Nature Strip wins TJ Smith Stakes

Nature Strip confirmed his status as the world’s best sprinter after completing back-to-back wins in the TJ Smith Stakes.

As expected, Eduardo took up the lead with James McDonald tracking his every move aboard the Chris Waller-trained star.

The pair exploded away from the field before Nature Strip drew clear for a powerful win with Masked Crusader running on for second.

– more to come

BREATHTAKING!

Nature Strip blows them away again in the TJ Smith Stakes [email protected]/Gdez0yDLqi

Country Championships Final: Kosciuszko target for fine Art

– Matt Jones

Terry Robinson won the $500,000 Country Championships Final with his favourite Art Cadeau and his next task will be a much more lucrative one.

The four-year-old did what many expected he’d do and win the race from a game Another One and Charmmebaby.

He’s done his job for the autumn and the spring target will be the $1.3 million Kosciuszko (1200m) at Randwick.

“Hopefully he might the horse that can come back. I think that’s probably worth a go,” Robinson said.

“I really think once he gets over a mile he’ll be a better horse. He seems to have gotten stronger every prep and I’m looking forward to what he does in the future.”

Art Cadeau will now be set for The Kosciuszko after winning the Country Championships Final at Randwick. Picture: Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

Robinson was as comfortable as Art Cadeau in the run as he watched his horse claim some cheap sectionals in front which was the pre-race worry for the punters on the backmarkers.

And it panned out perfectly to plan.

“He was ridden by one of the best riders in Australia and Tommy knows him so well,” Robinson said.

“I was really happy when he led. Tommy had no option but to lead because there was no leader and that’s why he’s one of the best.

“We’ve had a good association over the years. Look, he’s ridden a fair few winners for me. What’s so good about Tommy is he’s so good off the track, he’s just a genuine bloke. He’s so good for racing and he’s a good mate.”

Robinson’s horse qualified for the race midway through February and the delay of the carnival by a week due to the washout Saturday three weeks made things even more nerve-racking.

“This week has been pretty long and was a bit stressful at times,” Robinson said.

“I think all us trainers had a bit of trouble with the wet, I think it affected everyone and nearly an eight-week break, it was a big effort by the horse.

“I think there were a few concerns with him this prep I must say. Things haven’t gone exactly to plan. Full credit to the horse, he’s just a lovely horse.”

Originally published asNature Strip wins TJ Smith Stakes

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