Hay stated Nature Strip deserved high billing as a result of he had gained a few group 1s this 12 months and his general group 1 report. Had the town’s main group 1 handicap been run this weekend, The Galaxy, Hay stated Nature Strip would have been lumped with a weight north of 60kg.
Classique Legend has a ranking of 120, one level lower than Nature Strip, which equates to half a kilo.
THE EVEREST MARKET – if the race was a handicap
- Nature Strip ………………. $6.5
- Classique Legend ……….. $6.5
- Eduardo ……………………. $6.5
- Gytrash …………………….. $7.5
- Trekking …………………… $21
- Masked Crusader ………. $7
- Wild Ruler ………………… $21
- The Inferno ………………. $16
- Embracer …………………. $34
- Misplaced And Working …….. $13
- Libertini …………………… $21
- Dwelling Affairs ……………. $7.5
- Kementari ……………….. $67
- Signore Fox ……………… $101
- Standout …………………. $101
- Chat ……………………….. $201
Hay was comfortable to offer Eduardo 57kg, barely much less once more as a result of he had solely gained the 2 majors, whereas Gytrash and Trekking each obtained 55kg, largely as a result of little cut up them within the group 1 Goodwood in Adelaide earlier this 12 months carrying degree weights.
Sportsbet had Nature Strip, Classique Legend and Eduardo on $6.50 within the handicap, simply forward of Dwelling Affairs and Gytrash ($7.50). Masked Crusader got here in at $7.
Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen part-owns Nature Strip, and is aware of the six-time group-1 winner is significantly better ready this time round.
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“He had a little bit of hay fever final 12 months and he wasn’t fairly proper, however [trainer] Chris Waller has received him useless proper this 12 months, and we’ll see a distinct horse,” Hansen stated.
“I don’t know what it could be wish to win The Everest as a result of I’ve by no means gained one, however I do know what it’s wish to personal a horse like Nature Strip, he’s gained 17 of 32 begins – that’s 54 per cent win-ratio – and he tries his guts out each time.
“He simply offers the whole lot he’s received. We’re so proud to personal him. Chris is a grasp coach, and the employees he surrounds himself with are too. Whenever you’ve received good individuals round you, you are able to do what that you must do.”