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By Ray Hickson

Will we see some vintage Nature Strip as he chases an unprecedented fourth win in the Group 1 $3m Furphy TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday?

It’s a question you sense trainer Chris Waller isn’t sure he has the answer to but he’s adamant the champion sprinter will be presented in outstanding order to chase his slice of history.

Trainer Chris Waller (Pic: Bradley Photos)

In the past two years Nature Strip has been beaten prior to running in the TJ but Waller said the scenario this time around - after finishing sixth in the Black Caviar Lightning - has been different so he’s treated it accordingly.

“It is a different preparation to what we normally do but in saying that he normally is beaten going into the TJ,’’ Waller said.

“He always starts with a great first-up run, then a slightly flat run second-up then a great run fresh up four weeks between runs.

“Obviously there’s a question after his first-up run which was a little below par for him but the last six weeks since that race have been perfect.

“You know he’s fast, you know he’s good, we just need to make sure he’s the same as he was nine or 10 months ago when he beat the best in the world.”

Nature Strip completed his build up to the TJ Smith with a controlled gallop on the Rosehill course proper on Thursday morning. There was nothing exceptional about it but it’s what happened after the hitout that pleased Waller.

“This morning he was marching back into the parade ring which was a pleasure to see, showing he still has plenty of zest and life about him,’’ he said.

“I do feel in his trackwork at home, and what I’ve seen in the last week, he’s moving very freely. There’s no problems with him. Interestingly he seems to find his best form each autumn and that’s what we are banking on.”

You wouldn’t think a horse chasing their fourth straight win in a Group 1 race would be considered a $5.50 chance but that’s the case in the TJ and it’s a reflection of two things.

One is the strength of the field, while Nature Strip is unquestionably a champion sprinter he’ll meet arguably the best sprint field he’s ever faced. And the other is obviously the question marks around whether he’s on the way down as a rising nine-year-old.

Waller has a healthy respect for the opposition which includes the three horses who beat Nature Strip home in the TAB Everest, the Golden Eagle winner, the Newmarket winner and the Galaxy winner to name a few.

“It’s fantastic to see so many great horses lining up in the TJ this year,’’ Waller said.

“Nature Strip has stood there and been the dominant sprinter in the last few seasons. It’s great we see them meeting together and that’s what The Championships are all about.

“Having won the three TJs so far it’s been very special but to win a fourth would be breaking new ground. It’d be right up there, especially coming off a slightly flat run.

“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes making sure we’ve got him back to where he needs to be so that would be a satisfying moment for my team.”

So, how does Waller see the race panning out for Nature Strip from barrier seven?

As it is in every race he contests Waller sends out the same warning – attack him at your own peril.

“It looks a perfect draw. He’s a little more versatile than he used to be, he used to only go flat out,’’ he said.

Not one, not two, but three Nature Strip demolitions in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes! Sit back and enjoy a triple treat of @cwallerracing's star sprinter - can he make it four on Day 1 of The Star Championships at Randwick on Saturday? @tabcomau @mcacajamez pic.twitter.com/brSb7wxtEQ

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) March 27, 2023

“If they want to go too quick and cross him it makes it hard for us but it makes it nearly impossible for them.

“From my perspective we can see so many dominant horses coming from back in the field, like your Giga Kicks, and we don’t want to be setting it up for the back.

“I think that happened in the Everest, we ran the race upside down and went too quick early and had nothing left at the end.”

We’re at start 43 in Nature Strip’s career, he’s won 22 of them and over $20.6 million in prizemoney but there’s a very real chance the TJ could be Nature Strip’s final start – if he doesn’t perform.

One thing Waller stresses is he doesn’t want to dishonour the horse by asking him to race if it’s clear the gelding feels it’s time.

“He’s exactly where we need him to be for Saturday and I’m sure he’s still got another couple of good runs left in him,’’ Waller said.

"But he won’t keep running around if he’s not at his best. He’s been crowned the world’s best sprinter and I guess that’s questionable now whether he’s at that same level.

“As champions deserve, we wouldn’t let him follow them around for too long.”

All the fields, form and replays for Day 1 of The Star Championships at Randwick