Chris Waller’s returning three-year-old Home Affairs was strong against a field of older starts first-up at weight-for-age with an upset victory over his star stablemate Nature Strip who missed the kick in the Group 1 $1 million Black Caviar Lightning (1000m).
Home Affairs (inside) beat home Nature Strip in an all-Waller 2022 Black Caviar Lightning quinella. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
Winner of the $15 million The Everest last spring, seven-year-old Nature Strip was the horse to beat in the Black Caviar Lightning after his victory in the same autumn campaign kick-off last season.
He blew his chances as soon as the gates were released however, missing the kick and then getting closed out of a run by Eduardo and Profiteer who sandwiched the $16 million earner the opening stages.
From there it was a matter of recovery and damage control by jockey Jamie Kah who produced an excellent run on the eventually defeated favourite, Nature Strip losing few admirers after the loss.
“Just a tragedy from the start with Nature Strip unfortunately,” Waller told Racing.com.
“Not just one knock, but he got sandwiched as well. For him to recover like that and still run so close…great for the horse. He’s a very good horse it’s as simple as that.”
His younger stablemate, Coolmore Stud Stakes winning I Am Invincible colt Home Affairs was given a peach of a ride by jockey James McDonald who went forward on the three-year-old to control the race up front.
Having lost the early advantage, Nature Strip didn’t give up and presented as the danger coming for the leader inside the final furlong.
“He was very impressive. He got wiped out at the start and wasn’t entitled to run like that. He was very brave,” Kah said of Nature Strip.
Home Affairs dug deep and fought off the fellow Waller-trained sprinter, Nature Strip lunging on the line only to go down a nose in a thrilling return from both horses.
“New boy on the block Home Affairs, it was a big gamble bringing him here today,” Waller said.
“He’s come back and beaten the best at weight-for-age, so pretty exciting heading forward.”
In a close third was Joe Pride’s evergreen veteran, eight-year-old Eduardo, who also looks set for a big campaign ahead.
Home Affairs made history as the first three-year-old Lighting Stakes winner in 17 years with Fastnet Rock back in 2005 the last.
Waller is now considering a next-up run back at Flemington for Home Affairs and Nature Strip in the Group 1 $1.5 million Newmarket Handicap (1200m) on ‘Super Saturday’, March 12.
“I guess so,” Waller said when naming the Newmarket next-up for his Black Caviar Lightning winner.
“It will depend on weights and things like that.
“They’ll both be going home for an ice tub and beach tomorrow and we’ll reassess on Monday.
“He (Nature Strip) might need a rematch!
“Whether that’s in the Newmarket, we’ll see.”
From there the plan is to return home to Sydney for the Group 1 $2.5 million T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on April 2, the opening day of The Championships.
Nature Strip will be looking to become the second triple champion in the TJ Smith Stakes joining the great grey Chautauqua (2015-17).
“He’ll get his chance to beat him (Home Affairs) in the TJ Smith back in Sydney,” Waller said.
Also on the agenda in 2022 for Home Affairs and Nature Strip is a potential trip to the UK to take on the world’s best at Royal Ascot.
“At this stage, I’m talking up racing in Australia,” Waller said.
“We’ll get through the autumn and then see how tough we are about talking about taking on the world.”
Home Affairs is currently installed as the $3 all-in favourite for the Newmarket Handicap at Ladbrokes.com.au ahead of Nature Strip at $7.
For the TJ Smith Stakes, Nature Strip holds the advantage at $3.60 ahead of Eduardo ($6) and Home Affairs ($6).
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