A disappointing eighth place finish in Friday’s Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley has seen promising Darren Weir four-year old Nature Strip ruled out of October’s $13 million The Everest (1200m) next month.
The @atc_races Chairman Matt McGrath has confirmed that Nature Strip will no longer run in #TheEverest. ATC on the search for a new slot runner. @AndrewBensley @SkySportsRadio1 @royalrandwick
— Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) September 29, 2018
The talented gelding looked to have the run of the race right up until the final furlong on Friday night, only to fall victim to the blazing speed of race-winner Viddora.
Lloyd Kennewell’s mare shifted to the outside late, winning by a length and a quarter in front of Weir’s Japanese import, Brave Smash.
Some speculated Nature Strip looked a little sore running down the straight, but when asked about The Everest, Weir insists his horse comes first.
“Obviously disappointing, he was rocking along but he got around the corner and didn’t sort of kick like he can,” Weir told Racing.com.
“You got to think about the horse, forget about The Everest. We’d love to get him to The Everest, but the horse comes first.
“At this stage I’d say it’s not the ideal preparation going into it, he might just be a little over the top.”
Fellow stablemate Brave Smash already holds a slot in next month’s richest race on turf, and opens on the second line of betting at $11.00.
With Viddora winning the Moir in triumphant fashion, it’s safe to say the two-time Group 1 winner will take part in next month’s race, leaving one other spot open.
Full Everest odds can be seen below.
