Brilliant Display of Speed by Nature Strip in Rubiton

Mark Smith - Saturday February 9

Making his first start for Chris Waller after transferring from Darren Weir, the speedy Nicconi gelding Nature Strip needed little more than a working gallop around the Caulfield track to win Saturday's Group II Rubiton Stakes (1100m).

Returning to the track after failing in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley back in September last year, Nature Strip was not the best to begin but Damian Lane used his inside barrier to push through to take up the running.

Lane still had a double handful by the time the field turned for home while the trailing pack were all off the bit.

Advertisement

Under a hand ride, Nature Strip came three and a half-length clear over the ever-consistent Jungle Edge (Dubawi), with a further two and a quarter lengths back to Thermal Current (Exceed And Excel) in third. (image Grant Courtney )


"It's hard to tell when it's a horse you know nothing about and all you see is his exposed form," Waller's Melbourne representative Jo Taylor told racing.com.

"As an athlete, you don't really know the horse or his demeanours or what's normal or what is not normal.

"It was fantastic to see him do this today and produce what we know is a class performance that he's capable of producing and now we've got something to build on and we know what we are dealing with as well.

"He was just in a class of his own today."

With his fourth stakes success, Nature Strip advances his record to 9 wins and 2 seconds from 13 starts with earnings of $823,085.

Passed in at the 2016 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale when failing to make his $120,000 reserve where offered by Golden Grove Stud, Nature Strip is a half-brother to stakes-winner The Barrister from Group III winning Desert Sun (GB) mare Strikeline.

The winner of over $500,000, Strikeline has a 2yo colt by Shamus Award.

She was exported to New Zealand in 2017 where she was covered by Savabeel but unfortunately missed.

Nicconi covered 122 mares at Widden Stud last spring at a fee of $24,750.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Sires With Winners - Wednesday October 22
Here is the full list of 37 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch – Mornington
In Cox Plate week it only seems fitting that the 2013 winner Shamus Award would give us a ‘One to Watch’ at Mornington on Thursday.
$400,000 Invincible Filly a Grand Investment
A three-quarter sister-in-blood to dual Group I winning mare Charm Stone, stakes-placed I Am Invincible filly Naifah always looked well bought at the 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $400,000.
One To Watch – Belmont
We look far and wide to highlight Breednet’s ‘One To Watch’ and today’s winner of the first race at Belmont, 3yo D’Argento filly Ladies Pro, won in the manner of a horse with a nice future and in the process shone a spotlight on her sire who recorded his ninth winner so far this month.
Another Nicconi Stakes-Winner
Winner of the Group III BRC Fred Best Classic at three, talented six year-old Nicconi gelding Niccanova recaptured top form when winning the Listed BRC Brisbane Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.
Nicconi's Niccanova Toughs it Out in Bernborough Handicap
Tough-as-teak Nicconi 6yo gelding Niccanova carried his top weight of 59kgs to an all the way win in Saturday’s Listed Bernborough Handicap (1600m) at Eagle Farm.
Nicconi's Nature Strip Romps Darley Sprint Classic
Nature Strip won a lot of new friends with his fighting fourth in The Everest and everyone is aware of his love for the straight but nothing could prepare for the performance of the glorious looking son of Nicconi in Saturday’s $2 million Group 1 Darley Sprint Classic (1200m) at Flemington.
Bold Showing Tipped for Yes Yes Yes 2YO
Speed Demon will be given every opportunity to live up to his name when he makes his debut at Ellerslie.
Everest Slot for Nature Strip
Nicconi's star sprinter Nature Strip has gained a slot for the $14million Everest with James Harron Bloodstock declaring him as their runner.
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 23
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.