave third.

“He could not have worked any better on Tuesday morning and he’s been faultless this preparation, so I was so excited to be riding him today,” said James McDonald, who indicated Nature Strip could measure up to the world’s best sprinters.

“I wouldn’t mind a little trip to Ascot!”

Nature Strip has the overall record of 16 wins and five seconds from 30 starts with earnings of $8million.

Bred by Golden Grove, Nature Strip was passed in as a yearling and is a half-brother to stakes-winner The Barrister from Group III winning Desert Sun (GB) mare Strikeline, who was covered by Shamus Award last spring.

Nature Strip is the best performer for Nicconi, who will relocate to Widden Stud Victoria this spring.