September Run and Nature Strip Confirmed for Lighning

Chris Waller has confirmed his two star sprinters, September Run and Nature Strip, will run in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) next month.

The stablemates have arrived at Flemington where they will be prepared for the Group 1 weight-for-age sprint down the straight on February 13.

The Waller stable has confirmed that Craig Williams will retain the ride on last-start Coolmore Stud Stakes winner September Run while Jamie Kah is expected to partner with Nature Strip with regular rider James McDonald set to stay in Sydney.

A statement from Chris Waller Racing read:

“September Run and Nature Strip will run in in the Lightning Stakes.

“Craig Williams will ride September Run and it is likely that Jamie Kah will replace James McDonald who has opted to stay in Sydney for next weekend’s racing due to the quarantine restrictions in place.

“It is our intention that Jamie will ride Nature Strip in a jump out next Friday at Flemington where both he and September Run will have a nice blow out to complete their preparations for this important first-up assignment.”

Three-year-old filly September Run has won five of her eight career starts, the last three of which have been down the Flemington straight, and will resume in the Lightning. She is a $6 chance with TAB.

Four-time Group 1 winner Nature Strip will also be first-up after he ran second to Bivouac in the Darley Sprint Classic in the spring. Those two head the market at $4.5 and $2.6 respectively.

Waller also confirmed that Imaging will race in the Group 1 FC Orr Stakes at Caulfield on February 6. The six-year-old is the $5 favourite with TAB.