Jamie Kah will be reunited with Nature Strip in Saturday week’s Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington after James Mcdonald indicated he will partner Home Affairs in the $1 million Group 1.
Chris Waller, who trains both horses, outlined the riding plans for the two sprinters on Monday morning.
“It is disappointing to have to run two horses like this together, but it is also a privilege to have both horses in our care,” Waller said.
“James McDonald feels the same way and unfortunately can’t ride both horses. It is likely that James will ride Home Affairs and without going into detail as to the reasons why, it is certainly no reflection on how either horse is going.
“In fact, Nature Strip is clearly the best of the two and Home Affairs needs to continue to improve to get up to Nature Strip’s level. I am sure with time he will and whether that be first-up or later in the preparation only time will tell.”
Home Affairs announced himself one of Australia’s most exciting sprinters last spring with his most recent appearance resulting in a five-length win in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes with McDonald aboard.
But McDonald has ridden Nature Strip in 17 of his past 20 starts, including wins in The Everest and Darley Sprint Classic at his two most recent outings.
Tim Clark, Hugh Bowman and Jamie Kah are the other jockeys to have ridden Nature Strip in that time with Kah’s opportunity coming in last year’s Black Caviar Lightning, which Nature Strip won.
“It was logical that Jamie Kah continues her association with Nature Strip having partnered him to win the race last year,” Waller said.
Nature Strip and Home Affairs will both round out their Lightning preparations in a Flemington jumpout on Friday morning, which will also feature Masked Crusader.