Nature Strip Stakes – 2022

Track: Good-Soft   Weather: Mostly Sunny

Twelve runners have accepted for the $3,000,000 Nature Strip Stakes and there have been no early scratchings.

There are five runners who are coming through the Everest with Eduardo ($8.50), Private Eye ($5.50), Mazu ($3.80), Masked Crusader ($10.00), and Kementari ($26.00). Private Eye and Mazu were the best runners of the crop coming through the Everest after they finished second and third to the eventual winner Giga Kick.

Lost and Running ($2.60) has opened the favourite for this race and he was supposed to run in the Everest, but he was scratched on race morning which left connections devastated. He was well-fancied by many and was most likely going to run a bold race.

Rocketing By ($61.00) won the Sydney Stakes on the same day but the time was slower than the Everest, unlike in past years.

1. Eduardo (11)

Ran the Everest at a frantic pace and faded badly. He was found to be 1/5 lame which isn’t ideal. His best goes close here, especially with very little pace but you really have to take him on trust, especially with the improving track.

2. Private Eye (12)

Looked the winner in the Everest before being overrun late in the concluding stages. 1300m suits him well and he won’t mind the improving track. The draw is the issue but he should go close again.

3. Mazu (1)

Came with a big run in the Everest behind Giga Kick and on the line was narrowly declared third in front of Nature Strip. It was a super run and despite not ever running 1300m, he gives the indication that it will suit. Should run another bold race.

4. Masked Crusader (6)

Broke poorly in the Everest and finished 3.7 lengths back in ninth. Too risky.

5. Kolding (8)

Past his best.

6. Shelby Sixtysix (4)

Poor this preparation, can’t have.

7. Lost and Running (5)

Scratched on the morning of the Everest and he was well faniced. Providing he has come through those issues, he is a deserved favourite and the one to beat.

8. Kementari (10)

Was three lengths back in seventh in the Everest after gaining a start. This is no easier.

9. Brutality (9)

He has been in tremendous form despite the form reading seventh and sixth. Should run another bold race and he is a place chance at best.

10. Rocketing By (2)

Won the Sydney Stakes impressively but this is a lot harder. Place chance maybe.

11. Weona Smartone (7)

Ran third behind Rocketing By in the Sydney Stakes. This is a tough race and I don’t see him making an impact.

12. Riodini (3)

Too hard for him.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips	Jo’s Tips
7 Lost and Running	2 Private Eye
3 Mazu	7 Lost and Running
2 Private Eye	11 Weona Smartone
1 Eduardo	6 Shelby Sixtysix