Hot Nature Strip faces test run for The Everest

TRAINER Darren Weir is preparing to unleash budding sprint star Nature Strip at Moonee Valley on Saturday in what could be a last-chance audition for a slot in The Everest in Sydney next month.

Nature Strip is booked to run in the Group 2 McEwen Stakes (1000m), which will be the gelding’s first run back since a six-length romp in the Listed Lightning Stakes (1050m) in Adelaide six weeks ago.

His McEwen opposition is expected to include the Anthony Freedman-trained triple Group 1 winner Shoals who is already a confirmed runner in the $13 million The Everest at Randwick on October 13.

Gold Coast sprinter Houtzen is also among the entries for the McEwen.

The 2017 Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner has not raced since finishing last to English in the Group 1 Dooomben 10,000 on May 12.

Nature Strip has seven wins from 10 starts and is unbeaten in three runs since being transferred to Weir from the John Sadler stable this year.

He left Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Sunlight in his wake last start when he won the Listed Lightning Stakes (1050m) by six lengths in Adelaide on July 28.

The gelding has quickly made an impression on Weir and is on the third line of betting at $8 for The Everest with two slots remaining.

“He’s the best sprinter I’ve ever had ... and he should be in the race,” Weir said.

Mark Zahra is likely to ride Nature Strip on Saturday with Damian Lane suspended for careless riding in the straight on Humidor in the Memsie Stakes last Saturday.

Weir said Nature Strip had remained in work since his Adelaide win and was scheduled for a jumpout today at Mortlake to cap his McEwen preparations.

“He’s great,” Weir said. “He trials on Tuesday and is in great shape.”